COMO Business Times | The Wealth Issue | October 2025
For your business to work, the cash has to flow. That’s just the way it is. But there’s more to life than business. When do you find the time for family game night? A dinner with friends? Or even a quiet moment to yourself? You shouldn’t have to choose between bringing value to your business and the things that add value to your life.
The Bank of Missouri knows that the balance in your account is important, but balance in your life is necessary. Our bankers listen to understand your business and help it grow without losing sight of what matters most. Work with a bank that values your time instead of wasting it.
We’re the bank of finding balance. We’re The Bank of Missouri.
Contributors
October 2025
Lauren Sable Freiman
LOCATION
Cleveland, Ohio
I started writing for COMO/CBT in 2000 when I moved to Columbia following graduation from Emory University. My time in Columbia turned out to be a short layover on the way to graduate school at The Ohio State University, but I’ve continued to write for a variety of mid-Missouri magazines since then. It’s hard to believe I’ve been telling the stories of Columbians for 25 years.
Though I haven’t been back to Columbia since 2001, I’ve gotten to know the people, the organizations, and the businesses that make Columbia the innovative, diverse, and dynamic community that it is.
Natasha Myrick
LOCATION
Kennesaw, Georgia
I am a creative in the entertainment industry, living in the Atlanta metro area but I’m a mid-MO native who frequented the beautiful trails, dog parks, and coffee shops of Columbia. I was the owner of Mama T’s Cupcakes and was behind the scenes as vocal director at several community and children’s theater productions in COMO.
I’m a performer and studio manager for Southern Belle Character Company, an Atlanta-based character entertainment company that provides character appearances for children’s birthday parties and corporate events. I am also a vocal coach, model, and actress. I love talking about animals, music, and coffee.
I’ve been writing for COMO Magazine for almost two years now, which helps me stay connected to my roots and up to date on what’s going on in mid-Missouri. Even though I love writing about animals (with a soft spot for dogs and farm animals), the story that was most memorable for me was about doulas and how music can play such an incredible role in childbirth.
PUBLISHING
David Nivens, Publisher david@comocompanies.com
Chris Harrison, Associate Publisher chris@comocompanies.com
Keith Borgmeyer, Jodie Jackson Jr, Sarah Jane Photography
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ashli Eaves, Lauren Sable Freiman, Andrew Grabau, Jodie Jackson Jr, Brandon Knight, Shannon Lundeen, David Nivens, Joan Stack, Brian Toohey
SUBSCRIPTIONS
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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, 2025
All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of any editorial or graphic content without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited.
FEEDBACK
Have a story idea, feedback, or a general inquiry? Email our editor at Jodie@comocompanies.com.
CONTACT
e COMO Companies | 404 Portland, Columbia, MO 65201 573-577-1965 | comomag.com | comobusinesstimes.com
QUICK. Name two things that will control you if you don’t control them. Answer? Time and money. Anyone who knows me might know that I’m not the best advice-giver on those two topics. I am convinced, though, that the person who expertly manages his time is actually wealthier than the person has the Midas touch with money. Why? No matter how you manage money, if you spend it, you can get it back. (Okay, sorta, but like I said, I’m not a financial advisor.) But when it comes to time … once you “spend” it, it’s gone. Think about it. Time is this infinite construct that we use to mark passage of, well, time, but when it comes right down to it, time is definitely finite. Time relentlessly, unapologetically marches on, but once it has passed, it is gone. Yet it continues. My philosophy-oriented friends can completely nerd out on that observation. But me? It just makes my head hurt. When I spoke to students at last year’s career day event at Rock Bridge High School, my focus wasn’t on creativity, writing, and all things journalism. The takeaway I wanted them to leave with was that no amount of creative endeavor will even happen unless we take the time to do it. That’s such a “duh” statement, I know, but it’s fundamental to learning the importance of time management.
If I don’t manage my time — if I don’t tell it what to do, as Dave Ramsey says about money — then my time (or money) will tell me what it will do. Now, when you figure out exactly what skills are needed to be an expert time and money manager, please let me know.
The October 2025 issues of COMO Business Times and COMO Magazine are focused on wealth and finances. We’re happy that local financial advisor Ashli Eaves, a newly published author and a member of the 20 Under 40 Class of 2025,
is now a contributor to CBT’s “Money Matters” department. As you read her article and other stories in our magazine, take note of the stories and topics you would like to see addressed, then shoot me an email with your thoughts.
In the past couple of weeks, I’ve been asked how we come up with our story ideas and how we decide which ones to tell. That’s a longer conversation for another day, but the short answer is we listen to our readers. I’m confident that we have a strong connection with our readers, but there are stories out there that no one is telling. That includes us.
Have a story idea? Let me know.
We’re especially eager for reader contributions to our “Movers & Shakers” and “Closer Look” departments. “Movers & Shakers” is all about employee achievements, from new roles to awards and certifications. “Closer Look” is a mini profile of new or under-the-radar businesses. We always need reader recommendations and suggestions for those kinds of stories.
I also encourage you to peruse “What’s Going Up?” and the listing of new business licenses that we provide in each issue of COMO Business Times. There’s a lot of information packed in those articles to give ample evidence that Columbia is indeed growing and thriving, which counters the uninformed public narrative that the sky is falling. But is there still work to do? Oh, my, there is so much work still to do.
Now send me your ideas, tips, and even critiques. What are we doing well? What are we not doing well? I’m looking forward to those conversations.
JODIE JACKSON JR EDITOR jodie@comocompanies.com
The takeaway I wanted them to leave with was that no amount of creative endeavor will even happen unless we take the time to do it.
by Keith Borgmeyer
Photo
CBT’s Advisory Board
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.
Shawn
Jay
Closer Look
SKINFINITY STUDIO
Skin niTy Studio brings a fresh approach to skin care and brow services in Columbia. Tyler Card, a licensed esthetician, chemist, and Mizzou alumnus, started the business in September 2023.
Card said he decided to start his own studio after feeling undervalued in his previous workplace. Skin niTy was rst located at Elevate Salon & Spa Suites, but Card quickly grew into his new space at e Vue alongside other skin care professionals.
Card specializes in brow mapping and designing customized brow shapes, and he is expanding into permanent makeup. On the skin care side, his background in chemistry shapes his results-oriented approach, which is rooted in education and accessibility. Whether someone’s just starting their skin care journey or ne-tuning a routine, Card helps clients build con dence in their skin.
“I always encourage people to embrace their authentic selves — whether that’s through skin care, self-expression, or simply showing up as they are,” Card said. “While I may not contribute to the community in traditional ways, I believe a strong community starts with individuals who are happy, healthy, and con dent in their own skin.”
Inside The Vue – 3401 W. Broadway Business Park Court, Suite 101
RENEW MISSOURI
Founded in 2006, Renew Missouri, a nonpro t organization, is helping advance renewable energy in Missouri. Renew Missouri is currently working with county and city o ces within the state to o er e cient energy programs to residents, easier access to solar, and energy fairness for low-income families.
Additionally, Renew Missouri is a cosponsor of Solarize Columbia, a bulk purchasing program that o ers discounted solar energy solutions to both commercial and residential residents in Boone County.
“As a part of that process, Renew Missouri’s legal team advocates at hearings, pores through thousands of pages of discovery, negotiates with other parties, argues before the appeals courts, and generally ghts for these interests,” said Abby Dickinson, the organization’s development and campaign associate.
At the time of Renew Missouri’s founding, just one-tenth of 1 percent of the state’s energy came from renewable sources. Currently, 14 percent of Missouri’s energy generation comes from renewable energy.
e Solarize Columbia program is available to all residents of Columbia and Boone County. In addition, there is a federal tax credit for solar energy systems, although that credit ends this year. e deadline to apply for the credit is October 31.
Movers & Shakers
JIM FRAM
Columbia-based economic development consultant Jim Fram recently completed a national search for a CEO/ executive director for the Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation, headquartered in Abilene, Kansas. Fram is a Certified Economic Developer and a Certified Chamber Executive. His office is in his home in Columbia.
TIM WORSTELL
Tim Worstell, the former longtime director of strategic projects at The Crossing church, announced that he is starting a new position as president at Relevance. He has also run Adogy for the past four years, and he said Adogy and Relevance will merge but keep providing specialized services within each company, including building thought leadership and SEO for startups to Fortune 500 brands.
SARAH HELEN JOHNSON
Sarah Helen Johnson is the new director of development at Ragtag Film Society. Before joining Ragtag, Johnson worked in the lead generation department at Veterans United, and
she was a marketing accounts manager at her own business, Sarah Helen Consulting. She was also the outreach and development coordinator at Renew Missouri.
J. SCOTT CHRISTIANSON
J. Scott Christianson has been named Emeritus Associate Teaching Professor at the University of MissouriColumbia, recognizing his years of impactful teaching and innovation as he exits his regular faculty position. He has also joined the Center for Creative Foresight as a senior advisor, where he will help organizations anticipate and navigate the future of technology and business. Christianson continues to share his expertise locally and internationally as a speaker and trainer focused on emerging technologies such as AI.
SARAH PRIMMER
Columbia Independent School selected Dr. Sarah Primmer as its upper school director after a national search last spring. Primmer joined CIS in 2015 as a learning support specialist, was named assistant middle and upper school director in
2024, and assumed the role of upper school director on July 1, 2025. She leads the day-to-day operations of the upper school division, collaborates with upper school faculty, and guides nearly ninety students in grades 9-12. Primmer holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s of education in cross categorical special education K-12, and an Ed.D. in educational policy leadership and policy analysis.
