Trenton Missouri Chamber of Commerce

Stella Bleaux Retail Outlet is Trenton's newest business which is located in the former Smith's Clothing Store. Stepping through the door reminds one of entering downtown Parkville boutiques. Owners Patricia Chumbley, Kristi Garrison, and Judy Clem have done a superb job of remodeling this historic downtown location.

Shoppers will find new clothing for men, women, teens, and children, as well as Christmas and home décor. Attractively displayed in old kitchen cupboards, showcases, and shelves are Christmas items many of which are less than $5. The clothing items are priced at around $5 but are new and high quality.

The owners obtain new, overstock items from various sources. Stating that she "loves a bargain", Patricia has brought that value and possibility to Trenton area shoppers. The color scheme in the store is dark burnt red and dark olive green with some exposed historic, brick. The historic , tin ceiling has been retained to add to the ambiance of the store. In the loft, which is called the Bargain Balcony, gently used clothing items are available. It is fun to go upstairs for those who recall shopping at Smith's Clothing Store. The ceiling feels as if it has lowered; it is sort of like returning to your childhood home that appears smaller.

Drop by Stella Bleaux in downtown Trenton to grab some great clothing, Christmas gifts, and home decor. The store is open 11:30 to-5:30 Monday through Friday and from 10:00 to 3:00 on Saturday. New inventory items are added daily. Congratulations to Patricia, Kristi, and Judy for starting the downtown revitalization that we have heard so much about the last few years. It is nice to see some action toward that goal!!!

Tastefully Simple Ribbon Cutting

A ribbon cutting was held recently for Kathy's Tastefully Simple welcoming her and her new business venture to the Chamber of Commerce. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to our new Chamber addition!

From main dishes to desserts, Tastefully Simple offers a wide variety of gourmet foods and gifts for every day and every occasion. Best of all, our products can be enjoyed right out of the package or prepared within minutes!

Give Kathy a call at 654-3057 to round out your holiday shopping or just pamper yourself with great products!

Trenton Welcome Sign Dedication Ceremony

New signs welcoming visitors to Trenton were dedicated in a ceremony on November 11th. Thank you to all of your who raised funds towards this project.

Committee members devoting time and energy towards the addition of new Welcome signs included: Ellen Dolan, Ted Druckenmiller, Esther Druckenmiller, and DeLane Hein. The Trenton Master Gardeners also served as committee members for this project.

These new signs are a wonderful addition to our community!

November 2008

Golf Recap

The Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament got under way Friday, September 26th, 2008 at the Riverside Country Club. The event began at 11a.m., with a luncheon for tournament participants at McJ's on the Green. Tee time began at 1p.m.
First place winning team was KCP&L. That team was comprised of Bill Fries, Evan Fries, John Surber, and Bruce Constant.

Second place was won by Barnes and Baker and was comprised of Mike Hooker, Gary Ferguson, Jim Weaver and Logan Wyant.

Winning third place honors was American Family/Slonecker Dental Clinic. That team was comprised of Gary Hurst, Kyle Hurst, Robert Day, and Richard Gruen.

Several hole contests were held as part of the tournament. Winners of hole contests were: Evan Fries, Gary Ferguson, Jim Weaver, Bob Evans, Jackie Walker, and Robert Day.

The Chamber would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated in this year's Annual Chamber Golf Tournament! You all really made this event great!

Area Housing List

The Chamber is requesting that businesses or individuals who have any available rental housing or rooms to rent to contact the Chamber and let us know. We get requests from college students, interested potential residents, and visitors on a regular basis requesting available housing in the area.

We have already compiled a short list, which we hand out to those seeking area housing. We are very interested in adding to this list. You may view the current listing of housing we have available on the Chamber website.

Please pass this request along to anyone you may know who might have property/room available, and do not hesitate to contact the Chamber and let us know about YOUR available housing! It benefits everyone!

October 2008

Welcome G&M

Please help us in extending a warm welcome the newest Trenton Chamber of Commerce members - G&M Tractor & Trailer Sales, LLC! The newly opened G&M is located at 1062 Oklahoma Ave, and offers parts and service for all your lawn and garden needs. A very popular item for G & M is scooters that deliver great gas mileage. They offer great products from Hustler, Shindaiwa, and Troy-Built just to name a few, and are a great place to check out before you begin any lawn or garden project. If you're in the market for a new tractor or trailer, or just need a special part or some repairs for your existing equipment, be sure to give them a call at 359-4800!

