CHAMBER NEWS
Brian Rice, Chamber President, presented the 2024 Keynote Address at the December Luncheon. “So many things are going on in the community, it makes me very proud.”
“Through your steadfast support and commitment this year, the Chamber has once again achieved meaningful milestones in our mission: “To help businesses engage in the community, influence purposeful change, and impact our future for a greater quality of life for all.
“Your membership has been instrumental in our success. In 2024, we welcomed 11 new businesses to our community and celebrated with seven ribbon cuttings including the highly anticipated QuikTrip. You helped us bring local businesses together through 12 Chamber luncheons, two “Wake Up on the Westside” gatherings, and two multi-chamber networking events, which connected members with neighboring chambers from Gladstone, Liberty, Kearney, and Smithville. Together, we celebrated our vibrant community through events like the Farmers Market, Waterfest, and the inaugural Irish Festival—a unique new tradition that celebrates culture and draws visitors to Excelsior Springs.
“Through strategic partnerships and grant-funded initiatives, the Chamber is working to enhance the local business environment. Your support has advanced the Westside project, with plans to bring critical infrastructure improvements and revitalize this key business corridor. We’ve also expanded our community’s visibility with regional and national marketing efforts, attending industry events to bring valuable resources and expertise back to our members.
“Our Chamber Trolleys remain a cornerstone of our tourism efforts, attracting both visitors and locals. With over 110 bookings this past year, the trolleys continue to deliver a unique and memorable experience. We’re excited to announce the addition of a newer trolley to enhance service quality, ensuring tourism continues to boost our local economy and businesses.
“Thanks to your involvement, we’re actively shaping Excelsior Springs’ future workforce and economy. Through partnerships with local schools and programs like Thrive’s Citizens Leadership Academy, we’re cultivating the next generation of business leaders. Our “Young Entrepreneurs” program is introducing students to the fundamentals of business, fostering a culture of innovation early on. This year, we’re launching a “Virtual Job Fair” and additional online tools to help members recruit top talent. Additionally, we’re refreshing the Excelsior Springs Prospectus online guide, a vital resource for attracting new businesses and families to our community.
“The Chamber’s collaborations with the City of Excelsior Springs, Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Thrive Excelsior Springs, the Clay County Economic Development Council, and MU Extension are opening doors to broader opportunities. These partnerships have helped promote our community and your businesses on a larger stage. A prime example is the exciting announcement that Excelsior Springs will host the Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference in September 2025, bringing leaders and partners here to learn from our success.
“By attending the CEC Conference over the past two years, as well as KCSourceLink’s Power of Entrepreneurship Summit and Global Entrepreneurship Week KC, I’ve gathered a wealth of resources that I’m eager to share with you. Look for upcoming workshops where we’ll put this knowledge to work for your benefit.
“Additionally, the collaborative effort of the five Clay County Chambers of Commerce is paving the way for an innovative new Digital Rewards Program, set to launch later this year. This program aims to boost member engagement and drive customer traffic to local businesses, delivering measurable revenue growth.
“The Chamber’s mission is strong, our accomplishments are significant, and our momentum is undeniable. This is truly an exciting time to be part of the Excelsior Springs Chamber of Commerce. Together, we will continue to make Excelsior Springs a strong, vibrant, and growing community in 2025 and beyond.
“Thank you.”
