Industry Associations

What’s a Diplomat, Anyway?

Members of the Diplomats Club serve as the Chamber of Commerce’s public relations team. (This can be a big team, with more than 100 active members). Representing an array of businesses and some community volunteers, the Diplomats (lovingly called Dips) are very active and visible within the Chamber and the business community throughout the year. In addition to monthly breakfast meetings and seven subcommittees, the Diplomats can be seen helping at frequent community concerts, working alongside nonprofits for a cause or engaging with new business members in the community. Apply today to find out why this is “the club that shines.”

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Great minds think alike

What do you like to talk about with like-minded individuals … business? Industry innovations? How to enhance your sales and networking strategy? In St. Joseph, you’ll find industry associations and networking groups to keep the conversations going.

CONSTRUCTION

The Midland Empire Home Builders Association is a local non-profit that recognizes leadership in the home building industry. Members participate in professional learning activities, professional development, community initiatives and networking throughout the year. The organization is an affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders. St. Joseph is also home to a Women in Construction organization, offering monthly meetings and activities.

MINISTRY

The Northwest Missouri Ministerial Alliance brings leaders of the faith community together for addressing challenges and opportunities. Representing a diverse list of faiths, the group promotes shared resources and participates in many community initiatives.

LEADERSHIP

Make your mark in St. Joseph — there are a hundred ways. Leadership St. Joseph, an initiative of the St. Joseph United Way, has a long history of yearly leadership classes that tackle community challenges together, across many work disciplines and many generations. St. Joseph business and community members also participate in Leadership Northwest Missouri, bringing together individuals from across several counties in the region. The St. Joseph Community Alliance brings leaders and executives together who share a vision for progress. This group meets monthly.

HUMAN RESOURCES

The Human Resources Management Association of Northwest Missouri has an office in St. Joseph, Mo. This organization offers meetings, trainings and certification information, volunteer opportunities and more for professionals in the human resources field.

BUSINESS NETWORKING

Mark your calendar for your next networking opportunity. (There are plenty to choose from. Here are just a few.) Circle of Influence is a group of small business professionals who exchange direct client referrals and leads. The group also provides a forum to discuss commonly-shared business challenges. If you’re a morning person, the Diplomats Club (hosted by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce) meets for breakfast once per month at an area business. Guest speakers, networking and community volunteer opportunities throughout the year strengthen this group’s ties to the community. Have the need, the need for speed? Go to the Chamber’s Speed Networking Event, held twice a year. Hosted by Northwest Missouri State University’s Small Business Development Center and the Chamber, the Women in Leadership group meets to share information on topics for business owners, managers and employees. See the event calendar here for plenty of business networking opportunities.