As business owners, it’s time to familiarize yourselves with an operational change quietly unfolding across the U.S. cash economy: the phasing-out of the 1-cent coin (the penny). Below is a concise guide — why this is happening, what it means for your business, and practical next steps you can take.

1. Why the change is happening

• The United States Mint reported that producing and distributing a penny cost about 3.69 cents in 2024 — nearly four times its face value.
  
  

• As a result the United States Department of the Treasury placed its final order for blank penny planchets in May 2025 and intends to cease new penny production by early 2026. 
  
  

• The Federal Reserve (through its coin distribution operations) has also indicated that some coin-distribution terminals are no longer processing penny orders or deposits because supplies are being depleted. 
  
  

In short: pennies will remain legal tender for now, but they are on their way to becoming far less common in everyday cash transactions.

2. What this means for your business

• Cash transactions may involve rounding: Because pennies will become scarce, many businesses are already preparing to round cash transaction totals to the nearest five cents. According to a research brief by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, this “rounding tax” could cost consumers and change how cash handling is performed.
  
  

• Inconsistent rules at present: There is no federal law requiring rounding, nor is there a single nationwide standard yet. That means businesses may see different local practices or face uncertainty.
  
  

• Cashless and digital payments remain unaffected: Rounding issues apply to cash payments. Credit cards, mobile pay, and other non-cash methods aren’t impacted by penny shortages.
  
  

For a business accustomed to cash transactions (especially small purchases, tips, perhaps retail or food service), this is a meaningful operational shift.

3. Recommended actions and tips

Here are key steps you can take now to prepare and avoid disruption:

• Review pricing and register procedures: Consider updating pricing so that your item totals more naturally fall on nickel multiples (e.g., endings in .00 or .05) to minimize reliance on pennies.
  
  

• Train your staff: Your front-line employees should be prepared to explain to customers what change in coin handling means (for example, why totals might be rounded or why fewer pennies may be given).
  
  

• Evaluate your coin inventory and register system: If you keep rolls of pennies for change, you may want to reassess how many you need going forward. Also make sure your POS (point-of-sale) system can handle rounding rules if you adopt them. 
  
  

• Communicate clearly with customers: Having signage or notices letting customers know about rounding or penny scarcity will reduce confusion and build goodwill.
  
  

• Encourage digital payments: Since non-cash payments are unaffected, promoting contactless or card payments can reduce dependency on coin change and simplify checkout. 

4. Why acting now matters

• If your business frequently deals with low-denomination cash transactions (think meter charges, vending, small retail purchases, tips, etc.), the impact will come earlier. Regions are already reporting penny shortages.
  
  

• Waiting until a coin shortage becomes acute could disrupt customer experience (e.g., inability to give exact change, customer dissatisfaction).
  
  

• Early adaptation will give you a competitive and operational edge: fewer surprises, smoother cash handling, clearer customer communication.
  
  

5. Bottom line

The end of the penny doesn’t happen overnight, but the momentum is clear. As a business owner, you’re well-advised to plan ahead: revisit your pricing, update your cash-handling procedures, train your team, and communicate with your customers. That way, you’ll be ready when pennies fade into the background — and you’ll avoid headaches or customer confusion.

All Aboard the Valley Express! Shop, dine, and visit local Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce members this holiday season, get your passport stamped at a minimum of five businesses, and return to the Chamber office by January 3rd for a chance to win a grand prize worth $500!

Shop, dine, or visit one of the businesses listed on the passport available at any participating business. Request a stamp on your passport from the local business. Once you have collected a minimum of 5 stamps on your passport (one stamp per business), drop it off at the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce office at the Grain Valley Historical Society, 506 N Main, Grain Valley MO 64029 by January 3, 2026. One winner will be drawn on January 4, 2026 to receive a prize package worth $500. Participants must provide complete contact information below in order to be entered into the drawing. We will not share or sell your contact information.

