7th Annual Main Street Scarecrow Contest
The Park Hills–Leadington Chamber of Commerce recently wrapped up its 7th Annual Main Street Scarecrow Contest, an autumn tradition that brings creativity, color, and community pride to downtown Park Hills each October. The 2025 contest saw remarkable participation from local families, businesses, schools, and organizations, all contributing imaginative and festive displays that lined Main Street throughout the Halloween season. This year’s winners truly captured the spirit of the season and the heart of
Donnelly-LaMear Poker Run 2025
On Saturday, November 1st, 2025, the Park Hills–Leadington Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted the 4th Annual Donnelly-LaMear Poker Run, marking the first year the Chamber has organized the event independently. Participants gathered at the scenic Donnelly‑LaMear Trailhead to embark on an exhilarating route visiting five local stops, enjoying camaraderie, community spirit and friendly competition. Registration opened at 10:00 a.m., with each “hand” costing $30. The first 50 hands registered received a
Witches on Main 2025
On Friday, October 24, 2025, downtown Park Hills came alive with a little extra magic as the Park Hills–Leadington Chamber of Commerce hosted its inaugural Witches on Main event. The evening transformed West Main Street into a bustling celebration of creativity, community, and Halloween spirit, drawing hundreds of residents and visitors for a night filled with laughter, shopping, music, and friendly competition. Witches on Main featured a full lineup of activities, including themed contests, live
A Non-Accountant’s Guide to Running Business Finances Effectively
Running a business means juggling a dozen priorities — and finance often tops the “least favorite” list. Many founders start with a great product or service idea but find bookkeeping, taxes, and cash flow tracking intimidating. The truth? You don’t need to be a finance expert — you just need systems, habits, and a clear structure. This article breaks down how to manage your business finances effectively — even if numbers aren’t your strength. Understand the Financial Big Picture Before worrying about
.png)
Ridge Events Launches Custom Gift Box Program — Perfect for Every Occasion
Ridge Events is thrilled to announce a fun and thoughtful new way to celebrate life’s special moments. Customers can now order custom Gift Boxes filled with a curated selection of local goodies, treats, and a few extra surprises — all beautifully packaged and shipped directly to their door. Whether it’s for a birthday, a special celebration, or a corporate gift, Ridge Events makes it easy to spread a little joy. Shoppers can choose their gift box preferences, and the Ridge Events team will prepare a
Mineral Area College named one of America’s Best Colleges to Work For
Article & Photo via The Daily Journal Online/Lisa BrothertonMineral Area College (MAC) was recognized in September as one of the best colleges in the nation to work for, according to the 2025 Great Colleges to Work For® program, one of the largest and most respected workplace recognition programs in higher education. The results, published this week in a special insert of The Chronicle of Higher Education, were based on a national survey of 199 colleges and universities. Of those institutions, only 76
Happy Boss’s Day to our amazing Board of Directors!
Happy Boss’s Day to our amazing Board of Directors! These leaders dedicate their time, experience, and heart to making the Park Hills–Leadington Chamber of Commerce, and our community, stronger every day. We’re so thankful for each of you: Andy Inman, Brenda Jordan, Brooke Maynard, Chris Hulsey, Dustin McKinney, Glenda Straughn, Joe Gilgour, Joshua Kennon, Parks Peterson, Thomas Abel, TJ Isgrig, Yvette Smith, Zach Franklin, and Zech Payne. These individuals work tirelessly behind the scenes to support our
Congratulations to Our Chamber Director, Tamara Coleman!
We are bursting with pride to announce that our Executive Director, Tamara Coleman, has been honored with the Municipal Communicator of the Year Award from MessageSpring, recognizing her outstanding work in her OTHER role as Digital Content Manager for the City of Park Hills. This recognition underscores the passion, creativity, and dedication she pours into her work every single day. From day one, Tammi has been a force for connection. Bringing clarity, warmth, and vision to our Chamber, our community,
.png)
Announcing the First State Community Bank Christmas Parade
The Park Hills - Leadington Chamber of Commerce is absolutely thrilled to announce First State Community Bank as the Official Sponsor of the 2025 Christmas Parade, and this year’s magical theme is… Christmas Movies!Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 13, 2025!!Event Schedule:3:00–4:30 PM | Photos with Santa at No. 9 Coffee Co.4:00 p.m. - Musical Presentation by the Rebel Clef Honor Choir from West Elementary (Grades 4-5) at Leadington Plaza (Near No. 9 Coffee)4:30 p.m. - Leadington Tree Lighting5:00
Leadco Community Credit Union Announces Park Hills Branch Closure
**Article & Photo, Courtesy of The Daily Journal Online Leadco Community Credit Union has announced that its branch located at 820 E. Main St. in Park Hills will permanently close effective Nov. 30, 2025. The decision follows a careful review of operational factors, including rising costs, maintenance of the aging facility, staffing challenges, and employee safety concerns. “This was not an easy decision,” the credit union’s board said in a statement. “For more than 72 years, Leadco has proudly served
SMTS Breaks Ground on New St. Francois County Facility
The Park Hills–Leadington Chamber of Commerce was proud to join Southeast Missouri Transportation Service, Inc., also known as SMTS, for today’s groundbreaking at 3343 Commonwealth Drive, Park Hills, MO (the former Missouri State Highway Patrol building) marking the start of a remodel and expansion that will strengthen transit service across St. Francois County and beyond. The project will renovate the existing 3,795-sq-ft building to include office space, a drivers’ lounge, kitchenette, a training room,
From Finance to Teamwork: Smarter Tools for Smoother Operations
Running a small business often means wearing many hats—managing finances, keeping customers happy, and making sure day-to-day tasks don’t fall through the cracks. Fortunately, a growing set of tools can help entrepreneurs simplify operations, save time, and focus on growth.Below, we explore different categories of modern solutions, how they’re being used, and what to consider when adopting them.Smarter Collaboration PlatformsCloud-based collaboration platforms have become essential for businesses with
Dough, Fire, Hustle: Starting a Pizzeria on a Budget
Opening a pizzeria might seem like a romantic notion, but behind every bubbling pie and charred crust is a business built on tight margins and smart decisions. Especially when you’re starting out, the key isn’t to go big—it’s to go smart. The scent of fresh pizza will only get so far if rent eats your profits and equipment costs choke your bank account. Making a lean start, one rooted in calculated moves and flexibility, offers a better shot at long-term survival in a saturated market.Strip Down to the
