Last month I led a roundtable discussion with three area realtors and two mortgage bankers about the current state of residential real estate in Southeast Missouri. We covered everything from home prices to supply to how the market has responded following the pandemic...

Brooke Roth is a financial advisor at Edward Jones, with an office in Jackson, Missouri. B Magazine recently asked her about several of the retirement savings changes set to take effect before the end of the year. B MAGAZINE: The SECURE 2.0 Act eliminates required minimum distributions (RMDs) from Roth 401(k) plans starting this year. How significant is this change for investors who hold these types of accounts, and how should they adjust their retirement strategies accordingly?...

MarketWatch Guides recently reported its insights on the financial literacy of American adults. Among the key findings: Only about 57% of U.S. adults are financially literate. It’s a sobering commentary on today’s society but also about what we’re teaching young people before they become adults. Knowing how to handle finances is a process best introduced as soon as a child understands that money can buy things. So are things like saving for retirement, buying a house or paying off debt...

At Montgomery Bank, we focus every day on making banking easy for our customers and treating each person we meet like family. We’ve been family owned since 1957 and are grateful for the privilege to help generations of families navigate their most important financial milestones, from opening a child’s first savings account to buying a home to fulfilling a dream of starting a small business...

Daniel Cook grew up in Marble Hill, Missouri, the youngest child of four. He loved Tonka trucks, Hot Wheels and helping his dad build things around the house. When he wanted a treehouse and tire swing, his dad taught him how to make it. By the time he was in seventh grade, his family moved to Jackson, Mo., where he began taking shop classes — crafting shelves and gun cabinets — and eventually took to repairing antique tractors and trucks. ...

The Cape Girardeau City Council on Monday, Aug. 5 voted to place an initiative on the Nov. 5 ballot to increase water rates above the 5% cap outlined in the city’s charter. City officials say the vote is needed to keep water safe for drinking, to meet increased demand for water, and to ensure the city can meet the needs for economic and residential growth...

Financial fraud impacts people across the world. The internet is rife with warnings about the dangers of handing out personal information and the utmost importance of protecting accounts and passwords. Even so, Federal Trade Commission reports show American consumers lost increasingly large amounts of money to financial fraud over the last few years — $1.9 billion in 2019, $3.3 billion in 2020, $5.8 billion in 2021, $8.8 billion in 2022 and a staggering $10 billion in 2023...

Makayla Hawkins knows how to train dogs to sit, lay down, heel and obey a variety of other commands, but when it came to entrepreneurial skills, she wasn’t quite sure how to start a business and keep it from rolling over and playing dead. “It was always a dream of mine, since I was a child, to own some sort of animal sanctuary,” Hawkins said...

Southeast Missouri is outpacing state and national averages for median sale price incresses as elevated mortgage rates, low inventory and high demand for homes in a certain price range continue to rise. The healthcare industry in Cape Girardeau County — and being positioned in middle America — continues to help insulate our local real estate market from some of the most drastic challenges experienced elsewhere. There are also signs that the real estate market is returning to a somewhat “normal” environment following the pandemic years when homes were barely listed before a buyer purchased the property. These were just a few takeaways from a roundtable discussion hosted in late July by B Magazine featuring three Southeast Missouri real estate agents and two mortgage bankers.

Discover Southeast Missouri's 2024 Difference Makers in B Magazine. From healthcare to education, meet the inspiring individuals transforming their communities. Join us on Sept. 5 for their recognition event.

Discover how Kathy Medley, the executive VP of Sikeston Regional Chamber, has transformed Sikeston's tourism scene with events like the solar eclipse celebration and the Sikeston Rodeo, driving community growth.

Danah Brandel revolutionizes patient access at Saint Francis Healthcare, making healthcare more accessible through digital innovations and compassionate leadership. Discover how her 28-year journey impacts a five-state community.

Discover how Amanda Altman, a passionate defense attorney, champions indigent defense and reentry programs, helping former inmates reintegrate into society and advocating for fair legal representation.