Participating Chamber Member Businesses/Organizations:

Valley Social Coffeehouse, 120 S. Buckner Tarsney Rd, Grain Valley

Grain Valley Historical Society, 506 N Main ST, Grain Valley

The Hair Room, 512 N Main ST, Grain Valley

Main Street Sweets, 201 N Main ST, Grain Valley

Railroad Sock, 626 NW Valley Ridge CT, Grain Valley

Stock Event Rental, 816-908-2990, www.stockeventrental.com

MOJO Volleyball Academy, 1006 NW East KC Industrial Blvd. Unit G-J

Valley Coffee Co., 109 W Front ST, Grain Valley

ASI, 1321 SW Eagles Pkwy, Grain Valley, 816-229-4450

The Local Table & Bar, 511 N Main, Grain Valley

Valley Mattress Company & More, 1102 NW Casey Blvd. Ste. D, Grain Valley

Culver’s Grain Valley, 1180 NW Buckner Tarsney Rd, Grain Valley

Valley Sports Cards, 203 S Main ST, Grain Valley

Rod’s Sports, 1520 SW Eagles Pkwy, Grain Valley

Gen 3 IV Hydration and Wellness, 1210 NE Coronado, Blue Springs

Drew’s Diesel, 1101 NW Bush DR, Ste. A, Grain Valley. 816-226-6016

Air and Hose Source, 1108 NW Bush DR, Ste. B, Grain Valley

Baking with a Bass, 1428 SW Eagles Pkwy, Grain Valley

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (September 30, 2025) — KC2026 is sharing a new initiative called KC Game Plan to help local business owners prepare for the FIFA World Cup 26™. With an estimated 650,000 visitors* coming to Kansas City next summer, local businesses have an opportunity to engage global consumers. KC2026 developed KC Game Plan in collaboration with small business champions, including representatives from more than 100 nonprofit organizations including area chambers of commerce, entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) and government and tourism industry partners.

KC Game Plan is available in English and Spanish and is designed especially for business owners in high-engagement industries such as dining, lodging, retail and entertainment.  

"In 2026, Kansas City will take the global stage, and a large part of our city's success is our local business community," said Pam Kramer, CEO of KC2026. "This is not a one-size-fits-all opportunity, and making the most of it will take preparation.”  

KC Game Plan will include valuable information, actionable ideas and practical planning tools like visitor insights, fan traditions and a confidential readiness assessment, allowing businesses to create a customized plan. As a living resource, the plan will be continually updated leading up to the FIFA World Cup 26™ to reflect new information, such as which teams will be playing in Kansas City’s Group Stage matches.  

“With the World Cup’s immediate economic impact on Kansas and Missouri, it’s critical that local businesses prepare,” said Jill Hathaway, regional director of the Missouri Small Business Development Center. “The Readiness Assessment is a confidential resource to help business owners understand their strengths and opportunities heading into 2026.” 

KC Game Plan leverages the region’s robust network of partners, resources and training opportunities to equip small businesses with strategies for success in 2026. 

"We're excited to show the world what makes Kansas City special through our authentic and dynamic small businesses," said Taylor Overton Director of Small Business and Entrepreneurship for the Kansas Department of Commerce. "The tools and resources we’ve introduced are designed not only to help businesses participate in the opportunities of the FIFA World Cup 26™, but to strengthen them for long-term success well after the visitors leave."  

In addition to visitor and tourism activity, there will be limited contracting opportunities. Businesses interested in potential opportunities to support Host City events and regional activations should complete the KC2026 Business Interest Form. On the Business Opportunities section of its website, KC2026 posts any new RFI/RFP opportunities each Wednesday at 10 a.m. 

“KC Game Plan is a valuable resource that will empower our businesses with the insights, tools and ecosystem support to make informed decisions and prepare to welcome next summer’s World Cup visitors," said Tracy Whelpley, director of Regional Impact for KC2026.  

For more information about the KC Game Plan and to take the readiness assessment, visit kansascityfwc26.com/kc-game-plan/.  

*Visit KC estimates 650,000 unique visits based on total visitor days during the duration of the event in the KC area. A “visitor day” is defined as one visitor spending one day (day/overnight) in the destination; the figure will be adjusted further with base camps and other future announcements.  

Missouri Good Neighbor Week is coming up, and there are several ways to get involved! 

Good neighbors do more than just share a fence line—they create a sense of belonging, support one another during tough times, and celebrate life’s joys together. Whether it’s a friendly wave, lending a tool, or organizing a block party, small acts of neighborly kindness can transform our communities into safer, happier places.

