Friday, Feb. 22, 2013
Chamber coaltion gathers for February meeting
By Bethany Bashioum
bbashioum@demo-mo.com
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ReprintMembers of area chambers dined on pasta at Gregory’s Event Space in Raymore during the Cass County Coalition of Chambers monthly meeting on Feb. 14.During the meeting, Cass County Sheriff Dwight Diehl and the agency’s Regional Training Academy Director Craig McMein told spoke to chamber members about the new law enforcement academy.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office has been hosting law enforcement academies since 2008 for the Missouri Sheriff’s Association, with classes being taught by Cass County deputies and police officers from around the Kansas City area.
On Oct. 10, Cass County received unanimous approval by the Missouri Police Officers Standards and Training Commission Board to become their own licensed training center, and the first county in the state to offer a law enforcement training program. The inaugural class of 21 recruits began their program Feb. 11.
The recruits will be taught the basics of law enforcement through classroom instruction and training exercises, making them eligible to take a POST certification exam. Upon passing the exam, academy graduates will be qualified for Class A Law Enforcement certification, enabling participants to work at a variety of agencies throughout the state of Missouri.
In other reports:
Representing the Raymore Chamber, Vice President Tom Circo announced that Sunday, April 28, has been scheduled as the city’s annual Kansas City Royals “Day at the K” and ticket information will be available soon at the Chamber office.
Circo also announced that the chamber is planning a candidate forum for Raymore’s upcoming spring election at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, at City Hall in the Council Chambers.
Harrisonville Chamber President Obie Carl informed chamber members of an informational meeting about the purchase of a new Chamber of Commerce building 7:30-9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at the Dairy Queen. A biscuit and gravy breakfast is being provided by Dairy Queen and Kurzweil’s Meats.
Carl also invited chamber members throughout the county to the chamber’s annual Mouse Races at the Cass County Elks Lodge, 2402 N. 291 Highway, on Friday, March 1. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the races begin at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $5 and includes food.
The following day, Saturday, March, 2, the chamber will be receiving a portion of the proceeds from the Harlem Ambassadors Basketball show being put on by the Rotary Club of Harrisonville as a fundraiser. Cost is $7 for adults and $3 for children. One free child’s ticket is available with every adult ticket purchased.
The event is being held at the Harrisonville High School at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Harrisonville Chamber, Harrisonville Rotary Club, or the Cass County Democrat Missourian office.
The Pleasant Hill Chamber announced that their up to 154 members, up from about 40 members in recent years.
They also said they’re also planning three before-hours and three after-hours events throughout February and March for their members.
The Peculiar Chamber also commented about their membership growth, as well as that plans for an Easter Bunny Breakfast are underway.
The Belton Chamber talked about the availability of their new directory guide, and that their annual spring golf tournament has been set for Friday, May 10.
In city reports, Raymore Mayor Pete Kerckhoff congratulated the opening of a new beauty salon, First Impressions, and was excited to see dirt moving at the site of the new Sam’s Club being built between Lowe’s and Office Max.
Kerckhoff also said Raymore’s City Council approved the funds for a large roundabout at the intersection of Dean Avenue and Lucy Webb Road, which is expected to before the Sam’s Club anticipated opening in the fall.
Harrisonville Economic Development Manager Jim Clarke gave a brief update about a Phase 2 expansion to the Cass Regional Medical Center Medical office building.
In Pleasant Hill, city leaders said they are disappointed to see a longtime restaurant owner sell what has been known as “Downtown Café.”
On the flip note, Pleasant Hill leaders said they are excited about a new bike shop opening in Cass County. “New Town Bicycle and Coffee Shop,” located at 115 Wyoming, will open in April.
In county reports, Cass County Associate Commissioner Jimmy Odom greeted the crowd and talked about the Commission’s new meeting time.