Lori Bronenkant turned personal tragedy into a mission of hope, becoming a beacon of support for cancer patients and their families. Discover how she revolutionized patient care and created life-changing programs.

Dr. Jim Daughters transforms SEMO's band, overcoming pandemic challenges and personal hurdles, to achieve national recognition at the Super Regional Championship of Bands. Discover his journey of resilience and dedication.

Joey Keys, CEO of Southeast Missouri Food Bank, is revolutionizing food assistance in Southeast Missouri, addressing food insecurity with innovative solutions and community-driven efforts amidst rising costs and increased demand.

Grace Coffee + Cafe in Southeast Missouri is transforming lives with its inclusive employment initiative, "Different is Good." This cafe offers competitive job opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities, providing training, support, and hope.

Lauren Jones is revolutionizing Cape Girardeau's arts scene with aerial acrobatics and community outreach. From New York model to local arts advocate, her journey fuels a vibrant, inclusive performing arts culture.

Discover how Becky Harding and Lori Fowler are transforming lives through faith, service, and real estate. From launching inclusive initiatives to supporting foster care, their journey is a testament to impactful leadership.

The race for president of the sixth grade lit a fire in young Robbie Guard. Guard’s friendship with a younger student with special needs reminded him to reach out to the potentially less fortunate. That friendship, coupled with an impassioned speech highlighting Guard’s desire to connect, resulted in a presidential win. For Guard, years later, the win is an afterthought...

Brittney Swicionis grew up on the south side of Chicago, the oldest daughter and granddaughter on both sides of her family. As a child, she always had something going on. She participated in multiple sports, dancing throughout the year and playing softball in the summer. ...

Ed Crowley grew up on his family’s farm just south of Springfield, Missouri, but after he graduated from high school, he told his dad he was off to see the world. “I'm blowing this popsicle stand,” Crowley told his dad. “I told him, ‘I'm not gonna live in a small town again! I'm never gonna milk cows again! I'm gonna go see the world and make a lot of money and that's going to be my life.’”...

A large class-action suit was filed Wednesday, June 5 against Tyson Foods in the Stoddard County 35th Judicial Circuit Court, and 45 plaintiffs are hoping a jury will eventually give them some relief. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of several plaintiffs who had previously produced chickens for slaughter/processing at the former Tyson Chicken Plant in Dexter. ...

Discover the heart-wrenching journey of Dr. Jim O’Connell and his Street Team as they bring hope and healing to Boston’s homeless in "Rough Sleepers." An eye-opening account of resilience and compassion.

Growing up with eight older siblings, Wendell Snodgrass understood the importance of community, and ended up moving from Texas to Cape Girardeau to be closer to them. In his dual roles as Southeast Missouri State University’s vice president of university advancement and the executive director of the Southeast Missouri University Foundation, it has proven integral to his profession as well...

Discover how Patrick Koetting, a fifth-generation grocer from Sainte Genevieve, Missouri, balances his outside-the-office passions for music, wine, and cycling while excelling in the home restoration and hospitality industries.

Discover Southeast Missouri's vibrant charitable scene, where rodeos, galas, and unique events like the Polar Bear Plunge raise millions for worthy causes. Join a community united in giving back.

Chicago native and Arts Council of Southeast Missouri director Kelly Downes had an understanding of Cape Girardeau as a fly-over zone — a place passed on the way to a big city, but not necessarily a destination town. At least, not if you were looking for a vibrant arts scene. Which she was...

Tonya Skinner’s 30-year journey from aspiring businesswoman to influential business educator showcases her unwavering dedication to student success and innovation in teaching. Discover her inspiring story.

The story of Joseph in Genesis is one of redemption and reconciliation, with Joseph navigating the betrayal of his family and suffering through numerous injustices. His story crescendos in Genesis 50:20, where he proclaims to his brothers: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”...

Discover how thoughtful philanthropy can transform your legacy and shape Southeast Missouri's future. Learn about impactful giving strategies, from cash donations to legacy gifts, and ensure your values live on.