Submit nominations for Missouri's "Most Engaged Neighbor.
Every nominee will receive a letter that lets them know of their nomination and a memento (keychain) for Missouri Good Neighbor Week. Top award winners will be announced in the fall as part of Missouri Good Neighbor Week (Sept. 28 - Oct. 4). 
Submit your nominations today at 2025 Missouri Good Neighbor Week - Engaged Neighbor Nomination Survey



Report your acts of neighboring for a chance to win a prize!
Reach out to a neighbor or perform an act of kindness and lthen share about it! Visit: 2025 Missouri Good Neighbor Week - Acts of Neighboring Survey

Need ideas? Visit this list of 101 Acts of Neighboring for inspiration: 101-Acts-of-Neighboring.pdf


Join us at a Good Neighbor Week event in Grain Valley!
Join us October 2nd at the Grain Valley Historical Society as we kick off our civic engagement efforts with a presentation from David Burton with the University of Missouri Extension. Burton is the creator of Missouri Good Neighbor Week, and will share how good neighboring makes a difference in your life, your neighborhood, and your community. 

We're contributing to the final First Fridays event on October 3rd by setting up the Longest Table on Main Street. Simply grab a bite to eat or a drink from a local restaurant or food truck and then take a seat at the table. Catch up with old friends, meet new friends, and build community. 

You've polished your website, perfected your elevator pitch, and your product or service genuinely solves real problems. Yet somehow, you keep attracting the wrong customers—the ones who haggle over every penny, make unreasonable demands, or disappear after one purchase. Meanwhile, your dream clients seem to float past, elusive, visiting but not buying.  

Why?

As in any human relationship, you need to be more magnetic. If your answer is, “I’m trying,” then perhaps you’re creating the wrong kind of magnetic field around your brand.

Opposites Don't Always Attract in Business

Did you ever play with magnets? If you did, then you know magnets have two poles that create distinct fields of attraction and repulsion. Your business has something similar. Every decision you make, from your pricing strategy to your communication style, either attracts or repels specific types of customers.

Most beginning businesspeople think success is about appealing to as many people as possible. Their marketing consists of claims like, “This is a great gift for everyone,” “This item fits everyone’s lifestyle.”  

But trying to appeal to everyone creates neutral magnetism that attracts no one strongly. Most customers don’t want to be everyone. They want to be spoken to in ways that catch their attention, such as “Creative architects love our tool,” or “We help people who hate doing yardwork get their weekend back.” Those types of callouts leave a potential customer thinking, “That’s me,” which inadvertently directs them to think, “That (product/service) is for me.”

Speaking in Your Customer's Natural Wavelength

Additionally, your ideal customers operate on distinct "business frequencies," that’s to say, patterns of decision-making, communication preferences, and value systems that are surprisingly predictable within industries and personality types.

Most businesses broadcast on a "Generic FM"—bland, safe messaging that technically reaches everyone but resonates with no one. Your competition is probably doing the same thing, which is why customers can't tell you apart.

Tuning Into the Right Station

Let's say you run a marketing agency. Instead of saying "We help businesses grow," try identifying your ideal client's specific “frequency”:

• The Overwhelmed Entrepreneur: "For entrepreneurs who lie awake at 2 AM wondering why their great product isn't selling itself"

• The Scaling Company: "When your scrappy startup marketing tactics hit a wall at $2M revenue"

• The Corporate Escapee: "Marketing services for executives who fled corporate life and swore they'd never work with agencies that speak in buzzwords again"

Each message repels two groups while magnetizing one and that's exactly what you want.

Availability Affects Attraction

Many small businesses are getting it backwards. They think being constantly available and accommodating makes them more attractive. In reality, it often signals low value and desperation, which is the business equivalent of appearing too eager on a first date.

This doesn't mean you should be difficult to buy from. No one’s going to purchase from someone playing “hard to get.” It means understanding what behavioral economists call "perceived scarcity signals." These are subtle indicators that communicate value through selective availability.

Examples of Strategic Scarcity

• A landscape architect who only takes on three projects per quarter (instead of cramming in as many as possible). You’ll often see this in marketing as “I just had a spot open up. Grab it now because I only have availability like this once a quarter.”

• A consultant who requires a discovery call before proposing. “Let’s jump on a call and see if we’re a good fit for one another.”

