ABOUT CHAMBER UNIVERSITY:
Whether you’re running the business, growing a team, or building something new from the ground up, Chamber University is built to help you get better at what you do, fast.
These workshop-style classes are led by industry pros and packed with practical, ready-to-use tips you can apply right away. No fluff. Just real strategies to help you market smarter, strengthen your online presence, make confident decisions, and find funding opportunities to support growth.
Each session stands alone, so you can jump into one class that fits your needs or attend all four for the full experience.
Pre-registration is required for all classes. To register use the links provided or call 417-739-2564.
Thank you to our Chamber University Sponsor:
Class Schedule and Summaries:
Content that Connects
Tuesday, January 20
9 a.m. to 11a.m.
Course Summary:
If you ever find yourself thinking, “I need to post something, but what?” this class is for you. We will share easy content ideas you can use right away, simple tools that save time, and a practical way to organize your posts so you are not starting from scratch every week. We will also cover smart, realistic strategies for the different social channels so you know what works where and why. You will leave with a plan you can actually stick to and a list of ideas ready to use.
About the presenters
Shelby Novak
Shelby Novak is the Public Relations Coordinator at White River Valley Electric Cooperative (WRVEC), where she helps tell the co-op’s story and build strong connections with the communities it serves. She describes herself as a communicator and creative in the cooperative world, with a passion for thoughtful messaging that feels real and relatable.
Darian Cesar
Darian Cesar is a Marketing and Communications Specialist at White River Valley Electric Cooperative (WRVEC) in Branson, Missouri, and has been with the co-op since November 2022. With a background in marketing and social media, Darian brings a practical, hands-on approach to content and campaigns, including work recognized through WRVEC’s national communications awards.
Modern Website Essentials: SEO, AI, Accessibility, and ADA Compliance
Wednesday, February 4
9 a.m. to 11a.m.
Course Summary:
Search is changing fast, and your website needs to keep up. In this class, we will cover practical SEO basics that help your site show up in Google, plus what it means to be found in AI search tools like ChatGPT and Google’s AI results. We will also break down web accessibility and ADA compliance, why it matters for your customers and your business, and the most common website issues that can put you at risk. You will leave with a simple, realistic checklist and a few easy tools to help you improve your site without getting overwhelmed.
About the presenter
Gordon Weathers is a Google certified digital marketing professional with more than two decades of marketing and sales experience, including time as an agency owner and business manager. He holds multiple Google certifications, including the Google Analytics Individual Qualification. Today, Gordon works with NWA Media and helps lead results driven campaigns and content that support brands like The Best of Southwest Missouri. In his Website Essentials class, Gordon brings practical, real-world guidance on building a stronger web presence.
Turning Insight into Impact: Research That Moves the Needle for Businesses
Tuesday, February 17
9 a.m. to 11a.m.
Course Summary:
In today’s rapidly shifting business landscape, organizations of all sizes can no longer afford to rely on assumptions or outdated intuition. This session explores how data-driven decision-making, anchored in smart, scalable research, can transform how businesses market themselves, prioritize investments, improve customer experience, and make confident growth decisions.
Drawing on real-world examples and current trends, attendees will learn the key types of research every business should consider, from brand health and customer satisfaction to purchase barriers and competitive positioning. You will also learn how to connect market research with complementary tools like website analytics, AI, and location based insights, and how to balance cost with meaningful results. Whether you are just getting started or looking to level up your research strategy, this session will give you practical tools to better understand your customers and what truly drives their decisions.
In this presentation, attendees will learn:
- Differences between data (analytics) and market research
- Common types of research businesses typically conduct
- Best practices for research that moves the needle
- Budget-friendly research ideas for smaller teams
- Other tips and tricks to consider
About the presenter
Jerry Henry is the Chief Executive Officer of H2R Market Research, where he helps organizations turn customer insights into clear, confident business decisions. With more than 30 years of experience in consumer insights and marketing research, he has led high-performing teams and research programs across a wide range of industries, with deep expertise in hospitality, attractions, destination marketing organizations, and state travel offices.
In his session, Research That Moves the Needle, Jerry shares practical ways businesses of any size can use the right research approach to find what matters most, focus resources, and make smarter next-step decisions.
Growth Funding Basics: Loans, Programs, and Grant Overview
Date: TBA
9 a.m. to 11a.m.
Course Summary:
Ready to grow, but not sure where the money comes from? This session breaks down realistic financing options for small businesses, plus a quick look at where grants actually fit.
About the presenter
Experts from the Small Business Development Center
More information to come.
Registration is required for each class. Each class is capped at 40 participants, and classes do normally sell out.
To register call 417-739-2564 or use the links provided.