Salem MO Area Chamber

12/21/2024

The Chamber building will be open Monday, December 23rd, but closed on Tuesday the 24th & Wednesday the 25th, reopening on Thursday the 26th. We will also be closed on January 1st.

Wishing everyone a very merry holiday season! 🎄🎊

12/18/2024

Let’s take a moment to talk about how cool our community is. They really pulled together in this time of need - Salem & surrounding areas. What’s pictured below isn’t even all we got at the Chamber today, and we were only 1 pickup location! Everyone showed up and showed out!

The The Dent County Toy Drive has met their toy & financial needs!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

At this time, the Chamber is still accepting monetary donations & shelf stable foods & toiletries for Scenic Rivers Industries and their employees while they get back on their feet since there was total loss.

THANK YOU to all of the people of Salem & surrounding areas again, that poured love into this community when needed most. I am so proud & honored to call this place home! Good job everyone! Good job for being the light in a dark moment ❤️

12/17/2024

‼️HOW TO HELP THE DENT COUNTY TOY DRIVE & SCENIC RIVERS INDUSTRIES/SHELTERED WORKSHOP:

So many people are reaching out to help after the devastating fire - how can you help?

MONETARY donations can be directed to Bank of Salem & we will have a link to donate soon, as well as a Cash App for both the Toy Drive & Sheltered Workshop. Money donations can also be accepted at the Chamber of Commerce in Salem. Checks can be made out to “Dent County Toy Drive” or “Scenic Rivers Industries/Sheltered Workshop” and taken to the Bank of Salem, The Chamber, or sent to P.O. Box 64 in Salem.
PayPal:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=3V4RXGWTBSXZL

TOYS can be donated to the Salem MO Chamber of Commerce at 1136 South Main St in Salem, the Bank of Salem Crossroads Branch, and the Salem Community Center @ the Armory/Healthy Dent County. Toys are needed for ages 1-12 boy & girl, and are preferred to be new & packaged, but please do NOT gift wrap them so they can be sorted properly. We let parents wrap the gifts so they can sort as they need to as well. We need fleece blankets, stockings, stocking stuffers, toys. TOYS NEED TO BE DONATED BY THURSDAY AT NOON. We hope to distribute toys by Thursday afternoon to Friday.

FOOD DRIVE - the Salem Chamber of Commerce is accepting food items that are shelf stable, toiletries/hygienics, and Walmart gift cards for the employees of Scenic Rivers. 32 certified disabled employees are out of work and will need assistance with their basic daily needs. Please call 573-729-6900 or 573-247-3571 for any questions!

Please pray for those involved. The fire department and Scenic Rivers Industries. The people there lost more than just their job. Many of them will be unable to work anywhere else. They are a family.

12/17/2024

At a complete loss of words this morning. Our hearts are absolutely broken for this place and all the people who worked there and loved it. Scenic Rivers Industries was such a contributing place in our community. Prayers for all those who are directly affected by this, and prayers that we will be able to restore. 💔

From the Dent County Toy Drive:
“So many people are reaching out to help after the devastating fire. We are setting things up now. Monetary donations can be directed to Bank of Salem and we will have a link to donate soon. Toys can be donated to the Salem, MO Chamber of Commerce at 1136 South Main, Salem. Please reach out to Becki Godi-Heathman via TEXT if you have questions 573-247-0086.

What was lost? Toys for about 130 kids. They were loaded up to take to the armory this week to distribute. Those toys make up about $13,000 but taking into account we buy so much on clearance, bulk, etc it’s going to take more to replace.

If you want to donate items we need fleece blankets, stockings, stocking stuffers, toys for ages birth to 12.

Please pray for those involved. The fire department and Scenic Rivers Industries. The people there lost more than just their job. Many of them will be unable to work anywhere else. They are a family.”

Due to an active fire at Scenic Rivers Industries/Sheltered Workshop at Franklin and Grand, we ask that you avoid the area and surrounding streets. There are several hydrants in use and numerous hoses across the streets. As well, numerous fire trucks from neighboring agencies are relaying water back and forth.

