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!
The Excelsior Springs Chamber of Commerce gathered for another well-attended luncheon, bringing together local leaders, business owners, and community members for an afternoon of networking, information-sharing, and updates on what is happening across the community.
Chamber Chairperson Courtney Cole welcomed guests and thanked the day’s hosts, Kalyn Goode of Shelter Insurance and the Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives, as well as luncheon provider Donnicci’s, whose meal was a hit with attendees. Because the luncheon took place on Ash Wednesday, Pastor Shannon Green of First United Methodist Church opened the gathering with a prayer focused on gratitude, community, and service.
Elected officials and community leaders in attendance were also recognized, including Councilman Reggie St. John, Superintendent Mark Bullimore, School Board Member Kalyn Goode, Clay County Presiding Commissioner Jerry Nolte, and Eastern Commissioner-at-Large Joanne Lawson.
One of the featured presentations came from Kalyn Goode, who offered a practical and engaging look at insurance coverage, especially the kinds of gaps individuals and business owners may not realize they have. Goode encouraged attendees to take a closer look at their policies and stressed that items with wheels and motors, such as ATVs, golf carts, side-by-sides, and lawn equipment, typically require their own insurance coverage rather than falling under a homeowner’s policy.
She also urged business owners to review liability coverage carefully, especially those who own buildings with tenant businesses inside. Goode explained that in many situations, the property owner could be responsible in the event of an accident, making it important for both building owners and tenants to carry proper general liability coverage. Her message was clear: many people have insurance, but not everyone fully understands what their policy does and does not cover.
\The luncheon also spotlighted the Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives, where volunteers have created a powerful new exhibit titled “Not Forgotten,” which explores the Vietnam War era and its impact on both local veterans and the home front. A video prepared by Jason Cole helped introduce the exhibit and the broader project surrounding the arrival of the Vietnam Traveling Wall in Excelsior Springs this September.
Museum representatives shared that the exhibit, which opened Feb. 3, will remain on display through the end of 2027. The project highlights local veterans, the experiences of Excelsior Springs graduates who served, medal recipients, protest culture, music of the era, and memories from those who lived through that time. Volunteers emphasized that the exhibit was a major community effort and encouraged residents to visit, share memories, and become involved in preparations for the Traveling Wall.
The museum is also seeking sponsorships, in-kind donations, hospitality partners, and volunteers. Organizers expect the Traveling Wall event to bring significant traffic to Excelsior Springs, with estimates of more than 10,000 visitors during the week it is here. Businesses were encouraged to think ahead about how they might extend hours, support hospitality efforts, or otherwise take part in what is shaping up to be a major community event.
Chamber President Brian Rice also shared a number of updates about upcoming opportunities and events. Among the biggest announcements was that Excelsior Springs was selected as one of five Missouri communities to be featured as part of a statewide humanities initiative tied to America’s 250th anniversary. Rice thanked everyone who voted and noted that the recognition reflects the community’s strong lineup of events and civic activity.
He also previewed several upcoming Chamber and community events, including the next Coffee Brew & View, a multi-chamber after-hours event, an upcoming Lunch and Learn focused on marketing and communication, the Excelsior Springs Cultural Guild murder mystery, the next production from Slightly Off Broadway Theatre, and the next Financial Peace series through Oasis Ministries.
Of course, Waterfest was also part of the conversation. Rice announced that local businesses and Chamber members will have first access to vendor opportunities before registration is opened more broadly. He encouraged businesses to consider participating as vendors or sponsors, noting the large crowds and strong foot traffic the festival brings each year. Chamber members will also receive a discount on vendor registration.
The luncheon concluded with door prize drawings, laughs, and time for networking before attendees were reminded that the next Chamber luncheon will be hosted by the Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center on March 18.
As always, the Chamber luncheon served as both a practical resource and a reminder of how much is happening in Excelsior Springs. From helpful business insights to meaningful historical reflection and a packed calendar of community events, the gathering showcased the energy and collaboration that continue to shape the community.
Reserve your 2026 Luncheon seat at the table!
JANUARY
Sponsored by
City of Excelsior Springs
FEBRUARY 18
Sponsored by
Shelter Insurance, Kalyn Goode & The Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives
MARCH 18
Sponsored by
Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center
APRIL 15
Sponsored by
United Fiber
MAY 20
Sponsored by
Platte-Clay Electric
JUNE
Summer Break
JULY
Summer Break
AUGUST
Summer Break
SEPTEMBER 16
Sponsored by
Excelsior Springs Hospital
OCTOBER 21
Sponsored by
Excelsior Springs School District
NOVEMBER 18
Sponsored by
Crescent Lake Christian Center
DECEMBER 9
Sponsored by
The Elms Hotel & Spa