CBT | The Kids Issue 2023

MAY 2023

DR. ARMINTA PHELPS

Owner, Achieve Balance Chiropractic

2023 SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

SBOTY

had

“Bringing

“Hawthorn

COMO Rocks

Matt Chick

Matt has been with QuesTec for 25 years!

After dedicating two decades to working for QuesTec, Matt hopes to continue the company’s forward growth for many years to come.

As VP of Field Operations, he oversees a lot of the teams that work on customer jobsites around the region.

A lifelong resident of Jefferson City, Missouri, Matt started out as an apprentice, but worked his way up through the ranks to his current position. He’s licensed as a master plumber and is certified for medical gas installations under NFPA 99, ASSE 6010 and is an ASME IX brazer. Matt is also now a craft instructor for the apprenticeship program that he once attended. When he’s not on the job, you can find him working out at the gym, or out selling real estate on the side. questec.us

5/1998 – 5/2002 Apprentice Plumber

6/2002 – 1/2004 Licensed Journeyman Plumber

2/2004 – 5/2013 Foreman

6/2013 – 8/2016 Field Superintendent

9/2016 – 3/2021 Director of Field Operations

4/2021 – Present VP of Field Operations

Breakdown of Matt’s time at QuesTec:

VICE PRESIDENT OF FIELD OPERATIONS

EDITORIAL

Erica Pefferman, Publisher Erica@COMOBusinessTimes.com

Kim Ambra, Editor-in-Chief Kim@COMOBusinessTimes.com

Jodie Jackson Jr, Digital Editor Jodie@COMOBusinessTimes.com

DESIGN

Kate Morrow, Creative Director Kate@COMOBusinessTimes.com

Jordan Watts, Senior Designer Jordan@COMOBusinessTimes.com

MARKETING

Charles Bruce, Director of Sales Charles@COMOBusinessTimes.com

Scott Callahan, Director of Events Scott@COMOBusinessTimes.com

Amanda Melton, Director of Account Services Amanda@COMOBusinessTimes.com

J.J. Carlson, Director of Web Development jj@comobusinesstimes.com

Sarah Hempelmann, Marketing Representative Sarah@COMOBusinessTimes.com

Becky Roberts, Marketing Representative Becky@COMOBusinessTimes.com

MANAGEMENT

Erica Pefferman, President Erica@COMOBusinessTimes.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Anthony Jinson, Dale H. Lloyd, Catherine Rhodes Photography

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kim Ambra, Sam Barrett, Lauren Sable Freiman, Jodie Jackson Jr, Steve Spellman, Brian Toohey

SUBSCRIPTIONS

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OUR MISSION STATEMENT COMO Business Times and comobusinesstimes.com strive to be Columbia’s leading source for timely and comprehensive news coverage of the local business community. is publication is dedicated to being the most relevant and useful vehicle for the exchange of information and ideas among Columbia’s business professionals.

Copyright e COMO Companies, 2023 All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of any editorial or graphic content without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

Amanda Melton J. J. Carlson

Kim Ambra Jodie Jackson Jr

Erica Pefferman

Kate Morrow Jordan Watts

Charles Bruce Scott Callahan

Becky Roberts Sarah Hempelmann

Meet the Advisory Board for COMO Business Times

CBT ’s advisory board is made up of industry leaders and small business owners who help ensure CBT ’s content is relevant to our local business community.

ERIC MORRISON President Sundvold Financial

STEVE SPELLMAN Senior Investment Officer The Bank of Missouri

SUZANNE ROTHWELL Vice President Advancement Division Columbia College

MEGAN WALTERS Founder & Team Lead The Walters Team, eXp Realty

BRIAN TOOHEY CEO Columbia Board of REALTORS®

MATT MCCORMICK President Columbia Chamber of Commerce

MATT MOORE Retired Shelter Insurance

JEN HEDRICK President SOA Architecture

SHAWN BARNES Director of Business Development and Recruiting Williams-Keepers LLC

MIKE GRELLNER Vice President Plaza Commercial Realty

BROOKE BERKEY VP Relationship Manager Central Bank

NICKIE DAVIS Executive Director The District, Downtown CID

One of the things people find most interesting about me is that I have five kids. They always respond with “FIVE?!” with a mixture of awe and concern for my mental health. Yep. Five. I rather enjoy that moment when it happens. I feel somewhat like Super Woman. And the truth is, I’ve had to be a bit of a super woman to get them all raised but not in the way you might think. There were times when just getting through the day with feeding and sports activities and baths required physical amounts of endurance and strength. I drove a mini van that looked like Oscar the Grouch lived in it. One time I found an actual petrified half eaten cheeseburger stuffed into a storage compartment. But little did I know then that the hardest part was raising them in their tween and teenage years.

I have grown a lot as a mother. I used to really think that my children were a reflection of me and my worth as a person. I needed them to look just right, dress just right, act perfectly, and if those things happened that meant that I was a good mom. I powered along this way for quite a while as my children struggled in different ways to live up to this impossible standard that I set for them and myself. Then, one day I happened to catch a bit of the Oprah Show with Julia Roberts on it.

I will never forget that day. I was folding laundry when Julia hit me with the truth that would forever change how I parented. She said (and I’m paraphrasing) that we only have these kids on loan for a little while. That they come to us as unique individual humans with their own wills and souls. We get the privilege of helping them become more fully human as they get older, but they don’t belong to us. They aren’t our possessions nor are they what defines us as people. I was stunned. I remember sitting there thinking that directly challenged everything I had been taught by my parents and that I had been doing. But then something great happened. I believed it to be true, and me believing it to be true freed my children and myself from the confines I had put us in.

I have the best stories of how my children have learned to be the adults they now are. They will make you laugh until you cry. I quickly adopted the belief in natural consequences. My children will be the first to tell you that while they can always come to me and I will support them through anything, I will not save them from their life lessons. And that is how I have raised five kids as a working mother. I haven’t done it perfectly. I joke that everyone needs something to talk to their therapist about. But, I have raised five amazingly loving, kind, giving, funny and unique kids, and I am so proud of each of them. ON

Dr. Arminta Phelps, owner of Achieve Balance Chiropractic and 2023's Small Business of the Year winner.

Photography by Anthony Jinson

I used to really think that my children were a reflection of me and my worth as a person.

Closer Look

steady increase of Columbians making the trip to the original St. Louis location — the team decided it was time to move the medical spa closer to home. “We want Aurora to be a place where people can come to look and feel their best, in a beautiful environment, with the highest level of customer service,” Marina says. “We also look forward to being involved in Mizzou alumni and city of Columbia events.”

573-615-1893

505 E. Nifong Blvd., Ste. 107 auroramedicalspa.com/locations/ columbia-mo/

MOON YOGA

JADE AND THE SAW

Husband-and-wife duo Mike and Ronnie are the creatives behind Jade and the Saw. ey say they started that journey together in 2020 to discover a new purpose. “We wanted a way to connect with others and provide a little cheer amidst all of the chaos and uncertainty going on in the world,” they say on their website. “We quickly found our niche in designing playful and modern wooden wall art and custom toy chests for kid’s spaces, and we do a handful of seasonal-holiday art sales throughout the year.” eir aim is to design pieces that are aesthetically pleasing to adults “yet playful enough to inspire little ones.” Mike and Ronnie say they are constantly evolving and introducing new products, but overall, their goal remains the same: to bring you a little more everyday magic and help you create spaces that make you smile. All of their original work is made by hand out of their home in Columbia. Jade and the Saw is

Are

currently online only, with a large presence on Instagram.

jadeandthesaw.com

info@jadeandthesaw.com

Instagram: @jadeandthesaw

AURORA MEDICAL SPA

Aurora Medical Spa is a state-of-the-art medical spa, providing Botox, ller, and aesthetic services. Paige Boyer is the primary owner and founder. She has joined with John Diehl and Christian Howell to partner at 505 E. Nifong. With the slogan “inspiring con dence and empowering all,” the team aims to do just that with its Columbia location. “Self-care is so important for the busy American lifestyle. We want to provide quality aesthetic care to inspire con dence and empower individuals in their daily lives,” says Marina Zager, marketing director. After noticing a

Moon Yoga is a vinyasa yoga studio located in the soul of downtown Columbia, o ering classes made to challenge the mind and body and meet you at your level. Owner Amber Treece found her love for vinyasa-style yoga after spending several years in Arizona learning the art. She knew she needed to bring this style of yoga back home to COMO, her website explains. “In my time in the southwest, I found myself drawn to the vinyasa style of yoga. e way you can get lost in your own breath and movement with the help of music really moves me (pun intended). I nd so much inspiration from those warm big sky desert nights,” Amber says. “Still to this day, I could stare at the moon for hours on end. I feel drawn to it. It was then that my Moon Yoga wheels started turning.” Moon Yoga prides itself on being a place where everyone feels welcome, o ering a variety of classes and memberships.

