| News Notes
Chamber Program
to Help Students Make Choices
Thursday, February 16, 2006, C-T Article
Eighth graders at Chillicothe Middle School, Bishop Hogan Memorial
School, Southwest R-I and Livingston County R-3, will get a first-hand look at how the academic decisions they make today will have a lasting
impact on their future through a volunteer-led program, aptly called Choices, sponsored by the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce. Chamber
officials say the program has benefited millions of students in the U.S., Canada and Australia since its inception in 1983.
Interactive sessions designed to help students increase their awareness
of how decisions made in the early teen years affect career and life options in the future will be presented by Chamber member business
volunteers during social studies class periods in all of the participating schools during a two-day period before school ends in May.
Time and money management are two of the topics that will be covered in
the program.
Social Security's Web Site for
Women: At the "For Women" web site, you
can find basic information about retirement, survivors, disability, supplemental security
income, and Medicare benefits.
CPR & AED
Training Available: If your
organization would like to know more about the AED machine (automated external
defibrillator), call Sherry Weldon at the Hedrick Occupational Health office at 660 646
4611. Sherry is also available to conduct a presentation on this machine which delivers an
electric current to the heart muscle so it can resume beating effectively in the event of
a heart attack resulting in cardiac arrest.
Reminders:
- Visit the Arts page on
this web site for full details on the new Arts season.
Mudcats Baseball
The Chillicothe Mudcats
are our collegiate summer wood-bat baseball team. Visit the Mudcats web site for details or call Amy Supple of the
Greater Chillicothe Visitors Region at 646-4050 or 1-800-C-Chilli.
WELCOME
ALL NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS STARTING IN 2009!
-
American Legion (Vern R. Glick Post 25)
-
Anytime Fitness
-
Asset Loan Solution
-
C&S Custom Door
-
Comfort Inn
& Suites
-
EAA Chapter 944
-
Hometown’s Healthy Living Store
-
Denise James
-
Pam Jarding
-
Lifestyle Family
Nutrition
-
Livingston County Health Center
-
MW Electric
Supply
-
My Secret Garden
Floral & Gifts
-
Nico’z Catering/Eatery
-
Northwest
Behavioral Health Consultants
-
PC's Elkhorn
Steakhouse
-
Quiznos
-
Roger's Pawn
& Gun
-
Nancie Saccaro

WELCOME
ALL NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS STARTING IN 2008!
-
Alaska House
-
Catfish Designs & Sign Shop
-
Chillicothe Farmers Market
-
Community Blood Center
-
Corporate Express
-
Countrywide Home Loans
-
Dowell Kincaid - Farm Bureau Insurance
-
Foster Heating & Air
Conditioning
-
Home Beautiful
-
Koehler Home Sales
-
Livingston County Title Company, LLC
-
Mautino Cycle Center
-
Mel Gregg - Grand River Insurance
-
Mike & Jeanne Lair
-
Missouri Mobile Concrete
-
National Real Estate
Buyers
-
Papa's Auto
Sales/Repair/Towing/Detail
-
Reece & Nichols Williams &
Associates
-
Scott E. Ellis Allstate Insurance
-
Security Finance & Tax
Service
-
Show-Me Christian Youth
Home
-
Sutton Dentistry
-
Thieme Painting & Wallpapering
-
Todd Rodenberg
-
Walgreens
-
www.travl-shop.com

2009 Membership Plaque
WELCOME
ALL NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS STARTING IN 2007!
-
A Cut Above
-
Aflac
-
American Red Cross
-
Anderson Consulting
Services, LLC
-
Century 21 Smith &
Associates
-
Chillicothe Area Multiple
Sclerosis
-
Chillicothetrading.com
-
Country Corner Craft &
Antique Mall
-
DaVita, Inc.
-
Donacyn Travel
-
Grand River BBQ &
Fly-In
-
Grand River Technical
School
-
Haney, Chuck
-
Highview Baptist Church
-
Hopper Electric
-
Horizon Housing Foundation
-
Kitchen Konnections
-
KRNW Public Radio Station
(KXCV)
-
Livingston County 4-H and FFA
Fair
-
Livingston County C2000
Team
-
Livingston County
Multipurpose Senior Center
-
Marceline Mapping
-
Market America,
Unfranchise Owners
-
Munday, Timothy D.
-
Newkirk Cleaning Co.
-
North MO Outdoor Classic
-
Piece of Cake Event
Catering (new owners)
-
Prenger's Quick Lube &
Laser Wash
-
Regional Hospice
-
Renner Construction
Management
-
Sebastian's Italian Dining
-
Sharp Focus Video LLC
-
Sweet Boutique
-
The Steakhouse
-
World Finance Corporation

03 23 07
Dear Chamber
Member:
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding during the preparation of the brand new Chamber Membership plaque. We think it was worth the wait! This plaque will take the place of your wooden plaque and offers a fresh new look with each passing year. The plaque serves as a frame for an annual insert that is chosen from Chamber members who submit insert designs. This year's winner was Scott Rule, graphic designer, of Big Dog Studio, a current Chamber member. Your membership plaque will be hand delivered to you shortly. However, if you wish, you may stop by the Chamber office and pick up your plaque as soon as you would like.
WELCOME
ALL NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS STARTING IN 2006!