Inspired by his grandfather's legacy, Steven Lee has become a cornerstone of support in Cape Girardeau. From his work at Ford and Sons Funeral Home to his selfless community service, Lee embodies the spirit of giving back.

Richard Cuba's vision brought LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home to Cape Girardeau, offering homeless pregnant women secure housing and support. Discover how his dedication and faith turned a dream into a $9 million reality.

The SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence (SADI) is launching a new driving school aimed at providing specialized driving education for individuals with disabilities. According to Donna Thompson, SADI's executive director, this school will address a significant gap in local resources. The program aims to empower autistic individuals and those with physical disabilities and other special needs by offering tailored driving instruction and support. The school plans to open later this year...

MRV Banks was one of the fastest growing banks in Missouri in 2023. Over the past few years, the financial institution has doubled their number of employees and opened branches in Festus and St. Charles, allowing them to provide service for customers in new markets and create employment opportunities...

Real estate publisher Real Trends ranked Edge Realty as the 153rd largest independent residential real estate brokerage in the nation for residential sales volume in 2023. In addition, Edge Realty ranked No. 1 in sales and transaction volume in the local REALTOR association Southeast Missouri REALTORS for the 19th consecutive year, selling nearly as much real estate as the next seven companies combined, according to MARIS MLS. ...

For five years, the Lutheran Home has received a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, making it the highest-rated skilled health center in the area. In addition, the Lutheran Home has been named one of the Top 10 Nursing Homes in the state of Missouri by Newsweek Magazine and their research partner, Statista...

In addition to hot tubs, hearth and masonry, KASTEN is known as the premier provider of swimming pools: above-ground, in-ground and everything in-between. After several years of customer requests, KASTEN has expanded their service department for 2024 to include the installation of the pools they sell and the addition of servicing of pools in the community. These services include pool openings and closings, pool liner replacements and scheduled pool maintenance...

Arranging the details of your funeral and cemetery services can be a difficult step to take. No one likes to think about these things, but having a plan in place is a smart and compassionate choice for you and your family. Pre-planning allows your loved ones to celebrate your life without the added stress of planning during an already-difficult time...

Not long ago, the mention of Spring suggested the smell of fresh cut grass, but also all that gasoline and mixed oil used in lawn equipment to cut that grass. Today, more homeowners are replacing their dated, gas guzzling string and hedge trimmers with battery powered options that offer the same power and performance. Brands like Stihl, EGO, Milwaukee, Craftsman and Dewalt produce battery powered equipment with high performance that requires little to no maintenance...

Nestled in the heart of Cape Girardeau, The Riverview hotel offers 69 rooms to business and leisure travelers. Overlooking the mighty Mississippi River, guests enjoy stunning views and plenty of dining options. The Riverview is an ideal hotel for hosting business conferences, meetings or conventions, as there is access to Century Casino’s event center and a smaller meeting room, The Delta Room, on the first floor of the hotel...

Progressing through decades and growing with the culture of a new world, while keeping true to the values that were established from the start is not an easy task. In July 2024, The Chateau Girardeau will celebrate its milestone 45th anniversary, and their vision has remained the same. They strive to be a premier, progressive regional leader in the provision of senior independent living and housing with high-quality health and wellness services...

During 2023, Southeast Missouri Regional Economic Development, Inc. (SE MO REDI) doubled its number of partners involved in regional development. With this network of over 30 dedicated private and public organizations, SE MO REDI is well-positioned to further the economic development of Southeast Missouri...

There is a great chance you’ve used a product with packaging produced in Jackson, Missouri. Packaging for pet food, snacks, home and personal care are manufactured at the two Mondi Jackson plants. Established in 1990, Mondi Jackson employs over 400 team members who produce a broad range of high-quality flexible packaging products focused on innovation and sustainability. ...

Living in the heartland has many benefits. However, mosquitoes and ticks certainly aren’t one of them. Bug Zero can treat the exterior of your home, so you don’t have to worry about sprays or candles to enjoy an evening in your backyard.  Bug Zero treats your backyard areas during peak outdoor pest pressure months, targeting plant foliage, shaded areas and roof edges where pesky outdoor pests frequent. ...

SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence (SADI) will open a new, inclusive driving school called SADI Drive Ability for individuals who want to learn to drive. Typical teens who want to get their permit and practice driving, individuals with physical disabilities, individuals recovering from traumatic brain injury and stroke, and individuals with developmental disabilities including autism will be able to attend the school. ...

Auto Tire and Parts NAPA has earned the name “the parts professionals since 1909.” They are the most experienced parts experts, so you can get the right part the first time, coupled with hometown personal service. The company carries a wide selection of parts for all your vehicles. You may know they have auto and truck parts, but they also have heavy duty, farm and ATV parts, along with paint and body shop supplies, tools and equipment, and machine shop services...

Robinson Construction ranked No. 39 on the Associated Builders and Contractors Top 150 General Contractors, and No. 81 on the Top 250 Performers in 2023. The company was also featured on the Engineering News-Record (ENR) Regional top lists in four regions throughout the U.S...

Americare Senior Living, the parent company of Capetown and Auburn Creek, has been named to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-2024 Best Senior Living ratings. To be recognized as one of the Best Senior Living communities, individual locations had to earn a specific final weighted score tabulated in the independent methodology developed by the U.S. News health data analytics team...

Advance Performance Chiropractic combines physical therapy and chiropractic practices to give patients the quickest path to wellness. They offer traditional chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, dry needling, cupping, IASTM (scraping), DOT physicals, performance enhancement analysis for athletes, sports and work physicals, among other services. With every service, Advance Performance Chiropractic prides themselves on listening to patients first, then creating the best plan for that individual...

The Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce has introduced a Signature Events series that is sure to engage community members. The 2024 Annual Dinner on March 22 helped kick off this series, which promises a year filled with growth, networking and community engagement...

Payroll can be one of the most complex areas of a business to understand and balance with other responsibilities. It can be time-consuming and complicated. And if you’re spending too much time wrapped up in payroll, you’re not able to properly plan, strategize or run your company...

When businesses partner with First Missouri State Bank for their financial needs, they will have little to no fees. With First Missouri State Bank’s Business Online, services include ACH/Payroll, which allows businesses to make payroll, vendor payments and accept payments from customers quickly and efficiently...

Riverside Roofing knows a leaky roof is not something to ignore. When it comes to this important asset, you only want the most experienced company to protect your business and investment. With 9 years in business, Riverside Roofing is the commercial roofing company to call. ...

Montgomery Bank knows every business and individual’s banking needs are different. That’s why they offer Small Business Free Checking, a fee-free account designed specifically for small businesses. By fee-free, Montgomery Bank really means it. With Small Business Free Checking, account owners receive free deposit slips, free online statements and five free mobile deposits every month, among other perks. ...

Delta Companies, Inc. celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2023, a century after founder Edward Regenhardt and his sons William and Ted incorporated as the Regenhardt Construction Company. The company has experienced periods of explosive growth followed by periods of consolidation and stabilization throughout the past 100 years, from their first project mixing and hauling concrete for the Poplar Bluff, Mo., city streets in 1923, to converting from a predominantly concrete construction company into a vertically-integrated company during the 1960s, to specializing in hot mix asphalt and aggregates in the 1990s.. ...

First State Community Bank (FSCB) believes in staying true to the roots that have helped it grow to 55+ branches across Missouri. However, they also know their investment in technology is pivotal in meeting the demands and behaviors of their customers and serving their communities best...

Strickland Engineering has gone above and beyond for more than 45 years. Why? They care tremendously about the community and continue to make it a safe and welcoming place. Located in Jackson, Missouri, Strickland Engineering excels at helping clients overcome a variety of mechanical, structural, electrical, civil and industrial engineering challenges, in addition to offering surveying services...

