MONTHLY LUNCHEONS
Join us for our monthly networking luncheons!
Each month, our members are invited to a $5 networking luncheon on the third Wednesday of each month. The luncheons are from 12 to 1:00 p.m. and are held at the Montgomery Event Venue, except in December when we meet at the Elms Hotel and Spa for our holiday luncheon or when otherwise noted. The luncheons are sponsored by various businesses and organizations in our community. An average of 100-125 people attend, so it’s a great opportunity to meet other business people in our community!
Chamber Chairperson Courtney Cole welcomed everyone to the holiday luncheon. She introduced elected officials who were present and thanked The Elms Hotel & Spa for hosting the event, which featured a ham buffet meal with sides and desserts.
“We are thrilled to have you here today and to be a part of the community,” Lori King, Event Planning Manager, said. “We are working on a plan now for FIFA coming to our area. Thank you for allowing the hotel to be a part of your community.”
The Elms Hotel & Spa offers winter events for visitors and residents alike. Through January 3, the hotel will be having a Jingle & Mingle at the Elms Christmas Pop-up Bar every Thursday through Sunday from 5:30 to 11 PM. The hotel has gift certificates available for staying, spa services and dining. Visit the website to learn more.
Courtney preceded over the 2025 Chamber Awards of the Business of the Year, Chamber Member of the Year and Chamber Volunteer of the Year. She provided the following statements:
2025 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR:
EXCELSIOR SPRINGS JOB CORPS CENTER
This year, our Chamber Business of the Year embodies resilience, service, and heart in a way few organizations ever have. The Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center has weathered one of the most tumultuous years in its long history. Faced with uncertainty and challenges no organization ever wants to confront, the staff could have easily turned inward. Instead, they leaned outward—toward their students, toward this community, and toward the mission that has guided them for decades.
Despite everything they faced, ESJC never once stepped back from contributing to the Chamber or to Excelsior Springs. From community service projects to volunteer efforts to partnering on local initiatives, they remained present, engaged, and committed. And they did it while carrying extraordinary weight on their shoulders.
Every staff member at the center deserves special recognition—not only for keeping the doors open, but for keeping the spirit of the center alive. They encouraged students when morale could have plummeted. They maintained programs when resources were tight. They continued outreach when it would have been easier to retreat. And they showed our entire community what perseverance and purpose truly look like.
Their ability to bounce back from such a challenging year is nothing short of remarkable. The Job Corps Center not only restored key teaching positions—they did so while increasing student enrollment and raising graduation rates. That kind of resilience doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from a team that refuses to give up on its mission or on the young people it serves. Today’s award is not just recognition—it is our way of saying we see you, we value you, and we are grateful for the impact you continue to make. The Job Corps Center has shaped countless young lives, supported local employers, and strengthened our community in ways that will echo for generations.
It is with deep gratitude and immense respect that we present the Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center with this year’s Chamber Business of the Year Award. Thank you for your dedication, your endurance, and your unwavering belief in the power of opportunity—even in the hardest of years.
You make Excelsior Springs stronger, and we are honored to recognize you.
2025 CHAMBER MEMBER OF THE YEAR:
KIM HALFHILL, KH CONSULTING
Today, we celebrate someone whose dedication, talent, and unwavering enthusiasm have shaped Excelsior Springs in ways that are impossible to measure. Kim Halfhill is marking her 10th anniversary this year—a decade of showing up, lifting up, and pushing our community forward with vision and purpose.
Over the past ten years, Kim has been much more than a consultant. She has been one of Excelsior Springs’ greatest cheerleaders—championing our successes, challenging us to think bigger, and reminding us of who we can become when we work together. Her fingerprints are on some of the most impactful and transformative work happening in our town.
Kim was instrumental in the organization, launch, and ongoing stewardship of our Thrive Program and its committees. What began as a bold idea has become a nationally—and even globally—recognized model for community vitality, citizen engagement, and innovative problem-solving. Thrive has elevated Excelsior Springs to a level of growth and recognition that many communities our size only dream of. And Kim’s leadership, creativity, and steady guidance have been at the heart of that success.
Her drive, her collaboration, and her belief in this community align perfectly with everything the Chamber strives to be—forward-thinking, inclusive, supportive, and committed to meaningful progress. Kim has poured her time, her expertise, and her energy into helping Excelsior Springs shine, and our community is stronger because of her.