-
Access II Independent
Living Center
-
Applebee's
-
AT&T
-
Big Deals Discount
-
Boji Stone Coffee
Shop/Bookstore
-
BTC Bank
-
C's Cafe'
-
Chillicothe Bootery &
Shoe Repair
-
Chillicothe Plumbing
Supply
-
Chillicothe Rotary Club
-
China Garden Buffet
-
Da-Com Corporation
-
Ed Douglas, CFP
-
Empire District Gas
Company
-
Fellhoelter Electric, LLC
-
First Presbyterian Church
-
Five Star Insulators
-
Future Business Leaders of America
-
Grand River Harmony Chorus
-
Gray Electric
-
Green Hills Community
Action Agency
-
Helping Hand of
Goodwill Industries
-
Hometown Medical
-
Horton's Import Repair
-
Humana, Inc
-
J.C. Business Services
-
Lawns Unlimited &
Country Hills Nursery, Inc.
-
Livingston Manor Care
Center
-
Lowe's Home Improvement
-
MFA Agri Service
-
Midwest Suppliers Discount
Store
-
Movie Gallery
-
MS Contracting Country Estates Vinyl Fence
-
NorthTown Business Center
-
Nibarger Insurance
Services
-
Oertwig Heating and
Cooling
-
One Dollar Shop
-
Piece of Cake
-
Pizza Hut
-
Pure N Simple
-
Retired and Senior
Volunteer Program
-
Richard's Pack-N-Ship Plus
-
River Bluffs Architects
-
Shady Valley Court and RV
Park
-
Shell Auto Detailing
-
St. John’s Evangelical
Lutheran Church
-
Uptown Buffet
-
U.S. Army Career Center
-
Victories Bar & Grill
-
Wabash BBQ
-
Warren Law Office, LLC
WELCOME
ALL NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS STARTING IN 2005!
-
American Family Insurance
(Brian Hecker)
-
American Family Insurance
(Janet McCauslin)
-
Aunt Nancy's Pampered Pets
-
Better Way, LLC
-
Botts and Tye Corporation
-
Brookshier, Dean and Nonie
-
Business and Professional
Women
-
CheckPro Service Center
-
Chillicothe
Area Arts Council
-
Chillicothe License Office
-
Circle of Life Community
Hospice and Palliative Care
-
Cintas
-
City Stage
-
Cole Family Chiropractic
Clinic, PC
-
datacomm
-
Father and Daughter
Antiques and Collectibles
-
Gear for Sports Factory
Outlet
-
Grand River Entertainment
-
Johnston Rental &
Supply Co.
-
Maurices
-
Mike
Miller Auction Service
-
Minnick Supply Company
-
Miss Bryn's Country Charm
-
Money Concepts
-
Movie Gallery
-
Mrs. Missouri America
-
Parks, Sherry
-
Prime Media Productions
-
Principal's Office Gift
Shop (The)
-
Rumery & Associates
-
State Farm Insurance
(Chris Trout)
-
Strand Apartments
-
T&R Soil Service (new
owners - Butterfield & Associates Grain)
-
The Fast Lane
If you have a web site,
please send the URL to Cathy Smith, Chamber
Secretary,
so it can be included on our web site.
NEW
CHAMBER MEMBERS 2004
-
All Ways Creative
-
Beijing Restaurant
-
Birthright
-
Bishop Hogan Memorial
School
-
Covenant Rehab Clinic
-
Dean Machinery Co.
-
Doctor David Lebsack, DDS
-
Domino's Pizza
-
El Toro Restaurant
-
Elite Roofing
-
Fastenal Company
-
GEAR For Sports Retail
Outlet
-
Grace Weekend Clinic
-
Grand River Quail
Unlimited
-
Greener bp Shop
-
H&R Block, Charles
Parrish, Owner
-
Heritage Funeral Home
-
Images Hair & Tanning
-
J. Crowe Photography,
Jason & Brooke Crow, Owners
-
Deanna Kepner
-
Koenig Law Firm, LLC
-
Lebsack, David M., DDS, MS
-
Lincare, Inc.
-
Livingston County Farm
Bureau, Marilou Whiteside
-
Livingston Medical Groups,
Anurita G. Kapur
-
Missouri Communications
-
Murphy Oil USA
-
Murphy Watson Burr Eye
Center
-
Natural Corner
-
North Missouri Internet
Marketing
-
Pepsi Cola Bottling
Company, Donnie Moxley
-
Premier Eyecare
Associates, Bob Sloan, Bruce Brodmerkle, Jan Jackson
-
Saber Air, Inc. of
Missouri
-
Sewell Agency, Inc.
-
Sophisticuts
-
Swearingin Advertising
& Marketing
-
United Methodist Church
-
Wal*Mart Super Center
-
Washburn, Scott (Law
Offices)
-
Washington Street Food
& Drink, Tony Geib, Manager
Be sure to check out our Tourism pages and full calendar of events which bring
visitors to our town like the National Association of Railcar Riders.

Back to the Area News
|
| DUCKS
ON PARADE
2009 - Dinner and Auction 6:00 p.m. November
7, 2009
At the Alaska House
The Ducks on Parade Dinner and Auction is at the Alaska House at 6:00 p.m. on November 7th. Come out for a fun evening in an elegant setting and support your favorite not for profit organization. Tickets are available for $15 at the Alaska House and Lauhoff Jewelry and from these committee members: Randy Lee, Karen Kay Summerville, Kim Crowe, Angie Lauhoff, Bruce King and Steve Holt.
You may view all of the ducks at
www.rafterconline.com or see them at these locations: NicoZ’s, Sensenich Jewelry, Mel Gregg Insurance, Lauhoff Jewelry, The Boji Stone, Friends, the Library, the YMCA, Father & Daughter Antiques and Martin House Gifts.
