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May 2026
A newsletter about and for the Members of THE CHAMBER THAT HAS IT ALL!
| | We need YOUR help! To continue this newsletter, we need more news! Fill out this form to be featured in the next newsletter. | | Welcome to the official newsletter of the Kirkwood - Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce! This monthly newsletter is created to bring together the stories, milestones, and achievements that our community has made. From our business and member highlights to membership benefits, this is the place to stay connected to the progress of our area and updates within our Chamber. | | |
This month's newsletter is brought to you by:
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MEMBER NEWS
Your go-to place for highlights, announcements, milestones, and noteworthy news that have been shared with The Chamber.
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Alyssa Clarkin
The Clarkin Group at Coldwell Banker Realty - Gundaker
Alyssa Clarkin of The Clarkin Group, Coldwell Banker Realty – Gundaker, has been named Rookie of the Year, marking an impressive and impactful first year in the St. Louis real estate market. Her client-first, hands-on concierge approach has quickly set her apart and earned the trust of those she serves. Partnering with her father-in-law, Dan, Alyssa delivers thoughtful, results-driven service with a personal touch. This recognition highlights a strong start to what is clearly a promising career.
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Dusty Hall
Pink's Window Services
Pink’s Windows St. Louis County proudly celebrated its grand opening on March 2, 2026, marking an exciting new addition to the local business community. The occasion was met with strong support and encouragement, reflecting the connections already forming within the area. It was a meaningful start and a moment worth celebrating as the business begins its journey in St. Louis County.
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Renee Moore
Kirkwood City Lifestyle Magazine
Renee was recognized by the Small Business Monthly as one of the Top 100 people to know to succeed in business. Renee was happy to celebrate that honor with her partners from Enterprise Bank, Timberline Landscapes, Bin There Dump That, City Seafood, Lorilee Cummings, Just Around The Corner Flooring, and Simon Ashley Design.
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Eric Kluempers, P.E.
ArchPoint Engineering
ArchPoint Engineering is proud to celebrate owner Eric Kluempers, P.E., who received the Rising Star Award at the SLC3 Show Me Awards on April 8. The award recognizes leaders making a strong impact in engineering and construction. We are excited to see Eric recognized for his leadership, technical knowledge, and field experience.
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Cindy Wilson
Join In Tours with Anew Travel
Cindy Wilson is celebrating the start of a new chapter with the launch of Join In Tours with Anew Travel. Following her passion for bringing people together through shared experiences, she is creating opportunities for group travel that range from day trips to international adventures. This new venture also includes partnerships with organizations to design custom travel experiences. It is an exciting beginning and a milestone worth celebrating.
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Adam Betz
Family Golf & Learning Center
Family Golf and Learning Center has been named the 10th largest PGA Jr. League program in the U.S., highlighting its impact on youth golf. The program’s growth reflects strong community support, dedicated coaching, and a fun, team-focused environment that continues to inspire young players.
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Maria Miskovic
Care Choice Care Management
Maria Miskovic, co-owner of Care Choice Care Management was awarded the 2026 Friedman Award for Excellence in Service to Older Adults from Washington University on April 15, 2026. Maria has dedicated her life to seniors and serving older adults. This is truly a honor and blessing. Please congratulate her when you see her next.
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We are excited to celebrate these Member Business Anniversaries
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Two Blind Guys
Celebrating 28 years as a family-owned custom window covering business serving the St Louis metro & surrounding area
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Winter Opera St. Louis
Proudly celebrating its 20th season of bringing world-class opera to the St. Louis community.
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Assistance Home Care
Proudly celebrates 15 years of service throughout Greater St. Louis & Chicago. This milestone reflects the trust thousands of families have placed in our Team to help their loved ones remain at home.
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Transitions for Senior Living
Celebrating 14 years of serving the St. Louis community as a trusted, unbiased resource for senior living guidance. The team has helped thousands of families make informed decisions with clarity and confidence.
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Hello Juice is celebrating their 4th Anniversary sharing their passion to make healthy food approachable, joyful, and accessible for everyone — because feeling good shouldn’t be complicated.
They are also opening their 2nd Kirkwood location this May!
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Amigo's Cantina
Amigo's cantina is celebrating 18 years of serving traditional Mexican cuisine with a relaxed authentic vibe of vibrant colors, terracotta and salsa music in the background.
All in the heart of the Kirkwood Community.