• A restaurant that closes one day per week "to maintain quality" (instead of staying open every day to maximize revenue). Chick-fil-a, enough said.

These businesses repel price-sensitive, high-maintenance customers while attracting clients who associate selectivity with expertise.

The Compound Interest of Customer Magnetism

The most overlooked aspect of customer attraction is that it compounds over time if you maintain consistency and think about how every interaction either strengthens or weakens your magnetism. 

When you bend your standards, lower your prices, or compromise your values to accommodate a marginal customer (not your ideal customer), you don't just make that one transaction less profitable. You make it harder to attract ideal customers in the future.

Conversely, every time you politely decline a poor-fit customer or maintain your standards despite pressure, you strengthen your brand. Word spreads through your ideal customer network that you're selective, professional, and worth the premium.

The other part no one tells you about catering to someone other than your ideal audience is that it endangers your word-of-mouth marketing. Word-of-mouth or referrals are something every business wants because it’s one of the most powerful types of marketing. When you market to everyone, including those who are not a good fit for you, you attract the wrong kind of customers and what they say about you will either be negative or, if it’s positive, it will attract more people who are not an ideal fit. After all, most people hang out with people who are similar to them so if they’re referring people to you it will be more people who are not your target market.

The Practical Magnetism Audit

Want to identify if your business has weak magnetism? Ask yourself these questions:

Attraction Audit:

• Do your last five new customers have similar characteristics, challenges, and values?

• Would your best customers enthusiastically recommend you to their friends?

• Do people often say "I never would have thought of that" when you explain your approach?

Repulsion Audit:

• Can you clearly articulate who your service is NOT for?

• Do you regularly turn away inquiries that aren't a good fit?

• Would your worst customers give similar complaints about what they didn't like?

If you answered no to most of these questions, you likely have neutral polarity—trying to be everything to everyone and ending up magnetic to no one.

Rewiring Your Business Magnetic Field

Start by identifying your strongest existing customer relationships. What specific problems do you solve for them that no one else addresses quite the same way? What do they value about working with you that they can't get elsewhere? That's your magnetic north.

Then, gradually align everything—your messaging, pricing, processes, and even your office environment—to strengthen that specific part of your brand. Some customers will drift away. Let them. They're making room for the clients who will become your biggest advocates and most profitable relationships.

Remember, in a world of infinite choice and constant noise, being remarkably good for some people is infinitely more valuable than being adequate for everyone. Your perfect customers are out there, searching for exactly what you offer.

The businesses thriving today aren't necessarily the ones with the best products or the biggest marketing budgets. They're the ones that have figured out how to create a strong, focused magnetic field and their ideal customers can't help but be drawn in. 

That's not just good marketing. That's magnetic business design.

Christina Metcalf is a writer and women’s speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is the author of The Glinda Principle, rediscovering the magic within.

_______________________________________

Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor

LinkedIn: @christinagsmith

When you’re building a small business, it’s easy to focus on the day-to-day grind—inventory, customer service, cash flow, and that never-ending inbox. But if you don’t know where you’re going, how will you know if you’re getting there?

That’s where a vision statement comes in. Some businesses think it’s “too corporate” or “too pretentious,” something people do to impress investors. But it’s more than a buzz phrase or a corporate checkbox.

A clear, inspiring vision is your business’s North Star—and one of the most underused tools in small business marketing. Yes, small business marketing. You don’t need to be a giant organization with stockholders to realize the power behind a well-crafted vision statement.

What Is a Vision Statement?

A vision statement is a snapshot of your business’s future—a clear, compelling declaration of where you're headed and why it matters. It’s not about what you do now; it’s about the bigger picture of what you're trying to build.

It should be:

· Aspirational

· Concise and memorable

· Future-focused

· Emotionally resonant

Examples:

“To give every kid access to affordable after-school care.”

A great vision statement is like the rallying cry of your brand. It energizes, unites, and guides. And note, it also exemplifies your tone. The example above uses the word “kid,” for instance. While not the best grammatical choice, it reflects the casual tone of the brand.

Why a Vision Statement Matters (More Than You Think)

It’s more than a bunch of clever words strung together.

1. It Aligns and Inspires Your Team

When employees understand the bigger “why” behind their work, it’s no longer just a job—it’s a mission. A clear vision gives your team something to strive for and a sense of purpose that fuels motivation and loyalty.

