News & Events from the Brookfield Area Chamber of Commerce... A Great Place to Land!

Brookfield, Missouri - “A Great Place to Land!”

May 2007
"Chamber Chatter"

Hello from the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce…Had one of those odd requests come thru the office last week, let me share it with you. The casting director at CW Network TV is looking for a “real” farmer/rancher (or rodeo person) male, age 23-30, Single, with the good-ole-boy attitude, confident & charming to star in a network romantic reality show. Filming will start the middle of July and crews would be brought to our area if someone here is chosen. There are specifics on pictures and who to contact. Just call the Chamber office & I’ll pass the info on. Hey, who knows…it could be you!!!

The Chamber Board would like to thank all the businesses and individuals that donated to the Silent & Oral Auctions at our Annual Banquet last month. We earned a profit of $4800 and we thank you all…I know I’ve mentioned it before, but the Chamber is supported solely by membership dues and fundraising. One of our goals is to help bring people to Brookfield and provide some good family oriented entertainment. The fundraising helps keep these projects happening year after year and new events developing.

We’ve had 2 great weeks at the “Farmers Market”. Even though there isn’t much in the way of produce yet, there has been an abundance of hanging baskets & bedding plants, farm fresh eggs, home baked breads, cakes & pies, homemade jams & jellies and cute crafts. The new banner looks great and the local BAGP group is donating us printed “Brookfield Farmers Market” reusable bags. The market has a special feel to it, very calming & comfortable. People not only come to shop the local vendors, but they come to visit. Every week brings new things, and as the season changes, so will the produce. So, if you haven’t been yet, please come & give us a try. Every Saturday thru October from 8am-Noon @ Tormey Park.

Summer Fun Days is right around the corner and Jennifer Ludington is still accepting contestants (girls & boys) for the Little Mr. & Miss, (age 4-6) Jr. Prince & Princess, (age 7-9) & Prince & Princess, (age10-12). This is the first year that I remember us having the category for boys. There is also still time to register for the Jr. Queen (13-15) & Queen (age 16-19) Contest to be held May 31st at the Gazebo. Give Jennifer a call on her cell phone at 660-349-0195. We also still have room for more craft booths in the twin parks. Just call the Chamber at 258-7255.

A couple changes and additions on Saturday this year at Summer Fun Days. The 3-on-3 basketball sponsored by the YMCA will be held in the parking lot right beside Brookfield Therapy. The 200 block where 3-on-3 was normally held will have our local dealers displaying new cars & trucks, and tractors & lawn equipment. There will be Skateboard demonstrations just south of the oval on Main Street between 1 & 3 pm. We will also have an afternoon of free concerts at the Gazebo starting @ 1pm with “Four the Irony” a young up and coming group from Sturgeon, Mo. followed by local favorites “Holly & Hollister” @ 3pm.

Well, that ends another busy month…If you should have a question on anything that’s going on, please feel free to call the chamber office @ 258-7255 or e-mail chamber@brookfieldmochamber.com. To see a Summer Fun Days Poster or get a craft form just go to our new web site at www.brookfieldmochamber.com. Till next month…thanks for reading “CHAMBER CHATTER”!!!

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April 2007
"Chamber Chatter"

Hello from the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce… Boy, time is flying by and it’s almost Summer. A little too late for most of my fruit trees though. The Pear & Plum trees look like someone took a blowtorch to them. I’m waiting to see if they’ll make a comeback this year!!! Luckily the Main Street flower pots hadn’t been planted yet. The Spring flowers are grown at the Brookfield R-3 Greenhouse and planted by students of Greg Gentry’s Horticulture Class.

The Annual Chamber Banquet & Auction along with the BAGP Awards will be tomorrow night, @ the Brookfield Elks Club. The social hour and silent auction begin at 6pm with dinner and awards starting at 7pm. This event is always a lot of fun with good food and lots of great items in the auction. The auction items are all donated by local businesses to help fund the Chambers ongoing endeavors. The new 2007-2008 Officers & Board Members will be: Jarrod Black, President…Marcia Cunningham, Vice President…Carol Hunziker, Secretary…Mike Harris, Treasurer…Shane Thudium, David Hane, Tom Morris, Kathy McCurry & Teri Yardley. Outgoing 2006-2007 Officers & Board Members are Past President Amy Huffmon, Past Treasurer Norman Riddle, Karyn Hahn & Arturo Hurera.

I’ve had lots of people calling on the Farmers Market. Looks like it will be another great year down at Tormey Park. Remember, May 5th is the first Saturday and we hope to see you all there whether your shopping or selling. Park Sign Co. is making the new banner to hang across the arch giving a reminder all season long when the Market is open. If you would like more info just give a call to the Chamber!!!