Sixteen artists have created twenty original artworks that will benefit these seventeen not for profit groups: CMS Art Club, CHS Hunting & Fishing Club, Operation Help, Festival of Lights, Y-Pals, Firefighter Union Local 2460, Birthright, Grand Oaks Camp, Covel D. Searcy Elementary School, EAA Chapter 944 Fly-In, AYBF, Chillicothe Area Arts Council, Chillicothe High School, Chillicothe Predators Baseball, Women’s Shelter, Livingston County Library, and the Humane Society.
Artists include: Susan Elson, Anne Dewitt, Judy Burgess, Louise Reasoner, Francis Crouch, Janie Christensen, Amanda Meyer, Mary Underwood, Salina Skipper, Amanda Fox, Thurston Oesch, Daniel Riekena, Johanne Blackburn, Vilma Holt, and Steve Holt.
Sponsors include: Hedrick Medical, Martin House Gifts, Chuck’s Pest Control, Summerville Insurance, FEC, Gary Miller, Chuck Haney, Citizens Bank, and Carrie Almond.
Each of the seventeen not for profit groups is associated with the original artworks and the auction proceeds goes to that group. For questions contact Steve Holt at the Northwest Missouri State University Small Business and Technology Development Center at 646-6920.
2008 - Just ‘Ducky’
Monday, November 10, 2008, C-T
CAPTION:
The Ducktacular auction Saturday night at the Fast Lane Entertainment Center raised about $3,000 for 20 different non-profit organizations around Chillicothe. The 29 ducks on the auction block had been featured in a “Ducks On Parade,” campaign which began several months ago and culminated with Saturday night’s event, which attracted about 120 people.
C-T photo/ Laura Schuler
The Ducktacular auction Saturday night at the Fast Lane Entertainment Center proved to be just “ducky.”
The event, which attracted around 120 people, raised about $3,000 for 20 non-profit organizations around town after Col. Lonnie Sewell auctioned off 29 ducks. “For a first year event, it (the auction) exceeded our expectations,” said Amy Supple, director of the Greater Chillicothe Visitor’s Region. “It was fun, everything went smoothly and people were thrilled with ducks and interested in taking them home. We’re hoping it will be an annual event.” The event started out with a dinner and several duck-themed games and activities followed until the auction started, Supple said.
The highest selling duck, “Fore” was sponsored by Farmers’ Electric Cooperative and raised $190 for FEC’s Area Youth Benefit Fund. Francis Crouch was the duck’s artist. The next highest selling duck, “Glassical,” was sold for $140. It was decorated by Vilma Holt and was sponsored by Gary Miller. Proceeds from that sale went to the Chillicothe Area Arts Council. The third-highest selling duck, “Mother’s Pride,” sold for $130 and was decorated by Francis Crouch and sponsored by Mel Gregg. Proceeds from that duck went to Birthright.
The ducks started out as simple decoy ducks made with cork bodies and free standing wood heads used for hunting. They were carved by a class taught by T.J. Peacher, of the Missouri Department of Conservation. The ducks were then decorated in various styles, many to reflect their sponsors.
The evening capped off several months of Ducks on Parade, during which, the ducks were displayed at several community events over the past few months to heighten interest in the ducks and Saturday night’s auction. She added that calendars featuring the ducks are now on sale at the Chillicothe Commerce Center for $10. Persons interested may also call
Steve
Holt at the Chillicothe Small Business Development Center for more information.
The event was sponsored by Main Street Chillicothe, the Greater Chillicothe Visitor’s Region, the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce and the Missouri Department of Conservation.
To reserve your duck for next year’s Ducks on Parade call Steve Holt. The 2009 ducks will be on display beginning in April.
CAPTION:
Ducks On Parade will be sweeping the city of Chillicothe in the next few months. As part of an initiative to celebrate local business and art while
benefiting charitable organizations, these Ducks on Parade will be auctioned this fall to support area not-for-profit organizations. Here, Louise Reasoner takes time out of her day to help paint ducks for the organizations.
Finished ducks will be on display at participating businesses from May
through November and at the following events:
- Strum and Stroll
April 26, 2008
- Grand River Fly-In
August 23, 2008
- Chautauqua In The Park
September 6 & 7, 2008
Traditional Arts Section
- Ducktacular Auction
November 8, 2008 @ 6pm
Fast Lane Entertainment Center
On display at these
businesses: Chillicothe Commerce Center (Chamber), Boji Stone, Post
Office, Mel Gregg insurance, Wells Fargo, Bishop Hogan, Lauhoff Jewelry
and the Senior Center.
Buy These Ducks at Auction—Nov 8, 2008 @ 6 pm Fast Lane Entertainment Center
(including meal and live auction)
PHOTO CAPTION: Although it is unclear whether this duck is “mail” or
“femail,” Stamper the Mailard certainly has a colorful personality. Creatively crafted by postal employees, it is on display at the Chillicothe Post Office. Look for more Ducks on Parade at participating businesses around Chillicothe and see the whole flock at Chautauqua in the Park on September 6 &7.
Constitution-Tribune, Tue Sep 02, 2008
For complete details on this
project, download our Ducks
Brochure!
(133KB PDF file)
Ducks on Parade Sponsors: Jennings Decoy Company
Big-Dog Studio Sewell Agency, Inc. Lauhoff Jewelry
Golden Corral Empire Gas Marj Locker Steve & Vilma Holt
Mel Gregg US Postal Service Boji Stone
Chuck’s Pest Control Gary Miller Dale Whiteside
Robert & Shirley Marriott Shafer, Kline, & Warren P.A.
