WEEKLY UPDATE FROM THE GREATER CLINTON-AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE/BY DAVID LEE-DIRECTOR: 4.4.25

Benware Tractor and Automotive This Saturday, April 5th from 9:00-4:00 pm, join us for our re-grand opening in Clinton, MO!  Despite the cold and rainy weather, we’re offering hot deals (while supplies last) and a chance to register for great raffle items from 95.3 KDKD FM, Benware Tractor & Auto, and our reps. Take a tour around our new products and additional services. We’re located at 211 W Douglas Clinton, MO 64788. Call us at 660.383.1333 for more information. 

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Dear Friends of Education:

The Society for Academic Excellence invites students who have achieved a 3.5 or higher grade point average during this school year to be recognized. Last year, 303 students were honored, including 40 graduating seniors who maintained a 3.5 GPA each year throughout high school. In addition, four seniors from Clinton High School and one senior from Clinton Christian Academy received $500 scholarships. We invite you to join other individuals and businesses in the Clinton area to help honor the scholastic achievements of Clinton High School and Clinton Christian Academy students.

This year marks the 37th anniversary of the Academic Excellence Program, all because of our supportive community which has taken an interest in education for the youth within our school districts. Our program this year will be focused on providing a quality experience for our students and an opportunity for the graduating seniors to be recognized with scholarships to encourage furthering their education.

The consistent support of the program from sponsors like you have allowed the Society to provide this recognition for our top performing students and their families. Your contribution of $50.00 as a Silver Sponsor or $100.00 as a Gold Sponsor will benefit the students as they receive their official Academic Excellence medals and ribbons. For your support, you will receive the following:

1. Recognition in the CHS Academic Excellence Ceremony’s program with that ceremony being held on April 16th. CCA includes A.E. as part of their year-end ceremonies, and you will be recognized there as well.

2. Listing as a Silver or Gold sponsor in Chamber of Commerce Facebook posts before and after the CHS and CCA ceremonies.

3. Either a walnut plaque as a first-year sponsor or a 2025 date plate as a returning sponsor.

4. Satisfaction from supporting our youth in Academic Excellence as a partner in education.

Also, many continuing sponsors may need a new plaque for additional year bars. Let the office know when you send your sponsorship. Please make your checks payable to Greater Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce with a memo for Society for Academic Excellence. Checks can be mailed or delivered to the Depot, 200 South Main, Clinton, MO 64735. Your Chamber will also pick up checks if needed. Please respond by April 7th.

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We’ve had people come into the Chamber over the years wanting some item with Clinton on it…either as a souvenir, gift, school project, etc. We’ve had some items, but never before…magnets. Well, here they are! $5.00 at 200 S. Main St. M-F 8am-4:30pm.

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We are now about three months away from Olde Glory Days 2025! Yes!!  The bands, other entertainment, carnival, stage and sound, fireworks, etc…Those contracts were signed last fall, so they are ready to go.  We will of course feature the Veteran’s Dinner and so many of your favorites from the past, and new items for this year.  Mark your calendars for Olde Glory Days 2025, July 3rd-6th.

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This week, we continued our “Featured” segments on the Chamber’s Facebook page. We are now taking text and images from our member’s websites, Facebook pages, Google searches, etc. and combining them into posts on our Facebook page. “Featured with the GCACC”. It gives the viewer a “one-stop shopping experience” for each of our Chamber members. We have a lot of Chamber members so getting every business on our page will take quite a while, but we think it’s well worth it! It’s just another service from YOUR Chamber of Commerce. This week, we “Featured” Bernard Tax & Bookkeeping…TC-Transcontinental…Tractor Supply…Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Henry Co…Leeton Medical Care…T-Mobile of Clinton…The Samaritan Center…Bradley and Hadley Funeral Home…Bright Futures Clinton…The Den.

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Missouri SBDC · The Missouri SBDC is more than just business advisors—we’re a growth partner for Missouri entrepreneurs.

We help businesses:  Analyze markets to find opportunities…Understand financials & secure funding

Build strategies for sustainable success.  In 2024, we supported 10,422 clients and training attendees and helped drive $330.7M in increased sales! https://ow.ly/HKBu50VkIgN

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Help Wanted? Of course we can do that.

