What is the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce?

The Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce prides itself on being one of the most recommended Chambers in the region. The focus centralized around uniting business, industry and professional individuals to improve the economy and build a more vibrant and prosperous community. The Chamber’s strength lies in its membership, enabling them to accomplish collectively what no one could do individually.

Our Mission: To lead the community enhancing economic vitality, to be an advocate for the business community and improve the quality of life in the Neosho area.

Our Vision: Be the premier membership-based organization helping member businesses & organizations flourish and grow, encouraging new & quality economic growth, & branding the region as a destination to live, work and play.

What does it do? 

The scope of Chamber activities is unlimited in its variety of services, depending on the needs of the community and the desire and ability of the Chamber to carry them out.  The Chamber is an information agency, maintaining up to date community and industrial information and economic development data to answer inquiries of all types, whether they be a personal interview, telephone or by mail.

The Chamber represents and promotes the area’s economy, and encourages business and industrial investments, broadening the tax base and providing employment.  To business prospects and newcomers, the Chamber represents Neosho’s “front door” and serves as its goodwill ambassador.

The Chamber’s main objectives are to promote local business, recruit new business and industry to the area and to aid the expansion of existing business and industry.  There is a place in the Chamber of Commerce for all who share the desire to improve conditions under which business is conducted. The Chamber’s focus is on making the Neosho area a better place in which to live, to work, and do business!

(The Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce is funded primarily by membership investments, which are paid on an annual basis.  These investments are not a donation but are considered an investment; they are tax deductible as a legitimate business expense.)

Benefits of Membership

Publicity/Exposure -- All members are listed both alphabetically and categorically in the Chamber’s online membership directory.  The directory is available all the time on our chamber website www.neoshocc.com. Also, all new members are encouraged to have a New Member Welcome at their place of business to introduce themselves to the community and other Chamber members.  The local news media frequently covers these events.  We also offer publicity through press releases on our website and promotion of events. 

Networking -- There are numerous opportunities for our members to meet one another.  We believe that people like doing business with people they know.  There are numerous networking events held, including Brewing Business Coffee each month, hosted by a member and once a quarter a different member hosts Brewing Business After Hours at their place of business.  There is no charge to attend these events and all members are invited.  These are both great opportunities to meet and greet each other, exchange business cards and enjoy the fellowship in a relaxed atmosphere.  Also, the Chamber holds a general membership luncheon once a quarter, an Annual Banquet dinner each November, numerous ribbon cuttings, and other networking opportunities throughout the year.

Group Health Insurance Option -- We have partnered with the Missouri Chamber Federation and are now able to offer our small business members with 2-50 employees an option for group health insurance. Many of our businesses have been able to use this resource to not only offer their employees insurance but to save substantially on their costs.

Social Media  --  The Chamber is very active on social media and works hard to help our members obtain positive interaction and exposure by sharing interesting posts, featuring new members, spotlighting existing members and staying visible to the community.

Job Postings --  The Chamber offers free job postings on our website for all of our members.  These job postings are easily shareable on social media and have been an effective tool for many of our members, to not only get more applicants but quality applicants.

Education -- The Chamber often coordinates educational workshops or seminars.  Members have access to them at little or no cost.  The Chamber always encourages suggestions for possible topics or programs.  We also love partnering with our local schools, colleges and universities.

Referrals -- We receive dozens of calls per week from people who need referrals.  We refer ONLY our members. We also offer a free web link from our website to any member’s site.

For information about the Neosho area, visit our website at www.neoshocc.com.  Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/neoshocc. 

Weekly Newsletter/Weekend Update --  Members can stay “in the know” about the community and fellow chamber members by signing up to receive our 2 weekly email updates to our members about upcoming events and activities in the chamber and the community.  These include our Weekly Newsletter sent out each Monday and our Wildcat Weekend Update, sent out each Friday.  Members who have events or specials are encourages to send us flyers to be included in these publications.

Chamber Information Center:  The Chamber office is a welcome center for the community and has space to allow our members to display brochures and business cards.

Neosho Chamber Marketplace --  Chamber members can post special promotions, sales, member-to-member deals, or available business opportunities on the Chamber Website. 

Meeting Space --  Chamber Members have free access to 3 separate meeting spaces located inside the Hale McGinty Business Center.