Farmers Electric Cooperative Grand River Entertainment
Ducks on Parade is a cooperative
initiative of: Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce Greater Chillicothe Visitors Region
Main Street Chillicothe Missouri Department of Conservation
Small Business Development Center
Chillicothe launches Ducks on Parade program
Ducks will soon be springing up around town
By Lisa Houtchens
Constitution-Tribune
Tue Jun 24, 2008
Businesses are already fitting decorated decoy ducks in their offices for Chillicothe’s Ducks on Parade and more are just in the hatching stages.
Ducks on Parade, much like Kansas City’s and Chicago’s Cows on Parade, is part of a public art exhibit and fundraising effort for nonprofit organizations.
“The concept for arts and craft has brought appeal and brought people into town, in other areas,” said Steve Holt, director or the Small Business Development Center in Chillicothe who is spearheading the project. “Tourism is import to the local
community.” The ducks are simple decoy ducks, made with cork bodies and free standing wood heads. Typically used for hunting, the decoys are carved by Steve Holt.
Several business and individuals have already signed up as sponsors for Ducks on Parade and by doing so, they are taking part of a unique first-time event in Chillicothe, Holt said.
The not-for-profit organizations
benefiting from the event, so far, are: Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Chillicothe Visitors Region, Main Street Chillicothe, Missouri Department of Conservation, Small Business Development Center, Chillicothe Area Arts Council, Birthright, Green Hills Women’s Shelter, Festival of Lights and Bishop Hogan at this time, Holt said.
Through the program, ducks are given to the sponsors to decorate, to represent their businesses and to free their creative minds by thinking “outside of the box.”
“It gets you motivated to do something more in depth or to do something creative with the designs,” Holt said. “You take a traditional hunting decoy and make it different than the traditional use.”
Not only do the businesses profit from the traffic of the Ducks on Parade, but so do the artists. A group of five women meet each Monday to paint.
For more information, contact
Steve
Holt at the Small Business Development Center at 660-646-6920.
Back to the Area News
|
| LEADERSHIP
CHILLICOTHE!
Dedication Ceremony For Information Station
Published: Wednesday, May 13, 2009, C-T
Leadership Chillicothe is an innovative program designed to motivate emerging leaders and develop their potential for community leadership by acquainting them with the opportunities, realities and challenges of our community.
Upon completion of Leadership Chillicothe, each graduate should leave with:
- A comprehensive understanding of Chillicothe’s strengths & weaknesses
- A comprehensive understanding of their own personal strengths & weaknesses
- Enhanced Leadership Skills
- An increased level of commitment and participation in the Chillicothe Community
2009 Program Schedule & Participation Expectations
Note: Since we had no applicants for
Leadership 2009, we will try again in the Fall - we hope you can join us!
The class members will be actively participating in an eleven-session
program beginning Tuesday, January 27th and running weekly through
Tuesday, April 7th. Leadership Chillicothe is a tuition-based program, with 11 sessions built around a curriculum of community issues. Additional program content will include a comprehensive book review of Steven Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”, and leadership skills training that focus on networking, public speaking, project management, diversity training, SWOT analysis, and more. Near the conclusion, participants will develop a personal (or team) action plan for a community betterment project. An 80% attendance record is required to qualify for a certificate of graduation. Sessions are scheduled Tuesday afternoons, running from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. (with the exception of the Feb 3rd
Great Northwest Day at the
Capitol). There will also be a Graduation Banquet at the program’s conclusion.
Session Titles
Jan 27th - Orientation
Feb 3rd - Great Northwest Day
Feb 10th - Chillicothe Tour / History
Feb 17th - Economic Development
Feb 24th - “How Things Get Done”
Mar 3rd - Education
Mar 10th - Health & Human Services
Mar 17th - Arts & Entertainment
Mar 24th - Community Challenges & Opportunities
Mar 31st - Being Proactive
Apr 7th - Action Plan Presentations
Apr 21st - Graduation Banquet |
Tuition
The total cost to participants for Leadership Chillicothe 2009 is $350 for Chamber members and $450 for non-chamber members. Applications received prior to December 31st and approved will receive a $50 discount. Tuition is used to defray the expenses of speakers, handouts, meals, tours and other incidental costs in facilitating the program. Checks should be made payable to the Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce. The full tuition is due by Friday, January 20th, 2009.
Application
To apply for participation in Leadership Chillicothe 2009, mail, fax, or email a completed application to the
Chamber office. Applications must be received by the Chamber office by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 9th, 2009. To obtain additional application copies, either stop by the Chamber office or go to their website at
www.chillicothemo.com.
Application
as a Word document
(You may save this to your computer, complete it, resave
it, and email it back
to us as an attachment to office@chillicothemo.com.)
Application
as a PDF file
(May be opened, viewed, printed, and completed,
then faxed or mailed to us at the address shown on the application.)
Leadership Chillicothe
2009 Steering Committee
- Steve Holt, Small Business Development Center;
- Julie Jones, Hedrick Medical
Center
Leadership Chillicothe
2008 Project Nears Fruition;
Downtown Kiosk Ordered
Friday, January 23, 2009, C-T
All Aboard! The Chillicothe Information Station will soon be pulling into town. The kiosk structure is an initiative of the Leadership Chillicothe Class of 2008 and will be located on the grounds of the Livingston County Courthouse.
According to the Greater Chillicothe Visitors Region Director Amy Supple, the structure has been custom ordered and is en route to Chillicothe. The group will plan an installation and dedication ceremony in the near future.