Summer Fun Days is another event keeping the telephone ringing…The little choo-choo won’t be able to come this year but the City has been selected to host the Mo. Dept of Conservations “Show-Me Fish Aquarium”. It is 40 foot long and will be on display at the Fire Station May 31st- June 3rd. You will learn about Missouri’s aquatic life and see the fisheries biologists demonstrate fishing tips & techniques. Don’t miss this fascinating exhibit as it is the last year the mobile aquarium will accept request to appear at events. Another event that is not yet finalized but in the works is a skateboarding demonstration on Saturday. We have a lot of young, local enthusiasts ready to show us their skateboarding talents. A few of Summer Fun Days returning favorites will be the lawnmower races, 3 on 3 basketball, Farrell Hahn’s Variety Band concert, the carnival of course and a really large car show.

Welcome to Our New Chamber Members… Brookfield Bowl, Life Care Center of Brookfield, Watson Chiropractic, Keep It Simple & Sprague’s Locker. “Brookfield Bowl’s” new owners, Brian & Michelle Menini, moved here from California with daughter Sabrina in January 2006. Brian also bowls professionally. Their website is www.brookfieldbowl.com or call 258-7476. “Life Care Center” has been at 315 Hunt Street since 1983 providing Long Term Care to the area. They have a dedicated Alzheimer’s unit along with numerous other services designed to meet the needs of their residents. Life Care’s Director, Mike Young, invites you to visit their website, www.lcca.com for more information or call 258-3367. “Watson Chiropractic” has just opened his office at 316 N. Main Street. Dr. Brent Watson, D.C. is a Bucklin native. He accepts walk-ins and is open Mon.-Fri. 9-5. You can reach him at 258-4646. “Keep It Simple” has moved to 113 South Main Street in the old Moore Monument building. Co-owners Abby Sattman and sister Ashlee Taylor specialize in Primitive Home Décor with a wide assortment of candles & gifts for everyone's taste!!! Their phone # is 258-3600. Sprague’s Locker has been in Brookfield at 700 Brookfield Avenue since 1963. Owners Gene & Dennis Sprague (Father & Son) specialize in custom cut meats and barbeque. They also do catering for any size event. Their phone number is 258-5148. We welcome you all to the Chamber!!!

The 2007 Chamber Scholarship recipients are…Katie Sensenich, daughter of Carol & Mary Ann Sensenich & Alex Clawson, son of Scotty & Connie Clawson. Each will receive a $250 scholarship to assist in their college expenses and will be honored at the Chambers Annual Banquet tomorrow night. Our Congratulations to you both.

The Ribbon Cutting for Watson Chiropractic will be Tuesday, April 24th at 10AM @ 316 N. Main Street and the Ribbon Cutting for Keep it Simple will be Thursday, May 3rd at 10AM @ 113 South Main Street. Please stop by and welcome them both to their new facilities.

Here are some upcoming dates & events …Farmers Market opens May 5th at Tormey Park…Brookfield City Wide Garage Sale will be May 5th (call the Linn County Leader @ 258-7238)...Spring Bulk Pick up will be Saturday May 12th (call the water dept. with questions @ 258-2662)…Mothers Day is May 13th…Brookfield Summer Fun Days is May 31st-June 3rd…The Linn County Summer Classic Jackpot Show will be June 1st & 2nd at the Fairgrounds (call Keenan Switzer @ 695-4490)… and the Linn County Fair will be July 14th-22nd (I always call the Extension Office in Linneus for info…895-5123).

Well, that ends another busy month…If you should have a question on anything that’s going on, please feel free to call the chamber office @ 258-7255 or e-mail chamber@brookfieldmochamber.com. Remember to keep watching our new website grow at www.brookfieldmochamber.com. Till next month…thanks for reading “CHAMBER CHATTER”!!!

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March 2007
"Chamber Chatter"

Greetings from the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce…and a Happy 1ST Day of Spring to you all!!! The Chamber has a lot going on, but we like it busy. It means things are happening in Brookfield. Like the re-opening of Southside Equipment in the Brookfield Plaza. They’re not quite ready for a ribbon cutting yet, but they are open and doing business in their new store next door to Solo Tire. We’re glad to see Linnell up and running again. Stop by and say hi!!!

The Annual Chamber Banquet & Auction along with the BAGP Awards will be held on Thursday April 19th @ the Brookfield Elks Club. The social hour and silent auction begin at 6pm with Dinner and Awards Ceremony starting at 7pm. The Brookfield High School Jazz Band will be providing our entertainment along with the introduction of new Chamber Board Members & Officers and of course the always entertaining Oral Auction. The Chamber Board members will be going door to door to our local businesses selling the Banquet Tickets or you can get them at the Chamber office.

Farmers Market will begin its 2nd year on Saturday, May 5th at Tormey Park. This year we will have a new banner that will hang across the entrance. Last year it was such a success and I know this year will be even better. If you would like more info just give a call to the Chamber!!!