COLUMBIA INSURANCE
Danielle Stewart has been promoted to lead accountant at Columbia Insurance after more than a decade of dedicated service. Stewart brings deep expertise, sharp analytical skills, and a strong track record in financial reporting to her new role. Mary Ellen Lohmann stepped into a new role as communications strategist. She continues to lead Columbia Insurance’s rebranding efforts and will spend more time crafting compelling stories, celebrating the people behind its mission, and guiding charitable initiatives. CBT
Are you or your employees moving up in the Columbia business community? Send us your news at jodie@comocompanies.com
FRAM
CHRISTIANSON
WORSTELL
PRIMMER
JOHNSON
STEWART LOHMANN
Dr. Shannon B. Lundeen
President, Stephens College
Job description: As president, I serve as the chief advocate and ambassador for Stephens College. I am charged with providing strategic vision and leadership, securing nancial sustainability, and stewarding our historic mission of empowering women and educating leaders to thrive in their chosen elds, transform their communities, and shape a more just and vibrant world.
Tell us about your vocational journey, and some of the highlights. My vocational journey has always been rooted in education and in creating opportunities for others to grow and lead. I started as a high school teacher, where I learned rsthand the transformative power of helping students discover their potential. After earning my Ph.D. in philosophy, I became a faculty member and later an academic administrator at institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, Case Western Reserve, and Elon University. A major highlight for me was serving with HERS, a leadership development organization focusing on women and gender-diverse faculty and sta in higher education. Each step in my career path
deepened my understanding of how important higher education institutions can be in giving not only students, but also employees the information, knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to lead lives of purpose and impact.
Now, as president of Stephens College, I see all of those experiences converging. I carry the lessons of teaching, administration, and leadership development with me every day as I work alongside students, faculty, sta , and alums to build on Stephens’ remarkable legacy and prepare it for the future.
Hometown: Two homes (divorced parents) — one in Waukegan, Illinois, and one just thirty minutes away in Vernon Hills, Illinois.
Years lived in Columbia: Just over three months! Since June 2025.
Favorite volunteer/community activity: Mentoring young women leaders, particularly those preparing to enter elds where women remain underrepresented. Helping them connect their education to career goals and leadership pathways is deeply rewarding.
Your bio on the Stephens College website lists a long history of involvement and advocacy for women’s studies, gender studies, bioethics, and DEI. What drives your interest in and passion for those topics? I’ve always been motivated by fairness, integrity, and the need for di erent perspectives in educational materials and di erent voices in leadership. Gender studies and ethics are two elds of study that are particularly helpful for identifying and removing social and institutional barriers to opportunity.
A Columbia businessperson or leader you admire and why: I admire Karen Miller because she is a leader who knows how important connection and connectedness are for a thriving community. As a former business owner and public servant, Karen has led with vision and integrity and fostered a deep commitment to collaboration among her peers and fellow leaders. In her “third act,” Karen has taken it upon herself to personally enhance professional and
social networking in Columbia — with a particular focus on opening doors for women.
What attracted you to Stephens College and Columbia, Missouri? Stephens attracted me to Columbia. Stephens College’s legacy as a women’s college is extraordinary — generations of alumnae have broken barriers and led in their professions. I was drawn to the chance to honor that history while also strengthening career pathways for today’s students. Stephens has always been about connecting education to leadership, economic mobility, and social impact, and Columbia — with its entrepreneurial spirit, growing business community, and energy as a college town — is the perfect place to do that.
It seems that we all have competing priorities these days. How do you prioritize your priorities? I start with what supports Stephens’ students and advances their futures. If a decision helps our students grow into leaders and connects their education to meaningful careers, it belongs at the top of the list.
What are some of the biggest challenges facing Stephens College and other private liberal arts colleges? Any challenges unique to Stephens? Higher education faces questions about a ordability and relevance. Stephens is uniquely positioned to answer those questions, because our history is all about students’ empowerment and practical preparation for careers, and we intentionally structure tuition and fees to reduce barriers and expand access. We recognize that Stephens has a distinctive structure — an undergraduate women’s college, a gender-inclusive conservatory for the performing arts, and workforce and graduate programs that are also gender-inclusive. With this uniqueness comes both challenges and opportunities.
Biggest lesson learned in your working life: e biggest lesson I’ve learned in my working life is that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength when it comes to e ective leadership. When leaders are willing to be open, admit what they don’t
know, and even share their failures, it creates trust and invites others to bring their full selves forward. at kind of authenticity doesn’t diminish authority — it deepens it because it empowers others to take risks, learn, and grow alongside you.
If you weren’t doing this for a living, you would be doing … I’d be performing on stage somewhere (singing or stand-up comedy), or I would be an investigative journalist.
Greatest strength: Inspiring and empowering others to think, act, and lead with integrity — where their values, thoughts, and actions are aligned.
Greatest challenge: Balancing urgency with patience. I can see the direction in which Stephens needs to head, and I feel a deep responsibility to move us there quickly. But I know that lasting change requires moving at the pace of trust — listening deeply, building consensus, and empowering others to take ownership.
What you do for fun: I love exploring cultural events and performances — especially when our Stephens students are on stage, in galleries, or showcasing their work. I love attending concerts when time allows and exploring the outdoors.
Who makes up your family: My family here in Columbia includes my mom, Judy, my partner John, my three sons (ages 7, 14, and 17), the family Aussiedoodle, Brisbee, and our latest addition — a Columbia native — Ash, the rescue kitten.
Most people don’t know that you: I sold vacuums door to door, and I was surprisingly good at it! It was my crash course in listening carefully, connecting with people quickly, and nding common ground. (And, because I’m sure readers are wondering: e brand was Electrolux.) CBT
Elevate
A Lower Federal Funds Rate Doesn’t Mean Lower Mortgage Rates
BY BRIAN TOOHEY
OVER THE PAST MONTH, there has been considerable debate about the direction the U.S. Federal Reserve should take regarding monetary policy, speci cally whether to lower the federal funds rate (FFR) to improve the overall economy.
One argument for lowering the FFR is to reduce housing costs. When the Federal Reserve lowers the federal funds rate, many home buyers assume that mortgage interest rates will automatically fall to match the FFR. At rst glance, it seems logical because both represent the cost of borrowing money. However, the two do not move in perfect lockstep. Mortgage rates are in uenced by a broader range of economic forces that extend beyond the Fed’s control.
Understanding these distinctions is essential for anyone planning to buy a home, re nance a mortgage, or evaluate real estate investments.
e FFR directly controls only very short-term lending between banks, not long-term mortgage loans. It is the interest rate at which banks lend reserves to one another overnight to meet federally required balances. By adjusting this rate, the Fed in uences borrowing costs across the nancial system, including credit cards, auto loans, and business loans. However, it can take time for FFR cuts to a ect these borrowing costs. Mortgage interest rates, on the other hand, are more closely linked to the yields on longterm bonds, such as the ten-year U.S. Treasury note. Because a mortgage is a longterm commitment — often fteen or thirty years — the rate responds more to the outlook for long-term economic conditions than to short-term Fed adjustments.
Another key factor shaping mortgage rates is in ation expectations. Lenders and investors who purchase mortgage-backed securities want returns that outpace in ation, which erodes the value of money over time. If in ation is high or expected to rise, mortgage investors demand higher yields to compensate for the risk, pushing mortgage rates up even when the Fed is cutting the FFR.
In contrast, if in ation expectations are stable or falling, mortgage rates may decline more readily. is dynamic highlights that in ation is often a more in uential factor for mortgages than the Fed’s immediate rate-setting decisions.
Additionally, mortgage rates are a ected by global market forces and overall investor sentiment. In times of economic uncertainty or nancial stress, investors often seek the safety of U.S. Treasury bonds. is surge in demand drives down Treasury yields, which can lead to lower mortgage rates even without any Fed action. Conversely, when markets anticipate stronger growth, increased government borrowing, or rising de cits, bond yields may increase. In that case,
mortgage rates can climb despite the Fed lowering the federal funds rate.
While a reduction in the FFR often signals easing monetary policy, it does not guarantee lower mortgage interest rates. As noted, mortgages are in uenced by long-term bond yields, in ation expectations, and broader market sentiment, which together create a more complicated picture.
In the fall of 2024, many investors anticipated an FFR cut as economic data indicated slowing in ation. e exuberance prompted by the expectation of rate cuts caused bond yields to decline, brie y pushing down mortgage rates below 6.25 percent for a thirty-year xed-rate mortgage. However, once the FFR cuts were announced, mortgage rates quickly rose back above 7 percent, catching home buyers o guard. For consumers and investors, the lesson is that mortgage rates re ect the health and direction of the overall economy, not just the decisions of the central bank. Keeping this in mind helps borrowers set realistic expectations about the relationship between Fed policy and the cost of nancing a home. CBT
Brian Toohey is the chief executive officer for the Columbia Board of REALTORS®.