“The information station will be a self-contained stop for gathering info on Chillicothe,” Supple explained. She added, “ It will be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week and will feature maps and brochures as well as lists of attractions, coming events, hotels, restaurants and shops for visitors.”
There are a limited number of brochure spaces available. Businesses can purchase a brochure space on The Information Station for $100 a year. The space would be reserved for printed material about their particular business. Supple advised business owners to reserve their spot by calling the Chamber office at 646-4050.
Each side of the four-sided structure features the logo of a major sponsor.
“We were fortunate enough to have four local businesses step forward to be major donors for this project,” said Liz Fechtig, class member and fundraising chair for the project. “Without their support this would still be just an idea rather than a great addition to our community.” The four major donors are Citizens Bank & Trust, Hedrick Medical Center, Midwest Gloves and Gear and Pepsi Cola Bottling.
Additional funding and support for the Chillicothe Information Station came from the Mervyn W. Jenkins Foundation, the City of Chillicothe, the Main Street Chillicothe Program, Chillicothe Development Corporation, the Greater Chillicothe Visitors Region, Livingston County, the Rotary Foundation, Farmers Electric Cooperative and the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce.
Leadership Chillicothe is sponsored by the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce. The Leadership Chillicothe Class of 2008 was comprised of Janet Anderson, Gary Dudley, Liz Fechtig, Betsy Keithley, Crystal Narr, Karen Shannon, Amy Supple, Ron Urton and Corey Williams. The facilitators were Steve Holt, Julie Jones and Charles Parrish. The Leadership Chillicothe Class of 2008 extends their sincere appreciation to all of those who made this project possible.
Leadership Chillicothe 2008
Click for a closer view

Graduates 2008
Back Row: Ron Urton, Gary Dudley, & Corey Williams
Front Row: Crystal Narr, Amy Supple, Betsy Keighley & Liz Fechtig
Not pictured: Janet Anderson
C-T Photo by Catherine Stortz-Ripley
These 8 leaders embarked on a
journey in all things Chillicothe. A graduation ceremony was held at the
Chillicothe Country Club on Tuesday, April 22. We look forward to offering
this again next year!
Leadership Chillicothe is an innovative program designed to motivate emerging leaders and develop their potential for community leadership by acquainting them with the opportunities, realities and challenges of our community. The class members will be actively participating in an eleven-session program beginning Tuesday, January 29th,
2008 and running weekly through Tuesday, April 8th, 2008.
Upon completion of Leadership Chillicothe, each graduate should leave with:
- A comprehensive understanding of Chillicothe’s strengths & weaknesses
- A comprehensive understanding of their own personal strengths & weaknesses
- Enhanced leadership skills
- An increased level of commitment and participation in the Chillicothe Community
Back to the Area News
|
Freedom Festival
4th of July, Simpson
Park, 6:00 p.m.
Freedom Festival - Bang-Up Night
Monday, July
6, 2009, C-T
CAPTION:
A huge fireworks display lit up the night sky around Chillicothe, capping off an evening full of festivities in Simpson Park on Independence Day, Saturday. The fireworks were sponsored by the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce.
C-T Photo/Butch Shaffer
The overcast skies and occasional bout of rain during the day Saturday — including a downpour between 4 and 5 p.m. — didn’t stop a
crowd full of people from gathering in Simpson Park Saturday night for the annual Freedom Festival. The event, which included live entertainment, drawings for prizes, food, culminated with a huge fireworks display.
The Freedom Festival, sponsored by KCHI Radio, started at 6 p.m. with Hannah Morgan, 17 of Chillicothe, who sang the national anthem. The daughter of James and Carla Morgan, Hannah won the Chillicothe Idol contest which was sponsored by Hy-Vee. Hannah was one of three participants in the contest, and received a new bike, courtesy of the local Tour of Missouri organizing committee. She also has earned the right to sing the national anthem to begin the Tour of Missouri in Chillicothe in September.
The threat of rain, coupled with the prevailing unseasonably cool temperatures, caused many people to bring a variety of rain gear — such as umbrellas and ponchos — with them to the park. Thankfully, however, the items proved to be unnecessary, although a few sprinkles did fall toward the end of the fireworks display.
And, although the temperatures were somewhat cool, the park proved to be a hot-bed of activity for people of all ages. The attractions included a lively performance from the Dustin Thomas Band, free face painting, courtesy of Xi Alpha Kappa, free popsicles and chances to win prizes while playing several games run by local 4-H Clubs.
Hy-Vee, along with several other vendors, also offered food and six people won bikes, courtesy of Hy-Vee, Midwest Gloves & Gear and Hedrick Medical Center. (One bike was given away for each age category, ranging from under 5 years-old to adult.) KCHI also gave away several prizes, including Worlds of Fun, and Oceans of Fun tickets.
According to Dan Leatherman, owner and general manager of KCHI radio, the event started strong with Morgan’s rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner,” and continued strong, all the way through the last explosion of fireworks. “We had lots of favorable comments on the band and the food,” Leatherman said. He added that a north wind likely provided park goers the best vantage point to view the fireworks display, which started at 9:45 p.m. “The fireworks looked like they were being blown right at us. It was definitely participation fireworks,” he noted.
Leatherman also said the event drew many people from out of town, which added to
the good sized crowd. He added that the event ran very smooth, thanks to the cooperative efforts with the Chillicothe Country Club, the Chillicothe Parks and Recreation Department and the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce.