This is especially true for Millennials and Gen Z, who are driven by meaning, impact, and shared values. They want to work for companies that stand for something. If your business has a clear vision that aligns with their ideals, you’re no longer just an employer. You’re a movement they want to be part of.

2. It Gives Customers Something to Cheer For

People don’t just buy products. They buy into stories. Your vision helps customers understand the heart behind your brand. It shows them that when they support your business, they’re part of a bigger mission.

This emotional connection builds loyalty and transforms occasional buyers into enthusiastic advocates.

Bonus: younger generations, especially Gen Z, are more likely to support brands that align with their values and contribute to a better future.

3. It Guides Better Decisions

A vision statement acts like a compass. Faced with tough choices like Should I take this partnership? Launch this product? Shift this strategy?, you can measure your options against your long-term vision. If it doesn’t move you closer to that goal, it’s a no.

How to Use Your Vision Statement to Power-Up Your Marketing

Once you’ve written your vision statement, don’t let it collect dust. Bake it into every part of your brand story including:

Your Website

Your About Page is the perfect place to share your vision. Let visitors see the “why” behind your business. It turns your brand from a logo into a living, breathing purpose.

Social Media

Bring your vision to life with posts that reflect your mission. Share stories, customer wins, behind-the-scenes moments, or challenges you're tackling on the way to your vision. These posts create emotional resonance and are incredibly engaging.

Email Marketing

Include your vision in your welcome email sequence. When someone signs up, let them know they’re part of something meaningful. This builds connection from day one.

Packaging and Product Copy

If your vision is about sustainability, community, or creativity say it proudly on your product labels or inserts. These tiny reminders reinforce what makes your brand special.

Speaking and Press Opportunities

When telling your brand story, your vision is the headline. It sets the tone, grabs attention, and sticks with people. It’s the “why it matters” that makes your journey worth following.

Writing a Vision Statement That Actually Means Something

Corporate speak turns people off. Go for meaning, not fancy words (unless that’s your brand). Your vision doesn’t have to be world-changing to be meaningful. It just has to be real.

Ask yourself:

· What positive change do I want to make?

· What’s the long-term impact of this company?

· How do I want my business to shape the community or industry?

Then, write 1–2 sentences that feel bold, personal, and motivating. If it gives you goosebumps, you're on the right track.

Vision Statements Aren’t Just for Big Brands

You don’t have to rank among the Fortune 500 to have a strong vision statement. You just need to find something that is quintessentially you and where you see your business going. Your visions statement is important because it’s a magnet. It attracts great employees, loyal customers, and opportunities that align with your purpose. It helps you make smarter choices and tell a brand story that sticks.

So don’t bury your vision in a file somewhere. Put it front and center. Share it. Live it. And let people cheer you on as you build something that matters.

Your story deserves a spotlight. Your vision statement gives it one.

Christina Metcalf is a writer and women’s speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is the author of The Glinda Principle, rediscovering the magic within.

_______________________________________

Medium: @christinametcalf

Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking

Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor

LinkedIn: @christinagsmith

Facebook continues to be one of the most powerful platforms for businesses to connect with customers, build brand awareness, and drive sales. With over 2 billion users and tools that support everything from video marketing to community building, it remains a key part of many business marketing strategies. And that’s why it’s important to keep an eye on it. 

Two big pieces of news about the platform just hit (one planned, one not so much). Every business should be aware of:

1. Facebook is merging all video uploads into Reels, streamlining the posting process and pushing businesses toward short-form, mobile-friendly content. 

2. A sudden and unexplained deletion of thousands of Facebook Groups shows that access to your audience on social media is never guaranteed—even if you haven’t violated any rules.

This news carries big implications for businesses, not only how you create content, but how you protect your access to your customers and followers. 

Keep reading for what these updates mean, how to adapt, and why now is the time to get serious about owning your audience through email.

What’s Changing with Video

Facebook is unifying all video uploads under Reels—so whether you previously posted in Feed or as a Reel, everything now lands in one seamless format. That means no more choosing between formats or worrying about length restrictions.

Clap, clap. It’s about time. Most people didn’t understand the differences between videos and Reels anyway.