Building Pathways to Prosperity — Changing What Holds Us Back
BY ANDREW GRABAU
IN THINKING ABOUT THIS MONTH’S issue focusing on wealth and nance, I returned to the authors and ideas that have shaped how I think about pathways to prosperity and how we can connect the dots to create stronger communities. Reviewing my go-to sources, including Jonathan Kozol, Robert Putnam, and Raj Chetty, I was reminded that the lack of access to wealth and mobility is tied to systemic barriers and that Columbia needs the whole community to be responsible for creating opportunities for everyone.
To get a better idea of the challenges and opportunities in our community, I looked at the city of Columbia’s annual report, published in August. e report highlights our community’s well-being, but some trends remain troubling. For example, while the overall poverty rate has decreased by 1.9 percent in the last four years, from 22 percent to 20 percent, our Black community faces a 36 percent poverty rate. e report also shows how child poverty dropped overall to 13 percent but remains exceptionally high for Black children, with nearly 44 percent living in poverty.
Employment data tells a similar story. Columbia’s unemployment rate in 2023 was 3.4 percent, matching Missouri’s rate and staying below the national average. But these numbers conceal troubling inequities, with Black unemployment 5.3 percentage points higher.
ese latest numbers are a part of a long-term trend and suggest our systems are not creating enough opportunity. To put it plainly, if the current ways
of doing something aren’t working, why are we continuing to use them?
How do we address these trends and create transformational action? As Jonathan Kozol has long argued, inequities in education are among the strongest drivers of generational poverty. Columbia’s child poverty rate of 13 percent — 44 percent for Black children — underscores the urgency. Educational e orts to help children in poverty are among the strongest immediate and long-term strategies to break the cycle. We need new ways to support our kids both inside and outside of the classroom.
Another example of how we can address these issues is through creating greater employment opportunities. e city’s annual report references the e orts of its CARE (Career Awareness Related Experience) program, which pays the wages of participants and places them in summer jobs with local businesses. CARE connects youth to work opportunities and career exposure, building both income and social capital. Despite a more than $100,000 increase in city funding, in 2024 the program had far more applicants than the city could a ord to place, thanks to rising costs. Something — at least additional funding to cover minimum wage increases — is missing.
Raj Chetty’s research at Harvard shows that youth who gain exposure to meaningful work and new networks have a far greater chance of achieving upward mobility as adults. If we want to address the poverty and unemployment statistics referenced above, this is one of
the strongest ways to do it. However, it’s not the city’s sole responsibility to make it happen. We need a new approach to how we create pathways to employment for our youth.
I nally looked to one of my favorite researchers, Robert Putnam, for guidance on how we can look at data and critically address the challenges before us. Putnam argues that “social capital embodied in norms and networks … seems to be a precondition for economic development.” His research shows that a community’s strength depends on the depth of its social capital: the bonds of trust, reciprocity, and shared purpose that tie people together.
Here in Columbia, building that social capital requires more than government programs. It calls for the engagement of businesses, neighborhoods, faith groups, and residents — in short, all of us.
ose of us with privilege, whether nancial, social, or positional, have a responsibility to help create opportunities for others. With this month’s issue focusing on wealth, I believe we should adopt a sense of local responsibility, an enlightened form of noblesse oblige — to leverage our wealth and work collaboratively to address these complex challenges together. e city’s annual report should not be read as just numbers on a page, but as a call to action to change what holds us back. How will we do more with our individual and community wealth to address these complex issues and build pathways to prosperity for all? CBT
Andrew Grabau is the executive director of the William Guitar Little Foundation.
Impact Support Services Marks 50th Year
Don Lafferty was ‘just looking for a job’ 33 years ago.
BY JODIE JACKSON JR
DON LAFFERTY’S PURSUIT OF A CAREER IN MEDICINE led to a volunteer opportunity at Cedar Creek erapeutic Riding Center that soon changed his vocational trajectory — and his life.
Now approaching his thirty-fourth year with Impact Support Services — formerly known as Alternative Community Training, or ACT — La erty leads the Columbia nonpro t that provides a variety of services to individuals with disabilities in Columbia and Boone County. He was there helping the Chamber of Commerce ambassadors cut the ribbon to mark the organization’s ftieth anniversary on September 22.
“We’re pulled in so many di erent directions by regulations and low rates, but we always make sure to honor our mission and our values,” La erty said. e organization’s mission statement is, simply, “Connecting people to meaningful experiences to live the life of their choosing.”
Impact Support Services changed its name from ACT on November 1, 2023. La erty said the rebrand better re ects its role in providing a variety of services to individuals with disabilities. La erty and his team heap credit for the organization’s success on Mark Hassemer, who spent forty years with ACT before retiring in June 2018.
Impact Support Services was Missouri’s rst provider of independent living
services more than three decades ago. e organization began as a component of Woodhaven, then transitioned to ACT when the focus was more on independent, supported living along with helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities gain employment. Seventeen Columbia and Boone County businesses currently employ some of the individuals receiving support from Impact.
ose businesses are: Goodwill, MOD Pizza, McAlister’s Deli, HyVee, Bu alo Wild Wings, Double Tree, Boone Hospital Center, Tiger Place, Centralia Public Schools, Walgreen’s, Galaxy of the Stars Daycare, Sterling Enterprises, Marshall’s, Westbury Senior Living, Tiger Tots, Schnucks, and Atkins, Inc.
Currently, forty individuals are receiving services from Impact’s career services program. Twenty-one individuals are employed, while others participated in summer work experiences, are receiving career planning services, or are looking for employment.
La erty was looking for a job himself in the summer of 1992, but he only wanted something that was temporary. He planned to start medical school the following year. He’d hoped to start medical school in 1991, but he lacked volunteer experience, which was important for medical school enrollment. at fall he volunteered at Cedar Creek erapeutic Riding Center. One of his earliest experiences there was walking beside the horse that carried Beth, a woman with cerebral
1975
Woodhaven School, Inc. is established to provide educational services for children with disabilities
1987
Alternative Community Training, Inc., ACT, is the organization’s new name.
1989
ACT opens its facility at 2200 Burlington
1990
ACT starts the Community Living Program and adds additional programs over the next 20 years.
palsy. e horse unexpectedly bucked, and Beth was airborne.
“I caught Beth and took her to her wheelchair,” La erty recalled. at’s when he met Joe, a man who also used a wheelchair and communicated via a touchpoint screen. He thanked La erty for his help, and they all parted ways.
When La erty was looking for a job the following summer, he saw that an aide position was open at Alternative Community Training. He applied and went in for an interview.
“I didn’t know what they do,” La erty explained. “And I was asked, ‘How long do you want to work here?' and I said, ‘Probably two or three months.’ And I really had no idea what the place did.” e per-
son interviewing him responded, “We’re looking for somebody longer than that.”
La erty smiled, adding, “It was probably the quickest job interview in the world.”
As he was walking out of the building, “here comes Beth and Joe in their wheelchairs,” he recalled. La erty quickly learned that they were coming to participate in ACT’s day program. At that moment, Hassemer, the organization’s longtime CEO, exited his o ce, greeted Beth and Joe, then asked if they knew Don. La erty explained that he had come for a job interview but did not get the job.
“So Mark asks Beth, ‘Should we hire this guy?’ And she said, ‘Yes.’ en he looked at Joe and asked, ‘Should we hire this guy?' La erty remembered. Joe, us-
ing his touchpoint screen, joked, “No, no, no …”
Hassemer turned toward La erty and offered him the job “right there on the spot.”
“If I had not met Joe and Beth in the fall of ’91, I never would have worked there,” La erty said.
What started as a part-time job soon became full-time, and La erty got approval from the School of Medicine to wait a year before starting his medical education. But then a director’s position came open at ACT.
“I was fortunate,” he said. “I went from part-time to director in two years.” It was also a permanent shift away from medical school.
La erty isn’t talking about retirement, but he expects that next phase of his life could be on the horizon. He’s just not in a hurry to make that happen. When Impact Support Services became the organization’s new name in conjunction with a ribbon-cutting at the new administrative quarters at 1605 Chapel Hill Road, that also opened opportunities to expand some programming. Grant funding from local sources, including Veterans United Foundation, have helped ll some funding gaps for individuals served, including those living in neighborhood homes with supportive services. And there’s still work to do to promote Impact in the community, connect with additional employers, and provide service to more individuals.
“ e services available to individuals utilizing Impact Support Services reect everyday life,” La erty said, pointing out ve essential services: day services, youth services, career services, residential services, and in-home family services. “ at’s really our mission, to connect people to meaningful experiences to live the life of their choosing.” CBT
The Rising Tide of Female Wealth
Investing empowers decision-making among women.
BY ASHLI EAVES
OVER THE NEXT DECADE,
women are expected to control more than $30 trillion in wealth in the U.S. — a shift experts call one of the most signi cant economic movements of our time. at gure, projected by McKinsey & Company, marks a major transfer of decision-making power as women inherit assets, build businesses, and invest more intentionally than ever before. is shift isn’t just about wealth — it’s about in uence. And it’s already reshaping the way we think about money, leadership, and legacy.
THE RISING TIDE OF FINANCIAL POWER
WITH WEALTH COMES RESPONSIBILITY
Today, women already control over $10 trillion in U.S. household nancial assets — nearly one-third of the total. Bloomberg projects this could rise to $34 trillion by 2030, reshaping the nancial landscape.
For generations, women were often excluded from nancial conversations. But that narrative is changing — and fast. Women are launching businesses at record rates, taking leadership roles, and becoming more engaged investors.