CAPTION: Lillian Smith, 7, daughter of Scott and Sarah Smith of Braymer, was one of many children who had their faces painted by members of Xi Alpha Kappa during the Freedom Festival.
C-T Photo/Laura Schuler
Freedom Festival
Goes Out With a Bang
Monday, July 7, 2008 by Butch Shaffer, C-T
CAPTION: The Fourth of July celebration at Simpson Park created a spectacular arrangement of lights in the sky. The firework show that ended the evening’s events for
the Freedom Festival were provided by A & M Pyrotechnics of Buffalo, Mo. The show lasted 25 minutes with an variety of fireworks.
C-T Photo/Butch Shaffer
The weather offered an enjoyable fourth of July. As in years past the event was a huge success. “When you have perfect weather, you can’t beat it, you just have a good time,”
said Dan Leatherman, KCHI owner. The crowd in attendance was bigger than those in the years past with people coming from many neighboring cities. “The event went very, very good, it was a huge crowd,” Dan Leatherman said. “It was bigger than we had anticipated.”
The Xi Alpha Kappa Sorority of Chillicothe offered free face paintings to the children in attendance, special music was presented by the Dustin Thomas Band and area 4-H clubs offered games for the
children.
Freedom
Festival Fireworks
Sponsors 2008
ROCKET BLASTER
- Wal-Mart SuperCenter
- Hedrick Medical Center
FIRECRACKER
- Citizens Bank & Trust
- Chillicothe Rotary Club
- American Legion
- Chillicothe State Bank
- Murphy Watson Burr Eye
Center
SPARKLER
- Golden Corral
- Sensenich Jeweler
- Woody's
Dodge-Jeep-Chrysler
- Chillicothe Elks Lodge
- Midwest Gloves & Gear
- Investors National Bank
- Pepsi Cola Bottling Co.
- Hy-Vee Food
- McCoy & Samples Dental
Clinic
- McDonalds
- Neal Family Dentistry
- Bank Midwest
SPECIAL THANKS
Fireworks Show, Music, Games Part of Freedom Fest
Monday, June 30, 2008, C-T
Independence Day is scheduled to go off with a bang (or, more accurately, lots of bangs) for the annual Freedom Festival in Simpson Park.
As the Fourth of July nears, excitement grows for children of all ages who anticipate the fireworks, picnics and face painting.
The annual Chillicothe Freedom Festival, as in years past, will be held at Simpson park at 6 p.m. Friday, July 4. Montana Vinson will begin the evening with the singing of the national anthem at 6 p.m.
The festival is sponsored annually by the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce and KCHI. It is a family event which includes games, music, face painting, food and prizes.
Hy-Vee will provide food for the evening’s activities and local 4-H clubs will provide fun and games for the attendants.
The Show Me 4-H Club will have various games and prizes. Rich Hill 4-H will have a ring toss game and Liberty 4-H will distribute free popsicles. Girl Scout Troop 8024 will be selling glow-in-the-dark items, according to KCHI
owner Dan Leatherman.
The Xi Alpha Kappa Sorority of Chillicothe will offer free face paintings to the children in attendance. Special music will be presented by the Dustin Thomas Band set to perform at 7:30. There will also be a drawing for Oceans of Fun and Worlds of Fun tickets before the main event
begins.
C-T Photo/Laura
Schuler
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Business Card Exchange
The Business Card Exchange provides an
opportunity for business people to come together to become acquainted with other Chamber
members. The Chamber is adding members every month, so plan to attend the Business Card
Exchanges and get to know our new members. It's a great chance to visit another business
operation and enjoy some refreshments and camaraderie.If your business would like to host a Business Card
Exchange, please call the Chamber office at 646 4050 or email us.
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Carson Barnes Circus
Last held in 2002,
the Circus returned to town October 4, 2004!

With 5 rings, over 100 exotic and domestic animals, and a host of performers from around the world, the Carson & Barnes Circus
rolled into Chillicothe for two performances on Monday, October 4. Hosted by the Chillicothe Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Hy-Vee, the Carson & Barnes Circus is the largest traditional big-top circus touring America today. The Chamber hosted this circus in 2002, and, as in 2002, the circus
set up on the grounds north of Chillicothe High School. Its 300-foot tent is longer than a football field and it takes a space equal to three football fields for the entire circus community to unfold.
Rated “G”, with no sensationalism, foul language, or violence of any kind, the Carson & Barnes Circus can be billed as fast-paced action-filled family entertainment. The audience
saw lions, tigers and ligers mix in the same cage, acrobats perform death-defying stunts at the peak of the big top, and
were entertained by flying trapeze artists, clowns, jugglers, and the mammoth elephants.
Early circus morning, the public
was invited to see the elephants pull the big poles up in the tent and visit the large traveling zoo featuring exotic and domestic animals as they
were unloaded, watered and fed. Many of the species are rare and endangered such as the hippo, giraffe, zebu, zonkie, zebra, camels and both Asian and African elephants.
Advance tickets for the two performances at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
were sold at Hy-Vee in Chillicothe at special prices. All proceeds from the sale of the ADVANCE tickets helped your local Chamber of Commerce. For more information, contact the Chillicothe Commerce Center 646-4050.

