2021 is a new year and with it comes a new set of laws, rules, and guidelines. Are you prepared? The Minimum Wage Rate in Missouri for private employers changed effective January 1, 2021. The Governor’s office announced the new rate is $10.30 per hour. All private businesses are required to pay at least the minimum hourly rate, except retail and service businesses whose annual gross sales are less than $500,000. They are still covered under the Federal Minimum Wage Law. As a result of the voter

As 2020 comes to a close, it is time to pull out those crystal balls and look at some top predictions for the business world in 2021. Near the end of each year, I do research to determine what experts believe will be the top trends in business for the coming year. It is interesting how most agree with several leading concepts. Let’s take a look at a few. Convenience is absolutely critical. Regardless of business category, the customer now demands it. Coming out of the experiences of 2020, all

No doubt 2020 has been a very challenging year. Let’s look at some interesting numbers and a few positive results. First, some numbers. The Cape Chamber has distributed more than 21,000 masks to local businesses at no cost to them in an effort to protect their employees, the customers, and to keep them open. In our congressional district, 823 businesses were approved for a PPP loan of greater than $150,000. Our staff participated in over 600 hours of COVID-19 calls and connected with members in

In this year of challenging news, it is really nice to celebrate the positive announcements. Last Friday morning, December 4, at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, Southeast Missouri State University officially announced the new Professional Pilot Bachelor of Science program. This program is designed to train students to become commercial pilots and the FAA certification is part of the program. Students will fly early and often and highly performing students may be able to earn money and gain

This week we celebrate Thanksgiving and I want to take this opportunity to offer my thanks. First, I want to thank KRCU for this great partnership. Each week I have the opportunity to relay an important business topic to this key listener group. The comments I receive make me realize the importance of this segment. Next, I want to thank our membership. Because each of you are so committed to your role in your businesses and professions you make this place special. Thank you for your investment

Infrastructure can be defined as the physical structures necessary for the functioning of an area or a society. A reliable, robust infrastructure is extremely important for both business and the general public. Unfortunately, much of an area’s infrastructure can be overlooked or taken for granted because parts are not visible. We don’t see the intricate systems of storm sewers, sanitary sewers, water lines, gas lines, and some electrical services. We only notice these things when they don’t work

Location, location, location – the phrase is well-known in real estate AND in economic development. Missouri is in a great geographic position with its location in the center of the United States. This can be an advantage in certain economic development projects. We are rich in many transportation resources including rivers, rail, highways, airports, and river ports. However, our transportation infrastructure is struggling. Within 500 miles of the state of Missouri is 43% of the U.S. population,

One might argue tomorrow is one of the most important days in the United States in a long, long time Tuesday, November 3 rd is Election Day. And this is a presidential election year. Early voting numbers from throughout the country are extremely high and most experts believe total voter turnout will be at or above all-time records. Cape Girardeau County Clerk Kara Clark Summers believes between 82-85% of registered voters in the county will vote in this election. She made this prediction after a

The research is in and there are major benefits in having diversity on work teams. If you have the pleasure of having racial, gender, and age diversity on the team you work with, you probably understand my opening line. Either way, let’s look at some of the ways diverse work teams produce better results and add to the profitability of a business. Studies show diverse teams are more creative. Although you may be more comfortable working with people who share your same background, certainly people

Now is a critical time for transportation infrastructure planning in the Cape/Jackson MSA. When an area becomes a federally defined metropolitan statistical area, they can establish a metropolitan planning organization. SEMPO, or the Southeast Metropolitan Planning Organization, serves that purpose for the local MSA. This is the group responsible for working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration to assess