Summer Fun Days Crafter Forms were sent out last month and Food Vendor Forms will go out this week. Remember SFD’s will be May 31st thru June 3rd with June 2nd being the big day at Twin Parks. Jennifer Ludington has volunteered to organize the Queen Contest & Baby Show this year. Thank you, thank you!!!

Its Annual Membership time at the Chamber...We have been working hard to make Brookfield proud and hope to gain many new members this year. The Chamber office and all its functions are supported solely with Membership Dues and fundraisers. We are here to assist the entire community and if we are to grow we need you to grow with us.

Welcome to Our New Chamber Members… Lots of Tots Daycare had their Ribbon Cutting on February 27th. It is a well organized, fully staffed, beautiful facility. Located in a new building @ 302 W. Canal, Owner Heather Lawrence says they can take up to 60 kids and up to 20 infants. The phone # is 258-2778. Excelsior Mfg. & Supply Corp is another new member this month. They have recently purchased the Spec Building to expand their facility and will be adding more than 40 new employees. Both buildings are located in the Industrial Park.

Local Artist Wendy O’Toole has about completed the 1st trash bin (sponsored by Cleveland Real Estate) and it looks so good. The next one will be a “Hot Air Balloon” scene sponsored by Richard & Sherry Techau. We have received 1 gallon of donated paint so far. Remember any color can be used for this project. If you have some partial cans we will gladly accept them.

The Chamber Scholarship forms are available at the High School Counselors office. Each year we give two $250 scholarships. Due date is April 5th.

Have some dates & events you might like to jot down…Brookfield City Wide Garage Sale will be May 5th (call the Linn County Leader @ 258-7238). Spring Bulk Pick up will be Saturday May 12th. (the water dept. can answer any questions @ 258-2662). The Linn County Summer Classic Jackpot Show will be June 1st & 2nd at the Fairgrounds (call Keenan Switzer @ 695-4490). And the Membership Drive Dinner for the “New” Linn County Cattleman’s Assoc. will be this Thursday March 22nd @ 7pm. (call Keenan Switzer for info, 695 4490). The Kaleidoscope Players Dinner Theatre, “Death by Chocolate” will be March 29th, 30th & 31st @ the Brookfield Elk’s (Reservations are a Must).

Well, that ends another month…If you should like to volunteer to help at one of our functions or have a question on anything that’s going on, please feel free to call the chamber office @ 258-7255 or e-mail chamber@brookfieldmochamber.com. Remember to keep watching our new website grow at www.brookfieldmochamber.com. Till next month…thanks for reading “CHAMBER CHATTER”!!!

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February 2007
"Chamber Chatter"

Hello from the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce…February has been very cold and I am so glad to see winter almost gone!!! My garden is calling, even though it is still buried in snow and Spring Fever has grabbed me…I considered wearing flip flops today!!!

Welcome to Our New Chamber Member… The Admiral Donald Davis Post Office, located at 201 W. Boston here in Brookfield. Teri Yardley is the Post Master and we are thinking the Post Office has been in business for as long as Brookfield has existed….148 years. She’s checking on that. The Post Office has 17 employee’s and their phone number is 258-7044.

The Chamber of Commerce Website is under construction…It has been a long time since it had been updated (most info from 2003). You can watch its progress by going to www.brookfieldmochamber.com. The new Homepage is up and soon we will link to all the Chamber members who have websites. There is a nice page being built for All the Area Festivals and Events and we ask that these organizers get their updated info to the Chamber office so everyone can see what is happening in and around Brookfield & our neighboring communities. There is also a page called “Our Town” where we can show off Brookfield to the world!!! It’s a work in progress and if you have a great idea…please call. This is going to be a real asset for Brookfield and a nice new perk for our Chamber Members.

Wendy O’Toole, local artist, will be painting murals on the trash boxes up and down Main Street. Each Trash Box will have its own unique story to tell about the Brookfield Area. She is donating her time, but materials and sponsors are needed. It was a thought that many people have partial cans of paint that they won’t ever use again, so I am asking for any of those to be donated to the cause!!! The paint can be dropped off at the Chamber Office & I’ll get it to Wendy. All colors and types will be greatly appreciated.

Heard from Stephanie Finney at the Brookfield Senior Center last week and the April 3rd ballot will give us the opportunity to vote for a very small tax (5 cents on each $100 assessed) to provide services for our Senior Citizens. The passing of this bill will assist the entire County at an average cost of $10.59 per year each household. There is too much information for me to share with you, but Stephanie will gladly come and speak at your club or organization or send you all the info. Just give her a call at 258-2577.

In case you thought you missed it…The Parks & Rec indoor Garage Sale is still going on. They have continued to receive donations so they will continue to sell. This is located in the Burris Center, 1 Center Drive…or call 258-5644.

At the February Chamber Board meeting, we discussed forming a group to start fundraising efforts for new Christmas Ornaments. The last time money was raised to buy new Ornaments for the town, there were many different groups & individuals involved. I remember teachers taking pies in the face for donations, and KZBK hosted the Radio Auction with local guests everyday helping out. The Radio Auction went on for more than a week and was a great success. This fundraising venture is just beginning and we ask everyone to get involved. Please call the Chamber Office, your ideas and expertise are wanted!!!

Well, that ends another month…If you should have any great ideas to help better our community or have a question on anything that’s going on, please feel free to call the chamber office @ 258-7255 or e-mail me at chamber@brookfieldmochamber.com. Remember to keep watching our new website grow at www.brookfieldmochamber.com. Till next month…thanks for reading “CHAMBER CHATTER”!!!

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January 2007
“Chamber Chatter”

Hello, I’m Fran Graff, Director of the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce. In case you don’t know us, the Chamber Office is located at 300 North Main Street, next to Tooey’s Clothing…Two doors down from the license bureau!!! Our office that is open M-F from about 10am-4pm…Most of the year we have phone books, Missouri Travel books & brochures, Missouri Highway Maps, and of course the “new” Brookfield City/Linn County Maps. In this column, I’ll try and keep you all posted on what we have going on and sometimes I’ll share my personal joys, like the birth of my new granddaughter, Kaidence Rylie on 12/21/06. What a great way to end the year. I am now blessed with 4 grandchildren!!!

Hope you had a Happy New Year and my thanks to you for reading “Chamber Chatter”. After last month’s column, I had more people come thru these doors asking for maps, and vacation guides than I’d seen all year!!! That’s why I’m going to use this space to tell everyone that the license bureau isn’t in this office…it’s at 306 N. Main St…and they are listed in the phone book as “Brookfield License Bureau”…and their phone number is 258-7303. I hope this helps. Everyone has trouble finding them in the phone book.

We welcome our new Chamber members... McLarney Manor and Brookfield Electric. McLarney Manor is a 60 bed Skilled Nursing Facility, with licensed physical, occupational & speech therapists on staff, located at 116 E. Pratt since 1961 & purchased by Tiffany Care Center in 1983. Administrator, Tammy Henderson has been with McLarney Manor for the past 10 years and has been continually involved with the community, most recently hosting a “Health Fair” during last years Summer Fun Days. From Sacramento California we have gained not only a new family, but a new Electrician & Chamber member. Brookfield Electric is owned by Mike & Zeina Allen. Mike has 18 years of experience as a certified electrician in all phases of Residential, Commercial, Agricultural and Industrial. He gives free estimates on all jobs large or small. Phone # is 258- 2498 or e-mail @ brookfieldelectric@sbcglobal.net. They have 3 children going to school here in Brookfield, love the school system and thrilled to be new Brookfieldians!!!

Brookfield Sesquicentennial Organizational Carry-In Dinner will be this Saturday, January 20th at the Elk’s Lodge Ballroom. Social hour at 6pm and Carry-In Dinner at 7pm. Meat, drinks, & table service will be provided. Just bring a covered dish and your creative ideas. People of all ages are invited to attend and get involved with the planning and organization of the Sesquicentennial to be held July of 2009. The kick-off dinner meeting will include a fun-filled evening of dinner & movies from our past Centennial & Quasquicentennial. You’re all invited!!! For more info please contact Shane Thudium @ 258-5707 or Sara Wessing @ 258-2682.

Summer Fun Days planning is underway. Dates will be May 31st thru June 3rd…At last weeks Board Meeting, the Backroad Cruizers were in attendance to discuss their anticipated growth for 07’s car show. Extra room in West Twin Parks will been provided for this expansion. Fountain City Amusements will again be the carnival this summer. City Hall has got the big Aquarium coming back and the Lawnmower Races and The Little Toot Express are both scheduled, along with 3 on 3 basketball and the YMCA’s 5&10K Run. There will be a Queen Contest, Baby Show, Parade, Petting Zoo, Concert in the Park and Fishing Contest…maybe even the Talent Show will make a comeback this year!!! Summer Fun Days is the biggest Art & Crafts Show of the year and as we speak, the craft & vendor forms are being prepared to mail. It’ll be here before you know it.

The success of Brookfield Bucks has provided a big boost to the awareness of “Shopping Local”. We thank you all who purchased, received or shopped with them. This is a continuous campaign and the Bucks don’t expire, so think about giving them next time you need a gift.

Well, that ends another month…If you should have any great ideas to better our community or have a question on anything that’s going on, please feel free to call the chamber office @ 258-7255 or e-mail me at chamber@shighway.com. Till next month…thanks for reading “CHAMBER CHATTER”!!!

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