To say we now have a different perspective on daily life is an understatement. We’re going to do a little reflection this week and I’ll highlight some things I see as very positive in the midst of all this uncertainty. Just think, one year ago, for several months, all people wanted to talk about with the diverging diamond intersection at Center Junction and the massive disruption it would cause for businesses and the traveling public. We had no idea what could really cause issues for local

Well, it is official. This is the largest turnaround in the history of the United States. The Department of Labor released the unemployment numbers for April. The rate climbed to 14.7% as 20.5 million workers were dropped from company payrolls. Less than 60 days ago, we were experiencing the tightest job market in 50 years and now we have the highest unemployment rate since such information was tracked. This jobless rate is substantially higher than the previous record of 10.8% in 1948 although

Welcome to day one of Phase One of the Governor’s Show Me Strong Recovery Plan. Governor Parson announced guidelines to begin to reopen our economy. He consistently uses an analogy that Phase One is designed to be a dial, not a switch. We must ease back in to work and do it safely for both employees and customers. Let’s review the highlights of this plan, Phase One, as they apply to the business community. They include the necessity to continue social distancing of at least six feet, continue

In the middle of all this uncertainty, several positives emerge. Yes, people are still contracting the coronavirus. Yes, we are still under a Stay At Home Missouri order. Yes, unemployment numbers are escalating, and yes, some businesses are determining whether they will ever be able to reopen their doors. Certainly, these are challenging times on several fronts. At this time, I would like to offer a couple of pieces of positive news. We have just announced an expansion project in Jackson. Kcoe

COVID-19 has left significant unforeseen effects on our local community. While we respect the reality of what we are experiencing as a nation and a world, we also understand the Cape Area is the regional hub of southeast Missouri and we are ready to exert just exactly who and what we are moving forward. This global pandemic has stripped us of our normalcy and seized our sense of safety. When it is safe to do so, we must get back on our feet and Reclaim Our Region . The Cape Area is a special

The Governor’s Stay At Home Missouri order means changes in business operations and travel. One week ago today the order went into effect. Missourians are to stay at home unless they are exercising outside or conducting essential business at those establishments defined by the Homeland Security guidelines. These include food providers, medical facilities, gas stations, and several others. The order did not close any Missouri businesses but did require the non-essential ones to operate with less

Business conditions are changing every day. Almost all of those listening today are under some sort of declared public health emergency, shelter at home order, or even a quarantine situation. As we continue to deal with the pandemic, we are also getting a greater understanding of its effects on business and the economy. This week, let’s take a look at a couple of the resources available for small businesses – those employing under 500 people. Small business owners are eligible to apply for an

Every one of us is in uncharted territory and we’re not sure how long we will be here. As we find ourselves in a collective battle against the coronavirus, experts tell us fear comes from uncertainty, lack of control, and is magnified when the situation has no clearly defined end. Hmm…. Does that sound like where we are to you? Here is what I want to offer. You can control your personal hygiene habits, your social distancing, and your continued engagement in the community even if not in person.

There are very few guarantees in life but change is definitely one of them. The past couple of weeks have brought massive changes to the world. The coronavirus situation has been a game changer not seen in a century – or maybe longer. Public health is in question and the economy is taking an unbelievably major hit. Throughout the world, mitigation efforts vary but they are all significant and have completely disrupted daily life. We recognize the health of our citizens is the #1 priority for all

A strong, local economy is dependent upon successful businesses and organizations providing employment. We spoke last week about job creation and focused mainly on business recruitment and start-ups. Today, I want to go a little deeper into an important effort used by all successful economic development programs – business retention and expansion or BRE. BRE is the intentional focus on connecting with existing businesses to define, understand, and respond to their needs. It involves gathering