12/13/2024

Just a reminder for some things coming up this weekend and this month! 🎄

Not pictured: Tomorrow, Sat. Dec. 14th at 7pm the Bonebrake Center in Salem is having a Victorian Musical featuring the Salem Chamber Choir Singers. You can call 573-729-1737 to inquire about seating since it is limited.

Are we missing anything for this month? You can drop details for your event below! 👇

12/11/2024

Yesterday we had a fantastic luncheon hosted by SRI-Dent County/Sheltered Workshop & our meal was catered by Vintage Apron Catering! 🤩

The Dent County Sheltered Workshop/Scenic Rivers Industries will be having an open house this month! This is a great chance to see just what they do, take a tour, and get some Christmas shopping done - more details below!

We got to hear from Carrie Weber, who is currently a member on the Scenic Rivers Industries board. Carrie shared with us many great facts, details, and perspectives on how SRI operates and why they do what they do. Scenic Rivers Industries is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to provide productive and fulfilling employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

SRI Sheltered Workshop was founded in 1977 by Libby Sanders, opening with 15 employees at the time. The current workforce is made up of 32 certified employees. Their core beliefs are rooted in service, quality, teamwork, and success of their goals.

Why do sheltered workshops benefit the community you may ask?
-For the employees: they get to work on skill development, fostering independence and self esteem, and create pathways that lead to competitive jobs and entrepreneurship.
-For the community: economic impact & reduced reliance on public assistance, social inclusion and diversity, reliable & high-quality services, and environmental benefits through recycling and sustainability efforts.

Some of the things employees work on & accomplish are: assembly of bird & bat houses with custom woodshop and packaging, grounds maintenance, industrial shredding, cardboard/newspaper/magazine recycling, commercial laundry services, and more! We gave some fun statistics of all they accomplished in 2023 at the beginning of this year, and we can’t wait to see what the wrap is on 2024! Make sure to come see everything for yourself on December 21st, and thank you to everyone who attended the luncheon yesterday! A special thanks to Mike & Dianne Godi and Samantha Strange who do so much for SRI and were able to attend and help speak and answer questions, as well as Sherry Lea with the Salem Community Center at the Armory who lets us host at their location! 😊

12/05/2024

🎄🎄🎄PARADE ROUTE BELOW🎄🎄🎄

Christmas Parade - Have Your Elf A Merry Little Christmas - This Saturday, December 7th at 6pm. 🧝🏻✨🎅🏻

Yellow highlighted line is the route. The Parade begins on Franklin Street as shown by the red star - citizens are not permitted to set up on Grand St where participants are needing to line up. The parade ends on 4th St. like usual.

🏗Yes, there are 2-3 construction spots on 4th street.
🚧Yes, they will be well lit, marked off, and monitored by police.
✅Yes, it is safe for all walkers & parade floats to safely make it through.
👍And yes, we ask that you stay away from the marked off areas and use precaution while navigating 4th Street to ensure your safety.

Participants: Lineup begins 5-5:30pm. The first 12 spots are reserved. Participants are to enter by the treatment center and line up as you come, starting after place spot 12.

If anyone has questions, please call the Chamber at 573-729-6900!
We can't wait to see you and start the Holiday Season off right ❤️🎄

12/04/2024

🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻 PARADE PSA: PLEASE READ 🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻

🗓️ When: This Saturday, Dec. 7th at 6pm in Downtown Salem
🧝🏻 Theme: Elf on the Shelf - “Have your elf a Merry little Christmas”

THE PARADE WILL BE ON THE SAME ROUTE AS ALWAYS, ENDING ON 4th ST.
•Yes, there are 2-3 construction spots there. 🚧

•Yes, they will be well lit, marked off, and monitored by City police. 👮🏻‍♂️

•Yes, there will be room for the parade floats and walkers to make it through safely. ✅

We ask that you use precaution as you navigate on the sidewalks and use precaution around the marked off areas and keep distance from them. Please pay attention to surroundings!

