Mission Statement
Representing the diverse East Side of Jefferson City, JCESBA will advance the positive growth of businesses and residents while building on its historic character and economic potential by facilitating and supporting economic growth and educational opportunities.
Board of Directors
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT
Peter Grefrath
PAST-PRESIDENT
Stephanie Lehmen
VICE-PRESIDENT
Chris Duren
TREASURER
Brad Shimmens
SECRETARY
Mark Mueller
Term Ending December 31, 2026
Sarah Alsager - Communique
635-3265
Heather Lange - Resident
619-0229
Officers terms end December 31, 2025
DIRECTORS
Term Ending December 31, 2027
Kevin Fick - Central Bank
634-1234
Molly Bryan - City of Jefferson
634-6321
Term Ending December 31, 2028
Joey O'Connor - First Mid Insurance Group
634-0044
Carlos Graham - Lincoln University
230-8147
Accomplishments
Community Involvement
A portion of the mission of JCESBA is to provide support to non-profits and schools located on the eastside or who provide services to the East End. In recent years, JCESBA has provided monetary donations to organizations such as the Samaritan Center, Boys & Girls Club, East Elementary School, Moreau Heights Elementary School, Lincoln University and the Blue Tigers Athletic Fund, United Way, Salute to America (Jefferson City’s 4th of July celebration), Toys for Tots, and Small Business Saturday.
In 2012, JCESBA established a scholarship fund with proceeds from its Annual Benefit Golf Tournament to award college or trade school scholarships in the amount of $1,000 to a number of local high school graduate applicants.
Advocacy for the East End is also important to JCESBA. Over the years, many letters to city council and other state leaders were submitted regarding eastside issues including road construction, use of taxes, etc. We want to ensure the East End voice is always heard.
JCESBA also supports many one-time projects to improve the business and residential communities on the eastside.
JCESBA provided and erected the welcome sign on Jefferson City's eastern limits near the Wal-Mart Supercenter interchange.
Additionally, in 2012, JCESBA agreed to underwrite the expense for the application to establish a national historic district in the central-eastside of Jefferson City.
East McCarty Roundabouts
In 2019, JCESBA teamed up with American Legion to create patriotic displays in the two roundabouts on East McCarty Street, fulfilling our ongoing goals of beautification on the eastside. The north roundabout displays a 6’ tall eagle statue atop a pedestal of stone. The south roundabout features a 40’ tall flag pole with a pentagon-shaped monument displaying patriotic messages around the base. We appreciate the other community partners who helped in the initial funding and ongoing upkeep of the roundabouts.
Freedom Corner Veteran's Memorial
In 2013, the JCESBA adopted the right-of-way space at the intersection of East McCarty and East High Streets with the intent to upgrade the Armed Forced Tribune erected in 1976, marking 200 years of service. We named the new tribute “Freedom Corner” in recognition of the service and sacrifices endured by all veterans.
Freedom Corner provides an opportunity for local businesses and community members to recognize and support veterans by purchasing a memorial paver. All proceeds go toward the maintenance and preservation of this tribute.
Committees
Our board and membership work closely in order to fulfill our mission of supporting economic growth and development on the East Side - making it great place to live and work.
All members are encouraged to get involved; where provided, please email the Chair listed for additional information.
Business Grant Committee - Co-Chairs: Mark Mueller & Carlos Graham
The JCESBA is focused on providing small grants to new businesses opening near the East End. The committee will review the required documents and release funding of up to $2,000 per award. Please click here to find out more information!
Marketing - Co-Chairs: Sarah Alsager & Joey O'Connor
Our Marketing committee works to ensure we get the word out about all of the great things going on--shining light on businesses, historic preservation efforts, special events, and more!
Community Betterment - Co -Chairs: Chris Duren & Stephanie Lehmen
We strive to identify beautification efforts that would benefit everyone who enjoys the East End of Jefferson City.
Membership - Co-Chairs: Brad Shimmens and Kevin Fick
The Membership Committee strives to reach out to new businesses about the opportunities provided by JCESBA and other business resources, encouraging membership. This committee also actively participates to keep current membership information up to date and accurate.
Interested in learning more about our association? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!