Spring is officially here, and Team Sergio is continuing to bloom. They have moved to Edge Realty and are excited to continue growing our community. Team Sergio also gained a few new faces in 2024: Kate and Teddy Ivie, Leigh Ludolph and Paris Johnson. ...

Peripheral neuropathy is the progressive degeneration of the nerves in the body that make you move and feel. Living with peripheral neuropathy presents a myriad of challenges that extend beyond physical discomfort. The constant tingling, numbness and pain can disrupt daily activities, making even the simplest tasks seem daunting...

Tomlin Insurance Group, an award-winning insurance broker in Jackson, Missouri, offers a wide range of life and health products in Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas. Tomlin Insurance Group specializes in Medicare-related products, including supplements such as “Medigap” policies, Advantage plans and prescription drug plans...

GearHeads, one of the few woman-owned complete automotive repair facilities in the region, has been locally-owned and operated for more than 13 years. GearHeads understands vehicles are an investment and works with customers’ budgets to prioritize services that need to be completed immediately and those that can wait...

Reppert’s Office Supply has served this region for decades. The store opened in 1969 in Anna, Illinois, and expanded to include locations in Sparta and Carmi, Illinois. Now, they have five locations, after acquiring Mid-South Office Supply and Heartland Office Supply in Sikeston, Missouri...

Bringing the most up-to-date technology in the golf industry to Southeast Missouri, Tee’ED Off is a one-of-a-kind facility in Jackson with a custom-built simulator featuring the newest Foresight (Falcon) overhead launch monitor, three JC Video hi-speed cameras and K-Vest 3D swing analysis software...

In 2023, the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce saw an increase in participation in Chamber programming, including at Business After Hours; Leadership and Development; the Business Breakfast, which has an attendance of more than 150 members monthly; and Women’s Impact Network (WIN), which has an average attendance of more than 170...

For nearly 70 years, United Way of Southeast Missouri has invested millions of dollars into changing lives. Rarely does just one problem put a family in need of help, and rarely can just one organization return a family to self-sufficiency. We have progressed from a fundraising organization helping people in crisis to a powerful network investing in programs that change the circumstances and behaviors that lead to crisis. The collective power of United Way is what changes lives...

With the opening of its 19th location in Springfield, Missouri, and the addition of new products such as Money Map – a free money management tool for consumers – 2023 was a year of continued growth for First Midwest Bank. Chartered in 1964 with the vision of hiring local people to take local deposits and make local loans, First Midwest Bank and its affiliate offer multiple full-service branch locations throughout the Ozarks and Southeast Missouri, including the communities of Poplar Bluff, Dexter, Sikeston, Jackson, Cape Girardeau and Columbia.. ...

Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (CGI) is reflecting on the past while embracing the future. What does the future of CGI look like? A spacious, more efficient, comfortable and welcoming, modernized terminal. The anticipated opening of this new over $12 million terminal is slated for late Summer 2024...

Busch Pet Products was established in 2010 with a passion and focus on companion pet nutrition. Before cats and dogs were introduced to kibble, they ate real food. Extensive, persuasive marketing over the years has led consumers to believe pets cannot, and should not, eat real food, but this is simply not true...

Advanced Pest Control Systems has been providing trusted and reliable pest control in Cape Girardeau County for decades. Locals Gary and Penny Schuessler currently own the business founded by Gary’s father Gene Schuessler in 1980. They pride themselves on offering the most environmentally safe, effective methods for treating every possible pest and termite problem at home and commercial properties...

As an independent insurance broker founded in Southeast Missouri, Arnold Insurance focuses on meeting the needs of every client. From individuals to businesses and families of all shapes and sizes, Arnold Insurance is there to help manage risk and protect what matters most...

We’re living during an interesting period of time. There’s certainly no shortage of challenges, whether it’s workforce recruiting, inflation, or a myriad of other issues. But it’s also a fascinating time. The pace of innovation is increasing exponentially. Artificial intelligence, for example, continues to impact industries from health care to media to banking and retail, just to name a few...

