Ozark Newsletter

Volume XVII | February 2019

February 2019 News & Updates

If you have a photo you would like to share in an upcoming newsletter please email to spayne@ozarkmissouri.com.

February edition includes....

Weight Loss Challenge @ The OC
Chamber of Commerce Director letter
Meet Brooke, the new Communication Assistant
Q&A: When is Ozark getting a Target? TJ Maxx? Chick fil-a
Upcoming Programs & Events

You can always find more information on our website at ozarkmissouri.com and connect with us on our social media pages, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Nextdoor

Visit our Website

A note from Anna Ozark Chamber of Commerce

The Ozark Chamber of Commerce has the privilege of representing Ozark’s community of businesses - the economic drivers of our city. Our mission is: Strengthening Ozark through Economic Impact, Community Enrichment, and Individual Connection. With these objectives in mind, we create opportunities for our members to make meaningful connections with their clients and with each other.

One of the most important functions of our Chamber is to advocate for Ozark’s economic health. To that end, our staff and board are constantly working behind the scenes to make connections with business owners, listening to their feedback and celebrating their accomplishments. In fact, it was our pleasure to facilitate three groundbreaking ceremonies and more than 45 ribbon cuttings in 2018! Whether through relocation, expansion, or brand new entrepreneurship, we look forward to continued business growth in our city in 2019.

As we look to the future, what can residents do to help build economic vitality and a strong foundation for Ozark?

1. Shop local! When we patronize Ozark businesses, whether large or small, we are supporting the livelihoods of our friends and neighbors and ensuring the continuation of municipal services like transportation infrastructure, an effective police department, and more. Making the intentional decision to shop local has ripple effects beyond a single purchase. In fact, local businesses are much more likely to purchase goods and services from other local businesses, helping ensure fresh products, friendly service, and a stronger community.

2. Stay informed. In the age of information overload, knowing where to go to get the facts is as important as ever. We have a fantastic county library system, our Board of Aldermen meetings are always open to the public, and our local news media strives to keep Ozark residents up to date on the latest happenings. Of course, the Chamber is a great resource for information on business development and expansion. Let us know if you have a question and we’ll do our best to point you in the right direction -- just email info@ozarkchamber.com .

3. Explore. Have you ever taken the opportunity to “visit” our city like you were a tourist? Set aside some time to find a new place to visit, eat, shop, or experience in Ozark. You may find that your favorite hobby, event, restaurant, boutique, service provider, or weekend hangout is right here in your backyard! We want you to love where you live. (And if you’re looking for suggestions, the Ozark Chamber is a great place to start.)

As we look forward to another exciting year of growth in 2019, please let us know if we can assist you in your business or connect you with the information and resources you’re looking for. We look forward to celebrating Ozark this year.

Anna Evans

Executive Director

Ozark Chamber of Commerce

Weight Loss Challenge @ The OC

Your Destination for Recreation

At the Ozark Community Center (The OC) we recognize that people want an affordable top-notch facility with state-of-the-art equipment and innovative programs. That’s why we offer more than your average local health club and give it to you at a competitive price. Membership offers a wonderful value you can feel great about.

There are many benefits to being an Annual OC Family member:

3,739 square-foot strength center featuring state-of-the-art strength equipment, a complete free weight area, and cable tower
Cardio center with innovative cardio pieces (stepmills, treadmills, bikes, rowing machines, and ellipticals) and a suspended indoor walking / running track
Fitness classes every week, including spinning, water fitness, yoga, TBC, Martial Arts, Dance classes, and more
Discounts on fun and unique birthday party packages hosted by The OC staff at the indoor aquatic center

For more information check out our website HERE , or stop by The OC today for a tour of the beautiful facility.

Q & A

Q: Why doesn’t Ozark have a Target? TJ Maxx? Chick Fil-a?

During any given week I get asked “what is coming to Ozark” or “when are we going to get a Target?” Well, the answer to the first question is that lots of new and exciting things are coming to Ozark. The answer to the second question, and I’m sorry to burst the bubble, but the likelihood of Ozark getting a BIG BOX retailer such as a Target is extremely low. It isn’t because we are not trying to land more retailers as retailers are essential to our ability to generate local sales tax revenue. The fact is that the day of the BIG BOX store is dead, especially for smaller communities like ours. You see, Ozark is a bedroom community that houses the workforce for Springfield. Over 75% of our daytime population leaves Ozark every day to go to work in Springfield, which is the retail and job center of our region. When a national retailer has to make their numbers work, whether a Target or a Cheddars Restaurant, the numbers in a bedroom community of 20,000 people who commute to work every day just doesn’t add up. Add the fact that online shopping is growing at a continually rapid pace, and the argument for a national retailer like Target to build another brick and mortar store estimated to cost $20M in a town of 20,000 people only minutes from two other locations isn't justified.

Don’t be discouraged because like I said Ozark is getting many new and exciting things. We are a great community with top-notch schools and a small town appeal that most towns would love to have. One of the most important historical landmarks, Ozark Mill, is being redeveloped and will bring new focus to our central business district and our Finley River. We are both blessed and cursed with a great location along Highway 65 between Springfield and Branson, and are learning how to maximize our opportunities each and every day.

Communication Department

Brooke Pawling is the new Communication Assistant with the City of Ozark. She moved to Ozark with her family when she was five-years-old and they still reside here. After attending college in Chicago and graduating in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in magazine journalism, she decided to move out of the Windy City and back to Ozark to be closer to family and friends. Brooke is excited to work for and engage with her hometown and its citizens.

Winter Time Ready

Be Winter Ready in 2019

Ozark Public Works Crews always keep a close eye on the skies and we would like the Citizens of Ozark to be winter ready as well. Click Here are some educational and interesting links that can help you manage whatever Old Man Winter decides to send our way during the remaining winter months.