MONTHLY LUNCHEONS

Join us for our monthly networking luncheons!

Excelsior Springs Hospital Board Members and Staff
Each month, our members are invited to a $5 networking luncheon on the third Wednesday of each month. The luncheons are from 12 to 1:00 p.m. and are held at the Montgomery Event Venue, except in December when we meet at the Elms Hotel and Spa for our holiday luncheon. The luncheons are sponsored by various businesses and organizations in our community. An average of 100-125 people attend, so it’s a great opportunity to meet other business people in our community!
Chamber Chairman Courtney Cole called the September meeting to order and welcomed those present. Pastor Mike Boudreaux of the Crescent Lake Christian Center gave the invocation. First time guests stood and introduced themselves and their business. Courtney thanked Excelsior Springs Hospital for sponsoring the luncheon and introduced Kristen DeHart, CEO.
Kristen presented attendees with a unique fun project. On each table was an empty vase. Each table was provided with a sack containing single flowers. As she asked questions of the audience, depending on responses, each individual table worked to create a bouquet of flowers in their empty vase.

Questions:
1 – Do you know where the hospital is located?
1700 Rainbow Blvd., Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
2 – Have you been seen by any of our primary care physicians or specialty clinics this year?
The hospital has had 20,000 visitors this past year for services. Watch for new health services to be added in the near future.
3 – Have you ever been seen in our ER?
Dr. Hoffman, our ER director is a hometown hero. We have seen 8,500 patients in the ER this past year.
4 – Have you had breakfast or lunch in our cafeteria?
There has been 130,000 meals prepared for the hospital and Cafe 1700 in the past year.
5 – Do you know an employee at Excelsior Springs Hospital?
ESH employs 295 staff members, one of the largest employers in Excelsior Springs, contributing to the economic development of our community every day.
6 – Have you seen us outside the hospital walls?
The hospital participants in SAFE, Waterfest, Farmers Market, Job Corps programs and Rotary events, to name a few. “We love being a part of our community,” said Kristen.
7 – Have you been in our Radiology Department?
The hospital has had 70,000 lab draws, 12,750 radiology visits, and 14,000 rehab visits on the past year. In addition, the Community Pharmacy located at ESH has filled 100,000 prescriptions.
8 – Do you pay taxes in Clay County?
“We want to say thank you,” said Kristen. “The hospital has been granted finances for its 4th year by Clay County to fund psychiatric services amounting to $1.55 million.
9 – Do you or have you, since inception, served or know someone who has served on our hospital board?
The board and foundation members have benefited the hospital by $3 million.
10 – Are you a Facebook friend?
“We are a little challenged this year. Our Facebook page was hacked, however, we are working to get it back,” said Kristen.
11 – Are you planning to attend our Annual Gala?
“We would love for you to attend,” Kristen said. The 32nd Annual Fall Gala will be held October 16 at the Elms Resort & Spa.
Kristen spoke about the health care challenges that rural hospitals are experiencing. She and her team are working so make sure our hospital will be here for the next 125 years.
“Your empty vase represents a community without a hospital,” said Kristen. “Together we produce strong and beautiful things. Our Chamber, community and hospital is stronger together.”

Chamber Director Brian Rice said it is an exciting time for the Chamber. He introduced a new Co-Op of Excelsior Springs program coming soon. Speakers Bob Martin and Heather Heckroot spoke about the co-op for small businesses that will offer five business spaces, an event space, WiFi, printing, relationships, coffee, and more located at the 1st United Methodist Church.
“Small businesses represent a large part of our growth. They need support,” said Bob. “We are here to bring rural communities in.”
For more information on the Co-Op of Excelsior Springs email Heather Heckroot.
The Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference will be held in Excelsior Springs from Tuesday, Sept. 30 to Thursday, Oct. 2 in downtown Excelsior Springs. Those interested in attending the CEC can register here. Volunteers are needed for the event. Learn more about volunteering.
Brian announced upcoming events.
A special thank you to the Chamber and business community came from Lori Sams, Job Corps Center Director, for the support that has been given in the past few months. A Job Corps Open House is scheduled for October 16th, noon to 3:30 p.m.
Reserve your 2025 Luncheon seat at the table!
JANUARY
Sponsored by
Excelsior Springs Job Corps
FEBRUARY
Sponsored by
The Elms Hotel & Spa
MARCH
Sponsored by
Excelsior Springs School District
APRIL 16
Sponsored by
City of Excelsior Springs
MAY 21
Sponsored by
Platte-Clay Electric Co-Op
JUNE 12th
Summer Break
JULY
Summer Break
AUGUST
Summer Break
SEPTEMBER
Sponsored by
Excelsior Springs Hospital
OCTOBER
Sponsored by
United Fiber Internet
NOVEMBER
Sponsored by
Crescent Lake Christian Center
DECEMBER
Sponsored by
The Elms Hotel & Spa