573-449-8137

23 S. 4th St. moonyogamo.com

you starting a new business? Reach out to our team at kim@comobusinesstimes.com

Briefly in the News

CELEBRATION

Columbia College

Global Celebrates 50 Years Of Educating Adult And Military Learners

HEALTH

Delta Dental of Missouri’s Land of Smiles® Show Teaches

Students at Shepard Boulevard Elementary School Good Habits for Healthy Teeth

February was National Children’s Dental Health Month and Delta Dental of Missouri’s popular, award-winning Land of Smiles® dental education program was on the road, taking the crusade for healthy teeth to 16,000 youngsters at 75 schools across the state. e cast of dynamic superhero characters made a stop in Columbia with a performance at Shepard Boulevard Elementary School, teaching good dental health habits to 265 students in kindergarten through third grade. e Land of Smiles® experience follows superhero Captain Super GrinSM, as he defeats his nemesis, Caz CavitySM, with help from his sidekicks Terri Tooth FairySM and ToothpickSM. Students learn the importance of brushing their teeth twice a day, ossing, using mouthwash, eating healthy foods, and visiting the dentist regularly. e program includes an oral health curriculum that adheres to National Health Education Standards, as well as standards for Missouri. Since its inception in the fall of 2002, the Delta Dental of Missouri’s Land of Smiles® program has taught more than 1.1 million kids how to take care of their growing smiles through more than 4,800 onsite performances at schools in 113 Missouri counties, and through its online version. e Land of Smiles® experience is provided free of charge to schools, courtesy of Delta Dental of Missouri.

Columbia College is planning a series of celebrations in 2023 to mark its 50th anniversary of educating adult learners and military-related students through the Columbia College Global network. Columbia College Global is comprised of more than 40 locations across the United States and in Cuba, about half of which are connected to military installations, in addition to the college’s Online Program. Columbia College Global primarily serves non-traditional students, providing a exible education model to students balancing work, family, and school. More than 8,000 students were enrolled in classes within the network in 2022. e concept of nationwide locations at Columbia College began in March 1973, with evening instruction at Troop Support Command Headquarters in St. Louis. A separate civilian location in St. Louis opened in October 1973; it remains the college’s longestrunning nationwide location. In January 1974, the college began operations at Fort Leonard Wood, CC’s oldest continuing military location. e college established its landmark Evening Program in March 1975, forever changing the trajectory of both the college and the lives of thousands of adult learners. In October 2000, the college became a pioneer as one of the rst schools to o er college instruction over the internet.

State Historical Society of Missouri Awarded Federal Grant to Increase Access to Congressional Papers

e National Historical Publications and Records Commission has awarded the State Historical Society of Missouri a grant to organize, describe, and make available four collections of Missouri congressional papers, including U.S. Representatives Dewey Short and Bill Emerson and U.S. Senators John Danforth and omas Eagleton. Archivists will process over 918 cubic feet of papers, electronic records, photographs, and audio-visual materials. e federal grant will allow for the digitization of some portions of the collections. e grant award of $347,612 requires that the State Historical Society contribute $120,487 to the nearly halfmillion-dollar project. e papers of Short, Emerson, Danforth, and Eagleton span almost 100 years of Missouri history from 1912-2010 and provide valuable insights into national and regional events and issues, according to Laura Jolley, assistant director of manuscripts, at the State Historical Society. e grant cycle for the congressional archival project continues through 2025. Once these papers are fully processed, scholars will be able to navigate the collections and

better understand the interactions of the state and its people with national political trends and points of view.

CELEBRATION

Aanya Shetty Wins Regional Spelling Bee Sponsored by the Columbia Missourian

Aanya Shetty is the champion of the Columbia Regional Spelling Bee sponsored by the Columbia Missourian. Her winning word was “fulgent,” meaning “dazzlingly bright, radiant.” e competition involving 35 spellers from 35 local schools lasted ve rounds. “I’m really excited for nationals and have to get ready for studying,” said Aanya. “We have a giant dictionary at home, so I just have to read that over and over again.” Spellers competed at the Rhynsburger eatre on March 21. Megan Judy, former KOMU 8 anchor, served as pronouncer for the competition, and the judges — charged with tracking every word and verifying spelling accuracy — were Missourian managing editor Jeanne Abbott and MU senior So Zeman. Spellers studied Words of the Champions, the 4,000-word list provided by the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Aanya now advances to compete in the 2023 Scripps National Spelling Bee this summer near Washington, D.C. e semi nals on May 31 and the nals on June 1 will be televised on ION and Bounce.

EDUCATION

University of Missouri announces initiative for NextGen MURR, a New Research Reactor to Improve and Save Lives Through Advanced Nuclear Medicines

e University of Missouri announced an initiative to build a new, larger research reactor that will expand critical cancerghting research and medical isotope production at MU. Medical isotopes are used in cancer treatments and imaging agents to diagnose cancers and heart disease. Because of the targeted nature of the treatment, medical isotopes are e ective in eliminating tumors without damaging the surrounding cells. e new project, NextGen MURR, will build on the internationally recognized excellence of the MU Research Reactor (MURR), the highest-powered university research reactor and the only producer in the United States of the critical medical isotopes yttrium-90, used for the treatment of liver cancer; molybdenum-99, for analysis of heart functions; iodine-131, used for the treatment of thyroid cancer; and lutetium-177, used for the treatment of pancreatic and prostate cancers. “ e work that we do at MURR saves and improves thousands of lives each and every day,” said Mun Choi, University of Missouri president. “NextGen MURR will produce advanced cancer medicines for the next 75 years and solidify the University of Missouri’s position as the most important resource for medical isotopes in the United States.” CBT

“THE WORK THAT WE DO AT MURR SAVES AND IMPROVES THOUSANDS OF LIVES EACH AND EVERY DAY.”

Movers & Shakers

ROB BOONE

Rob Boone, associate vice president of Columbia College

Global, was recently elected to serve as vice president of the National Association of Institutions for Military Education Services. Rob's election also includes a twoyear term as president-elect. Rob, a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, received an Army commission from Sam Houston State University as a second lieutenant in December 1992. His deployments included Egypt, Tunisia, Haiti, and two tours of duty in Iraq. He joined Columbia College in March 2019.

DREW SMITH

First State Community Bank (FSCB) has promoted Drew Smith to market president of FSCB in Columbia. Drew began working for FSCB in 2017 as the executive vice president of commercial lending in Central Missouri. With more than 20 years of banking, his contributions have added to the overall success of the organization. Drew is a graduate of the University of Missouri. He has spent his banking career in this market, building strong financial relationships. In addition to

serving clients, he currently serves as president of the board for the Boys & Girls Club of Columbia and is past president of the Rainbow House.

CHAD MASSMAN

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce announced that Chad Massman has assumed the role of vice president of workforce development. Chad has served as the Chamber’s director of membership for the past five years and worked in the Missouri Department of Economic Development for six years prior to joining the Chamber team. He brings to his new role a knowledge and passion for the unique needs of Chamber members as well as a broad understanding of statewide best practices in workforce development programs and services.

DR. MARY DORN

Dr. Mary Dorn, Columbia College Robert W. Plaster School of Business assistant professor of finance and department chair, won the “Best Research Award” for her presentation during the Journal of Financial Planning Research Showcase at the 2022 Financial Planning Association Annual Conference. In her

presentation, “Later Life Financial Planning Concerns: A Unique Perspective from Midwest LGBTQ Adults,” Dr. Dorn discussed the fears and feelings of LGBTQ+ clients regarding aging and financial planning needs.

SABRINA BASINGER

Edward Jones Financial Advisor Sabrina Basinger of Columbia was named to the annual list of America's Top Women Wealth Advisors Bestin-State for 2023 by Forbes and SHOOK® Research. She ranked No. 20 in Missouri. Criteria included compliance records, community involvement, the investment process, assets under care, and tenure in the industry.

COLUMBIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

The Columbia Public Schools Foundation (CPSF) has announced its 2023 officers. The 2023 CPSF Board of Directors officers are David Townsend, president; Lynn Barnett, vice president; Sally Silvers, secretary; Gale “Hap” Hairston, treasurer; and Cindy Mustard, past president. David will serve a two-year term as CPSF president. He is the president and CEO of Agents National Title Insurance. CBT

BOONE

MASSMAN

SMITH

DORN

TOWNSEND

Out With the Old

The Women’s and Children’s Hospital on Keene Street is slowly being phased out and a new Children’s Hospital Tower is to be completed in summer 2024.

BY JULES N. GRAEBNER

FOR DECADES, PATIENTS and families around the state sought care at the University of Missouri Women’s and Children’s Hospital. ough the location on Keene Street holds powerful memories for many patients, the hospital deserved an upgrade.

Last year, work began on a massive $250 million tower, located near the main hospital complex o Hospital Drive. e new tower will house both the children’s hospital and women’s services and is slated to open in the summer of 2024.

Chief of Hospital Operations Keri Simon says it was a necessary improvement.

“I think we’ve done an amazing job on Keene Street, [but] the di erence is that the building was not built to be a hospital,” Keri says, explaining that the location was originally built in the 1970s by a private group of physicians who mainly o ered surgical and orthopedic services.

“ e building was retro tted, and when you retro t an older facility, you are limited in what you can do," she adds. " e new tower is going to be wonderful in the sense that it was designed and built from the ground up speci cally for the care of children, birthing mothers, and their families.”

e new tower, simply named the University of Missouri Children’s Hospital, is designed with accessibility in mind. It’s intended to be a place where patients and families can feel comfortable and secure, no matter their situations.

“Our patient family advisory council brings in the voice of our patients and families to make sure we’re thinking and looking through their eyes,” Keri says. “ ey’ve participated in our committees and have been instrumental when design-

ing the building and thinking about inclusivity—accessibility for families with disabilities—and we’ve included them to bring in that perspective.”

e new tower will have ample space for families and visitors, with private rooms for every patient. Keri says this is especially important in the NICU, which lacked space at the Keene Street location.

