The Webb City Area Chamber of Commerce, a voluntary organization of the area business community, is an effective non-profit organization committed to helping solve business and community problems, and provide services to its members. As in most volunteer organizations, the Chamber's strength lies in its membership, enabling them to accomplish collectively what no one could do individually. The work of the Chamber is done through committee structure, each working to promote its mission.

In addition, the Chamber is an information agency, providing answers to inquiries of all types. To business prospects and newcomers, the Chamber represents Webb City as a goodwill ambassador. Its focus is to make the Webb City area a better place to live and work.

Officers & Staff

Lou Gutheil, President

Lynn Ragsdale President Elect

Kristen Sweet, Vice President

Jay Logal, Treasurer

Dixie Meredith, Executive Director

Gwen Allen, Administrative Assistant 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jerry Fisher

Brad Baker

Randy Wilson

Mike Wiggins

Wally Shields

Jeff Montgomery

ADVISORY BOARD

Cheryl Roderique, Immediate Past President

Cyndi Adamson, Past President

Mike Moore, Past President

Jeff Montgomery, Past President

John Biggs, Mayor, City of Webb City

Steve Garrett, City Administrator

Stephen Hoenshell, Postmaster

Dr. Ronald L. Lankford, Supt.W.C. R-VII School District

Dr. John Tiede, Missouri Southern State University

Jim Honey, Jasper County Commissioner

 MISSION

The mission of the Chamber is to promote improved quality of life in the community, support the educational programs, seek retention, improvement and expansion of the economic base, and be an advocate for the business community.

GOALS

 In order to achieve the Mission of the Chamber, the following goals and strategies have been established:

• to support activities beneficial to the community and its citizens
• to promote the cultural interests of the community
• to promote and develop employment opportunities to retain young people in Webb City
• to support activities of Webb City R-VII School District, Crowder College, Missouri Southern State University and Southwest Center for Educational Excellence.
• to assist existing businesses in addressing current challenges,  promote increased  business and expansion of business
• recruitment of new businesses and industries
• to promote tourism
• to promote positive relationships with neighboring communities
• to advocate for Chamber members in city, state and national legislative and governmental matters

Benefits of Membership 

Sponsorship Opportunities (Sp) – The Chamber year provides a wide range of sponsorship opportunities.  Choose a sponsorship that fits your needs and budget and make us part of your marketing plan. Contact the Chamber office for more details.  

Website/Links – The Chamber website lists members and provides members the opportunity to include links to their business homepages. 

Targeted Mailings – Take of advantage of membership lists on mailing labels for a nominal fee. 

Membership Plaque – Your business will show the public you support the community when you display your Chamber Membership Plaque. 

Membership Directory –Three ways to advertise your business in the directory.  Each member is listed in the directory alphabetically and by category.  Advertising in the directory is available only to Chamber Members (fees vary).  The directory is included in relocation packets and is placed at City Hall. 

Ribbon Cuttings (Sp) – Whether a grand opening, change in ownership, major remodeling, a new location, or celebrating an anniversary, you can take advantage of the Chamber’s Ribbon Cutting service that  brings the Ambassadors, membership and media to you. 

Announcements – Twice monthly the Chamber will send members’ announcements to the Chamber’s e-mail distribution group at no charge. Call the Chamber office for details. 

Networking

Annual Banquet (Sp) – Award presentation and program for membership held in October.  This is a great chance to network with an average of 300 attendees.   

Fifth Friday Coffee (Sp) – The coffees are hosted every fifth Friday by member businesses as a great opportunity to network with an average attendance of 50 Chamber members and guests.   

Eggs & Issues (Sp) – Held February through April, each year this is an open forum where local legislators share information about state issues and discuss local issues. The Webb City Chamber partners with the Joplin, Carthage and Neosho Chambers as hosts for these events. 

Quarterly Membership Meetings/Wow! Webb City! – Quarterly luncheons focusing on issues of interest to members and introduction of new members.  

Business Connection/LEADS – Representatives of non-competing businesses gather every other month to showcase their businesses and network. Chamber Committees – Employees of member businesses are encouraged to get involved on a committee anytime during the year.   Staff Support – Chamber staff is ready to assist you with relocation, marketing, and other business related concerns              

Referrals – Chamber members are always referred when product or service information is requested at the Chamber office. 

Committees

Ambassadors/Membership

The Ambassadors host ribbon cuttings and groundbreaking ceremonies and promote goodwill within the Chamber.

Banquet This committee plans and organizes the chamber’s annual membership banquet. Although not active most of the year their schedule is busy and intense when planning the banquet. Due to their efforts attendance at the banquet has shown steady growth through the years.

Christmas Primarily responsible for planning the chamber’s Christmas Parade, this committee has expanded its efforts to a tree lighting ceremony in King Jack Park, and a visit with Santa at the chamber office.

Economic Development In addition to routine promotion and support of the business community, this committee is involved in promoting development of commercial and industrial properties.

Education The Cardinal Teacher Awards are the primary function of this committee that has expanded its scope to include service on Crowder’s Advisory Committee.

Legislative Affairs This committee is the liaison of the chamber to the Missouri Legislature. Duties also include hosting Eggs & Issues.

Community Involvement

Annual Christmas Parade  

Webb City Chamber Night at the Ballpark (Sp) - It’s a home run for the entire city!!  The Springfield Cardinals welcome Webb City and recognize our ball teams of all ages.  Fun for everyone! 

Cardinal Teacher Awards (Sp) – Five out-standing teachers in the Webb City R-VII School District are honored each year and are recognized at the chamber’s annual membership meeting and banquet.  

Springtime on Broadway, April 23rd & 24th, 2010