The circus last held June 5, 2002, drew over 2,000
people from Chillicothe and the surrounding area. The money the Chamber earned through
sponsoring the circus will be applied to the Freedom Festival, Chautauqua in the Park,
Holiday Parade, and Legislative Day. Thank you to: Dan Dedrick of Chillicothe Livestock
Market, LeRoy Butts of CMU, Chris Baker of Baker Mobile Wash, Bob Levy of Chillicothe High
School, CMU Water Department, City of Chillicothe, Chillicothe Police Department,
Chillicothe RII summer school staff and students, the Livingston County Library, and
Connections Plus. Thank you to the Chamber businesses that served as ticket outlets:
Citizens Bank and Trust, Chillicothe State Bank, Investors National Bank, Bank Midwest,
Hy-Vee, Piggly Wiggly (Chillicothe and Trenton locations) and the Grand River Area Family
YMCA.
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LEGISLATIVE DAY
Visit
the GNW website by clicking on the image above.
Great Northwest Day
Reflects Themes of Unity, Collaboration
Constitution-Tribune,
Monday, February 8, 2010
With regional unity and collaboration serving as overarching themes “The 2010 Great Northwest Day at the Capitol” saw more than 250 area constituents stand together as they were introduced in Missouri’s House and Senate on February 2nd. Representing counties and communities, business, education, healthcare and agriculture, this unified show of partnership was only the beginning of a day of advocating for Northwest Missouri.
“We often talk about the importance of working together with our regional neighbors. The Great Northwest Day at the Capitol event is a unique example of ‘successful’ regional cooperation. Arriving at a consensus concerning important issues that affect the region’s 19 counties, and then presenting them in unison to our state’s legislative body, gives this rural region of Missouri a strong voice”, states Becky Cleveland, Co-Chair of Great Northwest Day at the Capitol.
Prior to the announcement of guests at the House and Senate, representatives from the Great Northwest contingent distributed desktop reminders with an invitation to the evening event and a reminder of the identified issues of Northwest Missouri. Throughout the day and throughout the capitol area, the halls were filled with Northwest Missourians bearing “Great Northwest Day at the Capitol” nametags as they toured the Capitol Building, the Governor’s Mansion and visited with Legislators from across the State.
Click on
these two photos for a closer view of GNW 2008.
Photos Rich Germinder
A big THANK YOU to our
2008 Legislative Day Sponsors!
Chillicothe Development Corporation
Midwest Gloves & Gear
Farmers’ Electric Cooperative
Bank Midwest
Livingston County Commission
Hutchinson & Co.
Chillicothe State Bank
Investors National Bank
Time Warner Cable
City of Chillicothe
&
Citizens Bank & Trust
The 2008 Event
was held on February 5 and 6, 2008.
Monday, February 4th - Pre-Event Dinner with Legislators
Tuesday, February 5th - Main Event - Mardi Gras Theme
Wednesday, February 6th - Breakfast
February 5th:
- 6:45 a.m. - Meet and depart
for Jeff City
- 9:45 a.m. - Chillicothe
delegation meets, State Capitol, Third Floor, Southside of Rotunda, Near Staircase
- 10:00 am Introduction of Delegation in the
Senate
- 10:45 am Introduction of Delegation in the
House
- 11:30 am Legislative Luncheon, Capitol Plaza Ballroom
- 2:00 pm Community Visits with Legislators or Optional Tours
- 3:30 pm Community Booth Set-up, Capitol Plaza Ballroom
- 5-8:00 pm Great Northwest Celebration, Capitol Plaza Ballroom
(Note: This is an adult event - No one under 21 will be allowed.)
--Mardi Gras style, food, music, fun and entertainment
--Community Booths
--Music by Blue Orleans
--Dinner Buffet
For more details, visit the Great
Northwest Day web site.
2007
Event Memories
(Adobe
PDF file)
2006
Event
Press Release February 2, 2006
Contact person: Dale Wallace 646-4566, Barb Burton 646-4050
Photos by Rod Dixon, Editor, C-T
Northwest Missouri Stands Up in Jefferson City
The shuffling of 500 feet could be heard echoing on the House and Senate Upper Gallery floor as 250 Northwest Missourians filled the galleries and stood to be recognized during the Great Northwest Day at the Capitol in Jefferson City on January 31st. This began the day of advocating for Northwest Missouri.

“It is amazing be recognized en masse by the House and Senate. Representative Brad Lager began our introduction in the House, and two-thirds of the gallery stood in unison. We took over the Senate Gallery. It’s a very powerful moment for both Great Northwest Day participants and the Legislators,” states Cyndra Lorey, Co-Chair of Great Northwest Day at the Capitol.
Unity and cooperation are the visible themes of the day, beginning prior to the announcement of guests at the House and Senate. Representatives from the Great Northwest contingent distributed desktop reminders with an invitation to the evening event and a reminder of the identified issues of Northwest Missouri. Throughout the day and throughout the capitol area, the hallways were full of Missourians bearing “Great Northwest Day at the Capitol” nametags as they toured the Capitol Building, the Governor’s Mansion and visited with Legislators from across the State.
During the luncheon that day, regional residents heard from Ray McCarty, lobbyist for the Missouri Economic Development Council and the owner of Ray McCarty Governmental Relations. Mr. McCarty reviewed issues impacting the region such as Tax Increment Financing, Capitol Improvements, Business Incentive Development and Eminent Domain. He also provided tips for talking to legislators. “Mr. McCarty was a terrific speaker and provided great insight for the event,” says Lisa Luke, Great Northwest Day at the Capitol steering committee member. “Talking to legislators can be an intimidating experience, and Mr. McCarty brought home to us how important it is to deliver a clear message and make that personal contact with the State’s lawmakers.”