“[On Keene Street] our NICU, unfortunately, had a mix of private and what we call ‘open pod’ rooms. In the new facility, all 54 of our patient spaces will be in private rooms, which will be a wonderful improvement from the current state,” she says.

e new space will provide better privacy as well as other important bene ts. Keri sasys that NICU babies "are very sensitive to noise and light, so having private environments that you can control based on the needs of the baby is always good.”

One of the most obvious bene ts of the new tower is simple: location. When the University Women’s and Children’s Hospital was located on Keene Street, it was di cult for doctors and sta to collaborate with one another, which is a necessity for patient care. Additionally, the Keene Street location lacked many types of high-tech equipment needed for more intensive procedures, such as radiation for oncol-

ogy patients. Historically, those patients had to be transferred between Keene Street to the University Hospital—a time and energy-consuming process—but the new tower’s location ensures that patients will be able to remain on campus.

“ ere’s going to be a lot of advantage in colocation with some of our adult services,” Keri says. “ ere are speci c diseases where collaboration between pediatric and adult teams is best for the patient, so being able to do that on one campus — with all these colleagues close at hand — is certainly going to be an improvement.”

ough the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital won’t o cially open its doors until next year, pediatric services have slowly been moved over to the University Hospital in a temporary space, allowing sta to take advantage of colocation sooner rather than later. ese services, along with the birthing and NICU

services still at Keene Street, will begin moving in March before being completely settled into the new tower by June 2024.

“I think our sta and physicians are very excited to get into the new building. A move always comes with apprehension, just because [things] are changing. Even thinking about where you’ll park, how you’ll get into the building,” Keri says with a laugh. “So I’m sure there are some nerves related to that.”

Even with the new addition in the works, many have wondered what will become of the building on Keene Street.

“For all of the reasons that we decided to build this new tower, we are planning to vacate the Keene Street location for clinical services,” Keri explains. “It’s a building that has served us very well, but it was built back in the mid-70s, and not for the populations that it’s serving. Certainly, technology has changed, and the building has aged, as it’s probably best suited for something that is not taking care of inpatients in the future.”

She says the hospital sta is looking forward to the new tower, in hopes that it will help them continue to serve the community with top-notch care.

“Last scal year — just in our children’s hospital — we served about 55,000 unique patients that come from all over the state, and some beyond our state borders,” she says. “We very much see this as a statewide resource that we are proud to be improving and preparing for decades to come.” CBT

“The [Keene Street] building was retrofitted, and when you retrofit an older facility, you are limited in what you can do," she adds. "The new tower is going to be wonderful in the sense that it was designed and built from the ground up specifically for the care of children, birthing mothers, and their families.”

Keri Simon

Chief of Hospital Operations, MU Health Care

‘The Times They Are A-Changin’

BY STEVE SPELLMAN

THERE ARE A LOT OF KIDS IN COMO.

ere are the 18-and-unders still at home, plus plenty of college “kids” who have technically reached the age of maturity but are still dependents of their folks back home. Many collegians act their age, but many don’t — just look around town.

Kids are a big business in COMO. We have one of the biggest public school districts in the state, plus numerous private schools. Plenty of local stores sell tons of kid stu . Local restaurants host kid birthday parties. Local kids participate in all these sports leagues, and many youth tournaments frequent the accommodating facilities around town.

DAYCARE BLUES

And there's a lot of demand for daycare centers – though there never seems to be nearly enough of them. In fact, ask around among parents of young kids and you’ll likely hear a few earfuls of frustration if not stressful stories of frantically trying to nd one for their kid(s) at some point. Or perhaps a proactive parent who might have put in a future reservation at a coveted provider, even before their kid was born.

e lack of daycare openings is one of those mysteries of modern life, like medical billing, or how potholes multiply all over town.

Once a parent secures a provider, it’s not cheap. While middle-income families shift the household budget around to make it work, lower-income households face more drastic decisions.

I used to work with a single mother with a young child and we often chatted on this subject. She once con ded an intention to have a second child but couldn’t a ord to — yet. at is, she was waiting until her toddler daughter entered kindergarten, as she could not a ord to pay for two kids in daycare at once. Golly.

It’s a tough service to o er, too. For one, it entails long hours, exhaustingly attentive work, and doesn’t pay a lot.

Parenting can be a joy in one’s life, but not always, so imagine watching somebody else’s kid all day. It’s even di erent from the calling of school teaching where there’s a structured curriculum and the kids are old enough to walk and talk.

A sudden state regulation change a few years ago lowered the maximum number of kids per worker because everybody wants safety. But an unintended consequence

was many individual services had to suddenly turn kids away, throwing many working parents for a loop.

COMO has historically had ultralow unemployment and we now have a near-universal labor shortage. It’s become a normal challenge to meet somebody for lunch on a Monday, as not every place has sta to be open every day. If food service waitsta is in short supply, service jobs like daycare centers, nursing homes, and the like have an even tougher slog to ll.

I hear repeatedly of hiring managers in these elds sharing examples that go something like this: post a job online (here we go!), receive 100+ applicants (great!), weed out A LOT of scary resumes (ugh). Boil it down to maybe a handful of maybes, and interview two or three to get one to accept an o er (great!). But they then might burn out after a short period (oh no), or ghost after a day or two (huh?), if not even show up on day one (what the ... ?). is is apparently a national phenomenon these days, a sort of new normal in pockets of the HR eld.

FEWER KIDS

e number of kids in COMO has continued to increase over a long period, though demographers have warned of declining birth rates nationally. e best estimates from Columbia Public Schools project enrollment basically plateauing just above 18,000 for the next decade or so.

Forever up to this point a new school has been built every few years, but that demand is tapering o . is a ects school sta ng trends, as well as real estate needs, retail demand, and so on throughout the local economy.

Higher ed is obviously a big industry in COMO, so the kid population trends have been owing through as fewer potential college age “customers,” as well.

And after a few generations among middle-class Americans that a four-year degree is a default expectation, there’s the stiening headwind of public opinion further questioning the value of college at all. e

Wall Street Journal released a poll on March 31 that was conducted with the University of Chicago, with some eye-opening ndings. For the rst time, over half of Americans think achieving a college degree is not a good value. Fifty-six percent now agree with the statement that college is “not worth the cost because people often graduate without speci c job skills and with a large amount of debt to pay o .” Only 43 percent a rmed that college is “worth the cost because people have a better chance of a good job and earn more income over their lifetime.”

ose ages 18-34 are the most pessimistic. Compared to the last such poll in 2017, those aged 65 and older shifted the most toward a “no” response, as did women at large.

While college costs keep drifting upward, the student loan burdens of many Americans keep getting more political; well, along with about any other topic on campus.

is is not doomsaying, though. ough the higher ed industry, which COMO is heavy in, is seeing a tapering of potential college-age “customers,” a ight to quality is more likely than the college industry cratering. is trend o ers our several colleges here an opportunity to retool for 21st-century education needs and enhance their value propositions to future students, parents, the public, and taxpayers.

ere's also the opportunity to adjust learning paths to job and life skill diversity. More teenagers are taking dual enrollment classes to earn college credits while still in high school. Work/study, apprenticeships, and technical schools are all blooming to t real needs, which is all good.

Yes, as Bob Dylan sang in 1964 — almost exactly 60 years ago — “the times they are a-changin.’” And just like they did 60 years ago, we’ll gure out which changes work and which ones still need work. At least there are still enough kids around to get it right if we fall short. But we owe it to them not to.

Steve Spellman is a lifelong Columbia-area resident and political observer.

For the first time, over half of Americans think achieving a college degree is not a good value. Fi y-six percent now agree with the statement that college is “not worth the cost because people o en graduate without specific job skills and with a large amount of debt to pay off.” Only 43 percent affirmed that college is “worth the cost because people have a better chance of a good job and earn more income over their lifetime.”

Under One Roof

Thompson Center gets a new name and awaits a new, bigger home.

BY JODIE JACKSON JR

A NEW $55 MILLION, 74,000-square-foot facility will be home to the University of Missouri’s ompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment by the end of 2025. Until that time, the center will continue to provide patient services and research opportunities for clinicians at dual buildings on Keene Street and Portland Avenue.

e building project and name change — adding the “Neurodevelopment” designation — were approved by the University of Missouri Board of Curators in February.

Renovations to the facility at 200 N. Keene St. were completed in January to help the center expand at its current footprint while the new building will be constructed adjacent to the MU Health Care facility o South Providence. e exact location has not yet been nalized, says Emily Fry Morrison, strategic communications consultant for the ompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment. A ribbon-cutting event heralded the Keene Street building renovation in January. Renovation work began there in May 2022.

Meanwhile, the new facility in south Columbia is expected to be ready to occupy in December 2025.

ompson Center executive director

Dr. Stephen Sheinkopf lauded the curators’ action in approving the project and the name change. He said in a news release that the name change emphasizes that the center not only serves individuals with a formal diagnosis of autism, “but also neurodiversity in general in helping support people, adults

and children, who have challenges in broad areas of development.”

Currently, the center serves roughly 14,000 patients each year, guided by its mission to “improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by autism spectrum disorder and neurodevelopmental disorders.” e ompson Center opened in 2005.

e new $55 million building will expand the scope of the center’s work and services, he said, which focus on three “pillars” of activities: Clinical service for patients and families, training the next generation of clinicians and clinical scientists, and pursuing research to help identify causes, treatments and supports for people with di erences in neurodevelopment.

State funding accounts for half — $27.5 million — of the project, with the balance coming from gifts ($15 million) and university funds ($12.5 million). Stephen said that fostering collaboration of service in the center’s work is a primary aim of the new building.

e new building will house all the center’s operations under one roof.