If you are a member of the Greater Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce, remember that we will post your job openings for free on our Facebook page. If you post them on your Facebook page and we see them, we will share it to our page. However, we’re sure we don’t always see those posts, so send those openings to us. You can tag us in your post of just email david@clintonmo.com or joyce@clintonmo.com.

We can also post job openings for non-members as well, but there is a small fee.

For more details, you can also call us at 660-885-8166 or stop by 200 S. Main St.

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Are you needing a meeting space in Clinton? If so, the Chamber of Commerce may be able to help you out. The Chamber of Commerce building at 200 S. Main St. features a conference room with a table and chairs for about ten people, possibly more if needed. The room features a big screen TV with access to Internet, zoom and more, a sink, coffee pot, microwave, refrigerator, and restrooms. This room is available to members of the Clinton Chamber free of charge. It is also available to those that are not members of our Chamber, however there is a fee. The room can be used during business hours from 8am till 4:30pm Monday through Friday. After hours and weekend hours can be discussed. For more information, call, email, or stop by. 660-885-8166, david@clintonmo.com or joyce@clintonmo.com. Our Chamber reserves the right to accept or deny meetings.

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Angie Lawson was recognized by the Clinton Board of Education at the March meeting with the Cardinal Award, which was introduced this year to honor individuals who demonstrate key values such as Celebrating Achievement, Recognition, Dedication, Innovation, Nurturing, Ambition, and Leadership.

Angie is a dedicated professional who serves in two important roles within the Clinton School District: as a social worker at Early Childhood Education and as the Communications and Community Relations Director. As a social worker, Angie provides vital support to young children and their families, fostering a positive and caring environment for their growth.  In her role as the Communications and Community Relations Director, she promotes the district’s successes, highlights the hard work of students and staff, and keeps the community informed and engaged in the school’s activities.

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Greater Clinton Area Chamber of CommerceBe sure to check out our community calendar at https://clintonmo.com/clinton-chamber-of-commerce/calendar/

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NEW DATES; Heartland Community Theatre of Clinton MOGet ready for Heartland Community Theatre’s latest production, “Queen of the Silent Scream,” a thrilling murder mystery whodunit, taking place on APRIL 25TH AND 26TH at 7pm each night, and 27TH at 2pm, ensuring an unforgettable evening of laughter, suspense, and intrigue until the very end.  Tickets are $15 at the door at 108 N. Washington St.

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6th Annual Quilt Walk Event by The White Flower Quilt Shop 140 W Jefferson St.  On April 4 & 5, White Flower Quilt Shop and Clinton Main Street will be hosting the 6th Annual Quilt Walk.  There will be quilts in the stores downtown to admire and free quilt patterns to collect to make your own version of the 2025 Quilt Walk Quilt. This beautiful quilt will be hanging in the White Flower Quilt Shop.  A well-known guest presenter, Judy Wampler, will host a free program, using stories told in the Laura Ingels Wilder books. A bed turning, using her collection of quilts will be done as part of the program, the program will be in the Henry County Museum, WW&H Exchange Building at 11:00 am on Friday and Saturday.  While enjoying time on the Clinton Historic Square be sure to enjoy walking tour of the historic monuments around the area and the Henry County Museum. There are great restaurants on the square and excellent shopping opportunities!!
If you have any questions, contact White Flower Quilt Shop at 660-492-5379 or email them at
whiteflowerquiltshop@gmail.com.

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BSA Troop 232 Kickin’ Chicken–Event by BSA Troop 232  Clinton High School  Joins us for a delicious fried chicken dinner, by the one, the only, Robert Perrymann! We’ll take care of all the fixin’s! Two pieces of chicken (white or dark), cheesy hashbrown casserole, green beans, roll, dessert and a drink for $15. That’s a deal that can’t be beat! One hundred percent of net proceeds go directly back to our Scouts. The funds they raise help defray costs for campouts, special activities and summer camp. This awesome group of young men look forward to seeing you there! Tickets may be purchased at the door or through one of our Scouts before the event.  April 6, 11-1.