If you have entered to be in the parade, you will be receiving an email tomorrow with all the necessary details. 📧

We can’t wait to see you there and start this Holiday Season off right! ❤️🎄

12/02/2024

Congratulations to our Grand Marshals of this years 2024 Christmas Parade! We couldn’t be more excited to recognize Mike & Dianne Godi, and all the good that they do within our community. Their hearts for service and of gratitude truly shine! Members in the community like this help it to thrive, and we are so thankful. ❤️

Christmas Parade: WE WILL BE ON OUR REGULAR PARADE ROUTE - ENDING ON 4th St. We ask that you keep caution from construction spots, which will only be the bumper in front of VIP Properties & the strip from Flyin W Boutique to H&R Block. These areas will be lit and blocked off, we just ask that you use precaution as you navigate along 4th street. This Saturday, December 7th, Lineups begin at 5-5:30pm, Parade starts at 6pm. If you have already entered to participate, you will be receiving an email on Thursday for what to expect! If you have not entered but would like to, send an email to [email protected] to request a form - due by 4:30pm Wednesday!

11/22/2024

Mark your calendars for some fun Christmas events and special things coming up for the end of November and during December! ❄️🎄

Sign up for some fun classes at the Salem Creative Arts Center: https://www.salemcommunitybetterment.com/salem-creative-arts-center-events

Are we missing anything? Drop details for your event in Salem below! 👇

11/13/2024

Yesterday we got to listen to Joel Doepker present about East Central College and have a delicious taco bar meal provided by Vintage Apron Catering!

East Central College has the mission of empowering students and enriching communities through education, and the vision of being a leader in higher education, inspiring academic excellence and driving community development.

ECC aims to:
-Provide associate degree programs and coursework to prepare students for transfer to baccalaureate institutions.
-Provide associate degree and certificate programs to prepare students with career skills to enter or advance in the workforce.
- Prepare students in core academic areas for success in college-level studies.
-Surround its academic programs with supplemental learning opportunities and support.
-Create a safe learning environment that is student-centered and effective in its delivery of services.
-Provide the resources and support needed to meet students’ educational and personal goals.
-Enhance campus life through extracurricular activities and community events.
-Provide business and industry services and training in support of regional economic development.
-Offer continued education, professional certification, and personal enrichment opportunities.
-Be a center of cultural activities, providing enrichment to the community.

Joel discussed these goals with us, as well as the different programs offered, enrollment statistics, and more! He informed us about the new Rolla facility that is in the works and plans to be constructed and operating by 2027! He also discussed a new partnership between ECC and the Phelps County Sheriffs Dept. that is a Law Enforcement Training program! The first class of students graduated on July 27, 2024 and have all be hired by local agencies. The licensed training center provides regional law enforcement agencies with highly skilled officers!

Thank you to Joel, Christina, and Cynthia Cubas for coming out to present about ECC, to Vintage Apron for a yummy meal, and to everyone who came to listen and support!

11/04/2024

Have Your Elf a Merry Little Christmas by joining us for our annual Christmas Parade! 🎅🏻🎄

Saturday, Dec. 7th at 6pm in downtown Salem!

Lineup starts at 5:30pm. If you would like to be in the parade, stop by the Chamber office at 1136 S Main St to get a form, or send an email a request a form at [email protected]! 🤩

The Salem Area Chamber of Commerce recently announced the Christmas Parade theme. The Christmas Parade theme this year is “Have Your Elf a Merry Little Christmas” – Elf on the

10/23/2024

County Road Coffee in Salem, MO! ☕️
Open 6am-5pm, Monday-Saturday ☀️

54 likes, 4 comments. “County Road Coffee in Salem, MO 📍☕️ Open 6am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday ☀️”

10/11/2024

Mark your calendars as we have plenty of things going on this month for everyone! If anything is forgotten, feel free to add it in the comments so we can know 👇
A list of some things for October & November:

•Creative Arts Center –List of Events for October: https://shoutout.wix.com/so/b7P94nhe7?languageTag=en – Also to note, hand stamped jewelry and basket weaving classes have been added.