“ e ompson Center currently occupies two buildings right next to each other, which can be confusing for patients and families coming for an appointment and can be a barrier to natural collaboration amongst all our divisions,” Emily said in an email. January’s ribbon-cutting celebrated additional clinical space for therapy services, which she said is “critical for

meeting the current space needs — but will still not be enough as we continue to recruit new providers and increase our patient capacity.”

She emphasized that the new building will be located in south Columbia. One news outlet has incorrectly reported that the new building is being constructed on Portland Street near the ompson Center’s current location, Emily added.

“To clarify, that construction project is for Compass Health and is not a liated with the ompson Center,” she explained.

A news release from curators stated that the new facility will expand access to appointments with additional clinic space to accommodate more clinicians, development of new types of spaces for observation to enhance research opportunities and provide integrated training space in the facility that will serve both internal providers and others involved in the specialties that serve individuals, families, and communities.

e renovated space at the Keene Street building features expanded therapy space, classrooms for social skills learning for ages 4 through 12, and a severe behavior clinic. e severe behavior clinic accommodates patients who engage in stimming — repetitive motions that can cause injury, such as kicking or head-banging.

e room has padded walls and a television behind plexiglass to provide patients with comfort.

Other classrooms and programs include toilet training, life skills groups, and more.

With a generous gift from William and Nancy Thompson, the Thompson Center at the University of Missouri was started in 2005 off Keene Street.

The center acquires an additional building in the medical corridor off Keene Street.

The center opens the Thompson Center Research & Training Facility.

“We are serving families but serving the community as well,” Stephen said.

In support of the expansion, Richard Barohn, executive vice chancellor for health a airs at MU, announced that a new developmental and behavior pediatrics fellowship program will help train postgraduate students in the MU School of Medicine on working with people with autism.

e primary objective of the ompson Center is to assist families from the point of rst contact, by providing them with access to services in the community, along with routine follow-up care over time.

e new facility for the ompson Center was among a round of ve new projects that the curators approved in February

2022

that will create more than 225,000-squarefeet of research space. e projects focus on agriculture, health sciences and clinical spaces for autism treatment.

“ e new and expanded facilities will bene t every Missouri citizen as researchers will have better facilities to search for solutions to the challenges facing agriculture and human health,” curators said in a news release.

ree of those projects are focused on swine research and developing swine “models” that assist researchers in their work on disease prevention and organ and tissue transplants.

“ ese state-of-the-art facilities will complement the research that our renowned faculty conduct every day at our universi-

January 2023

Work is completed to renovate the center’s building on Keene Street, providing more clinical space.

ties,” said Robin Wenneker, UM Board of Curators vice chair. “Investments in infrastructure projects like these will build on the strong foundations of agriculture and health expertise as we continue to move our universities forward.” CBT

THOMPSON CENTER FOR AUTISM & NEURODEVELOPMENT

205 Portland Street

573-882-9405

thompsonfoundation.org

February 9, 2023

The UM Board of Curators approves a proposal to build a $55 million, roughly 74,000-square-foot facility to house all the center’s operations.

The center’s name is changed to the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment.

“We are serving families but serving the community as well.”

DR. STEPHEN SHEINKOPF

WHAT THE PROS KNOW BUSINESS

MAXIMIZING YOUR FINANCIAL SECURITY THROUGH THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP

By Josh Steinkoetter joshua@insuranceplusllc.com

Insurance Plus is an independent insurance agency, powered by Accounting Plus, to provide financiallydriven insurance solutions that align with your business needs and goals. But what does that mean exactly?

Turn on the television, pick-up a magazine, or drive-by a billboard and you’ll likely see an advertisement for insurance with promises that would lead one to believe that by answering a few simple questions, you can save money and protect your business with just a click of a button.

While ease of use and price are important, ensuring that you, your business, and your employees are protected from potentially catastrophic events is why you buy insurance. To put it another way, business owners buy insurance with the expectation that when a loss occurs, they will be made whole. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.

According to industry data, the vast majority of businesses are inaccurately and inadequately insured, leaving the business, its employees, and business owners at risk. Accurate and adequate insurance coverage isn’t always about paying more; often times, it’s about having the right information to make better, more informed decisions.

The Better Together Campaign was born out of this idea that Accounting Plus and Insurance Plus can accomplish more together by ensuring the right information is obtained and used. Our clients know running a business is a lot of responsibility, but having a team of trusted experts on their side allows them to focus on the aspects of their business they love. Together, Accounting Plus and Insurance Plus can further simplify our customers’ business responsibilities by allowing them

to combine their business advising and insurance needs all under one roof.

Below are 5 examples of how our clients benefit from our financially-driven insurance solutions:

1. Comprehensive financial solutions: A company that provides both insurance and accounting services offers comprehensive financial solutions to its customers. This helps customers save time and effort by dealing with a single company for their insurance and financial needs.

2. Tailored insurance solutions: An accounting firm can provide insights into a customer’s financial situation, which can help the insurance team tailor insurance solutions to meet their specific needs. For example, if a customer is looking to protect their assets, their accountant can help identify which assets are most at risk so that we recommend the appropriate coverage within their insurance policies.

3. Better claims management: An accounting firm can help customers manage their claims by providing guidance on the documentation required for insurance claims. This can help ensure that claims are processed smoothly and efficiently, and that customers receive the full benefits of their insurance policies.

4. Improved financial planning: An accounting firm can help customers

Josh Steinkoetter is the Assistant Director of Insurance Plus. He has just under 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, a large portion of which were earned serving as a Claim Specialist. Josh is a firm believer in educating his clients on how they can take control of the policies they purchase, as well as the premiums they pay, by helping them build a more accurate Risk Profile, tailoring the coverages of each policy he writes to meet their needs.

develop and implement financial plans that align with their insurance needs. This can help customers achieve their financial goals and minimize their financial risk.

5. Regulatory compliance: A company that provides both insurance and accounting services can help customers comply with regulatory requirements related to insurance and finance. This can help customers avoid fines and legal issues and ensure that they are fully protected.

Overall, a customer can benefit from doing business with a company that provides both insurance and accounting services by receiving tailored financial solutions, better claims management, and improved financial planning. Additionally, working with a single company for both insurance and accounting needs can help customers save time and effort, and ensure regulatory compliance.

BRANDED APPAREL: A FORCE FOR MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS

By Reid Allison team@showmecustomapparel.com

As a business owner, you’re always looking for ways to maximize your return on investment. With expenses up and margins tight, it can be easy to view branded apparel for your business as an unnecessary expense. However, in the long run, custombranded apparel will pay off in dividends and should be viewed as a strategic investment rather than an expense.

Quality custom-branded apparel can help your business:

• Boost brand awareness

• Create a professional image

• Improve employee morale and loyalty

• Differentiate from competition

Choosing the right apparel that is a good fit for your business is crucial in getting the most out of your investment.

When choosing the best branded merchandise for your business, here are a few quick points you need to keep in mind. Make sure to:

• Communicate the desired message

• Choose the right products

• Not skimp on quality

• Be creative

If you are a business owner or manager that is serious about getting the most out of your business, let Show Me Custom Apparel assist you in developing an effective strategy to elevate your business with unique custom-branded apparel. Contact our team today to get started!

Branded Apparel for Your Business

Investment not an Expense

REID ALLISON Founder & Owner

Reid is an entrepreneur and the founder of Show Me Custom Apparel. His experience in the business world has helped him understand the challenges that small businesses face in today’s economic climate. Reid has a passion for developing trusting and personal relationships in a digital age which is driving society to stray from these crucial elements of business success. Reid grew up in Tipton, Missouri and received his degree from the University of Central Missouri.

573-375-3104

showmecustomapparel.com

DID YOU KNOW

A study conducted by the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education found that customers are more likely to perceive employees who wear custom-branded apparel as more competent and trustworthy, leading to a higher likelihood of making a purchase. In fact, the study found that customer satisfaction increased by 44% when employees wore custombranded apparel.

SECURING YOUR BUSINESS DATA

By David Nivens

dnivens@midwestcomputech.com

I’m not a geeky tech guy (have I mentioned that already?). I know that’s weird coming from a guy who has owned a tech company for almost 20 years now. While I don’t know all I used to about fixing technology issues, what I do know is the integration of business operations and tech, and how technology can greatly improve or negatively impact your organization.

Last month I covered the basic security components needed today to protect your business from cyber-attacks and human error. This month, let’s dive into a few of the basic and most common features of security every business should have.

Encrypted off-site backup

Encrypted off-site backups provide an additional layer of security to your data. By encrypting the data, you ensure that only authorized personnel can access it, thus reducing the risk of data breaches. Additionally, most organizations do not think the worst can happen to them. However, In the event of a disaster, such as a fire or a flood, having an off-site backup ensures that you can recover your data even if your local backup is destroyed.

This is especially important for businesses that rely on their data to operate. It is a much better practice to plan for when your systems break, instead of scrambling due to being unprepared when the inevitable happens.

Multi-factor authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security concept that requires users to provide multiple forms of identification to access a system or application. These factors typically include something the user knows (a password), something the user has (a token or cell phone), and/or something the user is (biometric data like

DAVID NIVENS

Originally from Tipton, David and his wife Sara have called Columbia home since 2005. He has owned Midwest Computech since 2004, as well as owning 404 Portland Event Center in Columbia, and being partners in the COMO Companies. They have three kids and enjoy traveling and going to MU, Chiefs, Royals and Cardinals games. David is on the Board of Directors for The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri, CrimeStoppers, the Columbia Chamber Foundation, and is the current Chair of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

Midwest Computech

800-346-8934

fingerprints or facial recognition).