Let's welcome G&M to the Trenton Chamber of Commerce!

Modine Turns 40

The Chamber wishes to congratulate Modine Manufacturing on its 40th anniversary! They've passed along this news release detailing a bit about the company, and the plant’s upcoming open house:

“We're excited about the opportunity to show the community and the families of our employees what we do.
Five year ago at our 35th anniversary open house, we had far fewer people working here and more open space in the plant. Today we have 180 employees, we're running new processes for Charge Air Coolers, and the building is full of equipment.

Our main customers are Navistar and Freightliner but we also run product for GM, Chrysler, Paccar, and other Modine facilities around the world. We have robotic and automated equipment for producing and handling our radiators, charge air coolers and cooling modules.

We're excited about celebrating 40 years in north central Missouri. We hope to have a large attendance with families, retirees, and everyone in the surrounding area. It's Saturday, November 1st from 8 am to noon. Besides refreshments and souvenirs, you'll see some of the most advanced technology in the industry.”

Modine Manufacturing Company is located at 822 Industrial Drive. Modine and the Chamber hope you can attend the open house, and learn a bit more about one of the largest employers in the Trenton area! We thank Modine for being a part of our community!

KTTN Celebrates 30 Years of FM - September 15th, 2008

KTTN celebrated 30 years in FM broadcasting this September 15th! The Chamber extends congratulations to our local radio station!

KTTN AM signed on the air April 17th, 1955. Sam Burk, a highly regarded broadcaster from Kirksville, was the first owner. Bill Hundley, who very popular and community-minded, was the station’s manager for the first six years. When he bought his own radio station in Kansas, Burke sold KTTN to Clarence Breazeal, who was the Assistant General Manager of KCMO, number one in the Kansas City market at the time. Breazeal was at KCMO when they signed on both the radio and TV station. He owned and managed KTTN for the next 7 years until his retirement.

Marvin Luehrs, Everett Wenrick, and Judge Harold Fleck, previous owners of WJIL in Jacksonville, IL, bought KTTN, in 1968. Luehrs had been a previous manager, district manager and divisional manager in the Bell System before eventually managing WJIL. He subsequently managed KTTN for the next 20 years. During this time, he became president or a board member of most key organizations in Trenton. In 1979, he was elected to Trenton’s Hall of Fame.

KTTN FM became a reality September 15, 1978. Over two acres of land was purchased three miles east of the station’s downtown studios where the transmitter site and towers were located. All new Harris equipment was purchased and a consultant from Illinois was hired for the for the installation.

Judge Harold Fleck died in 1983, and at which time Luehrs and Wenrick bought his stock and sold 10 percent interest in the station to Michael Ransdell, then Operations Manager at KTTN. When Luehrs semi-retired in 1988, Ransdell was appointed General Manager. When Ransdell announced he would change careers in 1990, the stockholders decided to sell the station.

Effective August of 1992, KTTN AM and FM was purchased by a trio of local owners: John Anthony Ausberger, Timothy Perry, and Michael Ransdell. Anthony and Perry have been long time employees. Ransdell returned to KTTN employment in May of 1993.

In January 2002, John Anthony Ausberger became the sole owner of KTTN AM and FM and continues to work in the dual capacity of general manager and news director.

Through the years KTTN has enjoyed an audience far and above most radio stations. The number of listeners has made KTTN the envy of many of the competitors. The station’s management has always been committed to being highly respected and financially sound. Won’t you join us in celebrating 30 years of KTTN FM on the air in Trenton?

Golf Tourney Postponed - September 12th, 2008

Due to incliment weather, the Trenton Chamber Annual Golf Tournament ahs been postponed to a later date. All teams registered will be notified of the new date for the tournament as soon as it becomes avilable. Thank you for youe continued support of your local Chamber of Commerce!

New Trenton Magazines Avilable - September 10th, 2008

The new Trenton magainzes are now available at area businesses as well as the Chamber. The magazines were designed by Jennifer Farmer, with photos by Phil Schlarb, and feature information about our area, as well as a listing of our Chamber members, and their businesses. Stop by and grab your copy of this great magazine!