•Salem Eagles Club – Having a Meat Shoot on Oct. 12th, 10 rounds/$5 per pound, a prize for top shooter in each round, stock guns only – no modifications allowed. Email [email protected] with any questions.

•Spring Creek Golf Club – Dolby’s Wing Cook-Off Fundraiser, October 12th! Wet division & dry division, wings can be turned in whole or separated. Each entry should include 4 flats and 4 drums, must cook on site, $20 per entry, sign-up sheet will be at the clubhouse this week! Text 573-247-8884 for any questions or more information.

•Walking Faith Ministries – Annual Harvest Party on Sat., Oct. 12th at 4pm at Walking Faith Ministries Church. You can call 573-466-9156 for more information!

•Meramec Regional Planning Commission - kicking off the Meramec Region Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Action Planning Grant with county open-house meetings throughout the region this fall. Through the SS4A planning process, MRPC staff will use traffic data, crash statistics and public input to identify dangerous locations and develop implementation strategies for safer transportation for all users. The Dent County open-house/drop-in meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. MRPC hopes to engage the public to discuss high-frequency accident areas and identify those not reflected in crash statistics. Please plan to attend and share with your community organizations and residents. Oct. 16 - Dent County from 1-3 p.m. (Health Dent County/Armory - Salem).

•Head Start - October is Head Start awareness month and to help celebrate that we are holding special events to invite the community in to see what Head Start offers for children and their families. If you can come to help us celebrate this wonderful program, please RSVP with how many people will be coming so our fabulous cooks can prepare enough food for all. We look forward to having you join us on these special days. Million Man Lunch: Oct. 23rd, 11:15am, at our local Head Start.

•Healthy Dent County –
o Fashion Show @ The Armory – Sat. October 19th, 12pm to 2pm – lunch served. “Come join us for lunch & a runway fashion show that will be a stylish showcase of local clothing retailers!” Flying W Boutique, Reveric Boutique & Designs, Rockin’ G Western Trading Post, and Walmart! Price Reduction on Tickets – Thanks to a generous local sponsor, the ticket price has been reduced from the original $25 to just $10 per person, tickets available now at the Salem Community Center @ The Armory.
o Witches Walk – Sat. Oct. 26th, $25 per person, Register by Oct. 16th to guarantee a t-shirt! For more information, contact 573-729-8163.
o Disco Casino Night – Saturday, November 2nd, doors open at 5:30pm, gaming will be from 6:30pm to 9pm. Hosted at the Salem Community Center at the Armory, dress in your favorite disco attire to win extra (fake) cash for the night! Call 573-739-1127 for more information or questions.

•Montauk State Park – A Haunting at the Mill – Oct. 19th from 5pm to 8pm - This event is held the Saturday before Halloween and presents history from a unique perspective. When the air begins to cool and the nights become longer, a strange fog hangs over Montauk. It is rumored that each year around Halloween, the spirits of Montauk Valley meet at the old Grist Mill to reminisce about the good old days, you know, when they were alive... Don't miss this not so scary, historical fun for the whole family, event! Show times are 5pm, 6pm, 7pm, 8pm, with a limit of 45 minutes per show.

•Rotary Club – 6th Annual Mouse Races! Oct. 26th at the Salem Community Center at the Armory. Doors open at 6:30pm, first race at 7pm. Entry: $6 per individual, $10 per couple, Children under 6 are free. Flyer with more details attached.

•Regine's Common Kitchen & Current River Cruisers Car Club -Poker Run, 50/50 Drawing, Prizes, and more! On October 26th from 10am to 2pm. Open to the public, all vehicles welcome - $20/hand. Stops include Echo Bluff, Akers, Montauk, and then back to Regines for final card and prizes. Proceeds benefit Current River Car Club.

•Dent County Historical Society/Ozarks National Scenic Riverways – Open House & Musical Jam from 10am to 3pm at Mt. Zion Church located in Akers, MO at 13400 County Road 7210. Bring an instrument and join local musicians, bring a lawn chair and picnic lunch, learn the culture and stories of the current river people, and come do some crafts – available for adults and children!

