Businesses Giving Back
Each year, Truman Heartland recognizes a corporate citizen whose generosity in charitable giving tremendously impacts the region we serve. Our community is a generous one and we consider it a privilege to recognize those companies whose philanthropy makes our community a better place to live and serve.
Our 2020 Corporate Citizen of the Year is Speaks Chapels.
Speaks Chapels is making a positive impact in the community through their business and community engagement.
Established in 1936, Speaks Chapels has been serving the Eastern Jackson County community for more than 80 years. A third-generation family-owned funeral provider, Speaks Chapels supports the community during times of grief and through their commitment to philanthropy.
Under the leadership of President and CEO Brad Speaks, Speaks Chapels’ employees share their time and talents with nonprofits throughout the region. Over the years, Speaks and his team have volunteered and served on the Boards of several nonprofits, including the Independence Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Council, Independence Rotary Club, Fort Osage Educational Foundation, Meals on Wheels, Kiwanis Club, Neighborhood Dinner and Truman Heartland Community Foundation.
Speaks’ focus on philanthropy stems from a belief that all people are of worth and that a genuine community cares for its own. They support causes that improve the lives of people, lending their financial support to nonprofits like Hillcrest Transitional Housing, Community Services League, KC Scholars and Child Abuse Prevention Association, and to projects that improve the fabric of the community on a macro level, like the Independence Farmers Market and Harry S. Truman Library and Museum renovations.