Interestingly, while nearly 60 percent of women take sole responsibility for investment decisions, only 19 percent say they feel very con dent in their ability to retire comfortably. at gap points to a deeper need for support, education, and engagement. A recent Fidelity study found 71 percent of women now invest in the stock market — a nearly 20 percent increase in just one year. Gen Z women are leading the charge, investing earlier and with more con dence.
Here in Columbia, you can feel that shift: Women are business owners, educators, community leaders, and caregivers. ey are shaping not only families, but economies.
As women step into greater nancial roles, many also become primary decision-makers — sometimes by choice, sometimes by circumstance. Whether through career success, divorce, or widowhood, women are often in charge of managing family wealth, retirement income, and estate plans. at responsibility brings unique challenges. Women tend to live longer — on average, about six years longer than men. at makes proper planning essential, especially around income and health care needs later in life.
Women often view money through a di erent lens, one that prioritizes security, values, and long-term stability over shortterm gains. Many think holistically about wealth, factoring in caregiving, family support, and legacy planning. is purpose-driven mindset is a powerful asset. But the nancial strategy supporting those goals must be built to last — especially over decades of retirement. Aligning your investments with both your values and long-term needs is where real nancial con dence comes from.
WHAT WOMEN SHOULD BE THINKING ABOUT NOW
Whether you’re earning, inheriting, or managing wealth, here are key areas to consider:
• Longevity Planning: e Social Security Administration projects today’s 67-year-old woman will live to age 88, with many living past 90. Your plan needs to last as long as you do.
• Health Care and Insurance: Women face higher retirement health care costs — an estimated $175,000 or more — and often take on caregiving roles, which limits their earning years and retirement savings. In fact, 66 percent of caregivers are women.
• Investing for Growth: According to T. Rowe Price, women contribute 43 percent less to retirement accounts than men, often due to career gaps. at makes long-term investing even more important to close the retirement gap.
• Legacy Conversations: Whether supporting family, community causes, or both, it’s never too early to think about how you want your wealth to be used.
• Professional Guidance: Work with a nancial advisor who listens, educates, and helps you see the full picture — not just the numbers.
THE OPPORTUNITY AHEAD
We’re not only witnessing a shift in nancial power, we’re living it. Women today have more tools, access, and in uence than any generation before. But with that comes the need for intention. By planning thoughtfully, asking questions, and owning their nancial story, women aren’t simply receiving wealth — they’re rede ning what it means to manage it. CBT
WHAT THE PROS KNOW BUSINESS
GETTING TO KNOW YOU: TRISHA BARNES, VP, TREASURY MANAGEMENT OFFICER
By Brad Roling
At Mid America Bank, our team is here to support your financial goals every step of the way. I’d like to introduce you to Trisha Barnes, a valuable resource for you and your business.
Hi, I’m Trisha Barnes! I have spent over 15 years in the banking industry serving clients and their businesses. I am committed to understanding client needs and helping walk them through solutions. When I’m not focusing on clients, I enjoy spending time with my family and being an active community member in both the Jefferson City and Columbia communities.
What are the key responsibilities of a Treasury Management Officer and how do you support clients?
As a Treasury Management Officer, I serve as a strategic partner, helping businesses maintain financial strength and stay focused on future growth. Through lasting relationships and customized solutions, I equip businesses with the insight and tools needed to grow, adapt, and thrive
in an evolving financial landscape. For me, being a Treasury Management Officer is about helping real people run the businesses they’ve poured their hearts into. I get to sit down with businesses, hear their stories, understand their goals, and build financial strategies that actually work for them.
What does a typical day look like for you? What I love most about my work is that every day brings something new. One moment I’m sitting with a business owner, learning about their challenges. The next, I’m reviewing portfolios to ensure everything’s running smoothly or teaming up with colleagues to find the right solution together. Everyday it’s all about listening closely, solving pain points thoughtfully, and helping businesses feel confident in their financial decisions. When people know they’re supported, they can focus on growing their business with less stress and more peace of mind.
BRAD ROLING Market President – Columbia
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 as Treasurer,
573-998-8900 | midambk.com
What drew you to this role and what excites you most about working with businesses? Helping others has always been at the heart of what I do. With Treasury Management, I get to turn that passion into action solving financial pain points and helping businesses grow. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear customers say their finances are finally working for them, not against them. I truly believe that when people feel supported and trust the guidance they’re given, they can move forward with confidence.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? “Always lead with integrity.” It’s a simple principle, but it’s the foundation of everything I do personally and professionally. In banking, trust is the currency that matters most, and I work hard to earn it with every conversation, every decision, and every solution I offer.
Scan the QR code to learn more about Trisha!
MAXIMIZE THE FALL TO PLAN BEFORE THE HOLIDAY RUSH
By Charles Bruce III charles@comocompanies.com
F or many businesses, October is the sweet spot — a rare pause between the back-to-school buzz and the holiday whirlwind. It’s a moment to breathe, strategize, and set your marketing up for success before November and December sweep in with their fast-paced, high-pressure demands. At COMO Marketing, we like to call October the prep month.
Think of it like meal prepping for the busiest time of year. You wouldn’t dive into a Thanksgiving dinner without a grocery list, recipe plan, and maybe a test run of that new side dish. The same goes for your holiday marketing. If you want a stress-free and effective season, October is the time to prepare.
Plan Campaigns Before the Calendar Gets Crowded
The first step? Map out your holiday campaigns now. Too often, businesses wait until the last minute, only to scramble when deadlines and events pile up. By planning in October, you can line up your promotions, email sequences, and social media content with intention. Consider your customers’ journey: what do they need from you in early November, during Black Friday/Cyber Monday, and again in December? Plotting these points ahead of time ensures your holiday messaging feels timely, personal, and strategic.
Test Ads While There’s Still Breathing Room
Another perk of getting ahead is that you can test your ads before the competition heats up. Ad costs skyrocket as soon as holiday demand kicks in, so October is the perfect window to fine-tune your
targeting, messaging, and creative. Try out different headlines, visuals, or calls-to-action now, while clicks are less expensive. By the time shoppers start scrolling for gifts, you’ll know exactly which ads perform best, and you’ll be spending your budget wisely.
Refresh Your Creative for a Fresh Season
CHARLES BRUCE III Director of Client Relations
Charles Bruce is the Director of Client Relations for COMO Companies which owns COMO Marketing, COMO Magazine, and COMO Business Times. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and his MBA from the University of Dubuque. When Charles isn’t being the life of the party, he can be found climbing a large mountain. In December 2023 he climbed the Imja Tse mountain in Nepal.
573-577-1965 | comomarketing.co
Your audience notices when your creative feels dated. Fall is a natural moment to refresh your look before holiday-specific content rolls out. Update your website banners, audit your email templates, and make sure your branding feels polished and consistent across platforms. Small tweaks, like a seasonal color palette or updated product photos, signal to your audience that your brand is engaged, relevant, and ready for the season ahead.
Give Your Team the Gift of Preparation
Investing in prep month yields results and reduces stress. When you have campaigns scheduled, ads tested, and creative updated, you free up mental
space for the unexpected (because let’s face it, something always comes up in December). Your team will thank you, and your customers will feel the difference in smoother, more thoughtful communication.
The Bottom Line
October offers a golden opportunity: a month to get your marketing ducks in a row before the holiday chaos. By planning campaigns, testing ads, and refreshing your creative now, you’ll set your business up for a more successful, less stressful season.
At COMO Marketing, we believe the best holiday strategies start right now. So, grab that pumpkin spice latte, open your calendar, and let’s get to work. Future you (and your customers) will be glad you did.
WHY THE LOWEST BID ISN’T ALWAYS THE BEST BID
By Vaughn Prost info@prostbuilders.com
The lowest commercial construction bid is not always the best in a bidding process, because price is just one factor— and not always the most important one— when selecting a contractor. Here’s why:
Quality May Be Compromised
Low bids often cut corners on labor, materials, or safety. The contractor may use cheaper, lower-quality materials or hire less experienced labor, which can affect the overall durability and performance of the building.
Incomplete or Unrealistic Scope of Work
Some low bids are based on an incomplete understanding of the project requirements. The contractor may bid low but realize they have added costs for project needs after they start. Prost Builders has 76 years of experience in this area and has completed projects from all types of commercial projects-so our extensive knowledge helps us get the right bid amount for all work needed.
Change Orders & Cost Overruns
The lowest bid might be a way to win the bid initially-but once the project begins, the contractor may frequently issue change orders that drive up the total cost well beyond the original bid and higher than the other competitor’s original bid cost.
Experience and Capability
A low bidder may lack the necessary resources, experience, or personnel to complete the job on time and to specifications for the project. This
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.
can lead to safety issues, delays, or even project failure.
Financial Stability
Very low bids may indicate that the contractor is financially unstable or desperate for work. This increases the risk of bankruptcy midproject, leaving the owner with an incomplete build, and potential legal issues to handle.
Timeline and Scheduling
Low bids sometimes come with unrealistic project timelines. Experience with Missouri weather and other issues that can delay the project is crucial, therefore the bid should be based on a reasonable schedule that allows for rain, snow, and other factors that affect daily construction site work. Project delivery delays can lead to penalties, lost revenue, or extended costs, like being forced to use temporary facilities or hiring future employees for a new facility that won’t meet the scheduled deadline.