•Parsons Chiropractic & Salem Parks and Rec – Balloon Glow, Food Trucks, and Craft Fair! Saturday, October 26th, gates open at 11am. There will be plenty of cool things to see, and fun for the whole family. Admission is $5 for each person 2 and up. *Weather Permitting* Hope to see everyone there!

•Bonebrake Center – “Halloween in the Hollers”, Oct. 26th, at the Bonebrake Center located at 601 N. Hickory in Salem. Noon – vendors open and begin, 3:30pm -games, face painting, ghost stories, photo booth, and more begin, 4:30pm – Fun House/Haunted House (not so spooky, great for kids) starts/$5 entry fee, 6:30pm-11:30pm- Haunted Trails open/$10 entry fee. Contact [email protected] for any questions or more information!

•Trunk or Treat by Dent Co. Sheriff’s Office & Salem Police Dept. - Attached is a flyer created for the 2024 Trunk or Treat event. We would love to have your company or group attend to make a safe event for the kids of Dent County. The event will run October 31st from 6pm to 8pm on West Fourth Street, between MacArthur and Highway 19. You can reach out to Derrick Marfitt ([email protected]) , John Brown ([email protected]) , or Michael Moore ([email protected]) for any questions!

•Community Blood Center – Blood Drive on Tues. November 5th, 12pm to 6 pm at First Baptist Church in the Fellowship Hall at 201 N. MacArthur in Salem. Free Chiefs T-shirt for all donors while supplies last! Call 417-227-5006 or go to www.cbco.org/donate-blood to make an appointment.

**Note: Chamber office hours for the week of Oct. 14th to Oct. 18th will be 8:30am to 12:30pm. Call 573-729-6900 for any questions!

10/09/2024

Yesterday we had a delicious & informative luncheon! On behalf of The Bank of Salem we got to hear from FFA student Dylan Parker. Dylan was very lively, informative, and well spoken! Our amazing meal was provided by Heavenly Homestyle Catering & Co.

Dylan spoke to us about the mission for FFA(Future Farmers of America), which is: “Preparing students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, and natural resource systems. As well as building leaders for tomorrow.”

FFA is the premier youth organization preparing members for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. FFA develops members’ potential and helps them discover their talent through hands-on experiences, which give members the tools to achieve real-world success. Members are future farmers, chemists, veterinarians, government officials, entrepreneurs, bankers, international business leaders, teachers and premier professionals in many career fields.

Dylan also covered the program goals, which are:
1. To improve the quality of life for the Salem community, the state, and the nation.
2. To contribute to the goals and objectives of Salem High School by being an integral component of the school system
3. To develop agricultural proficiency needed by individuals engaged in or preparing to engage in agricultural occupations
4. To develop leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to enable an individual to obtain employment and to be successful in that employment
5. To develop an awareness and literacy of the agriculture industry in all members of the community.

He did a great job discussing the missions, goals, and purpose of FFA, as well as the many cool opportunities that students recieve while being in the program! Have a student that will be a freshman next year? Get them signed up for FFA! 👨🏼‍🌾

10/09/2024

Last week we had a bright & early morning Brewin’ Business with Phelps Health!
Thank you to James, the Clinic Manager, for giving us a tour and talking to us about the facility, and to Brooke Roger’s for bringing the Panera Bread coffee & goodies! ☕️

Phelps Health serves over 200,000 residents in south-central Missouri. Phelps Health is county-owned, non-tax supported and is overseen by a five-member elected board. Phelps Health employs more than 1,900 people, including 100-plus providers. Phelps Health, which includes a hospital licensed for 240 patient beds, serves a six-county area, with its main campus and several clinics located in Rolla, Missouri. Apart from Salem as well, Phelps Health also has clinics in St. James, Vienna, and Waynesville, Missouri.

Phelps Health has the mission to provide high quality, accessible healthcare within all of their facilities. Phelps Health prides itself on community service and investment, and offers programs and activities to the community that promotes educational resources to the public. Areas of community benefit include charity and/or uncompensated care, community outreach services, health professional education and community group donations.