The upcoming Business Center is a significant milestone that marks a pivotal moment in the organization’s history as it continues to expand its mission of providing top-quality care and support to individuals on their journey to recovery. The property, first purchased in 1989 for future expansion, is now set to accommodate between 80 to 100 employees. ...

For busy working professionals looking to advance their careers by earning a degree, Southeast Missouri State University has launched innovative new programs designed to provide a high-quality education with maximum flexibility and convenience. “We understand the challenges working adults face,” said Chelsea McNeely, SEMO’s Director of Southeast Online. “Juggling work, family and personal goals while pursuing a degree can feel impossible. SEMO is working to lessen that barrier.”...

Development is a measure of a city’s health and progress in many ways, and Cape Girardeau has no shortage of current and ongoing construction projects. These projects are bringing vital services to Cape Girardeau, such as housing for new and expectant mothers, and services that will enhance the quality of life for the region, such as the $107 million redevelopment of the West Park Mall. ...

Growth and prosperity in a downtown area does not happen without commitment, vision and perseverance. This includes the commitment of business owners to choose downtown, the vision from leaders and community members to recognize the importance of downtown development, and the perseverance from volunteers who work tirelessly to bring events, activities and beautification efforts to life...

Communities are powered by businesses, and businesses are powered by individuals with a drive to serve others and succeed. Each year, chambers of commerce throughout the region host awards dinners, where they recognize businesses and their owners who represent the best of the best in success and service. Congratulations to those who have been honored — this region is better because of the work you do.

You work hard for your money, but fraudsters are also working hard to take it. In fact, the 2023 Association of Financial Professionals (AFP®) Payments Fraud and Control Survey reports 65% of organizations were victims of payments fraud attacks/attempts in 2022. One of these schemes is check fraud, specifically check washing. Criminals attempt to redirect checks to their own accounts, increase amounts and send false ACH payment requests...

Fostering strategic relationships with business and community partners is a linchpin to progress in the southeast Missouri region. Saint Francis Healthcare System is working to deepen and expand relationships through focused communication and feedback to employers, community groups and stakeholders...

As a management consultant to SE MO REDI, Shad Burner is helping with a search to bring the next big industry to Southeast Missouri. The major question is which industry to target. Southeast Missouri Regional Economic Development, Inc., or SE MO REDI, is a Cape Girardeau-based development group seeking to grow the regional economy of Southeast Missouri. SE MO REDI was formed from the Cape Girardeau Area MAGNET economic development group in 2022, with a greater focus on regional cooperation...

Josh Stephens is an early adopter of new ideas, innovations and products. If there’s a gap in the market, Stephens strategizes a way to fill it. And while his background is in sales, it is Stephens’s entrepreneurial spirit that has led him to his current role as co-founder and COO of EBO MD, a membership-based primary and affordable healthcare company, offering in-office consultations, testing and surgery, without copays or deductibles...

Adrian Breen is the executive chairman, CEO and president of The Bank of Missouri, a community bank with its corporate headquarters in Perryville, Missouri and locations across the state. Breen, who has been in the banking industry for 36 years, joined The Bank of Missouri in 2017 as the company’s CEO...

The warehouse and former Thorngate factory located at 1507 Independence St. in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, has been mostly vacant for over a decade. Now, the 63,000 square foot facility is being given a new life. The Pickleball Factory and Parc Motor Club will open in the space this summer, providing new opportunities and experiences for the region, while creating an anchor destination on Independence Street...

natives addresses obstacles faced by women in workforce and at home Kelsey Seaman and Kayla Jones, both natives of Sikeston, Missouri, and now residents of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, started a new podcast UnDomesticated. UnDomesticated covers the specific challenges women face both in the workforce and at home...

Quality of life. It’s a term heard in chamber meetings, in business discussions, in city governments and city council meetings. Everyone seems to be talking about it. But what exactly does quality of life mean, and what are communities in Southeast Missouri doing to improve it? B Magazine asked local chamber leaders to reflect on what quality of life means to prosperity of their communities and what their organizations are doing to address it. Responses are submitted by contributors and may be edited for clarity and space.

