Chamber Initiatives
The Odessa Chamber of Commerce is committed to making Odessa a better place to live, work, and do business. Throughout the year, we work with local businesses, community organizations, and city leaders on projects and initiatives that support our community and address local needs.
CHRISTMAS SWAGS & WREATHS
The Chamber purchased new swags and wreaths in 2019 making our annual Christmas lighting a "Hallmark experience" our town looks forward to each year.
Total Project Cost: $25,738.00
WELCOME TO ODESSA SIGNS
The Chamber collaborated with Horizon Contracting and J&E Masonry to fund two Welcome to Odessa signs in 2022/2023. We also received a grant from the West Central Electric Round Up Foundation that helped complete the project.
Total Project Cost: $10,820.00
GROCERY STORE INITIATIVE
The Chamber launched a Grocery Store Initiative in March 2023 under the leadership of Bill Ekey (Friend of the Chamber) Brenda Oliver (Chamber Member) and Shawna Davis (Odessa City Administrator.) They have collaborated with Pioneer Trails to compile the necessary data and crafted a comprehensive presentation for potential developers. Currently, they are reaching out to as many grocers and developers as possible and sharing the document with them and the City of Odessa has acquired a market study by Associated Wholesale Grocers. Stay tuned for more updates!
WAYFINDING SIGNS
The Wayfinding Sign Project began in 2018 with the goal of improving navigation for residents and visitors throughout Odessa. The Chamber worked diligently to raise funds and secure approval from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), a process that required persistence and coordination.
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City Administrator Shawna Davis and Chamber Treasurer Cathy Thompson led the project from start to finish. The wayfinding signs were installed by the City in December 2025.
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Total Project Cost: $7,800.00
JOHNSON DRIVE BRIDGE INSCRIPTION
As part of the Improve I-70: Blue Springs to Odessa project, the Odessa Chamber of Commerce advocated for the new Johnson Drive Bridge to include an “ODESSA” inscription, helping identify our community to the thousands of people traveling along I-70 each day.
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The Chamber contributed $10,000 toward the project, supporting the addition of the community name to the new bridge. This project is a small but meaningful way to highlight Odessa and create a lasting reminder of our community along one of Missouri’s busiest transportation corridors.
DYER PARK BATHROOM
We are currently partnering with The City of Odessa and Partners for Parks & Recreation to update the bathroom at Dyer Park. Stay tuned!