It is with genuine gratitude and admiration that we present Kim Halfhill with this year’s Chamber Member of the Year Award. Kim, thank you for a decade of impact—and for inspiring us all to keep striving, keep improving, and keep believing in the incredible future of Excelsior Springs.
We are proud to honor you today.
2025 CHAMBER VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR:
BRAD MCBEE, FARMERS STATE BANK
Each year, the Chamber Volunteer of the Year award is one of the hardest to choose—not because we struggle to find someone deserving, but because we are surrounded by board members who give their time, talent, and heart to this organization. But today, one individual stands out for stepping forward in ways that made a profound difference when we needed it most.
Brad McBee has become an indispensable part of the Chamber’s success. When challenges arise, Brad doesn’t wait to be asked—he simply shows up. And this year, he showed up in ways that went far beyond the scope of typical volunteer service.
From navigating Molly Trolley’s engine replacement to managing several unexpected trolley emergencies, Brad has been there—steady, dependable, and willing to tackle problems most of us would have no idea where to begin. His hands-on support kept our operations moving when they could have easily come to a grinding halt. And Lindsay, Brian, and I know just how critical that was.
But Brad’s impact goes far deeper than mechanical crises. His work with the finance team has helped elevate the Chamber to an entirely new level of understanding, clarity, and financial strength. It’s remarkable to think that just three years ago, we were borrowing money to stay afloat—and today, we are planning for investments, reserve funds, and long-term growth. That transformation didn’t happen by accident. It happened through thoughtful leadership, disciplined planning, and volunteers like Brad who brought their expertise to the table with humility and heart.
Brad embodies the spirit of service that keeps our Chamber strong. He steps up, he leans in, and he makes us better. And in my opinion—and in the opinion of those who work most closely with him—he has more than earned this recognition.
It is with sincere appreciation and great respect that we present Brad McBee with this year’s Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award. Brad, thank you for your dedication, your problem-solving, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to helping the Chamber grow.
We are truly grateful for you.
Courtney introduced Chamber President Brian Rice, “Brian has done an incredible job for the Chamber. Not only has the membership grown, he is leading the way on establishing business support for the west side district.”
Brian delivered a State of the Chamber address, “Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for being here. As we look back on 2025, one thing is clear: Excelsior Springs is growing, thriving, and shaping a strong future for business. That progress is possible because of you — our members, partners, and community leaders who continue to invest in this city and in each other.
“This year, we focused on strengthening relationships, expanding opportunities, and building momentum. When you look at what we’ve accomplished this year, it shows what a connected community can do,” Brian said. Read the State of the Chamber address.
In 2025 there have been 30 new Chamber members, seven ribbon cuttings, three grand openings and an average of 95 persons attending its luncheons. Brian announced that a Job Fair would be held on January 14 at the Lawn & Garden LLC facility. Also, on January 15, the Chamber will partner with The CO-OP at Excelsior to host a Lunch and Learn program, inside United Methodist Church. Brian encouraged persons to sign up for the next Citizens Leadership Academy. CLA is a free, engaging 8-week program teaching you how our community functions.
Brian said the Chamber has a newly formed Ambassador Program, chaired by Clint Hylton of Shelter Insurance and Cora Boothe of Beacon Realty. Clint Hylton said, “If you are interested in the program, we invite you to join us. Ambassadors visit our businesses, attend ribbon cuttings and events.”
Two events for 2026 include Waterfest, June 26-27, 2026, and the Chamber Golf Tournament, September 10. Check out our Waterfest Partnership opportunities now!
Also, sign up now for the all eight Chamber luncheons in 2026 and skip the monthly registration. (Members only.)
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Reserve your 2026 Luncheon seat at the table!
JANUARY
Sponsored by
City of Excelsior Springs
FEBRUARY
Sponsored by
The Elms Hotel & Spa
MARCH
Sponsored by
Excelsior Springs School District
APRIL 16
Sponsored by
City of Excelsior Springs
MAY 21
Sponsored by
Platte-Clay Electric Co-Op
JUNE 12th
Summer Break
JULY
Summer Break
AUGUST
Summer Break
SEPTEMBER
Sponsored by
Excelsior Springs Hospital
OCTOBER
Sponsored by
United Fiber Internet
NOVEMBER
Sponsored by
Crescent Lake Christian Center
DECEMBER
Sponsored by
The Elms Hotel & Spa