Major organizations such as Microsoft and Google have determined that MFA can help to reduce over 95 percent of account compromise targeted attacks. We have seen this become a great deterrent to unauthorized access to data and systems, preventing cyber-attacks and keeping your data from becoming encrypted for ransom. Most everyone is familiar with this now in some form (receiving a special code to your email to verify who you are) but having MFA software on your cell phone to provide those access codes in

real time allows a much greater level of security for your organization.

The biggest objection is always having to do that additional step for access, but it becomes second nature and it’s definitely worth it for the additional security for the organization.

If you would like to learn more about any of these vital services, just email me at dnivens@midwestcomputech.com and I’ll not only get you connected to a member of our security team, but we’ll provide an external scan of your network and provide you with the report for only $100.

Trusted Technology Partner since 1982

WHAT IS SEO AND WHY DO YOU NEED IT?

By Erica Pefferman erica@comomarketing.co

If you ever want to hide anything, keep it on the second page of a Google search result. Even though this is a joke, it isn’t far from the truth. When was the last time you clicked on the second page of a Google search result?

You may have a great product, a mind blowing Unique Selling Proposition(USP), and an earth shattering differentiator, but if your website doesn’t appear in the first page of a Google search result, it’s all for naught. Do the websites which appear on the first page of a Google search merely get lucky?

No. It likely means that they have a dedicated digital ad agency like COMO Marketing working the wonderful magic of SEO.

Let’s address the most talked about, and mysterious to some, term called SEO. SEO means search engine optimization. You cannot increase traffic to your website and improve your Google search result position without implementing an SEO strategy.

You may hear a lot of chatter about digital marketing, but we at COMO Marketing would love to simplify it for you. Digital marketing analytics can be split into three pillars:

1. Acquisition

Covers all channels through which a customer decides to come to your websites, namely:

• Organic

• Paid

• Referral

• Direct

2. Behavior

Covers all the activities and habits of the customers when he/she is on the website.

Such as:

• Average time spent on the website

• Total pages visited

• Exit rate

3. Conversion

ERICA PEFFERMAN President & Owner

Erica Pefferman is the owner and president of COMO Companies, which owns and operates COMO Magazine, COMO Business Times, COMO Marketing, and COMO Tickets. Erica shares her love of Columbia with the people she serves with on a multitude of boards including the Chamber of Commerce. In 2017, Erica was named Outstanding Business Woman of the year and her team was named the Columbia Chamber Of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year.

573.499.1830 | comomarketing.co

Covers metrics which determine if the customer ends up meeting any of the predetermined goals like purchasing a product or filling out an inquiry form or some other planned activity. For example:

• Total leads

• Total products purchased

• Revenue generated

Search Engine optimization is essentially a process for increasing traffic to the website in the acquisition pillar. This is done using a number of different steps which are as follows:

• For any website, content is king. It is important that not only do you have a great product, but the content on the website is relevant to the product you are trying to sell.

• The content on the website has to be in alignment with the keywords that your

customers are using to search for your service or product.

• The website should be easy to use with high loading speed.

Why are the above steps important? The answer is in one word: Google!!

Google measures any website on the above factors and provides a quality score to the website, which in turn determines the position of your website in the search result.

If these terms seem complicated, fear not! Our digital analytics experts at COMO Marketing have a track record of success in optimizing websites using the steps mentioned above, in addition to other technical innovations.

If you would like COMO Marketing to review your SEO strategy at no charge, request an appointment with our team.

LONG-STANDING TRADITION OF COMMUNITY FOCUS NOW IN COLUMBIA

By Brad Roling broling@midambk.com

Mid America Bank is proud to be a locally owned and operated community bank in central Missouri. With a strong history of exceptional customer service, Mid America Bank has banking roots going back over 100 years. The original bank charter can be traced back to People’s Bank of St. Thomas in 1914. In 1951, the government ordered the bank to relocate. The bank relocated to Meta, where it became known as Meta State Bank. With the addition of its second location in Linn in 1978, the bank was renamed Mid America Bank to reflect its growing market. Since then, the bank has seen outstanding growth and transformation while still remaining a truly locally owned and operated community bank.

Over the years, branches have been added in Wardsville (1993), Holts Summit (2006), Belle (2008), and most recently Jefferson City (2020). In 2022, Mid America Bank acquired Bank of St. Elizabeth and added the locations of Freeburg, Marys Home, Osage Beach, and St. Elizabeth, bringing the total of convenient, fullservice branch locations to 10. The bank also has two Loan Production Offices in Columbia and Lake Ozark.

We are proud to offer the wide variety of services of a larger bank while remaining small enough to keep our finger on the pulse of customer and community needs. You’ll find the bank’s associates friendly, reliable, and community focused. Mid America Bank is extremely proud to help and serve the banking needs of its friends and neighbors. This philosophy motivates all levels of our organization, from our Board of Directors to each and every associate.

Since its inception, Mid America Bank’s primary mission has been, and continues to be, serving the banking needs of the people living in and near the communities we serve. As a product of and leader within our community, we take community needs seriously. In 2022, we were proud to support over 400 local organizations by providing donations, sponsorships, volunteer efforts and more.

Our long-standing history of community involvement spans a wide range of support including Veterans programs, county fair sponsorships, church picnic donations, volunteering at food pantries, serving on school boards, teaching financial literacy, assisting those in need, and much more. As we grow, we

Brad Roling is the Columbia Market President for Mid America Bank. Brad has more than 10 years of banking experience that he uses to help businesses in and around Columbia thrive. When he is not helping your business with its financial needs, Brad is serving the community in a variety of capacities. He is proud to serve on the Ronald McDonald House Mid-Missouri Board of Directors as Treasurer, the Columbia Chamber Foundation Board, and Beta Theta Pi Advisory Board. Brad is a proud Mizzou grad and loves cheering on the Tigers!

look forward to continuing our tradition of community involvement in Columbia and surrounding areas.

WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THE DESIGN-BUILD APPROACH

By Vaughn Prost info@prostbuilders.com

For many businesses, from construction companies and building supply companies to retail shops and brand-new, entrepreneur-driven enterprises, the concept of innovation is sometimes just a buzzword or a theme that isn’t well understood.

At Prost Builders, innovation is not just a word or a concept. It’s how one of Missouri’s largest design-build companies does business. Founded in 1949, Prost Builders has completed thousands of large and small projects in hundreds of communities —from performing renovation work at the Missouri State Capitol and the Governor’s Mansion to smaller public and private projects.

When it comes to innovation, Prost Builders has expertise with the design-build process, which saves both time and money for client partners. Most people are probably familiar with the traditional design-bidbuild process, the process public, tax-funded entities — such as schools and government entities — must follow. With traditional project delivery, the owner — the client paying for the project – will contract with an architect/design firm, then the project goes out to bid. What’s important to remember is that the project cost is not truly determined until a bid is selected.

With design-bid-build, the winning bidder becomes the contractor and will work with the architect/design firm, and both may hire subcontractors. That process can lead to delays in getting supplies and other building material and a longer-than-desired completion time. The traditional process, though a valuable method for many years, is becoming less popular when compared with the advantages of the design-build approach where one firm does both the design and building.

What are the primary differences between design-bid-build and design-build, and how does design-build help customers?

• Saves time: Design and construction can occur at the same time; bidding periods and redesign times are eliminated; and long-delivery components are identified and ordered early in the design process. As a result, total design-construction time is significantly reduced, which translates into earlier use of the completed facility.

• Saves money: Design and construction personnel, working and communicating as a team, evaluate alternative materials and methods accurately. From the onset of the project, both design and construction expertise are brought to bear upon all components of a project from sitework through mechanical and electrical systems. Because cost evaluation is progressively “fed back” into the design process as it proceeds — not after the design is completed — decisions affecting cost and design are continuously optimized in real time.

• A single contract to manage: Because the builder is contractually responsible for both the design and construction, cost overruns resulting from design error or faulty coordination are the responsibility

of the builder — not the owner. The owner pays only for scope changes which he or she initiates. The entire process is made easier because there is only one contract for the owner to manage.

• Versatility: The design-build delivery method works wonderfully for all types of projects: new construction, renovations, expansion, historical restoration, retrofit, or any combination of those needs.

To summarize, design-build is time saving, getting the work done within budget and on time, and maybe even sooner. The owner isn’t waiting to bid the project and has already worked with the design team to determine costs. Team members focus on solving problems together based on the owner’s needs. Single-source design and production of industrial and consumer products, both large and small, has long been the norm throughout our economy. Now, quite understandably, design-build is being used on nearly 45 percent of construction projects throughout the U.S.

That trend continues in Columbia and throughout Missouri, with Prost Builders leading. Design-build is more than just an innovative concept. It’s how Prost Builders does business.

VAUGHN PROST Owner & President

Vaughn Prost is the owner and president of Prost Builders lnc., a design/build and construction services firm located in Columbia. Vaughn has over forty years of domestic and international design and construction experience as a cost and scheduling engineer, structural engineer, owner’s construction representative, and general contractor.