The Great Northwest Day at the Capitol
evening event was a combination of Regional Fair with community booths lining the great ballroom walls at the Capitol Plaza and a savvy legislative reception designed to educate attendees about community, region and issues important to Northwest Missouri citizens. Attendance swelled beyond 500 participants that included 300+ participants from Northwest Missouri, the Lt. Governor, twenty-four Senators, over 100 House of Representative members, aides from key legislative offices and the Executive Branch offices, and State Department representatives.
“We were very pleased that Lt. Governor Peter Kinder attended and very appreciative of his time and attention. We had an exceptional turn out from Legislators,” states Steve Schieber, Co-Chair of Great Northwest Day at the Capitol. “We captured the attention of Senators and Representatives from across the state. This is about empowering our communities with an identity in Jefferson City and showing the strength from our region. It also is our way of showing support for our legislators as they continue to work for the good of Great Northwest.”
Great Northwest Day at the Capitol is an annual event held in January/February. Volunteers from throughout the region coordinate the daylong event. Great Northwest Day at the Capitol is a partnership of communities and is facilitated by Leadership Northwest Missouri, a program of Healthy Communities and the Heartland Foundation.
2005
Event
This year's
event was held Tuesday, February 1, 2005. For details and more
pics, visit www.greatnorthwestday.com.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Chillicothe Development Corp., Citizens Bank & trust, Hutchinson &
Co., Farmers Electric Cooperative, Livingston County, Bank Midwest,
Chillicothe State Bank, MidWest Quality Gloves, Investors National Bank,
Time Warner Cable, City of Chillicothe.
2004
Event
This year's
event is Wednesday, February 18, 2004. For information on the
itinerary and legislative issues, visit the Great
Northwest Day at the Capitol web site archives.
2003
Event
The Capitol Halls rumbled with
sounds of the Great Northwest on February 12, 2003, as a group of over 200 citizens from
Northwest Missouri converged on Jefferson City.
Over 100 participants,
including 30 from Chillicothe, met at the upper side gallery for recognition of Northwest
Missouri, their communities, and the Great Northwest Event. House members heard no less
than five recognitions of the groups' presence in the gallery. Senators sat in amazement
as the group filed in to be recognized by that Assembly Body.
Regional legislators joined a swelling number
of Northwest Missouri's concerned citizens at a luncheon at the Capitol Plaza. What was
Northwest Missouri's goal? "To enhance the entire general assembly's awareness that
Northwest Missouri is alive and kicking; and to encourage legislative support of regional
goals and initiatives. "Support for this project started really through the
Leadership Northwest Missouri program and region wide forums," states Lee Langerock,
Chairman of the Event. Barb Burton, Chillicothe Area Chamber Executive Vice President and
Jeanne Dau, Small Business Development Center, were members of the Steering Committee.
"Alumni from the Leadership Class and
concerned community leaders recognized the power in numbers. A lot of communities that
participated already had their own 'day at the capitol'. The idea was simple. Why not
combine the money we typically would use for our single day and bring a mass of people
together to represent Northwest Missouri? Each sponsoring community would be individually
recognized for their contribution, yet we all impact one another. We're all part of the
big picture of Northwest Missouri. District 5's retired Representative Dan Hegeman
typically introduced this area to Jefferson City as 'the Great Northwest.' The title just
stuck!"
During the day, participants took the
opportunity to talk with regional and statewide legislators, State Department and Division directors, and each
other. That evening, the 200-person group met back at the Capitol Plaza for the gala Great
Northwest Mardi Gras themed event.
From 4:30 - 10:00 p.m., community activities,
music and hospitality became the name of the game. Roughly one quarter of the General
Assembly attended the event. "This is really a great turn out for our event from
legislators," said Langerock. "We're not a statewide special interest group or
lobby, we're a region of the state. Statesman from across Missouri participated
and
learned that we're really a pretty impressive bunch of people in Northwest Missouri."
A "Jazz and Java" breakfast
followed on February 13 where one hundred Northwest Missouri citizens discussed quality of
life and legislative concerns for this year. Sponsoring communities for the Great
Northwest initiative are: Albany, Andrew County, Bethany, Brookfield, Buchanan County,
Cameron, Chillicothe, Grant City, Maryville, Savannah, St. Joseph, Trenton and Worth
County. Participation came from across the region and covered other community areas
including Sullivan and DeKalb county participants.
The Great Northwest group had a consistent,
specific message: Economic Development, Rural Telecommunications, Transportation, Lifelong
Learning, and Healthcare are all critical to the sustainability to the region and the
overall health of the state's economy. Overall Great Northwest Event sponsors
were: Heartland Health, Midwest Quality Gloves, United Electric Cooperative and
Premium Standard Farms.

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LEGISLATIVE DAY 2002
Chamber, CDC, and City Council representatives
attended the Annual Legislative Day in Jefferson City on February 5 and were happy with
the results of their meetings. |
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Chillicothe's Got It!
Chillicothe's got what you need for the holidays
and every shopping season!To help
Chillicothe merchants get the word out, a committee was formed to promote shopping in
Chillicothe. Our new logo is shown below to help merchants let shoppers know that
Chillicothe's Got It!

If your business would like to participate in
this membership benefit, call Barb or Cathy at 646-4050 to reserve your time, or email us.
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Chamber Window Decorating
Showcase your business or advertise your event
in our Chamber storefront windows!If
your business would like to participate in this membership benefit, call Barb or
Cathy at
646-4050 to reserve your time, or email us.
The displays may be put in for a full month.
Space is available for two businesses each month, so call today. It's a great way to
promote your business at no charge!
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