We are thankful to have a clinic here in Salem, make sure to call them for any of your healthcare needs! 🌡️

10/09/2024

A cool little event for our kiddos to help raise firework money for next years show!! You can get your tickets now 🤩

🚨🚨🚨Tickets are now available! You can purchase tickets at the following businesses:
🎟️ Chamber of Commerce office
🎟️Progressive Ozark Bank
🎟️Riverways Federal Credit Union
🎟️The Bank of Salem
🎟️Town & Country Bank
You can also message through facebook messenger and we will be happy to help!

09/20/2024

New member highlight : MiPops Creations ⭐️
Joining the Chamber today we have Mipops Creations as tagged above! Starting pretty new, they offer beautiful t-shirts like pictured below (that they so graciously gifted), stove covers, blanket ladders, door signs, lazy susans, and serving trays! Help us welcome them to Salem & the Chamber by giving their page a like & follow! You can contact them through their facebook, email at [email protected], or give them a call at 1-850-496-7094!

Some other new members we have had join us in the 2024 year, and are thankful to have:

THREE - selling supplements & products for your health. Check them out at https://threeinternational.com/en 💊

Lone Pine Ranch & Arena, LLC - event center and horse ranch, hosting different events in the year! Check out and follow along on their page. 🐴

Heifer House & Co. LLC - the cutest charcuterie cups, boxes, boards, and tables for any and every occasion! Also offers occasional specials for sandwiches, shaker salads, and more! Check out their page! 🥪🥗🍇

Inside Out Home & Office Services - here for all your residential & commercial needs. Outdoor lawn care & landscaping, and indoor deep cleaning and shampooing. Follow along on facebook or contact 573-739-9113 for more info! 🧼🌳

5G Services LLC - Installing and servicing all residential HVAC systems, water heaters, and general handyman services! 🔥❄️

Discount Bins - Salem - Operating as a discount retail store with a treasure hunt or black friday buying frenzy theme. Follow along on their FB for great deals! 💵📦

Akers Ferry Canoe Rental - Reopened and now owned by the Blackwell family, Akers Ferry is located at 36869 Hwy K in Salem! Call 573-729-5229 for all your river rental needs. 🛶

Rooted & Built Design - Laser etched gifts for all of life’s special occasions. See more on their FB page! 🖼️

Annie's Grill - Back on wheels! Located in the lot across from Walmart. Follow along on FB for specials & menu items! 🍗🍔

Appliance Heroes LLC - They repair all brands and makes of appliances! Follow their FB for more info. 🔧

Reliable Carpet Cleaning - Here for all your carpet & upholstery cleaning needs! You can contact Chris Dunn at 1-314-660-5579. 🧼

Pioneer Forest - Run by the LAD foundation, managing the Pioneer Forest through single-tree selection harvesting. Oak, hickory, and pine trees dominate the forest. 🌳🌲

Smoker Friendly - Located at 803 Hwy 32 in Salem, offering ci******es, cigar, vapes, and more. Contact 573-729-8800 for more info! 🚬

Current River Cruisers - The coolest local group of old time cars, doing cruise ins for events and in town once a month, along with raising money for charity’s. Catch them in Montauk State Park on October 4th from 3-7pm! 🚘

Bible Impact Ministries & Whispering Winds Bible Camp - Reaching tomorrow’s leaders, learn more at https://bibleimpact.org ✝️

Ozarks Great Construction - located in Licking, MO, OGC specializes in steel buildings, housing, roofing, siding, concrete driveways, and additions! 🪚🔨

Dent County Historical Society - A nonprofit organization that began in 1966, the DCHS is dedicated to preserving our Ozark Heritage. ⏳

Honey Homestead - located on Stony Ridge Farm south of Salem, this air bnb offers the perfect spot to relax and unplug! Call 573-729-1060 for more info. 🍯🏠

The Crafty Doctors - Custom shirts, sweatshirts, & lots of other things! Join their FB group to follow along! 👕

Friends of the Chamber: Patti Mckeown, John Hewkin, Catherine Dent, & Mary Lou Vanwinkle

Once again, THANK YOU to all of our wonderful members! 🤍