President's Article - September

A common question we hear around the community is "what's new at the Chamber?" Since the question is asked so often, now might be a good time to bring you up to date. First of all, T-shirts. Chamber Creative VP - Lori Givan has designed three different shirts with the following sayings: "Kirkwood It's Not Just A Place It's An Attitude", "Friends Don't Let Friends Wear Orange" and "Kirkwood You Like This" (referring to the Chamber's Facebook page).

Shirts are $20.00 per and will be for sale on our website www.KirkwoodDesPeres.com and at the Chamber office. Limited supply available. Get yours before they are gone!

Next, the Chamber is hoping to begin discussions with the city of Kirkwood regarding their proposed Changeable Message Signs. The Kirkwood School District has provided input, but is still concerned about the restrictive nature of the proposed ordinance. The Chamber's public policy committee is even more concerned.

The United States Small Business Administration touts the advantages of this technology and state, "the demand by businesses for these electronic or variable message centers is increasing because these signs improve the economic viability of difficult commercial sites with limited space.

"The United States Small Business Administration touts the advantages of this technology and state…municipalities that wish to prevent urban sprawl or deterioration of urban land are passing enabling acts that require optimization of urban space, and thus are more willing to look at EMC’s as a signage option for businesses.”

Municipalities that wish to prevent urban sprawl or deterioration of urban land are passing enabling acts that require optimization of urban space, and thus are more willing to look at EMC's as a signage option for businesses." "The ordinance as it now stands is too restrictive in allowing businesses in Kirkwood the opportunity to fully utilize the technology", said David Collin, Board Chairman.

The Public policy committee understands concerns about safety. "Each member of this Chamber of Commerce wants the community to remain safe", said Gene Maggard Committee Chairman, "but there must be a way to remain safe and still provide businesses the ability to utilize all the benefits one of these signs can provide including -fade in and out, a full range of color, continuing text, and 24 hour usage." While brightness at night is a concern each sign manufactured has the option to turn down the brightness during nighttime hours.
Not every business will be purchasing a changeable message sign, but each should be permitted to utilize one if needed. The Chamber will keep you informed of the progress being made regarding the issue, and would appreciate your input. We'll also provide revised ordinances for your review before the City Council votes on the issue.

In other news, membership is holding steady again this year. Over seventy new members have joined since January of this year leaving us with a net loss for the year of only two members. The Board and chamber staff is working to provide even more benefit to your membership as we plan for 2012. Watch for new programs and service to highlight the Kirkwood area and especially your business. If you would like to know more about what's going on at the Chamber, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn where we update information and events more often. We also post member pictures like those who joined us in the Greentree Parade.

Much is happening at the Chamber. If you are missing the meetings and events, there is always some other way to keep informed. If nothing else, call me at (314) 821-4161 and I will fill you in. At this time of year, when we ask you to renew your membership in the Chamber, please know that we truly appreciate the working capital and vote of confidence represented by your investment.