2020-2021 "Best of" Chamber Award Nominations

The Chamber relies on volunteers and requires member participation for sustainability in the Parkville Community. Members who are involved and part of the fabric of the Parkville Business Community are imperative to our success.

Due to the pandemic, we were unable to present 2020 award nominations, so we have looked at the past two years for our 2021 nominations. The members and businesses nominated for the 2020-2021 Parkville Area Chamber Awards are being recognized for their increased level of involvement, support of our fundraising efforts, and dedication to our mission by being engaged and active in our events, networking opportunities, and community service. Please take the time to read about each nominee and cast your vote.

Award Winners will be announced at our January 11th luncheon at Main Event. Register online at ParkvilleChamber.com

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* 1. Best New Business - Presented to the business that joined the Chamber in 2020 or 2021 and who best supported the Chamber in the areas of volunteerism, participation, and support of fundraising efforts. This award is intended to showcase a new Chamber member in the Parkville area. (Please choose one):

Edward Jones - Sam Sinclair Sam joined the Parkville Chamber in September of 2020 at the Cornerstone level membership. This gave him access to our events which he was able to take advantage of! He and his wife Sarah enjoyed the 5k/10k in August and our Trivia Night in November. You can be sure too that where there is food - there is Sam! He is probably the most regular lunch attendee that we have (besides me).

Griffis Financial Planning Solutions - Jennifer Griffis Jennifer joined the Parkville Chamber in December 2019 and just upgraded her membership for 2022 to the Champion's Club level. She will enjoy increased visibility in our community with this membership. Jennifer has been active in attending and sponsoring events, including croquet, the golf tournament, and trivia night. Jennifer is a regular attendee of our monthly lunches too.

White Farmhouse Flowers - Denise Gaskill Denise joined the Chamber in February 2020 with her little blue truck Betty and no storefront. Being the entrepreneur she is, it wasn't long before Betty had a spot in front of her storefront on Main St. Denise has been generous with her donations and spreading her love of flowers at events. If you haven't had a chance to stop in it should be at the top of your to-do list.

Other (please specify)

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* 2. Small Business of the Year – Presented to a small business or "mom-and-pop" business that conducts business in the Parkville area for the betterment of our community and the members of the Chamber. This business owner is also involved with and/or has supported Chamber events, committees, and fundraising efforts. (Please choose one):

9Round Parkville - Connie Revers Connie has been an active Chamber member since 2018 and joined the Board of Directors in early 2020. 9Round continues to thrive and she and her daughter, Jen, recently purchased another gym in Tiffany Springs. They both attend lunches and coffees as time permits. Connie is active on our Ambassador and Gala Committees. She loves to volunteer, at times volunteering her own family members, and has been a big help with our golf tournaments, 5k/10k runs, and Trivia Night - and she pours a mean glass of wine!

KC Elder Law - Heidi Bremson Heidi has been involved with the Chamber for several years with a few other businesses but has found her home at KC Elder Law. Most recently KC Elder Law joined us for Trivia Night and they just happened to win 1st place - with the help of a few others at their table :) Additionally, they provided a sponsorship for our online Gala in January 2021 and spoke at one of our lunches providing some valuable information regarding elder care. Heidi attends lunches and other events as her time permits.

Undo Skincare - Kevin Robinson Kevin joined the Chamber in March 2020 just before the pandemic hit. Despite moving his business to a new location in Parkville, Kevin's business continues to grow and thrive. As Platte County Auditor and business owner, he even found time to become a member of the 2021 Board of Directors. Kevin can be found at most lunches and attends events as his time permits and is generous with his donations for the Chamber.

Other (please specify)

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* 3. Business of the Year - Presented to a business that has demonstrated sound business practices, leadership, and involvement in the Parkville area community. This business has also been involved with and/or has supported Chamber events, committees, and fundraising efforts. This award is intended to identify and promote excellence in leading businesses in the Parkville area. (Please choose one.)

Citizens Bank and Trust - Regina Plute Although Citizens Bank and Trust has been more of a "silent" partner, they continue to support the Chamber with a Champion's Club level membership. This level provides them visibility in the community, sponsorships, and attendance at many of our events. They have been very generous with their donations, whether it is for the Gala, croquet sponsor, or 5k/10k shirt sponsor.

Five Star Painting of N Kansas City - Tim Carlson Tim has been a Chamber member since November 2018, using the "Area" part of our name, as his business was in North Kansas City. Just this year Tim moved his business to Parkville and recently upgraded his 2022 membership to the Champion's Club level. Tim enjoys playing in our golf tournaments and attends lunches as time permits. He enjoys a good round of Trivia and has been generous with his sponsorships in these events.

Wells Bank - Joe Carroll Wells Bank has been a Chamber member for several years, but in 2021 stepped up their involvement by joining the Chamber Board of Directors. As a representative for Wells Bank, Joe Carroll has been a regular lunch and coffee event attendee. Wells Bank recently upgraded their 2022 membership to the Champion's Club level which will give them added visibility and involvement in the Chamber and the community. Joe has agreed to serve as Board Treasurer in 2022. Joe plays a mean game of trivia so if you are looking to join a winning team, Joe is your guy!

Other (please specify)

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* 4. Outstanding Community Partner - Presented to an organization or business that has had a special impact in the Parkville area. The recipient will have shown a continuing active interest in the welfare of the Parkville area in any or all of the following areas: promotion of business opportunities, retail, tourism, advocate or community booster, fundraiser, or volunteer. (Please choose one.)

Creekside Development - Brian Mertz Brian appears to be a man of few words but lots of action. Not only with his new Creekside Development, but also his work in downtown Parkville, restoring old buildings and bringing in new businesses. To name a few - The Craic, Main Stay Suites, the Exchange building (with more B&B suites above) and a new location for Popcultre Popcorn and The Bakery. Creekside, a $300M mixed-use project at I-435 and Hwy 45, includes multiple housing, retail, and entertainment/sports. Who knows what Brian's next project for Parkville will be but we know it will be great for Parkville.

Main Street Parkville Association - The hub of Parkville, the Main Street Parkville Association (MSPA), continues to promote and champion for Parkville. The festivals and events they host, including Microbrew Fest, Parkville Days, Christmas on the River, and the 4th of July, bring thousands of people into Parkville. Kelly Putnam, MSPA's Executive Director, is instrumental in organizing and running these events, along with many volunteers and businesses who are all anxious to help. Although the past 2 years have proven to be a challenge for all of Parkville, Kelly and her volunteers have done an amazing job keeping Parkville thriving!

Parkville Economic Development Council - The Parkville EDC’s mission is to help maintain and enhance the valued quality of life of Parkville by encouraging and coordinating responsible economic activity and community improvement. A representative from the EDC has been an active participant on the Chamber Board since 2012. Ed Linnebur joined the Parkville EDC as Executive Director in early 2021. Ed has had a major role in the current growth of Parkville, including future businesses - What-a-Burger, Taco Bell, and Dairy Queen, as well as new businesses - Anytime Fitness and Johnny's Tavern. We're looking forward to what 2022 will bring under Ed's leadership!

Other (please specify)