The Roundtable of Blue Springs – March 2010 Newsletter

Greetings!

Here are the notes from our March 2010 meeting of The Roundtable.  I hope that the sharing of this information among civic groups and organizations helps to facilitate communication and cooperation within our community.  If you are not able to attend a meeting, I encourage you to send your calendar of events and notes about your group's activities so they can be included in our next newsletter.  My email address is in the block to the left.

Communication is the key!  Share this information with your group!

BUY BLUE SPRINGS!

Buy Blue Springs "Because Next Door Means More!"  You may have seen the banners around the city.  And, hopefully you will see more and more about this initiative in the future.  Lara Vermillion of the Blue Springs Chamber made a presentation to The Roundtable to introduce the Buy Blue Springs  initiative that was launched at the Chamber's December 2009 luncheon.  The idea was submitted to Lara by local business owner Mark Whitlow who also agreed to Chair the new committee.  Key players and stakeholders met to brainstorm, research of similar campaigns in other communities was gathered and implemented, and a marketing plan is in development. 

The objective of Buy Blue Springs is to encourage local businesses and citizens to spend locally in order to grow and support local businesses, the employment base, the tax base and the economy.  Spending within the community helps to build the overall wealth and economic vitality of our city.

Components of the campaign include the Buy Blue Springs banners, their website www.buybluesprings.com, point of sale materials, appearances by their mascot "Little Blue", reusable shopping bags, coupon books, Blue Springs School District Cable Channel 15 commercial spots, and web ads.  Local businesses will have many opportunites to buy-in or sponsor campaign elements.

The committee is currently working on community education about the program.  The completed marketing plan will roll out in April.  If you would like to participate or learn more, the committee meets on the last Wednesday of each month at the Blue Springs Chamber office (1000 Main Street) at 8:30am.  The next meeting is March 31st.

Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce

-Lara Vermillion

The Chamber office is under renovation and getting a long overdue facelift.  The conference room space has been drywalled, painted, and expanded and new carpeting has been layed.  This process will now continue in the reception area and offices.  Recently, roof and exterior wall leaks were also repaired. 

The downtown area merchants have been meeting with the Chamber to discuss issues relevant to their businesses.  Among the hot topics is parking in the downtown area and results of a recent survey of downtown businesses.

The Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Class has adopted St. Mary's Manor as the benefactor for their first annual service project.  The group will renovate the patio areas at the facility, and provide new planters and furniture for the residents.

The Chamber is encouraging local business people to fill out their "Skill Bank" survey.  This is a short online questionaire which will help the Chamber to identify expertise within the community.  "Experts" may be called to speak in classrooms or organizations.  Please take a moment and fill out the short survey by clicking on the link in the left column.

The Chamber of Commerce's Annual Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, May 3rd, at the Blue Springs Country Club.  Mark your calendars.

For information- call 816-229-8558

The City of Blue Springs-Roscoe Righter

Kim Nakahado will join the city staff on April 5th as Public Informaion Officer.  Kim replaces Meredith Parrish.  Welcome to Blue Springs, Kim!

The city encourages everyone to complete the 2010 census form.  Accurate and complete census information is important for our cities development!

The Blue Springs Police Department introduces the new Youth Police Academy modeled after the very successful Citizens Police Academy which is in its sixth class.

March with the Mayor!  The 2nd annual fitness walk will be held on Friday, April 9th at 12:15pm begining in front of city hall.  Stretch out those winter aches and celebrate warmer weather and healthy activity by joining Mayor Carson Ross for a walk in the downtown area!

Blue Springs Parks & Recreation-Roscoe Righter

The new Disc Golf Course (at Young Park, North of Blue Springs South High School) is nearing completion and will kick-off with a tournament on May 23rd.

June 5th is National Trails Day

"Time & Place" is this year's public art exhibit which will be unveiled April 1st at Pink Hill Park.  Commissioned art pieces will be on display through October 3rd.

The walking trail at Ward Park will be renovated and expanded with funds from a grant which is still in the works.  Construction dates are TBD.

The Centennial indoor pool will be closed beginning April 19th for renovation and replacement of the roof and structure.  The pool will reopen in time for Memorial Day.

Winning entries of the recent local artist's exhibit and contest are now on display at city hall.

Pre-sale of annual pool passes and registration for summer leagues and activities are now underway at city hall. 

Annual Easter Egg Hunt is this Saturday, March 27th from 10am -Noon at Rotary Park.  Free for children ages 2-8.

The Wall That Heals- Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be on display at Pink Hill Park from September 30-October 3rd.  Volunteers are needed.  If your group would like to participate, call 816-228-0137.

Welcome Rachel Brown, new Recreation Supervisor with the Parks & Recreation Department began on March 8th!  Rachel will work out of Vesper Hall offices.  She is a graduate of University of Central Missouri.

Have a happy and blessed Easter holiday!