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The Friends of the Henry County Library Group will be holding a Spring book sale and membership drive from April 7th – 12th in the Friends Room of the library located at 123 E. Green Street, Clinton.  The sale hours are as follows:8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on April 7th – 11th  8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on April 12th The sale will include fiction hardcover and paperback books in an assortment of genres, non-fiction works, DVDs, audiobooks, puzzles, and other miscellaneous items.  All hardcover books, audiobooks, and puzzles will be sold at $1.00 each; paperback books are 50¢ each; and DVDs are 4 for $1.00. Miscellaneous items will be sold as priced.Membership Drive and Pre-Sale Event–A membership drive and pre-sale event will be held on Saturday, April 5th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Current Friends of the Library Group members as well as those purchasing new memberships will be allowed entry into the pre-sale and receive a discount on all purchases.  Membership levels and pricing are as follows:$10 = Annual Individual Membership (10% discount on all purchases, admittance to pre-sale)$100 = Lifetime Membership (50% discount on all purchases, admittance to pre-sale) Memberships may also be purchased throughout the week of the sale.Special Sale DaysApril 9th & 10th – EVERYTHING 1/2 PRICE  April 11th & 12th – EVERYTHING MUST GO!!! FILL A BAG FOR $1.00!!! Your book collection will bloom with these great buys!  All proceeds help support the programs and services at the Henry County Library. For more information, please contact the library at (660)885-2612.

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Spring Sidewalk Sales–Event by Clinton Main Street Downtown Clinton Square  Go see all of your favorite downtown businesses during our Spring Sidewalk Sale event! Thursday, Friday & Saturday April 10th – 12 businesses will have sales and specials!

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Clinton SchoolsCHS THEATRE DEPARTMENT PRESENTS…Don’t miss our Talented Cardinals in this year’s Spring Play, “Little Women”.  Catch this production in the CHS Performing Arts Center, April 10-12 @ 7:30  Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students ($8 and $6 at the door)  Tickets can be purchased online at the link below or at the door with cash or card-  https://chstheatretroupe7011.ludus.com/  Please contact Madison Haynes, mhaynes@clintoncardinals.org, with any questions.

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The Annual Spring City-Wide Garage Sales will be April 12th.  The Clinton Daily Democrat oversees this event so call them at 660-885-2281 for all the details.

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Autism and Neurodevelopmental Resource Fair  Event by The Pediatric Place  210 South Second Street, Suite A, Clinton, MO  Join Us for a Day of Resources and Learning!  Are you seeking information, support, and services for autism and neurodevelopmental challenges for all ages?  This event is designed for parents, caregivers, community members, therapists, physicians, and educators who want to connect with resources and explore tools to help children and individuals thrive!  What You’ll Find at the Fair;   Information & Support Resources Access To Experts In The Field… Activities & Engagement…Who Should Attend?
Parents and Caregivers…Professionals…Community Members  FREE Admission – Open to the Public!  Let’s Build Connections and Support Together!  April 12th 10-2

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Healing Without Drugs or Surgery Event by Henry County Museum, Clinton, Mo. 203 W Franklin St, Clinton, MO Free Special Presentation: Healing Without Drugs or Surgery: The Story of Sidney Weltmer and the Weltmer Institute of Nevada, Missouri, circa 1897-1927.  One day only, Saturday, April 12th, 10 AM, in the DeLozier Building (next to the museum) in Clinton. Missouri.  Free admission!  Will Tollerton, Bushwhacker Museum Coordinator, Nevada, Missouri, will give an informative presentation about Sidney Weltmer and the Weltmer Institute he founded.  Learn about Sidney Weltmer, his healing methods, public reception, conflicts with medical and religious communities, and his legal battle that went to the U.S. Supreme Court.  Also, visit the Healing Without Drugs or Surgery exhibit.  Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM, until April 26th, at the Henry County Museum in the Adair Annex, Clinton, Missouri.  Sidney Weltmer taught and practiced “suggestive therapeutics,” encompassing positive thinking, hypnotism, and magnetic healing.  Weltmer’s Institute certified over 50,000 practitioners and treated more than 100,000 patients.  View the magnetic healing machine once utilized by the self-proclaimed “World’s Greatest Magnetic Healer,” Professor O.R. Bentley, who practiced at the White Sulphur Springs Hotel off the Clinton Square.

