West Plains Chamber of Commerce

10/19/2026

WHEN IS TRICK-OR-TREATING IN WEST PLAINS?

It's that time of year again! We've started getting the annual question: "When is trick-or-treating in West Plains?"

The answer is simple: On Halloween. This year the holiday falls on Saturday, October 31!

As a reminder, the City of West Plains does not establish official trick-or-treating hours or designate a different night for trick-or-treating.

However, the West Plains Police Department recommends 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Halloween night as a reasonable window for trick-or-treating.

Whether you're taking the little ones door to door or handing out candy, here are a few reminders to help keep everyone safe:

Drivers: Slow down and watch carefully for children, especially in residential neighborhoods.

Parents: Accompany younger children, use sidewalks when available and make sure costumes are visible to motorists.

Trick-or-treaters: Cross streets at intersections, carry a flashlight or glow stick and only visit homes that are welcoming trick-or-treaters.

We hope everyone has a fun, safe and happy Halloween!

10/16/2026

✂️🥾 Congratulations to HB Work on their grand opening today!

Today’s ribbon cutting celebrated a much-needed addition to the West Plains area—a new place to shop for boots, workwear, and gear! They’ve done a beautiful job transforming the space into a welcoming store, and we’re excited to see their doors open to our community.

Featuring favorite brands like Timberland PRO, Justin, Carhartt, Ariat, Durango, and so many more, HB Work offers plenty to explore, whether you’re shopping for your next pair of work boots, dependable clothing for the job, or an everyday favorite.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special celebration! We’re happy to have HB Work as part of our Chamber community and wish them much success.

📍 Stop by 1627 Gibson Street, West Plains, MO 65775, to meet the team and check out the new store!

10/16/2026

ROAD CLOSURE

West Main Street, from Court Square to Jefferson Avenue, is closed to traffic until further notice.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

10/14/2026

📣 Reminder: Applications for LEAD West Plains 2027 are open!

Ready to grow as a leader, build connections, and learn more about our community? Take the next step and apply to join the 2027 class!

📅 Applications close Friday, October 30.
🔗 Find program details and the application at https://wpchamber.com/lead-west-plains/

10/06/2026

The Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce office will be closed next Monday, October 12, in observance of Columbus Day.

We will reopen Tuesday, October 13. Thank you for your understanding!

10/01/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for today’s Legislative Update Luncheon! 🇺🇸

A special thank you to our sponsor, Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative, Inc., for making this luncheon possible! We enjoyed hearing from Myles Smith, Member Services Manager, and receiving an update from CEO Aaron Wheeler.

Our sincere thanks to State Senator Brad Hudson, who represents District 33, serving Douglas, Howell, Ozark, Shannon, Stone, Taney, and Texas counties. Senator Hudson shared updates on legislative developments and a look at what’s ahead. We always appreciate him taking the time to speak with our members and share his insights.

We were also excited to welcome our newest Chamber members:
🎉 Glenwood R-8 Mustangs
🎉 HB Work
🎉 Generations Hardwood Flooring, LLC

And, as always, thank you to Colton's Steak House & Grill for providing a delicious lunch!

Thank you to our sponsor, speakers, and members for making today’s luncheon a great opportunity to connect and stay informed!

10/01/2026

📣 Applications for LEAD West Plains 2027 are NOW OPEN!

Ready to grow as a leader, broaden your perspective, and build meaningful connections? LEAD WP is an adult leadership program that helps participants deepen their understanding of our community and themselves while networking with a diverse group of businesses and community leaders.

Through community exploration and employer-engaged talent development, LEAD WP helps build a shared vision for our future and pathways for personal, professional, and community growth.

We encourage you to take the next step in your leadership journey!

👉 Learn more and apply today: https://wpchamber.com/lead-west-plains/

Know someone who would be a great fit? Tag them below or share this opportunity!

LEAD West Plains creates a community wide vision, goal and plan around employer engaged talent development to promote pathways to mobility for the community.

09/29/2026

🤠 Community heads-up: College rodeo coming to West Plains!

Missouri State University–West Plains will host a college rodeo October 8–10, 2026, at the Heart of the Ozarks Fairgrounds. The event is expected to bring hundreds of contestants and fans to town, and we’re excited to welcome them!

We want our members and the community to have time to prepare. Businesses may see more customers throughout the weekend, so consider your staffing and supplies in advance. Residents should also expect additional visitors and traffic around town, especially near the fairgrounds.

This is a wonderful opportunity to show visiting students, families, and fans what makes West Plains special. Let’s give them a warm welcome and cheer on our Grizzly Rodeo team! 🐻

Event details: https://www.msuwpgrizzlies.com/sports/rodeo/home-competition

09/28/2026

Final Chamber Cash Calendar Day 15!

Congratulations Brittany Belt!! 🥳

09/28/2026

It’s the final day of our Chamber Cash Calendar Raffle, and today’s sponsor is Colton's Steak House & Grill! 🥩

The West Plains Colton’s is known for its hand-cut, mesquite-grilled steaks, hickory-smoked ribs, homemade yeast rolls and friendly service. Their menu also features chicken, seafood, burgers, sandwiches, salads and plenty of hearty favorites for the entire family.

Whether you’re stopping in for lunch, enjoying dinner with family and friends or ordering your favorites to go, the local Colton’s team is ready to serve you!

Thank you, Colton’s Steak House & Grill, for sponsoring our final drawing and supporting the Greater West Plains Area Chamber Foundation. We also extend our sincere appreciation to every sponsor and everyone who purchased raffle tickets—your support made our Chamber Cash Calendar Raffle possible!

📍 1421 Preacher Roe Boulevard, West Plains, MO 65775
📞 (417) 255-9090
🌐 www.coltonssteakhouse.com
📱 Follow Colton’s Steak House & Grill on Facebook

Stay tuned as we announce our final lucky winner!