Get an idea on locating local services

Maryville native Jordyn Swalley will serve as the new Greater Maryville Chamber of Commerce executive director beginning Monday, Nov. 3.

You know those moments you think of a product or service you need and have no idea where to even start. Will you have to travel near or far? There’s so many choices, who do I choose? Who will put my needs first?

I know I can’t be the only one guilty of this panic attack that ensues.

Since taking on this position, I’ve come to find out how naïve I have been about the goods and services northwest Missouri, Nodaway County and Maryville have to offer.

Growing up here, I thought I knew every nook and cranny there was, yet I would still travel far to receive these goods and services because I thought they weren’t available here.

I couldn’t be happier to be proven wrong.

In 2011, the Greater Maryville Chamber of Commerce put on a NW Missouri Home and Better Living Show, proving this exact point to all who came.

This event not only provides businesses and organizations valuable exposure for the goods and services they provide, but it also proves to the residents of Nodaway County that they don’t have to travel far, that they want to put their personal needs first, and want to give them the best possible services they can.

This is exactly the reason the Greater Maryville Chamber of Commerce has continued to put on this event. I am excited to say that this year, we have a variety of local businesses, non-local businesses, home-based businesses, and non-profits making this an all around northwest Missouri community and informational event.

You may be thinking, “Well I don’t need anything at the moment, so there’s no reason to go.”

Trust me, don’t be my “young, naïve” self that I mentioned before.

One of the things that makes this event so special is the fact you can go to one place and talk to 50 businesses and organizations while meeting the people behind the scenes who see the potential in Nodaway County and work hard for the residents here.

Then, when your needs come up in a month, six months, or even a year, you will remember the people you connected with and the services they provide, making your decision easier and avoiding the aforementioned panic attack.

I promise all Nodaway County residents, “If you come to the 2015 NW Missouri Home and Better Living Show, you will learn of a new service provided in northwest Missouri, and be entertained, no matter your age.”

Kicking off the event, we will have the Maryville High Spirit Squad and Spoofy perform at 10 a.m., with local dance studios and the Maryville Middle School Troubadours performing throughout the day.

K&M Amusements will have a “Bounce House” for children and Maryville Hy-Vee will be taking advantage of the beautiful weather by grilling affordable lunches and snacks.

Don’t miss out on this family friendly community event from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., Sunday, at the Maryville Community Center.