Plaza Commercial Realty welcomes

New Business Licenses

Alternative Hospice of Western Missouri

E 19 Walnut St

Hospice Provider

Aurora Medical Spa

E 505 Nifong Blvd

Aesthetic Medicine

B Kay’s Beauty Bar

W 4103 Vawter School Rd

Beauty Salon

Bp Training and Coaching

3610 Buttonwood Dr

Fitness, Nutrition, and Self-Care Coaching

Curl Whisperer

W 601 Business Loop 70

Salon Services

Dada DÖner

1313 Ashland Rd

Mobile Food Business

Double Diamond Construction L.L.C.

N 1879 Waterfront Drive North

Performing Small Maintenance and Home Repairs

El Fogon Veracruzano

E 923 Broadway

Mexican Restuarant

Haircraft

Tonsorium

E 416 Broadway

Hair Services

Indica Fades

Barbershop

3601 Endeavor Ave

Men’s Haircuts/Beard

Groomings

Joe Marshall Woodworks

1403 Grand Ave

Retail Sales of Handmade Wood Tables

JT’s Yard Services, LLC

4300 Brown Station Rd

Landscaping

La Chicana Hispanic Services

711 Vandiver Dr

Tax Prep & Notary Services

Legacy Investors Group

S 3100 Old 63

Non-Residential Renting & Property Management

Lindenhof Enterprises LLC

4606 Garden Grove Dr

Sale of Firearms, Parts, and Accessories

Motivate Therapy Group, LLC

5000 Maple Leaf Dr Independent Provider of Home Health and Community-Based Occupational erapy Services.

Ni.ta.bee Touched

1809 Vandiver Dr

Hair Braiding Shop

Olive Tree Home Interiors

7509 Kirby Knowle Ct

General Contractor

Papadoo’s Breakfast & Brunch Spot

1301 Vandiver Dr Restaurant

Lauren Crosby is a member of National Association of Realtors, Missouri Association of Realtors, and Columbia Board of Realtors (CBOR).

Lauren participates in CBOR Women’s Network, and Chamber of Commerce

Women’s Network and Emerging Young Professional Committee (EPIC).

Lauren Crosby was born and raised in Columbia and graduated with honors from the University of Missouri.

Throughout her career, Lauren has trained, mentored, and managed staff; helping others achieve their personal and professional goals while leading her agency team to success. Lauren will be focusing on multifamily, retail, office and industrial properties in Columbia, Lake of the Ozarks and surrounding areas. Outside of the office Lauren is involved in her local church and serves as Vice President for Klife, a local youth ministry.

Paul Land - Mike Grellner - Lauren Crosby

Prieto Exteriors, LLC

N 3200 Zepnick Ct Siding, Gutters, Roo ng

Red Hat Gutter Company

N 303 Stadium Blvd

Business and Residential

Gutter Needs

Regus Management Group, LLC

N 303 Stadium Blvd

Furnished O ce Space To Tenants

Sawdust Studios

2207 Nelwood Dr

Woodworking Gym

O ering Memberships and Woodworking Classes

Smoke Times

N 207 Providence Rd

Tobacco Retailer

Spartan Home Inspections LLC

5824 Abbey Ln

Residential and Commercial Inspections

Study Buddy Consultants, LLC

1706 Rainwood Pl

Online Teaching; Consulting

Sunshine Spatial Solutions Inc

2309 Rose Dr

Providing GIS and Spatial Consulting Services.

Terraform Excavation

1010 Club Village Dr

Terraform Excavation

The Brick Chest

405 Bernadette Dr

Online E-Commerce Toy Store

Three Step

Flooring

1501 Vandiver Dr

Floor Installs

Treasures Remembered

4ever LLC

1501 Vandiver Dr

Online Retail

T-Rex Flooring

4208 West Broadway St

Flooring Installation

T-Rex Lawn Care LLC

2406 Lynnwood Dr

Lawncare

True Care

Home Health

475 Fox re Dr

In Home Care Services

Turn the Page Child Development Center

1205 Jewell Ave

Child Care Services

Two A-T Cleaning

N 5657 Maple Ct

Cleaning Company

Wildflower Consulting LLC

E 14 Business Loop 70

Food and Beverage Product

Development – Manufacturing

Wilfo Creative

W 305 El Cortez Dr

Audio And Video Editing, Graphic Design and Co-Op Administration CBT

First Quarter Single-Family Home Sales Show Slight Dip

BY BRIAN TOOHEY

THE MARCH 2023 single-family home sales statistics are now available on midmohome nder.com. Single-family home sales sunk 15 percent in March to 143 units, led by new construction sales that dropped o 44 percent from last year. Existing home sales fell 7 percent.

Price increases eased a bit last month by .43 percent to $321,604 for the average sold price, but the median price increased by 4 percent to $286,000. In Columbia, both the median and average prices declined, with the median down 2 percent to $286,250 and the average down 7 percent to $318,700.

Although overall prices might be slowing, Boone County is experiencing a split market based on price. Homes listed under $400k saw a 5 percent increase in both the median and average price in March, accounting for 78 percent of the total sales in March. Homes listed above $400k saw the median price dip 6 percent and the average price slide down 10 percent but only accounted for 22 percent of sales for March.

e number of months of inventory continues to escalate, up 122 percent to 1.91 months from last year, but inventory is still one month below the average of three months in the previous 10 years. Inventory levels persist to struggle from a lack of new listings on the market

New listings in March were 246,100 units below the average during the last 10 years for March. Inventory also varies based on the list price. e months of inventory for homes priced under $400k was 1.30 months, and homes priced 400k to $999,999 had 4.98 months of inventory (zero sales occurred above $1 million in March).

Days on the market increased again, up 62 percent to 39 days. However, DOM is still low

compared to the average for March, which has been 62 days.

For the rst quarter of 2023, home sales in Boone County were down 20 percent compared to the rst three months of 2022; however, during the rst quarter of 2022, interest rates ranged from 3.4% to 4.86% for a 30Y FRM. e median price increased by 4 percent, and the average price increased by 6 percent. Pending sales from March were down 17 percent, which will more than likely create a slow start for the second quarter of the year.

Single-family building permits overall were down 10 percent during the rst quarter but were in line with the rst quarter of 2019. Permits issued by Boone County were up 38 percent from the same period last year but permits in the city of Columbia were down 23 percent, and permits in Ashland declined 38 percent. However, permits in Columbia and Ashland did pick up in March after a sluggish start to the year.

Mortgage rates remain volatile as a result of economic and banking system concerns.

e 30Y FRM started March at almost 7% and nished the month closer to 6.5%. Mortgage rates during the rst few weeks of April have been just as volatile, with the 30Y FRM around 6.16%, pushing up mortgage demand for purchases nationally.

Price direction will be interesting to watch for April. In August 2022, the median price dipped by .74 percent, but the following month in September, the average price jumped 23 percent. With the spring market season underway and interest volatility creating opportunities for buyers, we could continue to see prices increase over the next few months while inventory still remains tight.

In addition, pricing listings are becoming more di cult based on the price range,

where some listings in the entry to mid-level price are still receiving multiple o ers and selling above the asking price.

Brian Toohey is the Chief Executive Officer for the Columbia Board of REALTORS®

New listings in March were 246 100 units below the average during the last 10 years for March.

CBT

GABE HUFFINGTON

DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION, CITY OF COLUMBIA

JOB DESCRIPTION: I am responsible for the management of all parks and recreation services o ered by the city of Columbia. My job duties include supervision of sta , budget management, natural resource management, implementation of the capital improvement program, and long-range planning for the department.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:

When I was 18 years old, I started working at a local golf course each summer so I could play golf every day after work with my best friend Luke. When I graduated college, I took a job in the banking industry but quickly realized that I preferred working outdoors. I worked for a number of years as a golf course superintendent before accepting a position as the Golf and Sports Turf Supervisor with the city of Columbia. After 15 years with the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department, I feel very fortunate to work for the city and am excited to begin my new position as the department director.

HOMETOWN: Peoria, Illinois

YEARS LIVED IN COLUMBIA: 10 years

QUOTE YOU LIVE BY: “May the work I’ve done speak for me.”

FAVORITE VOLUNTEER/COMMUNITY ACTIVITY: Cosmo Pancake & Sausage Day! I have been a member of the Columbia Cosmopolitan Luncheon Club for more than six years and am proud of what our club members have accomplished for the community.

Photo by Chris Padgett

FAVORITE RECENT PROJECT: Our department has worked closely with the University of Missouri Athletics to develop the cross-country course at Gans Creek Recreation Area into one of the premier running facilities in the United States. e facility hosts the top high school and collegiate runners each fall and has become a key sports tourism facility for Columbia. Our major competitions, such as the MSHSAA State Cross Country Championships, are true team e orts with the majority of our parks and recreation sta helping out during setup and race days.

A COLUMBIA BUSINESS PERSON

YOU ADMIRE AND WHY: With our collaboration on the development of the agriculture park at Clary-Shy Community Park, I have had the opportunity to get to know Billy Polansky, executive director of the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture (CCUA). Billy and his sta are helping solve key issues for our community related to access to healthy foods and community wellness.

WHY YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR JOB: I work with great people that are passionate about parks and recreation. I am thankful for the opportunity to lead our team and enjoy the challenges we face on a daily basis. I also enjoy serving the community and working hard to make Columbia a better place for our citizens.

WHY YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY: e Columbia Parks and Trails system is an integral part of our community. We strive to be inclusive for all citizens, protect our natural resources, and be an economic driver for the city. My goal is to make sure our parks, trails, and recreational programs continue to be a reason individuals and families want to live, work, and play in Columbia.

