untitled-8-550?v=1

Celebrating Hometown Heroes

The Kirkwood-Des Peres Chamber of Commerce celebrates our hometown heroes at the annual gala (virtually / online) Friday March 12.

The Kirkwood-Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Elias Corpas, Managing Director for Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, talked about this year's Gala event and his new role as Chairman of the Board. "I'm looking forward to the opportunity to shape the direction of the Chamber," said Elias. "We want to encourage the community to shop local." The Chamber's new website is one initiative specifically designed to provide resources for the community to discover local businesses. The Chamber's annual Gala celebrates people in the community who did 2020 differently. "This year, we will recognize our amazing community servants and heroes who doubled down and made an impact," Elias noted. "We invite members and non-members to join us our annual Gala online on March 12. This is an opportunity for us to celebrate the good things that came out of 2020." For more information, visit https://www.kirkwooddesperes.com/  

When Jon Kuhlmann heard about the second round of restaurant shutdowns, his heart ached for the owners and workers. Jon had seen too many businesses close due to the pandemic. As a third-generation small business owner of Kirkwood Florist, he knew their pain. "I put myself in their shoes," said Jon. "So, I created a Facebook post that I thought was just going to my friends."  On November 13, Jon posted fifty-one heartfelt words.    

Okay, friends. If you bring me a receipt from any locally owned Kirkwood or Des Peres restaurant, I'll give you a $25 gift certificate to Kirkwood Florist. You have to spend over $50 at said restaurant. Fast food chains no need to apply. Starting today until December 31. Thanks, eat up.   

The response was more than Jon could have imagined. Leading by example, he remains committed to shopping local and supporting other local businesses.  Jon was part of the Jazz program at Webster University and graduated with a music technology degree. While his love for music remains, Jon's passion, pride, and joy for leading this family business is undeniable. Over the years, Jon has transformed the flower shop by offering a large gift selection and treasures for homes and gardens. Once again, Jon has transformed the shop by becoming a gracious leader and outstanding business partner in our community and our Chamber.    

 "I fell in love with the idea of businesses getting together to help promote each other," said Margie Schmitz. Margie joined the Kirkwood-Des Peres Area Chamber of Commerce in 1996. She immediately stepped up to volunteer with the Chamber and in the community. And although 2020 was a year like no other, Margie's commitment to volunteering hasn't missed a step. She wholeheartedly supports organizations that help children, pets, and Seniors. Over the past 25 years, Margie has volunteered with the Kirkwood School District, the PTO, the Boy Scouts, the library, and community groups like Moms of Meachem. This year, her community outreach included volunteering for Shop with a Cop. "My goal is to connect people with outreach resources like Kirk Care. I don't want to deny someone a choice." Margie pointed out that everyone can make an impact on our community. "An easy first step is just to smile," she explained. "Put others first. Think about what you can do to show you care." Margie, a Marketing Representative and Licensed Producer at Hardy Washington Jr. State Farm Insurance described her role model growing up. "Johnnie Mae Partlow was the lovely lady who raised me. She taught me the importance of finding good in people. This award is dedicated to her."    

Early in the pandemic masks were in short supply. Noa Vazquez decided to help by sewing 20 masks for her aunt, an essential healthcare worker. Then requests for more masks came from family and friends. "We received a few hundred orders because everyone needed masks, and they weren't widely available," said Noa's mom Susan. It was Susan who taught Noa to sew at the age of six. Today, 10-year-old Noa has raised over an estimated $20,000 sewing and selling masks through her Facebook page and at select retail stores. "I didn't want to keep the money," said Noa. "So, I decided to give the money to local businesses struggling during the pandemic." Noa's favorite thing is shopping at local stores and then giving everything away. Her mom explained, "You can't really walk into a retail store and hand them money. So, we got creative. We would spend the money at a store and then take whatever we bought and dentate that." Noa has generously donated to the Kirkwood Fire Department, Kirkwood Police Department, and the teachers at Tillman Elementary School. Noa also donated over 1,000 masks to the Jennings School District. Noa's masks can be purchased at sammysoap, Kind Soap, and on her Facebook page at @MasksbyNoa.   

Related Businesses

The Nelson-Atkins Museum

Community Services

The Nelson-Atkins Museum

Kansas City, MO

The Nelson-Atkins is a comprehensive art museum with works of art dating from ancient to contemporary.

Animal Hospital of West Chester

Pet Services

Animal Hospital of West Chester

West Chester, OH

We are a full service medical and surgical veterinary hospital for all types of cats and dogs and specialize in taking care...

The Fetchington Luxury Pet Hotel

Pet Services

The Fetchington Luxury Pet Hotel

West Chester, OH

See More

Related Articles

See More