• La-Z-Boy Opportunity Center:  Seating for up to 40, Smart Board, Wireless Internet, Big Screen T/Monitor, Video Conferencing
• Branco Conference Room: Seating for up 16, Smart Board
• CBT Conference Room: Seating for up to 8

Legislation -- The Chamber is an excellent source of information about legislative issues affecting our area.  Acting as a liaison for business, the Chamber of Commerce has on-going contact with State Legislators and is often a sounding board for its members.  An “Eggs & Issues” breakfast is also held to give members an opportunity to ask questions of their government representatives.  As needed, a Chamber Day at the Capitol is planned for members to meet at the State Capitol and lobby legislators.

Missouri Chamber Federation – Our small business with less than 10 employees are automatically members of the Missouri Chamber Federation.

Community Involvement -- There are many Chamber committees that any employee of a Chamber member can attend and join.  Participation is voluntary, but encouraged.. 

Lists and Labels – Only Chamber members have access to the complete membership directory with contact names at no charge.  Mailing labels are available for a minimal charge.

Staff:

Lauri Lyerla

CEO

Lauri is a well-known figure in Neosho, having grown up as a Wildcat through and through. Her early years were spent working at her family's furniture store, Mills Park Centre, where she learned firsthand the importance of small businesses and community engagement. Today, she applies these fundamental values to support our members' businesses and encourage innovative thinking. Since 2014, Lauri has been at the helm of the Chamber, and in 2018, she completed her studies at the Institute of Organizational Management.

Lauri's focus extends beyond the Chamber; she actively nurtures relationships with various local entities like the City Council, Newton County, Neosho Schools, Crowder College, Grow Neosho, and many others. This collaboration aims to maximize our town's potential and functionality.

Outside of her professional life, Lauri shares her journey with her high school sweetheart, Brad, and they are proud parents to two children, Kennedy and Cade. Additionally, they have two grandchildren named Kaysen and Kohen.

 

Ashley Siler

Director of Operations & Marketing

We affectionately refer to Ashley as our Neosho transplant, despite her not being originally from the area. It seems that black and gold have become her favored colors since joining us. Ashley has been a resident of the 4 State area her entire life, working in the education and health sectors before transitioning into the Chamber realm. Her experiences have instilled in her a deep passion for empowering individuals and forging connections between resources.

Ashley joined the Chamber team in 2014, initially managing our bustling event schedule for four years. A few years later, she transitioned into a more hands-on Membership role, catering to both our existing members and those seeking to join us. She completed her studies at the Institute of Organizational Management in 2019. In 2022, she was promoted to Director of Operations and then in 2024, took on our Chamber's marketing.

Outside of work, Ashley and her husband, Nate, lead a busy life with their six children: Ethan, Kadelyn, Eric, Conner, Jared, and Jayley.

Heather Clear

Event Coordinator

Heather became a part of our Chamber team in 2021. She moved from Kansas City to the Neosho area in 2019 to be closer to her family and embarked on her entrepreneurial journey by founding a craft party business. When the pandemic hit, her craft business faced challenges, but she witnessed the Chamber's exceptional support for its members and was inspired to join the team.

Currently enrolled in the Institute for Organizational Management, Heather is expanding her Chamber knowledge, aiming to enhance her service to our members. She is dedicated to contributing even more to our community through her role.

Heather and her husband, Johnny, are proud parents of two daughters named Lexi and Savannah.

 

Paige Pogue

Receptionist & Photographer

Paige became a part of our team in 2024, taking on the role of our receptionist. Whether you're stopping by our office or reaching out over the phone, Paige will greet you with a warm smile and assist you. In addition to her reception duties, Paige contributes to our member services by capturing moments at Ribbon Cuttings and Chamber events through her photography. She has a talent for capturing genuine interactions, and we are thrilled to have her enhance our documentation efforts.

Outside of work, Paige shares her life with her husband Codi and their three children: Taylor, Emma, and Lucas.

 

Sarah James

Member Experience Coordinator

Sarah came aboard our Chamber Team in 2024, stepping into the role of our Member Experience Coordinator. Her primary focus is ensuring that every member, whether they're new or have been with us for years, receives the best possible Chamber experience. Sarah's extensive knowledge and experience in small business management equip her to offer fresh perspectives and valuable insights to our members.

Many of you may already recognize Sarah as one of the co-owners of Magnolia & Sunshine Boutique, where she has been instrumental in nurturing a vibrant local Downtown business. Now, Sarah is excited to extend her dedication to community involvement by joining our Chamber team part-time.

Sarah and her husband, Tim, are proud parents to three children: Cooper, Colton, and Liddie.

 

Executive Board

President - Bobby Bryant

Vice President - Sam Gorham

2nd Vice President - Chett Daniel

Treasurer - Becky Cobb

Member at Large - Terra Oxendine

Past President - JoEtta Pittsley