Reputation and References
A contractor that has a solid reputation and proven track record may bid higher—but will also offer fewer
(573) 635-0211 | prostbuilders.com 3305 Crawford Street Columbia, MO 65203
delays, more reliability, more experience, and better overall results. Prost Builders has been constructing facilities for so long that we have vast knowledge and experience for every aspect of construction.
Best Practice:
Total Value vs. Lowest Price
Owners and project managers should evaluate:
• Technical qualifications
• Past performance
• Safety records
• Financial strength
• Schedule compliance
• Bid completeness
There will always be some delays in constructing a facility-due to unforeseen weather, lack of labor resources or supply shortages, but Prost Builders keeps that in mind for each project’s schedule. The goal is to select the “best value” bid—not the cheapest. Contact Prost Builders when you want the best bid from the industry leader for Central Missouri to build your high-quality facility.
2025 NETWORK SECURITY READINESS CHECKLIST
By David Black DBlack@gfidigital.com
Strengthen Your Defenses. Align with Business Goals. As cyber threats evolve and hybrid work becomes standard, a resilient IT infrastructure is no longer optional, it’s essential. This checklist offers a strategic framework to elevate your security posture and drive operational excellence with GFI Digital as your trusted Managed Service Provider.
1. Executive & Organizational Alignment
Security starts at the top. Executive sponsorship fosters a culture of vigilance and ensures swift, coordinated incident response.
2. Risk Management
Proactively identify and mitigate vulnerabilities. GFI Digital’s Managed IT Services deliver continuous monitoring, threat detection, and downtime prevention—protecting both operations and revenue.
3. Security & Compliance
Stay audit ready. Meet HIPAA, PCI, and GDPR standards with Cisco-compliant solutions from GFI Digital. Built-in reporting and data protection minimize compliance risks.
4. Technical Preparation
Keep your defenses sharp. Regularly update firewalls, routers, and endpoint protections. Cisco Secure Firewall, Umbrella, and Duo provide layered security across your network.
5. Data Strategy & Management
DAVID BLACK Vice President
Technology Services
Center, and Big Data teams across the Contact Center, Manufacturing, and Communication industries. With a strong background in technology leadership, David is committed to driving innovation and operational efficiency.
Safeguard sensitive data with encrypted backups, role-based access, and segmentation. GFI Digital engineers ensure only authorized access— at rest and in transit.
6. Process Optimization
Accelerate response times. Cisco SecureX centralizes visibility and automates updates, streamlining workflows and incident handling.
7. Training & HR Integration
Build a cyber-aware workforce. Ongoing training, phishing simulations, and secure onboarding practices reduce human error and strengthen your first line of defense.
8. Vendor Support & Financial Planning
Simplify and scale. Consolidate security solutions with GFI Digital’s flexible packages tailored to your business needs.
9. Implementation & Monitoring
Deploy with confidence. GFI Digital sets up, tests, and monitors your Cisco security stack 24/7 ensuring real-time visibility and actionable insights.
Be
Security Ready
In today’s digital landscape, proactive security is a competitive advantage. Use this checklist as your launchpad for a secure, resilient future. Partner with GFI Digital to protect your network and empower your business.
GFI Digital is a full-service provider of office technology, including multi-function copiers, printers, and information technology services. For more than 25 years, GFI Digital has grown into an industry leader in office technology, copiers, printers, data center, networking, security, and system administration. Having a passion for customer satisfaction has earned GFI Digital a reputation for customer service. We make technology simple!
Early inheritance provides a window into a lasting legacy.
BY LAUREN SABLE FREIMAN
Leslie Wilbers has been working with clients at LaBrunerie Financial for fteen years. In light of shifting population demographics, namely an aging population that has acquired wealth, she says she’s noticed that more and more clients are interested in exploring the possibility of passing their means to their children or grandchildren prior to their death.
“Early inheritance, also known as gifting, is a means of being able to pass assets down to other family members while you are still living,” Wilbers says. “People might consider it when they know they have more than enough resources to live the rest of their lives comfortably, and they want to see their family enjoy the fruits of their savings over their lifetime.”
PLANNING FOR EARLY INHERITANCE
While nancial planners certainly play a role in advising clients about early inheritance, Wilbers cautions that gifting should be considered as part of a larger estate plan that includes discussions with both tax professionals and attorneys.
“It is a big team e ort as far as successfully doing early inheritance,” Wilbers says. “ ere are tax consequences and estate planning considerations, so accountants and attorneys are often involved. ere are lots of hands at play to successfully do it.”
While early inheritance can have many bene ts for both the giver and the bene ciary, advance planning is key to ensuring that all parties will bene t in the long run.
“Families should make sure they have really considered their long-term retirement needs and feel good about that rst before giving assets away,” says Ashli Eaves, ChSNC, a nancial advisor with Aligned Wealth Group. “ is is the classic ‘put the oxygen on yourself rst’ scenario.”
Wilbers agrees that considering future needs plays a very large role in the successful execution of early inheritance.
“You don’t want to give so much that you end up in the poorhouse,” Wilbers says. “Long-term care expenses are very real and very expensive, and lots of people aren’t planning for long-term care. In reality, you most likely will end up in a home or needing inhome care, and the biggest thing you can do for your kids is not to put the nancial burden on them. Make sure you save for yourself so you can have the help you need. Plan, plan, plan.”
“The donor can enjoy seeing the gifts used while still living. They see joy in seeing their assets benefiting their loved ones. If it’s a child that needs financial support to purchase their first home, just launch their careers, etc., then they get to see how they actually helped them.”
— ASHLI EAVES
THE SILVER TSUNAMI
One explanation for the increasing interest in gifting assets prior to death is a phenomenon called the Silver Tsunami, which refers to the wave of Baby Boomers reaching retirement age.
“ ere is a Silver Tsunami, a generation that is fading out that built up wealth and is
now passing the wealth on to the next generation,” Wilbers says. “If they don’t need the funds, they might be stuck with paying a lot of taxes on what they inherited. ey might even say, ‘Let me bypass this inheritance because I’m set, and I don’t want to deal with the tax consequences, so I just want to pass this to my kids or grandkids.’”
EXPLORING EARLY INHERITANCE
While an abundance of wealth is one reason for gifting, some donors choose to gift so they can see their assets in action.
“ e donor can enjoy seeing the gifts used while still living,” Eaves says. “ ey see joy in seeing their assets bene ting their loved ones. If it’s a child that needs nancial support to purchase their rst home, just launch their careers, etc., then they get to see how they actually helped them.”
When people see that their estate has reached a certain value, gifting is also used to help reduce estate taxes. e current federal gift and estate tax exemption for a married couple is $27,980,000, but Wilbers cautions that it’s impossible to predict how tax law will change in the future.
“Usually once an estate gets so big, there is an additional tax, and people want to keep their estate below a certain threshold,” Wilbers says. “People might need to start saving on taxes for themselves and also their heirs in the future by giving this early inheritance.”
As people retire and enter a lower tax bracket due to lower earnings, they may also choose to take on the tax burden themselves while passing along assets.
“I have several people who want to deal with the tax burden and not pass it on to their kids,” Wilbers says. “ ey feel they are in a certain tax bracket right now being retired, while their child is in the prime of their working years, and they’d rather pay the taxes now and shift it over to the individual to keep more of their money in the long run.”
CURRENT GIFT EXEMPTION
In 2025, the annual federal gift tax exclusion is $19,000 per person.
“You can gift anyone $19,000, or for a married couple you can double that, and not have to report it on taxes,” Wilbers says. “ at can change from year to year, so you need to check with your tax advisor to make sure.”
Gifts can take several forms, including cash, donations to charities, and contributions to a 529 college savings account.
“Most of the time I see people think about the early gifting in a manner of
passing on their legacy to family, but charities are very involved in the early gifting process,” Wilbers says. “Oftentimes, coming back to the tax savings perspective, people look at charities, which are nonpro t and don’t have to pay taxes, as a way to give funds and reduce their overall estate value.”
Eaves notes that there are some nuances to the laws governing gifting.
“It’s important to know that some gifts don’t count against the annual limit at all,” she says. “For example, tuition or medical bills paid directly to a provider or charitable donations are generally treated di erently. e key is to work with a nancial advisor and CPA to make sure gifts are structured in the most e ective way.”
BE INFORMED
While gifting has a range of bene ts for both donors and recipients, there is also the potential for pitfalls — yet another reason to consult the proper professionals for guidance in advance.
“Without proper guidance, families could accidentally exceed gift tax limits, fail to le required forms, or miss out on other tax-e cient strategies,” Eaves says.
When assets are given outright, Eaves notes the giver might not have control over how their gift is used, and a well-intended gift might be mismanaged. And while no one can predict the future, the economy, market conditions, and individual circumstances can change — sometimes abruptly.
“Obviously, we can’t see the future,” Eaves says. “What feels like it is a ordable now, or our nancial health of the donor today, may not look the same if market conditions shift, health needs arise, or the giver’s income changes. So again, its important to make sure that this has been considered.”
NOT AN ALL-OR-NOTHING OPTION
While there are certainly bene ts to early inheritance for those with large estates, individuals and families without an abundance of wealth can still participate in and bene t from the practice.
“One common misconception is that this strategy is only for wealthy families,” Eaves says. “Even modest gifts, like helping with the down payment of a house or paying for education, can have big impact.”
