LUNCHEON SPONSOR
Each month, our members are invited to a $5 networking luncheon on the third Wednesday of each month (except April). 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. The luncheons are sponsored by various businesses and organizations in our community. Dollar donations are accepted at the door to benefit a local non-profit. An average of 100-125 people attend, so it’s a great opportunity to meet other business people in our community!
The December meeting was opened by Brian Rice, Chamber Director. He thanked the Elms Hotel & Spa for sponsoring the event and introduced General Manager Jessica Higginbotham. She welcomed everyone to the hotel for the annual holiday luncheon. Elms staff served over 130 attendees for the event.
Reflecting on a Year of Purpose and Progress: State of the Chamber Address 2023
On a crisp December day, the Excelsior Springs Chamber of Commerce gathered its members and friends at the historic Elms Hotel and Spa for the Annual Holiday Luncheon, a time-honored tradition that brings the community together to celebrate not just the festive season, but also to take a closer look at the state of the Chamber, its accomplishments, and its plans for the future. At the helm of this year‘s address was Chamber Director Brian Rice, who provided an insightful glimpse into the Chamber‘s journey over the past year and its aspirations moving forward.
A Return to the Chamber’s Core Mission
Brian Rice began his address with a clear vision: a return to the basics. In his inaugural year as Chamber President, he sought to realign the Chamber’s focus towards its core mission. He
articulated this mission by reminding all present of the Chamber’s enduring purpose:
“To help businesses engage in the community, influencing purposeful change and impacting our future for a greater quality of life for all.”
For the State of the Chamber Address 2023, click here.
Top from left, Denise and Mike Riley of Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery, Julia Westerheide. Bottom from left, Courtney and Jason Cole of the Excelsior Citizen, CJ Johnson and Zander Wilkins of CJ and Zander’s Candle Company.
Celebrating Excellence with Business Awards
In the spirit of celebrating achievements, the Annual Holiday Luncheon also served as a platform to recognize outstanding contributions within the business community. The following Business Awards were presented:
Chamber Business of the Year: Shamrock Hills Vineyard and Winery
Chamber Member of the Year: Excelsior Citizen
Volunteer of the Year: Julia Westerheide
Young Entrepreneurship Award: CJ and Zanders Candle Co.
These awards serve as a testament to the dedication, innovation, and community spirit that define Excelsior Springs’ business landscape.