St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber  |  Economic Development   |  Membership Services
Administration   |  Communications   |  2009 Board of Directors   |  Chamber Staff  

Since its inception in 1862 as the Board of Trade of St. Joseph, the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce has been the catalyst for economic growth and development in Northwest Missouri. The Chamber’s mission, supported by over 1,000 members, is to “ an environment that allows business to succeed and the community to prosper.”

Driven by the needs and concerns of our members and the community, the Chamber has five overall priorities that support our mission –

• Participate in the success of our members;
• Sustain community collaborations and build partnerships;
• Secure resources necessary to pursue our mission;
• Enhance the community’s economic prosperity; and
• To advocate for business.

These priorities are accomplished through the work of two main departments – Membership and Economic Development. Each of these areas is instrumental in sustaining our quality of life and making St. Joseph a great place to live and work.

Although the Chamber operates in many areas and is concerned with a host of issues, a common thread runs throughout the organization – a commitment to providing first-rate programs and services for the benefit of our members and the community. Chamber volunteers and staff work together to achieve these goals and fulfill our mission.

Chamber membership is an investment – an investment of money and time that can help your business succeed and our community prosper.

Thank you for your support.

Economic Development

The Economic Development Division is responsible for the recruitment of new businesses to the community, and assisting the existing business community in an effort to retain jobs and provide expansion opportunities. Under the direction of the St. Joseph Economic Development Council, this division focuses on helping existing businesses grow, and works to attract new business and industry to the community. The Economic Development Division is funded through a community partnership for economic development, the 21st Century Economic Development Investors Partnership, supported with funds raised from both the public and private sectors. The 21st Century Economic Development Investors Partnership includes the City of St. Joseph, Buchanan County, and over 200 local businesses.

The Chamber recognizes what an important aspect community development plays in creating a community where people want to live and work, and businesses wish to invest. As such, the division takes an active part to facilitate this mission. The division recognizes what an integral component the workforce plays in the economic growth of a community. The Workforce Alliance Network acts as a guiding and unifying organization for workforce development programs. It seeks to support, enhance and implement initiatives focusing on the improvement of the area labor force. The Economic Development Division also partners to improve physical infrastructure and amenities – another key to growth.

Small Business Development Center

Housed in the St. Joseph Area Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), is available to assist individuals and businesses with issues involving business start-up, expansion, purchase, sale, marketing, financial analysis, and almost any other issue that presents itself to current or potential small business owners. The services provided by the SBDC are free of charge.

St. Joseph Regional Port Authority

The Port of St. Joseph is an intermodal port owned by the St. Joseph Regional Port Authority and operated by Kinder-Morgan Terminals. The port was developed to serve the agricultural and industrial markets of Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas. The port is conveniently located at the foot of the US Highway 36 Bridge into Kansas, with easy access to interstates 29 and 35 serving Northwest Missouri.

It offers full intermodal capabilities of barge, rail and truck. In addition to cargo transfer, the port can provide direct delivery of materials, or outside storage for wire and other products. The port authority is governed by a seven-member board and is administered by an executive director housed in the Chamber office.

Government Relations

This division works to foster good relations with the various levels of government, and to represent the business community in addressing legislative issues. Government policies directly affect business, so the Chamber speaks out on behalf of the business community. The Chamber monitors a wide variety of issues and focuses on a number of key areas. The Chamber’s advocacy ranges from formal testimony to informal discussions with key elected officials.

Membership Services

The Membership Services Department works to strengthen the membership of the Chamber through effective retention and recruitment efforts while providing networking and educational opportunities and increasing the visibility of the Chamber within the community.

Administration

The Administration Division provides coordination and direction of all organizational resources, financial services, building management, and administers the computer system.

Communications

The Communications Division is responsible for the management, planning and dissemination of Chamber programs, activities and initiatives to members, potential members, the business community, and the general public through various publications and marketing efforts.