IF YOU WEREN’T DOING THIS FOR A LIVING, YOU WOULD: I am also an adjunct professor in the Parks, Recreation, Sport and Tourism Department in the School of Natural Resources at the University of Missouri. I enjoy teaching and could de nitely see myself as a full-time educator.

WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR PROFESSION: Our sta strives to make sure citizens know that parks and recreation is an essential service of our city. Parks and recreation plays a key role in establishing and maintaining the quality of life for our citizens through quality parks and trails, a robust o ering of recreational programs, and community-wide special events. We want to make sure people know that we play a key role in the health and wellness of our citizens.

BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED IN BUSINESS: Always listen to the people you lead.

HOW YOU WANT TO IMPACT THE COLUMBIA COMMUNITY: I want to make sure our department continues to impact the quality of life for every citizen of Columbia and to make sure everyone has access to parks, trails, and recreational programs.

GREATEST STRENGTH: My communication skills and competitiveness.

GREATEST WEAKNESS: Taking on too much at one time. I have a hard time saying no; I never want to disappoint people.

THE NEXT CHALLENGE FACING YOUR INDUSTRY: Our biggest challenge right now is recruiting, training, and retaining sta for the department. We have 82 fulltime sta members and rely on more than 500 part-time sta to provide our citizens with quality parks, trails, special events, and recreational programming. We have become strategic with recruitment e orts, training programs, and making sure we are o ering a work environment that is attractive to all individuals.

YOUR NEXT PROFESSIONAL GOAL: e development of the Orr Street Park property is going to be a fantastic addition to Columbia and the North Village Arts District. Our department was recently awarded a $1.25 million grant to transform the former brown eld cleanup site into a green space focused on local arts and music. I am excited

to expand my knowledge related to the arts and to provide a space that will be a community showcase.

FAMILY: My wife, Jennifer, and I have two boys, John (14) and Lyle (8), and we have a 1-year-old Goldendoodle named Murphy.

WHAT YOU DO FOR FUN: My wife and I love to go to concerts so we travel quite a bit to catch our favorite band ( e Lumineers). My oldest son wants to ride his mountain bike every day of the week so that has become a hobby of mine over the past couple of years. It is a great mix of exercise and access to the outdoors. My youngest son just started to ride as well. Neither of them fell in love with ball sports so I am excited they have found a life-long sport such as mountain biking.

FAVORITE PLACE IN COLUMBIA: e Grindstone Creek Trail

ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF: Columbia’s neighborhood parks. While most citizens and visitors to Columbia notice our major destinations such as the ARC, MKT Trail, and Columbia Sports Fieldhouse, I always tell people that we have the best neighborhood parks in any city in Missouri.

MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW: I despise driving and my wife drives the two of us everywhere. CBT

"Parks and recreation plays a key role in establishing and maintaining the quality of life for our citizens through quality parks and trails, a robust off ering of recreational programs, and communitywide special events.”

FREE OR REDUCED

Food for Thought

A software glitch and the end of free meals for all feeds confusion.

BY JODIE JACKSON JR

Nearly four of every 10 students in Columbia Public Schools eat school lunch and breakfast for free or reduced cost according to the most recent report from the CPS nutrition services department.

Did You Know?

• Free and reduced meal benefits do not carry over from school year to school year. A new application must be completed each year. Applications can be submitted at any time during the school year.

• Students must select a full meal to receive any meal benefits (for free or reduced prices). Items sold as a la carte have an extra cost. A la carte items are singular items that do not make up a complete meal.

• All students receive the same meal offer regardless of account balance.

• All foods sold to students during the school day are under the scrutiny of USDA's National School Lunch Program Regulations, which were created to promote high standards for all foods available to children.

• All meals with a complete number of items are federally subsidized and therefore monitored for minimum amounts on the student’s tray. Students must select three separate items for each meal. During breakfast, four items are offered and during lunch five items are offered. A fruit or a vegetable is a mandatory item. Without one, a student may be charged higher a la carte prices per item or sent back to get the missing item.

With a total student enrollment of 19,021, the school district’s free and reduced meal eligibility summary report for February 2023 showed that 11,726 students district-wide — 62 percent of the student population — pay the full price for school breakfast and lunch. irty-eight percent of students, or 7,295, have quali ed for free or reduced meal bene ts.

e number of students with free and reduced lunch eligibility is possibly higher, says Laina Fullum, CPS’s nutrition services director, because some parents might not know they must reapply for the free and reduced meal program each school year. Others might think school breakfast and lunch is still free for all students as it was during the 2020 and 2021 school years.

“I think there is still a lot of misinformation out there and despite all our e ort, some might think the meals are still free,” Laina says. “And they’re not this year.”

e free and reduced meal program eligibility is based on income. Household gross income must be 135 to 185 percent or less of the federal poverty level. For a two-person household, the annual maximum is $25,142; for a four-person household, the income maximum is $51,338. (Add $8,732 annually to determine eligibility for each additional person.)

Full-cost meal prices for grades K-5 are $2 for breakfast and $2.95 for lunch. e full price for grades 6-12 is $2 for breakfast and $3.15 for lunch. One additional milk or juice is 60 cents. e reduced price for eligible and approved students is 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch.

AFTER COVID: A SOFTWARE GLITCH

e world-changing COVID pandemic that began in the spring of 2020 led to myriad social and nancial supports such as free school breakfast and lunch for all students when students returned to their classrooms later that year. e district noti ed parents before the beginning of this school year that the free meal bene t was no longer available unless families applied and were approved for free and reduced lunch.

“We blasted that out at the beginning of the year,” Laina explains. “I don’t think everyone quite understood what it meant. Parents are absolutely inundated with information.”

To complicate matters, the district switched and updated to a new software system in April 2022 that, at rst, noti ed some parents that they owed a balance for their students’ meals when, in fact, they didn’t owe anything. Laina says the district’s internal records were correct, however.

“It was di cult to notify families because our information was correct, but some were notied that they owed money — but they didn’t,” she says. “ at’s been very di cult for our families to understand. For us to even know who got them was challenging.”

In other instances, families that thought their students were still getting free meals at school were surprised when they were contacted that they did owe a balance.

“Only those families that lled out an application or were directly approved by the state” because of already qualifying for SNAP, or food stamps, or other social programs received the free or reduced bene t, Laina adds. “A lot of our families either forgot or didn’t understand what was going on.”

As a result, many families that would be eligible for the free and reduced-cost meal program did not apply for the current school year.

FREE AND REDUCED MEAL ECONOMICS

District-wide, 5,947 students were receiving free meals as of February, with another 1,348 qualifying for the reduced-cost price. Douglass High School has the highest percentage among Columbia’s high schools of students on the free and reduced meal program. Sixty- ve percent of Douglass students (152 out of 233) receive the bene t. Among other high schools, Battle High School is the next highest with 46 percent (705 out of 1,542 students).

Blue Ridge Elementary and Derby Ridge Elementary, both at 73 percent free and reduced meal participation, are the CPS elementary schools with the highest level of free and reduced meal bene ts. Lange Middle School at 63 percent (333 out of 526 students) and Oakland Middle School at 61 percent (323 out of 534 students) have the most participation among CPS middle schools.

Laina says it’s not fair or accurate to compare Columbia’s free and reduced meal numbers with other school districts because of widely varying economic factors. In the St. Louis area, for instance, some suburbs have a low number of free and reduced lunch-eligible students, while other schools have up to 100 percent free and reduced lunch and breakfast. Some of those varying economic factors are evident in di erent parts of Columbia.

“It’s all about whatever the community’s economics are and the businesses in those communities,” Laina explains.

She says the biggest message she can give to parents is to ‘give us a call’ if they don’t know if their children are eligible for free and reduced meals.

The Cost of a Meal

GRADES K-5

• Breakfast: $2

• Lunch: $2.95

• Additional milk or juice: $0.60

GRADES 6-12

• Breakfast: $2

• Lunch: $3.15

• Additional milk: $0.60

REDUCED PRICE K-12

• Breakfast: $0.30

• Lunch: $0.40

Menus available online at www.cpsk12.org/nutrition

So, Who Qualifies?

All children in households receiving one or more of the following eligibility criteria:

• Food Stamp Program/ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligible

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) eligible

• Foster children: children who are the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court

• Children participating in a Head Start program

• Homeless, runaway, or migrant children

• Household gross income meets 135 to 185 percent or less of the federal poverty level

Your children may qualify for free or reduced-price meals if your household income falls within the limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guide. For a two-person household, the annual maximum is $25,142 (or $2,096 monthly and $484 weekly); for a four-person household, the income maximum is $51,338 ($4,279 monthly and $988 weekly). For each additional person, add $8,732 annually (or $728 monthly and $168 weekly) to determine eligibility.

“If in doubt — if you’re not sure what your eligibility is — we would gladly answer your questions,” Laina explains. “We are happy to help any family needing help to ll out an application.” CPS nutrition services can be reached at 573-214-3480.

If a parent hasn’t received an approval letter, their student is not approved for the program. Bene ts end at the end of each school year, requiring families to reapply.

“A lot of our families don’t understand that,” Laina says.

OUT OF THE RED

As a result of COVID and students learning virtually from home, CPS nutrition services went into the red on its balance sheet as the sta was still getting paid. Laina says she's proud of the fact that no one was laid o and that the shortfall was short-lived.

"It was not due to delinquent student accounts," Laina says, explaining the economics of the picture. "We are not allowed by law to absorb debt in the district. is must be paid by general revenue if we have families who do not pay for their meals."