Why It Matters for Businesses

Just another change, right? Hold on. This one makes life a little easier because it introduces:

• Simplicity in creation: A single posting interface now offers access to filters, effects, trimming, and more, ideal for creating polished video without added complexity. (Huray. This confused a lot of novice video creators. The tools were inconsistent. It was difficult to tell when you could do what. Some thought they were uploading videos but uploaded to reels. Others thought Reels had to be funny and opted for video uploads, which decreased the number of views they received. Reels just seem to get more views. Options overcomplicated things. No more.)

• Unified audience settings: Same visibility and privacy options for all videos, so no more jumping between post types. 

The Good—and the Gotchas

As with all rollouts, there’s a lot to celebrate and a few gotchas. Again, this is largely a good thing for most business creators, but we want you to have the full information.

Advantages

• Boosted engagement: Easier tools let businesses focus on brand storytelling, not tech hurdles.

• Flexible formats: From quick announcements to longer behind‑the‑scenes clips—Reels now supports them all. 

Challenges

Generally, this is a good thing that will streamline the creation process, but there is one thing to be aware of. You may need a strategy reset. If your team leans long‑form, you’ll need fresh tactics to work within Reels’ vibe. Longer videos will be accommodated on Reels, but you’ll need to learn about the all-important “hook” when designing for this platform. 

And, in other Facebook news…

New Risk: Group Access Can Disappear Without Warning

This week (June 24-25) Facebook mistakenly deleted or suspended thousands of Groups, from gossip and hobby communities to parenting and support networks, citing vague policy violations like “terrorism-related content” or “nudity.” Large, active groups—even with no history of violations—were impacted.

According to an article in the Daily Telegraph, many admins lost access with generic “This isn’t available” notices and slow/no appeals. Meta is calling it a “technical error,” but full restoration remains uneven. Reddit exploded with stories about groups around the globe disappearing.

What This Means for You

No, the sky isn’t falling. We’re not calling for a mass exodus of Facebook, but if you use Facebook for business, this is an incredibly important lesson. This incident proves that without any misconduct or breaches, access can be revoked instantly, without notice and with limited recourse.

Don’t (necessarily) get off Facebook but you should invest time in creating valuable content on a platform you own and building an email list.

  

Why Engagement & Email Lists Are Mission-Critical—More Than Ever

1. Own your audience. Facebook may change tools or glitch without warning. But your email list is secure, always under your control.

2. Avoid algorithm risks. Today's shift to Reels and tomorrow’s tech issues mean you can’t rely solely on any social channel to reach customers.

3. Deeper engagement builds trust. Move followers from passive viewers to active subscribers. Email interaction is direct, measurable, and permanent.

Strategic Next Steps for Your Business

What should you be doing next? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Double down on Reels. Plan creative video series, use in-app tools, and align content to marketing goals—awareness, leads, and education. Work on creating cohesive, deliberate, and valuable content.

2. Launch an email opt-in campaign. Offer freebies (e.g., tip sheets, checklists) to encourage sign-ups from social.

3. Promote across formats. In every post, include strong CTAs like “Join our list for exclusive updates.”

4. Track channels. Use analytics to see which content drives both views and conversions (website clicks, email sign‑ups).

Facebook’s Reels update simplifies creating high-impact video. But the recent Group takedown incident is a sobering reminder: platform access is fragile and can vanish in an instant. It’s essential now more than ever to actively engage your followers and convert them into email subscribers so you're never left stranded if social channels shift.

Christina Metcalf is a writer and women’s speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is the author of The Glinda Principle, rediscovering the magic within.

The Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce is pleased to share its annual report, presented to the Grain Valley Board of Aldermen on May 12th. We have made great strides in membership and program development in 2024-25, and we are excited to explore even more opportunities to serve our members and our community in 2025-26.

2025 GVCC Annual Report (1).pdf

​On May 1st, the Grain Valley Chamber of Commerce was proud to host the local competition of the National Civics Bee. The event included an in-person live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round to test their civics knowledge.

Ruslana T. from Ray Pec East Middle School took first place, followed by Loula B. from Grain Valley North Middle School and Anthony W. from Grain Valley North Middle School for second and third places, respectively.

The first-place winner received a $500 cash prize and will advance to the state competition along with the other two finalists who also received cash prizes. 

