Chamber of Commerce Speaks Out After Death of Schmelig, President

Just days after the Aug. 6 death of Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce President Joanie Schmelig, the group released a touching press release about Schmelig and her longtime commitment to the city. Here it is:

Chesterfield mourns the loss of Chamber of Commerce President Joan Schmelig

The Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce wishes to inform everyone, with heavy hearts, of the passing of our dear President, Carol Joan Schmelig. Joanie passed away on Saturday morning (Aug. 6) at the age of 70.

Her dedication and commitment to Chesterfield helped create the flourishing business and family community it is today. She will be sorely missed for the many challenging tasks she accomplished with enthusiasm and expertise. Often referred to as Chesterfield’s First Lady, Joanie’s life’s work touched hundreds of people and will be remembered for many years to come.

A devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, cousin, friend and boss; she will be deeply missed.

Nearly 30 years ago, Carol Joan Schmelig “Joanie” began as the secretary for the Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce.  Beginning with a small membership and an office in her house, Joanie has grown the Chamber into one of the largest in the St. Louis area.

Joanie strived to keep herself educated on Chamber of Commerce trends and issues by attending nationwide conventions and completing the Institute of Organization Management. As a veteran Chamber Executive, she shared advice and ideas with other Chambers and remained open to new ideas.

During her years of service to the Chesterfield Chamber, she contributed to the business community by establishing the Business-to-Business Expo, Job Fair, infinite networking and educational events and helped bring employees to Chesterfield by advocating for the Chesterfield Connector bus service.

Always striving to give back to the community, Joanie established the Chesterfield summer tradition of Summer Concerts inFaust Park, the Winter Festival, including Breakfast with Santa and a Senior Citizen’s Holiday Party and the community magazine Out & About. 

Outside of the Chamber, she’s given time to Chesterfield Arts, County Parks, Fire Protection District, School Districts, City of Chesterfield Beautification Committee and Kiwanis.

Among Joanie’s biggest contributions to Chesterfield are the countless hours she dedicated to the Flood of ’93 relief effort; whether it was helping flood victims, relocating businesses that had been flooded to new office space or scrubbing stained glass clean at Don Wiegand’s studio.

Since the flood, Joanie has been among the biggest advocates of development in the Valley, showing her support by moving the Chamber office to the heart of the Valley. In 1993 she received a Recognition Award from Service International for Flood Recovery efforts.

One of Chesterfield’s biggest cheerleaders and supporters, Joanie loved to promote this city. She strived to answer everyone that came into the Chamber office, was proud to chat with newcomers and visitors about the great changes taking place and constantly published top-notch marketing materials such as the Chesterfield Magazine, Chesterfield Map and the Chamber website to display the high quality of life and all Chesterfield has to offer.

Leslie LaBoube, Director of Marketing/Public Relations
www.chesterfieldmochamber.com

Contributions in Schmelig's name may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 220, Wildwood, MO 63040 or to the charity of choice.