She says the district was "in the black" going into the pandemic, and came out negative a year later. In the second year of the pandemic, federal subsidies boosted the account back onto the positive side.

Economic recovery money that poured in during and after the pandemic helped the department achieve a positive nancial balance. e two-year waiver that made meals free “was lovely to be able to do for our families,” Laina says. “When it went away, I knew it was going to be a big deal for our families.”

Parents who were in school a generation or two ago might remember the lunchroom as a hub of connections with each other and the lunchroom sta . Laina says that’s still true, calling the cafeteria “a learning laboratory.”

“Our cooks, cashiers, and managers know just about every kid in school,” she adds. “ ere’s a lot of camaraderie. Our people really like kids.” ere is, perhaps, a noticeable di erence from pre- to post-COVID. e size of the nutrition services sta has gone down from 165 to about 150, a somewhat ubiquitous phenomenon for all businesses.

“We have a shortage of people. I know everybody’s fatigued by that, but it’s still going on,” Laina says. She emphasizes that no one on sta was laid o during the pandemic.

“ ey’ve had to pull together and do a very di cult job. ey’re very close now,” she says. “ at’s a beautiful thing to see.” CBT

SMALL Footprint, BIG Impact

The 2023 Small Business of the Year finalists fill big needs in Columbia.

BY LAUREN SABLE FREIMAN | PHOTOS BY CHARLES BRUCE III

They may be small, but these Small Business of the Year award nalists are making a big impact on the city of Columbia. For more than 50 years, the Columbia Chamber of Commerce has honored small businesses that have demonstrated innovation, community involvement, and nancial success. In order to apply, businesses must be members of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, employ fewer than 25 full-time employees, and have been in business at least two years. Historically the applicant pool is lled with a range of impressive businesses, and this year’s pool was no di erent. e nominees, and this year’s winner, Achieve Balance Chiropractic, were honored during an awards ceremony on May 4 at Elk Park Event Center.

Achieve Balance Chiropractic

When she opened Achieve Balance Chiropractic in 2008, Arminta Phelps knew she wanted to be the leader of her own company, and she had a crystal clear vision of the way her practice would treat, support, and connect with patients.

“I had a speci c mission in mind for my o ce to be able to share with the world,” Arminta says. “My goal was to help as many people as we can with an open heart and with my hands.”

ousands of patients have come through the doors of Achieve Balance over the years, giving Arminta the opportunity to create strong relationships while providing the chiropractic care that supports patients on their journey to health.

“We believe that if you support the natural ability for the body to heal, it will heal on its own,” Arminta says. “My job is to support that, to be a sounding board for patients, and to be truly, authentically there for them. We want to see Columbia be the healthiest community, naturally, from the inside out. Not managing sickness, but taking control of their health because they want to and because they feel empowered to do so.”

While Arminta and her team at Achieve Balance have the formal training and education to care for patients, she’s also keenly aware that connection and trust are the building blocks of any meaningful relationship.

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” Arminta says. “One of the biggest things is building authentic relationships that last a long time.”

Arminta says she is “over the moon with gratitude” for being recognized as the Small Business of the Year, and she is elated, if not slightly overwhelmed, to be recognized for doing work that lls her with so much passion.

“Getting massive recognition for living out your purpose and your mission is above and beyond,” Arminta says. “It's the cherry on top.”

Gwendolen Carl

Dr. Arminta Phelps

Christopher Scrivner

Cooper’s Ridge Event Venue ACA Business Club

After o cially opening its doors to 6,400-square-feet of wedding and event space on 38 acres of picturesque land just outside Columbia in 2018, Cooper’s Ridge Event Venue had just celebrated its one-year anniversary when COVID hit. It was certainly an unexpected turn of events after co-owners Sean McCollegan and Brandi Huebner invested two years of time and money into renovations on the former furniture factory.

While other event venues didn’t fare as well, it’s no accident that three years later, Cooper’s Ridge is thriving. By shifting event dates, carefully monitoring state and county health guidelines, and proactively and consistently communicating with clients, Brandi says Cooper's Ridge was able to weather the storm.

“We made adjustments and found a way to make it through,” Brandi says. “Since opening our doors almost ve years ago, Cooper's Ridge has seen over 150 weddings and nearly 120 corporate and private events, and we host monthly dinner pairings that are open to the public. It has been our mission to provide a beautiful, transformative space for our community to enjoy while providing top-notch service to our clients.”

e path has been a bit rocky, but the team at Cooper’s Ridge has consistently risen to the occasion, pivoting when necessary, and never straying from its commitment to ful lling clients’ visions and expectations.

“ e rst ve years of owning a business are the real makeit-or-break-it years,” Brandi says. “We not only made it, but we made it through a worldwide pandemic. Five years in and we get to share this incredible honor with four other amazing businesses. We are grateful to be a nalist.”

There are plenty of reasons someone might be interested in joining ACA Business Club, while some members are drawn by the desire to establish or grow their business, others are attracted to ACA Business Club’s space. Some join for the events, and some for the community.

“ACA Business Club is a social and business club focused on giving professionally-minded people a di erent choice when selecting where and how they want to connect with others,” says Lili Vianello, who, along with husband John Shrum, is the club’s co-general manager. “Our goal is to allow people to have a non-threatening way to connect and develop quality relationships with no performance requirements.”

After o cially launching in August 2019, ACA Business Club, a part of the American Club Association network, celebrated the opening of its clubhouse, at 204 Peach Way Suite A, in early March 2020. By March 15, the club was forced to close due to COVID. anks to a robust o ering of virtual engagement opportunities, the club continued to grow and thrive, and members were able to continue to take advantage of the co-working spaces within the club.

Today, 110 members enjoy building new relationships, participating in personal and professional development, and taking advantage of the marketing opportunities provided by the invitation-only group.

“As a nalist, it feels as if we’ve already won,” Lili says. “I’m so happy for the recognition our members are receiving for the engagement and enthusiasm they bring to the club. ey are what makes ACA Business Club special.”

Brandi Huebner and Sean McCollegan, Co-owners; Kristen Russell, General Manager

Ann Merrifield, Big Brothers Big Sisters; Lili Vianello, ACA Business Club; Barry Williams, Eyedentity Eyewear; Van Hawxby, DogMaster Distillery; Greg Brockmeier, Brockmeier Financial; Jessie Kwatamdia, The Growth Coach; David Clithero, Hawthorn Bank

Pixel Jam Digital The Missouri Symphony

As one of only four women to graduate from her computer science program, Erica Martin has experienced rst-hand the lack of female representation in the computer programming eld.

After working in corporate America upon graduation, she ofcially launched Pixel Jam Digital, a web design and development company in 2018.

“As supportive as most people are of hiring an all-female web development team, we continue to nd our knowledge and skills questioned by colleagues,” Erica says. at hasn’t stopped Erica and her team from helping small businesses create a web presence. And, it has even inspired them to connect with young women and support their interest in the elds of science and engineering.

“As we continue to build our niche in a traditionally male-dominated eld, we hope to introduce young women to the awesome world of engineering by partnering with like-minded organizations, such as the Columbia STEM Alliance, and sponsoring STEM-related activities,” she says.

Pixel Jam is committed to facilitating positive change in the community. As recent presenters at the Missouri Assistive Technology Power Up conference, the Pixel Jam team educated business owners on integrating adaptive technologies that make their websites more inclusive.

Her small team remains focused on providing top-notch service to clients as they continue to forge their place in the tech world, and Erica says she is humbled to receive recognition for what they’ve accomplished.

Through a series of orchestra concerts, a summer music festival, and music education, e Missouri Symphony (MOSY) has been on a mission to make symphonic music accessible to Columbia for more than 50 years. MOSY’s contributions to elevating professional musicians and nurturing the next generation of young musicians have made it a treasured community resource, and that’s not a job the organization takes lightly.

Despite its continued success, today’s Missouri Symphony looks di erent than when it was founded in 1970.

“ e Missouri Symphony of today is much more connected across a broad spectrum of Columbia,” says Trent Rash, MOSY executive director. “We are reaching people of di erent ages more than ever before. A concert has to be more than a concert, it has to be a whole experience, and we are striving to create those experiences for people.”

When COVID required innovation, MOSY pivoted from in-person concerts and created a free, online concert series that is still accessible on YouTube today. e organization also created Mister MOSY, a web series for children that teaches them how to use music as a tool to name and process their feelings.

More recently, MOSY has connected with downtown businesses to present happy hour concerts, treating restaurant patrons to chamber music as they enjoy beverages and food.

“ ese new programs have helped people see us in a di erent way than us just having concerts,” Trent says. “We’ve been on a mission to realign ourselves with what we do and why we do it. Receiving this honor is a validation that the work we are doing is meaningful and is helping us connect with our community.” CBT

Erica Martin, Director of Everything and Lead Web Developer; Emily Latimer, Digital Content Editor

Wende Wagner, Director of Philanthropy; Rachael Norden, Director of Marketing; Scott Pummill, Board President-Elect; Trent Rash, Executive Director, and Shana Trager, Board Treasurer

3,054 Students enrolled in the 2022-23 CPS school year through Columbia Area Career Center.

2,450 Continuing Education Scholars through Columbia Area Career Center.

$ 51,338

Maximum income for a family of four to qualify for free or reduced meals in Columbia Public schools.

14,000

patients served by The Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment each year.

7,295

CPS students who qualify for free or reduced meal benefits.

$ 3.15

Full, unsubsidized cost of a CPS school lunch for students in grades 6-12.

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