Columbia's historic Stephens College is launching its Conservatory for the Performing Arts this school year. Its aim is to prepare Stephens graduates to succeed in the competitive world of theatre, television and film. Longtime Stephens President Dianne Lynch joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour this morning on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Round Table." President Lynch is beginning her 14th year as president, and says the average GPA for incoming students in Stephens' class of 2026 is 3.6. President Lynch and Fred Parry also emphasized the importance of keeping more Stephens students in Columbia, after they graduate from college:

Columbia Regional Airport (COU) manager Mike Parks says the pilot shortage is impacting every airline and every airport in the nation, including COU. He says American Airlines will reduce one flight at COU for a brief time in November. Mr. Parks joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Round Table." Parks also discussed the $23-million new terminal in-detail, and tells listeners that he's hopeful that American will begin twice-daily service to Charlotte in the next year or so:

Columbia native Ray Hall is the new minority business coordinator for Regional Economic Development Incorporated (REDI). Mr. Hall graduated from Columbia's Hickman high school and from Mizzou and describes himself as a true son. He joined guest host Jay Sparks Saturday morning for the hour on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Round Table" to discuss his new position, the role he serves and economic development issues. Mr. Hall tells listeners he's there to coach residents through their entrepreneurship journey. He also emphasizes that he's interested in hearing your business idea or plan, even if it's on a napkin:

Historic William Woods University was founded in 1870. Its 220-acre campus is in mid-Missouri's Fulton. Dr. Jeremy Moreland is the university's 13th president, and began in October. He's focused on academic opportunity, enrollment growth and the university's fiscal health. Dr. Moreland joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour Saturday on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Round Table." President Moreland says it's been a great experience for him at William Woods, where "everyone knows everyone." He says personal attention is key at the school, and also explained some road trips around Missouri that he's been doing:

The Boone County Fair, which was established in 1835, begins Tuesday at 5 pm at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Columbia. Admission is $10 from Tuesday-Friday, while admission on Saturday is $15. Agriculture is the common denominator at the fair. Fair board president Jeff Cook says the Vaughn family of Sturgeon will be the farm family honored this year. Cook joined host Fred Parry for the hour Saturday on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Round Table", and says Just Jeff's will be providing the breakfast at Saturday's popular Boone County ham breakfast. Fred and Mr. Cook also talked about the ham legacy of a man whose name many of you will recognize: Virgil Gardner:

Swift Prepared Foods will be opening its large plant on Columbia's Route B in 2023, bringing more than 200 jobs to the area. Swift, which has a plant in nearby Moberly, will be making Italian meats. Columbia's Regional Economic Development Incorporated president Stacey Button joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour Saturday on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Round Table". Ms. Button says the project highlights the importance of food manufacturing on the busy Route B corridor. Kraft Heinz, Aurora Organic Dairy and Quaker Oats are also in that area:

Readers from Zimmer's "Inside Columbia" magazine have once again voted Just Jeff's as the best burger in town. Just Jeff's owner Jeff Spencer was orphaned at a young age in Iowa, and ended up moving to Columbia with his uncle, who owned the Boonville livestock auction. Mr. Spencer started his business on a hot dog cart downtown. He joined 939 the Eagle host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour on Saturday's "CEO Round Table":

31-year-old Nick Rodriguez, who's stage name is Nick Danger, is a hip-hop artist who performs in Missouri and in other states as well. Mr. Rodriguez went to school at Columbia Rock Bridge elementary and Hickman high school, and says his parents and Rock Bridge elementary teacher Melinda Manson inspired him. He joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Round Table" on Saturday morning:

Boone Electric Cooperative general manager Todd Culley tells 939 the Eagle News that construction on their $27-million headquarter project should be done by September and that he's hoping to have employees moved in by November. Mr. Culley joined host Fred Parry in-studio Saturday on 939 the Eagle's "CEO Round Table," telling listeners an open house will take place at a later date. Culley also emphasizes that Columbia-based Coil Construction is managing the massive project, and that 99 percent of the vendors are from Columbia/Boone County:

Former Mizzou walk-on quarterback Alex Demczak is a best-selling author and speaker. He has a new book that he's co-authored with Jon Gordon that focuses on trust, integrity and the power of positive leadership. He also says that comparison is the thief of joy. Mr. Demczak joined host Fred Parry on Saturday morning's "CEO Round Table" on 939 the Eagle: