Phil Achten spoke to Chamber members about the life-saving work of the Community Blood Center during the November Chamber Luncheon. Also speaking were Mark Heller of Wal-Mart, event sponsor, and Lora Eason and Derek Jones of Done Right Detail, featured Business of the Month.

The 43rd Annual Mineral Water Bowl will be held Sat., Dec. 6 at Tiger Stadium featuring the Augustana College Vikings from Sioux Falls, S.D. vs. the Missouri Western State University Griffons. A Welcome Reception hosted by the Quarterback Club and the Chamber of Commerce will be held Thurs., Dec. 4 at the Elms Resort & Spa. For game information visit the website. Upcoming Events • Now through Nov. 29 – The Excelsior Springs Museum and Archives is proud to host a cutting-edge art quilt exhibition, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Members of the Front Range Contemporary Quilters, one of the oldest art quilt guilds in the United States, will have on exhibit 40 quilts. There will also be an exhibit of local quilts along with the exhibit of art quilts. The Museum and Archives are located at 101 East Broadway. Click here for more information. • Nov. 21 - Dec. 30 – Gingerbread House Display, Elms Resort & Spa, 816-630-5500. • Nov. 21 – "Festival of Trees" Black Tie Event, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Excelsior Springs, to honor servicemen and -women around the world who can't make it home for the holidays, and the proceeds from several holiday-themed fundraisers that evening will go to help those brave men and women in uniform. The event will be held 7 p.m. to midnight at the Elms Resort & Spa.Tickets to the event cost $50 each, two tickets for $95 and tables of 10 can be bought for $450. For more information contact Diane Gonzalez at 816-801-9094 or Lisa McElwee at 816-405-0495 or visit www.blacktiekc.com. • Nov. 21-23 – "Sorry, Wrong Chimney" by Jack Sharkey and Leo Sears playing at the Paradise Playhouse Dinner Theatre, 816-630-3333. Click here for details. • Nov. 22 – Celebrating the Season with our Holiday Kickoff ... Progressive Taste of Excelsior, area restauarants, citywide; 1st Annual Parade and Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony, downtown, 6 p.m.; opening of the Hall of Trees in the Hall of Waters. Click here for additional information and event entry forms. • Nov. 22, 2008 - Jan. 1, 2009 – Hall of Trees, Hall of Waters, downtown • Nov. 22 – MAGIC Fireworks Chili Supper, 4 - 8 p.m. Our chili is not too hot, not too spicy, but JUST RIGHT! For your convenience during the Christmas Kickoff, we'll be located just east of the Hall of Waters at 217 E. Broadway. The Christmas Committee is having Santa visit with the children right after the parade and lighting festivities at this location, too. All-you-can-eat chili, hot dog and drink for only $5, plus cookies and brownies for $1 more. Come warm up and share a bite to eat as we help kick off the joyous holiday season in Excelsior Springs. All proceeds support the MAGIC fireworks activities for our community. For more information contact Vicky Bates, 816-637-3782 or 816-506-2111. • Nov. 22 – Country Music Makers will provide country western, bluegrass and gospel entertainment at the Senior Center in Excelsior Springs, 7-9 p.m. (Please enter on the west side of the building.) Everyone is welcome and admission is free; donations will be accepted. For more information call 630-0871. • Nov. 29-30 – "Little Women Christmas" adapted from "Little Women" by Louisa Mae Alcott, dramatized by B.J. Gray, presented by the Excelsior Springs Community Theatre, Community of Christ Church, Plummer Rd. Sat., Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 30 at 2:30 p.m. Click here to reserve tickets. Click here for complete event calendar information. Master Plan survey on-line The City of Excelsior Springs and RDG/Larkin Group invite the public to participate in an on-line survey that asks about strengths, weaknesses and wish lists for Excelsior Springs. The information is being gathered as part of the process of putting together a comprehensive Master Plan. Click on button at right to participate in survey.

Community Prospectus The City of Excelsior Springs and the Chamber of Commerce have completed a new community prospectus called "A Planters Guide." Click here to view now. NEXT CHAMBER EVENTS • Nov. 20 – You are cordially invited to attend a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to commemorate the change in ownership and opening of the Paradise Playhouse, now in our 10th Season, 4:30 p.m., 101 Spring St. • Nov. 25 – Ribbon Cutting for New Age Skincare Spa,102 E. Broadway, 4:30 p.m. Click here for additional Chamber events. 2009 Waterfest • June 26, 27, 28, 2009. Mark your calendar! Click here to download .pdf application. New Demographics Current demographics and projected demographics to 2010 now available. Other new demographic reports will be available soon as .pdf downloads. Click here. Career Opportunities Career change in your future? Check out the local job market. Click here. Volunteer Opportunities The Excelsior Springs Chamber is looking for volunteers to work in the Chamber office; if interested contact the Chamber office at 816-630-6161. Please take our Visitor Survey If you have recently been a visitor to our community, we want to hear from you! Click here. Chamber Member Testimonials Read what some of our members have to say about being a part of the Chamber. Click here.