MONTHLY LUNCHEONS
Join us for our monthly networking luncheons!
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 or when otherwise noted. 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 Chairperson Courtney Cole welcomed everyone to the January luncheon. She thanked the City of Excelsior Springs for hosting the event, which featured a taco buffet catered by the Excelsior Springs Golf Hill Grill. She introduced elected officials who were present and invited first time guests to stand and introduce themselves and their business.
Tammy Murphy, coordinator of the new Meals and a Visit Program, was invited to speak.
“I took on a new adventure in addition to Farmer’s Market and working at the Community Center,” Tammy said. “I want to update you on Farmers Market. “We had over $2,000 in Snap transactions and over $1,900 in double-up food transactions.
“Farmers Market had over $45,000 in sales, according to our vendors,” Tammy continued. “That is over $50,000 back to our local farmers.” The Farmers Market averaged 155 people visiting and buying last year.
“We would like to see 200 people this next year. Come and shop,” said Tammy.
She introduced Jesse Hall, who was instrumental in founding the Meals and a Visit Program (MVP). She thanked Kristen DeHart, Excelsior Springs Hospital CEO, and Laura Mercer, ESH Dietery Manager, for providing the meals. She recognized volunteers of the program.
“The program addresses senior hunger. 17% of seniors in Excelsior Springs live at the poverty level,” Tammy said. “I want to thank Jason and Courtney of the Excelsior Citizen for helping us with a video that I am going to show. I have a special thank you to John and Molly McGovern for making this program possible.”
Brian Rice, Chamber Director, spoke about the MVP. “I have been looking forward to this day for a long time. It took 2-3-4 years, but here it is today!” Brian noted that the luncheon ticket prices have risen from $5 to $10. A portion of the luncheon tickets will help sponsor MVP meals for seniors.
Brian introduced Mallory Brown, Excelsior Springs Community Development Director.
“Good afternoon! Thank you for the opportunity to share an update on something very important to the future of Excelsior Springs — our new Comprehensive Plan,” said Mallory. “Over the last year and a half, the City and our consultant Olsson worked with residents, business owners, community leaders, and regional partners to create a long-term vision for where Excelsior Springs is headed. Today I want to walk you through what this plan is, why it matters to our business community, and how it will guide decisions for the next 20 years.”
Mallory used a slide presentation to explain what a comprehensive plan is, how it was developed and how it will be used. “Our previous comprehensive plan was adopted in 2009. A lot has changed since then — economically, demographically, and regionally. We’ve seen renewed interest in downtown, changing housing needs, new employers, and growing tourism. This update ensures we’re not making 2026 decisions based on 2009 assumptions.”
Areas that Mallory spoke on included:
- Community Engagement and Core Values
- Place Types: A New Way to Plan
- Historic Downtown
- Housing Strategies
- Economic Development Priorities
- Transportation and Connectivity
“The most important part of any plan is implementation,” Mallory said. “This plan includes a detailed action list with priorities, timelines, and responsible parties. It will influence City budgets, infrastruction projects, development decisions, and grant applications.
“For the Chamber and business community, this plan means more predictability, clearer direction, better coordination, and a stronger, more vibrant Excelsior Springs. Your investment and involvement are essential to making it successful. I appreciate the Chamber’s partnership and I look forward to working with all of you as we put this plan into action.”
The new Comprehensive Plan is scheduled to be adopted at the first council meeting in February.
The luncheon meeting concluded with important upcoming dates and events.
Reserve your 2026 Luncheon seat at the table!
JANUARY
Sponsored by
City of Excelsior Springs
FEBRUARY 18
Sponsored by
Shelter Insurance, Kalyn Goode & The Excelsior Springs Museum & Archives
MARCH 18
Sponsored by
TBD
APRIL 15
Sponsored by
TBD
MAY 20
Sponsored by
TBD
JUNE
Summer Break
JULY
Summer Break
AUGUST
Summer Break
SEPTEMBER 16
Sponsored by
TBD
OCTOBER 21
Sponsored by
TBD
NOVEMBER 18
Sponsored by
TBD
DECEMBER 9
Sponsored by
The Elms Hotel & Spa