Member and Vendors Online Payments - June 5th, 2008

The Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that we can now accept online and credit card payments for membership dues and event vendors. The Chamber has partnered with PayPal, an easy and secure way to pay online. Check it out!

Golf Tournament Update - June 5th, 2008

The date has been chosen for the 16th Annual Trenton Chamber of Commerce Fundraising Gold Tournament. This year's event will take place September 12th, 2008. Information and registration forms can be found on our website by clicking here. We hope to see you there!

Terri's Top Picks - May 29th, 2008

In an effort to effectively market chamber businesses, a new program has been developed entitled "Terri's Top Picks". Once every few weeks, a service or product will be selected from area chamber businesses.

The criteria for selection will be based on appeal of the product or service to many people across various age categories. The general public and chamber members are encouraged to try the product or service and fill out a comment card (available here). The comment cards will be reviewed with the "Terri's Top Pick of the Year" to be awarded at the chamber’s annual meeting.

Community Pride Clean-Up Week - April 24, 2008

Trenton’s Community Pride Clean Up Week will take place April 28th - May 3rd. Community Pride Clean Up Week committee members Sharon Barnett, Debbie Carman, and Jeanie Whitney will be on KTTN on April 28th, around 9:30am to talk more about the event. Interested parties should contact Terri Henderson at 660-359-4324 for more information, or to offer a helping hand.

The Trenton Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors have presented certificates of appreciation to James Floyd, Mary Lea Floyd, and Thelma Deeds for their work in the area of the Plaza Apartments as part of Community Pride Clean Up.

During the past year, they have installed a natural rock garden along the south end of the parking lot behind Lockridge, Constant, and Conrad. In addition, a patio area has been designed for use by Plaza Apartment residents. Thelma Deeds can be found most days sweeping or cleaning the exterior area in front of the apartment building. Several residents decorate the lobby area of the Plaza Apartments to make downtown more attractive and for the comfort and enjoyment of the residents and guests of the Plaza complex.

Pictured below are: Front Row-Debbie Carman-Co-Chair of Community Pride Clean Up Week, Thelma Deeds, James Floyd, Mary Lea Floyd, Sharon Barnett-Co-Chair of Community Pride Clean Up Week; Second Row: Robyn Crews, Marlisa Klinginsmith, Donna Figg, Bonita Price, Linda Eads, Diane Lowrey; Third Row: Melissa Sims, Jeanie Whitney, Jacob Black, Ken Thrasher, Gina Grime, and Kathy Thrasher (click on the image for a larger view)

Thank you all for your efforts!

Spring Fling Photos - April 11, 2008

Persons attending the Spring Fling Expo may get their picture taken with a free sitting fee. A 4 x 5 picture proof will be given to each participant. The free pictures will be available for pickup at the Chamber office. There will also be a Special Spring Fling Photo Package to be available for $35.

If Easter came too soon and you need a family, grandchild, or child’s picture in their Easter best or favorite spring outfit don’t miss this great opportunity. We will also have a great Hawaiian Luau Kids Game area set up with free activities for children of all ages.

We hope to see you at the Ketcham Center for this year’s Spring Fling Business Expo!

Design Services Offered - February 29, 2008

Recently, Jennifer Farmer, a marketing and graphic design specialist, was added to the staff to help area businesses market their goods and services. Mrs. Farmer has over 10 years of experience in developing, designing, and hosting web sites. In addition, she can develop marketing campaign pieces at a reasonable cost to chamber members.

During Trenton's recent Sesquicentennial, Mrs. Farmer designed the official website for the event. (www.trenton150.org). She has also recently redesigned the
Trenton Area Chamber's website (www.trentonmochamber.com). To see more of her work, visit her website - www.luna624.com.

In addition to designing, launching, and hosting websites, she will offer regular updates and changes to websites as part of the marketing services offered through the chamber. All services will be billed by the hour to chamber members at a very reasonable cost.

As part of the marketing service offered by the chamber, businesses may utilize the chamber for mass mailing, mail merge applications, personalized marketing campaigns, and bulk mailing. Call us today to see how we might bring value to your business.