It’s also important to know that those who choose to gift to children, grandchildren, or charities are not required to continue gifting in future years, Wilbers says.
“It doesn’t mean it is all or nothing,” Wilbers notes. “You can choose this year to gift, but you don’t have to set the standard with your family that it is an annual thing. You can stop and start at any time.” CBT
FROM CHANCE TO CALLING
PICTURED
Randa Rawlins, MIC board chair, and Quentin Messbarger at his retirement event.
Quentin Messbarger has spent half a lifetime turning local innovations into industry-changing breakthroughs.
BY JODIE JACKSON JR
WAS IT SERENDIPITY? Happenstance? Crazy coincidence? Just odd luck?
Quentin Messbarger was literally on his way out the door, telling a former director that the job he was hoping to ll for one of the clients at the Missouri Innovation Center just wasn’t going to work out. In response, Messbarger was o ered a di erent job, and he never left. at was thirty years ago. Both Messbarger and the MIC were celebrated September 3 —the MIC for marking its fortieth anniversary, and Messbarger to acknowledge his retirement.
Although the massive Bond Life Sciences Center at 1201 Rollins Street, just south of the busy Stadium and Providence intersection, is impossible to miss, the local life sciences business incubator still seems o the public radar. MIC’s vast portfolio of business successes that includes StoryUp, Kremenak NanoTech Inc., CryoCrate, and others that may not be household names. But there’s also Paytient, a homegrown healthcare company that aims to make health care more accessible and a ordable, and Elemental Enzymes, a ag sector company that now takes up shop in St. Louis.
Messbarger believes those businesses are better known, and will become even more prominent. e same goes for Endevica, the lab that is developing a drug to combat the dreaded cancer “wasting disease” cachexia. Even though he is leaving MIC’s CEO post at the end of September, Messbarger, 60, will continue to watch those developments. He’s also staying on in a limited consultation role.
He’s not exactly sure what life after MIC will look like, adding that “health realizations” precipitated retirement a bit earlier than he had planned.
“It is really weird, because I worked for MIC for over 30 years, and I’m 60. So I’ve literally been here half my life,” Messbarger said. “ at’s a long time.”
And what about retirement?
“I don’t have anything planned,” he said. “I made my calculation and gured now is the time to go. Like a lot of things,
you make the best guess about when the time’s right … for golf, goo ng o , and doing other things.”
In a nutshell, MIC o ers services in mentoring, securing nancial support, and providing necessary resources for conducting successful and focused research and development. e MIC website explains that the business incubator helps to create quality jobs in the region, improve the local economy, and develop technologies “that are capable of improving the quality of human life.”
MIC board member Jay Alexander said Messbarger will be hard to replace.
“In terms of institutional knowledge, he has been instrumental here,” Alexander said. “He’s been an entrepreneur. He’s been in the shoes of those who are here. He’s just very relatable.”
Alexander also explained that among the many aspects of MIC operation that the public might not be aware of is the process by which businesses incubate and grow. Or fail. Most inventions or drugs do not develop rapidly, but instead there’s “the long game” of development. Instant success is rare.
“ ese are early-stage companies,” he said. “And the failure rate is very high.” But the successes are often industry-changing or, in some cases, life-changing.
Alexander said that Messbarger’s replacement in waiting, Charlie Bolton, has been directed to make MIC recognition and branding one of his strategic priorities.
Messbarger said he has few regrets or failures to think about, but one experience stands out.
“Life sciences is hard,” he said, noting that a potential incubator client was well-versed in quantum physics. “I needed to learn quantum physics, but I had to nally throw in the white ag. Now … I learned to just shake my head and act like I know.”
MIC was started in 1984 as part of the state’s initiative to create economic development support systems through the state’s university systems. e 33,000-square-foot facility features wet laboratories, shared
lab equipment and facilities, private and shared o ces, conference room spaces, and other resources designed to support start-up and early-stage life science ventures.
In 2009, MIC was selected by the University of Missouri to operate and maintain the MU Life Science Incubator at Monsanto Place. Within that relationship, MIC selects businesses well suited for the program, leases space for technology and biotech start-up companies, and provides mentorship throughout the processes of commercialization.
MIC also maintains an a liation with the Trulaske College of Business and works closely with Centennial Investors, a mid-Missouri based angel investor network. e center generated $18.6 million in licensing income in 2023. With the help of the Mizzou Technology Advancement team, sixteen U.S. patents were led, as well as 113 new inventions disclosed by the end of 2023. A few of the U.S. patents — for inventions with technical explanations beyond the average understanding — issued in 2023 include:
• A drinking container with di erent temperature zones, invented by Bill Ma. e drinking container uses phase-change materials to rapidly cool and maintain liquids at drinkable temperatures.
• Inhibitor-functionalized ultrasmall nanoparticles and methods, invented by omas P. Quinn. e nanoparticles with conjugated antibody fragments are joined to a chemotherapeutic drug for improved targeting of cancer.
• Engineered comestible meat, invented by Gabor Forgacs, Francoise Marga, and Karoly Robert Jakab. is method of forming animal muscle either with a bioprinter or other assembly process, produces a food product rich in animal protein.
Other inventions and technologies coming from the MIC include:
• DynaMed. Dr. Brian Alper, an MU medical student alum, created a functioning database, similar to what AI would be now. It is a resource physicians can always go to for looking up evidence-based medicine research to give the best answer when treating patients. He took his invention to MIC when he wanted to move it from a hobby to a business. MIC helped him grow and develop until it was acquired by EBSCO, the world’s largest medical publisher. Physicians all around the world use this tool now.
• Equinosis. As a professor of equine surgery at MU, Dr. Kevin Keegan, along with engineers led by professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, Dr. Frank Pai, developed algorithms for the speci c purpose of determining a horse’s lameness using a highspeed camera and a treadmill-based system. A trained veterinarian can only accurately diagnose a horse’s lameness 50 percent of the time. is system has now become the standard for care.
• Elemental Enzymes. Postdoctoral students, Dr. Brian ompson and Dr. Katie ompson, with Dr. Ashley Siegel, came to MIC with a platform technology that can create enzymes that have more practical uses. eir rst commercial project was a coating that goes on seeds and allows plants to produce 5 to 7 percent more. e enzyme is now on billions of seeds, creating higher crop yields. And it is not considered toxic or a pollutant. Elemental Enzymes also attained FDA approval for a citrus greening solution that, Messbarger said, has saved the citrus industry in the U.S. south.
“I really consider myself one of the luckiest people in the world because I stumbled into the MIC, and I can’t think of anything I would have rather done or enjoy more than helping these amazing entrepreneurs realize their dreams and help them get their amazing inventions, devices, and drugs out into the world where they can help people.”
— QUENTIN MESSBARGER
As he re ected on thirty years at MIC, Messbarger said it is gratifying to play “some small part” in the inventions and advancements that have come out of the incubator.
“ ere is some value you add to that process,” he said. “I really consider myself one of the luckiest people in the world because I stumbled into the MIC, and I can’t think of anything I would have rather done or enjoy more than helping these amazing entrepreneurs realize their dreams and help them get their amazing inventions, devices, and drugs out into the world where they can help people.”
e idea of not being involved in that is “not frightening, exactly. Just really bizarre.”
Messbarger will continue to watch MIC’s developments, and he has special interest in a drug being developed by Endevica Bio. e drug is designed to ght the wasting disease, cachexia, associated with cancer. A former MIC employee died from cachexia. And his father, who had
late-stage bone cancer, died from the condition ve years ago.
“It wasn’t the cancer but cachexia that took him out,” he said.
Messbarger explained that the body’s metabolism “cranks up” when someone is ghting cancer, “But you can’t get yourself to eat. And those two things don’t really work well together in the body. It’s a horrible thing. Not a good quality of life.”
He said the Endevica drug recently went through a second phase of clinical trials in humans.
“ at is going to change the world,” he said. “If you’re not battling cachexia and your body is at full strength … maybe more people will win the battle with cancer. Or at least they’ll have a better quality of life. While it’s not a cure for cancer, it’s pretty darn close.”
Messbarger will be watching.
“It’s certainly going to be a big step for humanity,” he said. “It’s just fantastic that that came out of this incubator.” CBT
LEFT
Photos from Quentin’s MIC retirement event.
LEFT, TOP David Nivens, board member; Randa Rawlins, MIC board chair; Charlie Bolton, new MIC CEO.
LEFT, BOTTOM
Charlie Bolton, Randa Rawlins, and Sarah Hill, Healium founder.
RIGHT Quentin at his desk.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ...
Art Museum Curator
Joan Stack is the curator of arts collections for the State Historical Society of Missouri.
PHOTOS BY KEITH BORGMEYER
We see the title “art curator” and think that’s probably an awesome gig. But does the general public know what an art curator is? Please give us a brief description of your position and responsibilities. For many, “art curator” sounds like a dream job, and in many ways, it is! But it is also a role that involves a lot of behindthe-scenes work. As the curator of art collections at the State Historical Society of Missouri, I am responsible for collecting, preserving, researching, and interpreting works of art that
re ect Missouri’s rich history and culture. is includes art created by Missouri artists as well as art that documents signi cant events or currents in American history that have impacted Missourians. My job involves everything from overseeing the acquisition of new artworks to organizing exhibitions, writing interpretive materials, and giving public talks. I also work to ensure that the art collection is accessible to scholars, students, and the public — helping people connect with history through visual storytelling. Here are some frequently asked questions as well as my standard answers:
“Where did SHSMO get these artworks?” Many were donated by collectors, artists, or estates. Others were acquired through purchases or long-term loans. e institution has been collecting for over 100 years, so we have acquired a lot of material over time.