Cape Girardeau will be one of the best places on Earth to experience the total solar eclipse on April 8, but any out-of-towners who haven’t booked a hotel room for the event by now are finding themselves in the dark already. “They can forget it,” according to Brenda Newbern, director of Visit Cape, formerly known as the Convention and Visitors Bureau. “As soon as reservations were available, our hotels were filled. It’s been amazing the number of inquiries we’ve had about the eclipse.”...

Third place. It is a term in sociology to represent those environments outside of the home and workplace. Third places can be coffee shops, libraries, parks, churches, bookstores, bars, music venues and community centers — they all function as places an individual can go to regularly and be around others...

As a professor and chairperson of the History and Anthropology Department at Southeast Missouri State University, Dr. Toni Alexander says much of her day-to-day work does not end with something tangible. The few “tangible” results in her job — students graduating, papers being published and other academic projects — require ample time and patience...

When Jennifer Wilson graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in the early 2000s, she decided she wanted to stay in Cape Girardeau and make her life here. Wanting to connect with others in the community who enjoy sports while staying physically fit, she signed up for a co-ed softball league through the Parks and Recreation Department...

There’s a new buzzword these days among economic developers: quality of life. What amenities does a community have that contribute to a good quality of life: education, public safety, restaurants, entertainment, parks and recreation, church community. The list goes on...

The solar eclipse is cause enough for celebration, but experiencing one twice in seven years is something special. Different businesses are rolling out the red carpet to prepare for the event and to bring in as many patrons as possible while doing it...

On Friday, Dec. 29, Cal-Maine Foods of Ridgeland, Mississippi, announced the acquisition of a shuttered Tyson Foods chicken processing plant in Dexter. Cal-Maine, the country's largest egg producer, plans to convert the plant into an egg processing facility by summer 2024...

As the foremost technical college in the Midwest, Ranken Technical College has a long history of equipping students across Missouri to take on industry-critical jobs in the trades. In response to the urgent need for a more skilled workforce in Southeast Missouri, Ranken expanded their presence in Perryville in June 2023 through a new facility poised to fill employment gaps in the trades throughout this region...

Lyle Randolph, vice president and general manager of Century Casino Cape Girardeau, says when he moved to the city in 2013, there hadn’t been a hotel downtown for almost 50 years. Since then, the Courtyard Marriott has opened on Broadway and now, The Riverview is set to be the second major hotel development downtown on 777 Main Street with its grand opening on April 4...

How well does Southeast Missouri advocate for itself with state lawmakers? More specifically, how does the area stack up with the rest of the state? While Southeast Missouri chambers of commerce and economic development leaders have a good working relationship, there has been little collaboration until recently when it comes to lobbying the General Assembly. As a result, other areas of the state have had more success than this part of the state in getting their priorities funded...

Lynwood Christian Academy, a private non-denominational Christian school opened in August 2020 in Cape Girardeau. Since then, the school has experienced immense growth, with plans for building a new facility. Benjamin Rhodes, head of school, sat down for an interview to discuss the school’s future, academic excellence, mission and recent updates...

President Joe Biden, in a White House statement released July 21, said “American manufacturing has long been the backbone of [the U.S.] economy.” In the Show Me State, Missouri Business Alert reported Sept. 13 that state manufacturing growth is “exceeding expectations,” noting that while COVID-19 cost Missouri 25,000 manufacturing jobs, employment in the sector has grown 5.7% in the past three years to more than 290,000 workers...

On the first day of my MG354 Business Negotiation: Concepts and Practice class, I tell my students that the class will literally change their lives — a bold claim usually met with lit-up eyes, curious facial expressions and palpable excitement (albeit with a touch of skepticism). ...

The Southeast Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Symposium (SEEDS) on Thursday, Nov. 30 brought together several local industry leaders and economic minds to discuss the state of Southeast Missouri’s economy heading into 2024. Among the speakers at the event, senior economist Charles Gascon with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis presented to the audience some of the latest economic trends and their impact on a national level...