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April is Community College Month, and State Fair Community College is seeking community feedback as part of its strategic planning process. Through Strategic Foresight, SFCC has developed innovative scenarios and wants input on the most compelling ideas and those that may not resonate. Community insights will help shape transformative concepts to enhance student learning and expand SFCC’s service to the region. You are invited to our upcoming strategic community forum. We value your input, so please attend and give us your thoughts as we move forward with our strategic planning process. Tuesday, April 15, 2025: 2:00-3:30pm  State Fair Community College   Clinton campus  1701 N. 2nd St.,   Clinton, MO 64735     We are honored to be your local community college and to serve students, businesses, schools, and the Clinton and surrounding communities in our efforts to improve education and job readiness.  Please check in at the SFCC Clinton welcome desk when you arrive, and you will be taken to the meeting room.  Thank you so much for your participation in this planning event! If you cannot attend, please consider sending someone to represent on your behalf. Snacks will be provided. You can RSVP to me at: amcfarland@sfccmo.edu

Thank you again,

Amy McFarland

Director, Clinton Campus

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Senior Health and Resource Fair—join us for a day of health, wellness and community.  Wed., April 23rd from 10am till 2pm at the Benson Center in Clinton, 1008 East Sedalia Ave.  Event Features: free admission…free health screenings…free giveaways and raffle prizes…senior agencies…health care providers and more.  Sponsored by Jefferson Gardens and The Arbors in Clinton.  For details, call 660-885-9770.

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Clinton SchoolsFather Daughter Ball tickets are on sale! Tickets are limited and will sell out quick.

Tickets can be purchased at Clinton Early Childhood Center, Greater Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and Cummings Men’s Wear.  Ticket prices-$20/father and daughter ($5 for each additional daughter)

Ages-This event is limited to girls 3 years old-5th grade.  Event will be held Saturday, April 26th from 5:00-7:00 at the Benson Center.

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Spring Junkfest Saturday, April 26, 2025- Mark your calendars for Primitive Olde Crow’s annual Junkfest. Tons of local vendors, food stalls, antiques, pizza, winery, and bounce house for the kids. Free to the public.

Submit vendor applications to : https://form.jotform.com/241995131848062

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SAVE THE DATE!

The NEW Clinton Regional Airport Terminal is almost finished. Your support for this project, and/or the many prior projects that have led us to this point, is greatly appreciated. The City of Clinton and the Clinton Airport Association will host a Ribbon Cutting & Open House to celebrate the completion of the new facility.

So please SAVE THE DATE and join us for the celebration:

Thursday, May 8th

• 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Tour the Terminal and enjoy some light refreshments

• 11:30 AM Ribbon cutting ceremony and comments

Feel free to share this with others in your organization. More information about this event will be provided later in April.

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1st Annual Elijah Hurt Memorial Golf Tournament will be June 14th at Meadow Lake Golf Club.  Proceeds to go to the Clinton Animal Shelter and a CHS Golf Scholarship.  Sponsorship opportunities also available.  For all the details, call Joey at 660-890-4029.

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Hello Community Support Team! We are looking forward to our third ‘Ladies Military Support Event’ October 18th, 2025, from 9am-1pm. We will continue to hold it at Clinton VFW Post 1894, 510 West Allen Street as long as we can. This enables us to continue to offer a free spot to our vendors.

We continue to look for better ways to get the word out about our event as well as veteran-owned businesses and businesses that support veterans! If you would like to have a table at our event, please reach out to Jennifer-Event Coordinator. Please share this information with any business you know of that supports veterans or is veteran-owned and have them contact Jennifer if they are interested or have any questions!

Once again, thank you for your support.  Jennifer Umland 660-525-0470, jennum68@gmail.com

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Missouri Chamber of Commerce and IndustryLooking for quality health coverage at a reasonable price? Check out the Chamber Benefit Plan.  Learn more https://mochamber.com/memb…/missouri-chamber-benefit-plan/

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Take advantage of the FREE job-related skills workshops offered at Missouri Job Centers. Don’t miss the opportunity to boost your career potential – register TODAY: buff.ly/3XvBTMu

Jobs Mo Gov·Are you interested in expanding your knowledge and skills? To learn more about online learning and training courses that are available at no cost, visit https://bit.ly/3U3YgGl