“What are the most valuable works in the collection?” e artworks that are most often reproduced and would be most desirable nationally to other museums are two 19th-century narrative paintings by George Caleb Bingham, Watching the Cargo and Gen. Order No. 11, as well as the series of ten large WWII paintings by omas Hart Benton, painted in the 1940s.
“How do you preserve the art?” We follow institutional best practices involving security and conservation in order to ensure that the artwork lasts for generations.
“Do you have a favorite piece?” is is always a fun question — I love so many of the works that I have numerous favorites! I have a special fondness for Bingham’s Watching the Cargo because the midMissouri river landscape is so familiar to me, having grown up in Boone County.
Tell us about your career aspirations. What did you want to be when you were growing up, and when did you find your career path? What or who sparked your interest in art? As a child, I dreamed of running a cat sanctuary — I’ve always loved animals! But as I grew older, I found myself increasingly drawn to the art books that lled our home. My father, Frank Stack, was a professor of ne arts at
the University of Missouri, and his book collection sparked my curiosity. I wanted to know the stories behind the artworks illustrated in those books. at fascination led me to pursue a B.A. and M.A. in art history at Mizzou and later a Ph.D. at Washington University in St. Louis.
I now have the privilege of collecting, preserving, and interpreting artworks that re ect Missouri’s past and its people. is job allows me to combine my love of storytelling, scholarship, and public engagement — you might say it all started with a house full of art books!
Tell us about some of the journeys or experiences you’ve had as a result of being an art curator. I’ve learned so much about American history through studying the artworks in our collection. From John James Audubon’s bird engravings to Bingham’s election series prints and the original editorial cartoons of St. Louis artists Tom Engelhardt and Daniel Fitzpatrick, there’s a wealth of material to explore. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel to cities like New York, Fort Worth, Milwaukee, and others when our paintings were included in major exhibitions. ese experiences have deepened my appreciation for Missouri’s artistic legacy and its place in the broader national narrative.
Tell us about your day. What time do you get up, and what is your morning routine before your workday starts? My day usually starts around 6:30 a.m. I like to ease into the morning with a cup of tea or co ee and spend a little time watching the local news. Sometimes I have time to snuggle with my gray cat, Elliott.
If there’s any such thing as a “typical” day, what are some of the tasks you perform on a regular basis? How much of your day is scheduled? No two days are ever quite the same. Some days are spent preparing for upcoming exhibitions, researching artworks, or talking with donors. Other days involve giving tours, organizing exhibitions and related events, writing interpretive materials, or working behind the scenes to preserve and catalog pieces in the art collection.
What are the primary distractions that you face, and how do you handle those? How do you handle competing priorities? Like most professionals, I face a variety of distractions, such as emails, phone calls, unexpected meetings, etc. ere are also occasional urgent requests that shift my focus from one priority to another. In a museum and archival setting, one must balance long-
term projects like exhibition planning and research with immediate needs in public relations or collection care. To manage these competing priorities, I keep a detailed calendar and try to block out time for focused work, especially when I am writing or researching. I also prioritize tasks based on deadlines and impact — what needs to happen immediately and what will make the biggest di erence for our visitors, collections, or institutional goals.
People who have a casual interest in art can sometimes feel intimidated because of a sense of exclusivity or even elitism among those who have a deep understanding of or appreciation for art. How do you respond to that stereotype? e stereotype of art being elitist or exclusive is something I try to work against. At the State Historical Society of Missouri, we focus on art that tells stories about Missouri’s people, places, and history. Whether we are discussing famous paintings by Bingham and Benton or editorial cartoons documenting pivotal historical moments, our goal is to help Missourians see themselves and their communities re ected in the artwork.
Art shouldn’t be intimidating; it should be a window into the past that helps us understand who we are, where we’ve been, and where we might be headed. We
strive to make our gallery a welcoming place that re ects the history we share with our visitors.
When lunch time rolls around, what are you having? Where are some of your go-to spots for lunch and dining in Columbia?
I love Panera, where I often have a light lunch of Greek salad with soup. For variety I also enjoy Indian and ai food.
Tell us a thing or two about the Center for Missouri Studies at the State Historical Society of Missouri that most people might not know. Most people know the State Historical Society of Missouri as an exciting destination for engaging with Missouri’s history — but our holdings o er far more than many realize. My colleagues can tell you about the extensive collections of newspapers, books, photos, and manuscripts available in our Research Center, but I can speak in more detail about our art collection. It includes over 30,000 works, the majority of which are works on paper that are not currently on display. ese pieces remain accessible to researchers and art lovers, o ering invaluable insights into the richness and complexity of Missouri’s cultural history. eir preservation ensures that future generations can continue to explore and understand the diverse artistic legacy of our state.
Your CV indicates that you have expertise in — and continue to study — the art and lives of two of Missouri’s most storied artists: George Caleb Bingham and Thomas Hart Benton. Why are they such important figures? George Caleb Bingham and omas Hart Benton are central gures in American art — and especially in Missouri’s cultural history — because they used their work to explore the identity of a region at the crossroads of the nation. Both artists were Missourians who often made Missouri their subject, capturing the tensions and
connections between North and South, East and West. eir art re ects not only their aesthetic skill, but also their deep engagement with the political, social, and cultural forces shaping America. Studying their lives and work helps us better understand Missouri’s role in the broader national story.
Who are the Binghams and Bentons of our current generation, the artists whose work and impact will be studied by future historians? at’s a tough question — it’s often hard to predict which artists will capture the interest and imagination of future scholars. I’ll refrain from naming local mid-Missouri favorites, as I know too many wonderful artists to choose just one. Instead, I’ll highlight a Hickman High School alumnus who has already made a signi cant mark nationally and internationally: Nick Cave (known as Nicky during his time in Columbia). He’s a remarkable artist whose sculptural works combine elements of assemblage, found object art, ber, and fashion, resulting in creations that radiate joy and energy. ere will be an exhibition of his work at the Smithsonian American Art Museum next year.
What time does your workday end, and what is a typical evening routine? Unless there is an after-hours event associated with my work at SHSMO, I usually head home and shift into family mode at 5 p.m. At home, I help my kids with schoolwork or extracurricular projects and make sure the cat gets fed. Occasionally, I’ll run errands or go shopping after work, but most evenings are reserved for family.
What’s for dinner —and who’s cooking it? Who do you share it with? My husband usually makes dinner. He’s especially talented at making curries! We share the meal with my father and our three kids, although sometimes we eat in shifts depending on everyone’s schedule.
What are you currently reading (or binge-watching)? I am a big fan of E.M. Forster, and I am currently rereading Howards End. For something lighter, I’ve been unwinding in the evenings by bingewatching episodes of e O ce. CBT
Street Talk
More MURR expansion coming, Nourish seeking buyer.
BY JODIE JACKSON JR
IT’S A MIZZOU DOUBLE TAKE: UM System President Mun Choi received a contract extension through 2031 the day after the university hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on September 4 for two additions to the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) facility.
e event was actually more of an announcement as there wasn’t a literal groundbreaking. In addition to Choi, the event speakers were Matt Sanford, MURR executive director; Todd Graves, chair, UM Board of Curators; Mike Mangano, president, ABK Biomedical; and Mizzou alums Steve Ellebracht, founding principal of Iso erapeutics, and Dale Klein, former commissioner of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
e expansion will total more than 29,000 square feet and will increase the number of cancer- ghting drug doses available for patient care. MURR is the only source in the United States for four medical radioisotopes used to treat more than a dozen types of cancers, including liver, pancreatic, prostate, and thyroid cancers.
Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch Changes
Arris’ Pizza at 1020 Green Meadows Road closed on September 21, following “a great 18-year run,” as the pizzeria posted on
social media. e post added, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of our Columbia Arris’ Pizza ... We appreciate all the support Columbia has shown us over those years!” (As one CBT Facebook follower noted, “ ankfully, original Arris’ Pizza on High Street across from the State Capitol is still going strong in Je erson City.”)
Nourish Café & Market owner Kalle LeMone said she was seeking a buyer in a social media post announcing that if she is unable to sell the eatery at 1201 E. Broadway, her business will close. “If the right buyer is under contract by November, Nourish will continue under new ownership,” she posted. “If not, we will close with care, and our last day of service will be Sunday, November 2, 2025.”
at was the status when “Street Talk” was written in midSeptember. Check CBT and Nourish social media for updates.
“ ere is no dramatic story and nothing bad has happened. I am just ready and excited for a new season of my life,” LeMone wrote, adding that the restaurant was in its best nancial condition ever. “Nourish truly has been one of my greatest honors. To say I am grateful to our customers, partners, and sta isn’t enough.”
Staying in The Loop
Business Loop corridor planning has begun, says Carrie Gartner, executive director of e Loop CID. “Now that the city’s $2 million grant is nally, o cially, 100 percent green-lighted, we’re wasting no time betting started,” she says. Great River Engineering has been hired for the project, which starts as a high-tech street survey and will later gather public input. e goal of the process, Gartner says, is to create a shovel-ready plan for reconstruction.