The top state winners will receive various prizes, and the first-place winner of the State Finals will earn a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Championship in the Fall of 2025. Prizes at the National Championship include a grand prize of a $100,000 529 plan for first place, $25,000 for second place, and $15,000 for third place.

Growth isn't a passive process; it doesn’t just happen. Unfortunately, you don’t open a business and sit back and wait for it to grow. Businesses rarely go viral overnight and planning on doing so is like funding your retirement by playing the lottery every week.

Business growth is a dynamic journey fueled by strategic thinking and insightful questions that help you see things in new ways. As a business owner, you're constantly navigating challenges and opportunities, not to mention the competition.

But are you asking the right questions to propel your business to the next level?

Simply working hard isn't enough. We need to work smarter, and that starts with asking the questions that reveal hidden potential and drive meaningful change to attain growth.

Internal Questions for Operational Excellence

Every successful business rests on a solid foundation. Let's start by looking inward. Are your internal operations optimized for growth?

Consider these questions:

• Are our current workflows efficient, or are there bottlenecks? Take a critical look at your processes. Are there redundant steps or outdated systems that could be streamlined?
• Are we maximizing our existing resources? This includes your team, technology, and financial assets. Are you leveraging them to their full potential? A lot has changed over the past few years. It may be time to audition new tech and assess the skills gap that may exist in your business.
• Is our team engaged and aligned with our goals? A motivated team is a powerful engine for growth. Are you providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed? Are they fulfilled in their position? A disengaged employee can do a lot of damage to a business and its service reputation.

Actionable Step: Conduct a brief internal audit. Map out your key processes and identify areas for improvement. Schedule a team meeting to gather feedback and brainstorm solutions.

External Questions for Market Understanding

Understanding your market is crucial for sustained growth. Sometimes markets change or new ones open up.

Ask yourself:

• Who is our ideal customer, and what are their evolving needs? Customer preferences change. Are you staying ahead of the curve? For instance, if you were a business that served authors, with the recent growth in AI, how did that impact them and what they need from you? If you haven’t answered that question in five years, you’re likely behind your competition. Speaking of…
• What are our competitors doing, and how can we differentiate ourselves? Analyze your competition to identify opportunities to stand out. Again, give them a fresh look. They may be doing new things you weren’t aware of. Additionally, sometimes your competition is not doing anything. If your ideal customer isn’t choosing you, are they choosing your competition or doing nothing? Why?
• How can we enhance our customer experience to build loyalty and drive referrals? Exceptional customer service is a powerful differentiator. Don’t assume your service is excellent just because you don’t hear complaints. If they’re not talking about you, you’re average.

Actionable Step: Conduct a customer survey or analyze your customer feedback data. Research your competitors' online presence and marketing strategies.

Strategic Questions for Future Growth

Looking ahead is essential for long-term success. Consider these strategic questions:

• What are our long-term goals, and how can we achieve them? Develop a clear roadmap for the future.
• What new opportunities can we explore to expand our market reach? Consider new products, services, or markets.
• How can we innovate and adapt to changing market conditions? Agility is key to staying competitive.

Actionable Step: Schedule a strategic planning session with your team. Brainstorm new ideas and develop a plan to implement them.

The Power of "Why?"

No, this time we’re not talking about YOUR why. Instead, channel your inner four-year-old and don't be content to stop at the surface. Dig deeper by asking "Why?" multiple times. This technique can help you uncover the root cause of problems and identify hidden opportunities. For example, instead of just asking "Why are sales down?" look at the larger picture and ask "Why are sales down? Why are customer leads down? Why is our marketing not generating enough leads?"

Use the word “why” and “and” with each question you answer. Your learning and understanding will improve.

Your Chamber is Your Partner in Growth

Asking the right questions is just the beginning. Your chamber of commerce is here to support you on your growth journey.

The chamber offers a range of resources to help you grow including:

• Networking events to connect with other business leaders
• Educational workshops and seminars to enhance your skills
• Access to valuable market data and industry insights
• Business counseling and mentorship

Growth is a continuous process of learning, adapting, and innovating. By asking the right questions and leveraging the resources available to you, you can unlock your business's full potential. Then reach out to your chamber of commerce to explore how it can help you take your business to the next level.

Christina Metcalf is a writer and women’s speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is the author of The Glinda Principle, rediscovering the magic within.