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Rob Conner - Conner Roofing, LLC
Ashley Holloway - Snarf's Sandwiches
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Matt Losse - Northwestern Mutual - 1 year
Jim Seubert - Adventures of Intrigue - 2 years
Sean Zalmanoff - Better Rate Mortgage - 2 years
Tristina Phelps - Body20 Des Peres - 2 years
Matt Koch - Geneva Financial (Matt Koch Mortgage Team) - 2 years
Jen Maness - Hello Juice & Smoothie - 2 years
Casey Samuels - STL Estate Solutions - 2 years
Amanda Peiffer, DC - Ultimate Health - 3 years
Trista Jensen - Villa di Maria Montessori School - 3 years
Frank Melton - FM Roofing and Construction - 4 years
Mark Milton, Esq - Milton Law Group - 5 years
Dave Humphrey - Pioneer Drain Services - 5 years
Daniel Gustafson - The Brothers Beer & Bourbon House - 5 years
Jonathan Drew - Thrivent Financial - 5 years
Jason Retter - Hellmich, Hill & Retter, LLC - 7 years
Kyle Duffy- Marcus Theatres Des Peres - 9 years
Michael Weiderman - Minuteman Press-Kirkwood -12 years
Sara McBride - Together Credit Union - 20 years
Jim Kueneke - Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Select Properties - 24 years
Mary Hanson - Artist - 25 years
| | LETTERS FROM OUR DIRECTORS | |
Kirk Faubel
Board Chair
Several members of the Board of Directors participated in the annual Chamber Spring Clean including our Board Chair Elect and co-Chair of this event, Nikki Weddle. We were impressed at how well organized it was and appreciative of all of the volunteers that made this community focused event a huge success!
The Board is continuing to work on simplifying and modernizing our bylaws. At the last board meeting, we reviewed the proposed changes. The Board provided some additional feedback and added some things we would like to see. The Board approved the changes to the bylaws which leads us to our final step prior to ratification which is having an attorney review the bylaws to ensure that we are in compliance with all state and national laws around our type of organization. We are in the process of selecting a law firm for review. This is an important step in having an up to date set of rules for the Chamber that will make things more streamlined for operations as well as, keep us up to date on the Board's responsibilities.
The Board is also hosting our annual member appreciation BBQ on May 29th! The Board looks forward to seeing you there. Check back on the Chamber website to register and enjoy a fantastic lunch prepared by the Chamber.
I look forward to seeing you an upcoming event!
-Kirk
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Chris Ley
Executive Director
Let’s Celebrate!
May is a big month for The Chamber, and I hope you feel the energy around it.
On May 12, we celebrate 80 years of the Kirkwood – Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce. That takes us back to 1946, when a group of local leaders came together with a shared goal to support business and strengthen the community. David Lee Jones, Sr. of the Kirkwood Messenger Newspaper stepped in as the first president, and from that moment, something meaningful was set in motion.
What started in Kirkwood did not stay in Kirkwood. Over time, the Chamber grew to serve Des Peres, Glendale, Oakland, and Warson Woods, expanding both its reach and its impact. Today, you are part of one of the largest Chambers in St. Louis County, made up of business owners and professionals who believe in connection, growth, and showing up for one another. That is what has carried this organization for 80 years, and it is what continues to move us forward.
One of the things I enjoy most is celebrating the wins of our members. This newsletter is not just about the Chamber. It is about you. We want to highlight your anniversaries, your milestones, your promotions, and the moments that matter in your business. If something worth celebrating is happening, send it to us. We want to share your story and recognize the work you are doing.
On May 12th we have a great reason to celebrate together. Our Monthly Member Luncheon on May 12 falls on our official anniversary, and we are going to make it a special one. You will be surrounded by people who are part of this history and part of what comes next. It is a chance to connect, reflect, and have a little fun while we recognize 80 years of impact.
So, will you be in the room with us?
We are proud of where we have been, and we are focused on where we are going. And the best part is, we get to build it together.
THE CHAMBER THAT HAS IT ALL!
-Chris
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If you are new to the Chamber, have never had a Ribbon Cutting or, it's been many years, now is a great time to get one scheduled. A Ribbon Cutting is a valuable way to highlight your business, build visibility, and (re)introduce yourself to the community. It is a simple way to show that you are here, engaged, and ready to do business.
Don't have a physical location? No problem! We can hold your ribbon cutting at the Chamber office.
Did you know, there is NO FEE to hold a ribbon cutting thanks to our sponsor, Anew Travel. and we want to celebrate you, and this is a great way to do so!
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To submit a request to hold a Ribbon Cutting, Click the link below! | | We need YOUR help! To continue this newsletter, we need more news! Fill out this form to be featured in the next newsletter. | | |
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