Any chamber member may request a direct link to their website from the chamber website. Please send requests to: trentonchamber@grundyec.net

Chamber Annual Meeting - February 21, 2008

The Trenton Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce recipients of both Business of the Year 2008, as well as Ambassador of the Year 2008. Selected as Above and Beyond Business of the Year is Pamida of Trenton. The Above and Beyond Ambassador Award winner is Jeanie Whitney, from Workforce Investment Board of Trenton.

Both honorees will be recognized at the Trenton Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting to be held Friday, March 14th at the Ketcham Community Center beginning at 6:0 p.m. with social time with dinner to be served at 6:30 p.m. In addition to the special recognition, all board members and ambassadors from 2007 will be recognized.

Key leaders from the area will present brief highlights of exciting things in their respective businesses. Those speakers will include: Karen Cole, CEO of Wright Memorial Hospital, Dr. Neil Nuttall, President of North Central Missouri College, Mayor Cathie Smith from the City of Trenton, Becky Albrecht, Superintendent for Trenton RIX School system, and Rick Hull, Presiding Commissioner for Grundy County.

The event will feature a Mardi Gras theme with a live band playing appropriate Dixieland genre music. The music group is being organized by Richard Yeager from Missouri Western State College in St. Joseph.

The evening meal will include pork loin and turkey, as well as other side dishes touching on the Mardi Gras theme. Cost of the event per person is $20. Attendees may pay at the door but will need reservations which can be made by calling 660-359-4324 or emailing trentonchamber@grundyec.net.

The general public is invited and encouraged to attend. Each attendee will receive a gift from the Chamber commemorating Trenton’s extremely successful Sesquicentennial that took place during 2007. Anyone wishing to dress in Mardi Gras attire is welcome to do so.

Please click here to view, download, or print the invitation to this year’s Annual Meeting.

Spring Fling Expo - January 24, 2008

The Trenton Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its’ 4th annual Spring Fling Expo on Saturday, April 19th from 9-2 p.m. at the Ketcham Center on the campus of North Central Missouri College.

Booth rental fees are $100.00 for Trenton Chamber of Commerce members and $125.00 for non-members. The fee will include an advertising package on KTTN Radio and publicity in the Republican Times Newspaper. The chamber will also be advertising in all area towns.

Vendors may set up beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18th if they wish. There will be no food sales allowed, unless it is a packaged food item. Food samples to be given away are permitted.

Each vendor is to furnish a door prize worth approximately $25.00. Prizes will be given away throughout the day with a live advertisement. KTTN will be broadcasting live from the Expo.

If you are interested in participating in this event, please click here for more info, and for a registration form (in pdf format).

Booths are assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Please be sure to send your booth fee back with the registration form. Checks need to be made to: Trenton Chamber of Commerce and mailed to 617 Main, Trenton, MO 64683. Deadline for registration is Friday, April 4th. Send your check today to reserve your spot. Booth will not be reserved without payment.

If you have questions, please don't hesitate to call Terri Henderson at (660)359-4324. We look forward to seeing you at The Spring Fling Expo !!!!!!

NCMC Career Database - November 21, 2007

The Career Center at North Central Missouri College is creating a database of local businesses which current students and alumni can access. This database hopes to include the business name, address, phone number, and contact person for businesses who would be interested in students seeking them out for the following areas: internships, job shadowing, volunteer work, full time work, and part time work.
Any business who is interested in being listed in this database is encouraged to call Jenny Lewis at the North Central Missouri College Career Center at 359-3948 ext. 1414 or e-mail her at jlewis@mail.ncmissouri.edu and inform her of your interest and what area(s) you would like your business listed under.
Thank you for your participation!

Go Bulldogs! - November 20, 2007

All area businesses and homeowners are asked to put up signs of encouragement for the THS Bulldogs. If you have a dynamic sign in front of your business, please consider placing a message to the Bulldogs on it.

Shop Local Promotion - November 16, 2007

The Trenton Area Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Farmers Bank of Northern Missouri, Citizens Bank and Trust, Farmers State Bank and US Bank is offering a Christmas Shop Local Promotion.

Four shoppers will receive $100 worth of chamber gift certificates which can be redeemed at local chamber member businesses. To enter the contest, persons can take any Trenton business receipt to one of the local bank lobbies and place it in the receptacle. There is no limit to the number of times one can enter.

Persons need to write their name and phone number on each receipt. Winners will be selected on Monday, Dec. 17. Receipts will be accepted at local banks beginning today.