West County News

A Message From the Chairman of Board - January WooHoover

Ellisville, MO

02/11/2022 10:51 AM

Greetings West St. Louis County of Commerce members!

It is a great honor to serve as the 2022 Chairman of the Board, thank you for the warm welcome as the new Chairman! In January, I had so much fun at the General Membership Luncheon discussing why Lori refers to me as WooHoover and a key takeaway from a training that I took on how to build a business based on referrals 7 years ago which taught me to hang out around people I want to be like.

My focus is on 3 areas of life which are fitness, faith, and business. Fitness friends at F3 hold me accountable through free peer led workouts in parks throughout St. Louis at 5:30 in the morning. Attending church and being active keeps me around people with great faith. The West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce is filled with like-minded individuals who want to grow their business! I’m proud to be a part of such a positive group of people!

When I was asked to speak for 5 minutes at the annual Men’s Breakfast for my church 5 years ago, I was overwhelmed and had no clue what to talk about. A week later, I took Cub Scout Leadership training as my son was in the 1^st grade and ready for scouts. I learned the “yard stick” approach which helps people visualize the small period where parents have the most influence on their kids which is the short 8 year period from the age of 4 years to 12 years. A few days later I was sitting at the General Membership Luncheon and counted Lori yell WOO 13 times! Suddenly, it came to me that WOO is an acronym for “Window Of Opportunity”. We all get many windows of opportunity in many aspects of life to help or introduce others whether it be with family, friends, or business contacts. Seize the WOO moments!

Over the next 11 months, I’m excited to share a few basic items that have helped me grow and develop since becoming a member of the Chamber 7 years ago!

Stay focused and positive!

John D Hoover
Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS# 738542
p. 636.391.2357 | c. 314.276.3370 | john.hoover1@usbank.com
U.S. Bank
Ballwin
15215 Manchester Rd, Ballwin, MO 63011 | SL-MO-8404 | usbank.com

What Our Members Say About Us

"The West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce truly lives up to the community model of business. We share a belief that we are all in this together to build up our community and help businesses flourish so they can provide great jobs...The opportunities to get involved are endless. At the West County Chamber, members like each other. Come join us!"

Bruce Sheridan, Organizational Compass Inc.

"The West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce is a great place to meet others! The goal of the Chamber is to help members promote their business and contribute to the community in a fun and friendly atmosphere!"

John Hoover, U.S. Bank Home Mortgage

"This is a great Chamber for making business connections and getting involved with the local communities. I have met many friends through my involvement with the West County Chamber of Commerce."

Robin Monks, Cetera Investors

"Joining the Chamber has helped advanced our business during good times and bad. Glad we made the commitment to join over ten years ago. There is no better place to develop your business than the West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce!!!"

Sandy Chestnas, Owner SERVPRO of Fenton/South Ballwin

"The West County Chamber of Commerce continually provides the Parkway School District with business and community connections that ultimately benefit our students and educators. They willingly share information about the school district with the larger community. Information from the West St. Louis Chamber assists Parkway in our future planning. We very much appreciate our partnership."

Keith Marty, Superintendent Parkway School District

"This is the most amazing chamber I have ever seen! Lori Kelling and Heather Zerweck are the dynamic duo 🙂 They bring so much energy and a truly amazing culture to the West County Chamber of Commerce. The connections I created have made such a positive impact on my business!!"

Jay Grosman, Owner/Founder iAutoAgent

"The West St. Louis County Chamber of Commerce has helped me grow my business for the past four years. Through their various networking meetings and events I've made business connections and friendships I otherwise wouldn't have. Their website and Facebook page are also a great resources for keeping up with local information and events."

Courtney Ruder, Ruder Realty

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