COMO Flavors Returns to Lakeside
COMO Flavors is back for its second edition from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 18 at Lakeside Ashland. e event will showcase nearly two dozen restaurants and food trucks, with an additional 20 handcraft and retail vendors and local nonpro ts.
COMO Flavors was conceptualized by Richard Chandler Jr. and Evan Foster, drawing inspiration from similar festivals such as Taste of Chicago and Taste of St. Louis. COMO Flavors is structured for participating restaurants to serve sample-sized portions for one ticket and larger portions for multiple tickets, with books of 10 tickets available for $35. e festival fun will also include live music, fall-themed games and bounce houses, and a ra e for food-related items. CBT
Street Talk is a monthly overview of “word on the street” business and community news. Street Talk is sponsored by e Bank of Missouri.
New Business Licenses
Issued August 2025
CEN Missouri, LLC
INVAZN PRO SHOP LLC
Retail trade
1001 N. Providence, Columbia
Your Ticket to College
General business license
Jaylon Vaughn
2012 W. Ash St., Columbia
Prism Window Cleaning
5290 Creasy Springs Road, Columbia
Talaria MO StL LLC
Transportation and warehousing 1401 Creekwood Parkway, Columbia
Smart Functional Fitness LLC
3301 Broadway Business Park Court, Columbia
Ole Mules Axes N Fun LLC
COMO Axe Attack
901 Safari Drive, Columbia
Lockett Custom Homes
Adam Lockett
306 Searsport Drive, Columbia
Saint Mary’s Complete Home Care LLC
Henry and Mary Anyimadu 33 E. Broadway, Columbia
China Star 888 Inc.
3301 Broadway Business Park, Columbia
Good Shepherd Hospice of Columbia
Shellie K. Greiner Trust
3301 Broadway Business Park, Columbia
Air Guys
White Air LLC
28 N. Eighth St., Columbia
Fusion Fiesta LLC
3907 Peach Tree Drive, Columbia
Direct Care Pathways LLC
Health care and social assistance
205 Pendleton Street
Insight Dynamics LLC
Health care and social assistance
2401 Bernadette Drive
Douglas L. Solliday Antiques
Retail trade
Douglas Solliday 11 S. Ninth St., Columbia
Iffy Creek Compost
Nicholas Hahn
405 N. Ann St., Columbia
Alliance Rehab & Medical Equipment LLC
James Osborn
2201 Cottle Drive, Columbia
TCJ Mobile Paw
Pampering LLC
Tori Jones
4704 W. Knox Dr., Columbia
Simple Ray’s LLC
Accommodation and food services
2900 Trimble Road, Columbia
North Fork Fresh Mex LLC
821 Elm Street, Columbia
Bridgegap Building
Izaya Hamilton
4800 Clark Lane, Columbia
Five Below
Retail trade
21 Conley Road, Columbia CBT
Issued by the city of Columbia’s Finance Department.
What’s Going Up?
Massive Columbia Housing Authority building update begins.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY JODIE JACKSON JR
THE FIRST PHASE of a more than $25 million plan to build seventy-nine new public housing units along Park Avenue in central Columbia is now underway. e city’s Building and Site Development o ce issued twenty-two building permits for the project to COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY in August.
e buildings being demolished and replaced are among Columbia’s rst public housing units, built in 1964. e August building permits totaled $15 million.
e city issued 125 building permits with a total valuation of $58.51 million. e Boone County O ce of Resource Management in August issued 93 building permits with an aggregate valuation of $12 million. Combined, the city and county issued 218 building permits with a total valuation of $70.5 million.
E.M. Harris Construction Company of St. Louis is the general contractor for the long-awaited Park Avenue project. e application date on the project’s rst building permits was July 6, 2023. e permits were issued August 5, 2025. CHA o cials said that age and problems with collapsing sewer lines, foundation problems, and electrical issues were primary reasons listed for advancing the project.
e city has contributed $2 million from its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and Boone County awarded $5 million in ARPA funding. Other funding comes from a $1 million Community Development Block Grant and $15 million in tax credit nancing. e redevelopment will include one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom units. Unlike previous CHA housing units, the new construction pays more attention to green space issues, which had concerned residents in the past. A community center is also part of the project plan.
e second phase of the project, which includes units on the north side, is expected to be completed in 2027. A ected residents were relocated, with CHA covering all moving expenses, and those who want to return to the Park Avenue apartments may do so.
If you see a building popping up and wonder, “What’s going up?”, email jodie@comocompanies.com and let us know!
e city’s August building permit report included:
• Commercial addition: 2 permits, $9.2 million valuation.
• Single family detached: 17 permits, $6.82 million.
• Solar photovoltaic system (residential): 6 permits, $109,825.
Another major building project getting the green light in August is a major expansion of SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC’S manufacturing facility. Earlier this year, the company announced an investment of over $700 million in the U.S., with more than $70 million of that directed to the Columbia project. e expansion at Schneider's facility in the 4800 block of Paris Road will include a warehouse and new lines to build commercial circuit breaker components.
Dubbed “Project Frontier,” the initial building permit entails 64,532 square feet and has a valuation of $8.3 million. Nabholz Construction Corp. is the general contractor. Subcontractors include Meyer Electric Company and Questec Constructors, Inc.
e entire $73.6 million project received Chapter 100 bond nancing from Boone County, giving the company some $3 million in tax breaks over the next ten years. e company
has also been approved for state incentives worth more than $4 million. In exchange for tax breaks, the company expects to add 241 jobs that will pay an average of $24.41 per hour.
Other highlights of the August building permit report include:
A new COMMERCIAL SHELL
BUILDING for future tenant occupancy is planned at 4501 Stellar Drive. e rapidly developing portion of south Columbia at Springbrook Crossing will have a building of 7,475 square feet with a valuation of $1.21 million. e general contractor is Intrinsic Development.
BURRELL
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
will demolish an existing building and shed at 109 E. Texas Ave. to make way for construction of a new, single-story outpatient and residential care clinic. Reinhardt Construction LLC is the general contractor for the 5,437-square-foot, $1.1 million project.
A new pre-engineered metal building including an o ce area and SHOP FOR UPFITTING FLEET UTILITY
TRUCKS with plows, dump bodies, and other features is planned for 6808 Stephens Station Road. e $2.23 million project will encompass 16,000 square feet. Septagon Construction Company is the contractor. Subcontractors include Questec Constructors, Inc., T.W. Colton Plumbing/Excavating, and Meyer Electric Company.
Four permits have been issued for LAKESHORE APARTMENTS AT CORPORATE LAKE on John Garry Drive. Each building will be a twelveplex with three-story housing and parking. e new apartment building permits range in value from $2.1 million to $2.4 million. Gary Lewis is the general contractor.
HULETT HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING COMPANY at 400 Big Bear Blvd. is building an addition at 404 Big Bear Blvd. Little Dixie Construction is the contractor for the $907,501 project that will be 9,463 square feet.
Reinhardt Construction LLC is the builder for exterior site improvements to the BETA SIGMA PHI fraternity house at 205 S. College Ave. e 5,000-square-foot project lists a valuation of $400,000.
Single-family homes on the August building permit report range in value from a 6,643-square-foot, $849,121 home o Castle Stuart Court at Old Hawthorne North, to a 1,698-squarefoot, $244,621 home o Frazier Loop Anderson Homes is the builder for both homes.
e Boone County building permit report included:
• Single family residential: 16 permits, $7.8 million.
Single-family homes range in value from a $1.35 MILLION home o E. Tampa Court to a $200,000 home o Route F in Clark. e builders are Girard Homes and Kim Spurgin, respectively. CBT
241
Number of new jobs that will be created by Schneider Electric’s expansion.
1964
Year the Park Avenue public housing units were built.
323
Number of sheltered and unsheltered/ homeless individuals in Columbia.
(Point-in-Time Count, 2024)
218
The number of building permits issued by the city of Columbia and Boone County in August.
$18.6 million
Cost of the Opportunity Campus, which will have an estimated annual operating cost of $1.2 million to $1.5 million.
29,000
Total square footage of the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) expansion.
$10 trillion
Amount of U.S. household
fi nancial assets controlled by by women (about one-third of the $30 trillion total).
17 million
Number of adults age 65 and older who are “economically insecure.”
Is Columbia Casting a Vision for the Future?
BY STEVE SPELLMAN
IN A FREE SOCIETY, people can pursue whatever legal path they desire to make a living. Here in Columbia, we have a good mix of folks doing their own thing, with lots of success stories.
Bigger picture, there are exciting trends and projects around COMO. Some will bene t those involved in a particular rm or industry, while others have greater potential to lift the local economy more broadly. Let’s explore just of few of these potential fundamental drivers of community wealth — some that are already underway, and some that could be revisited.
A big convention center has been theorized for years. e Columbia Expo Center is pretty good, but it’s just mid-sized and doesn’t satisfy visionaries’ tastes for something more “transformational.” e Broadway Hotel expanded its conference space recently, but it’s still far from large.
Raman Puri, CEO of the Puri Group of Enterprises, suggested a new idea: to build o the existing hotel and modest conference space up by Menards with two further hotels plus a bona de major conference facility. Its’ a great idea, and what’s particularly surprising is that Puri intends to pursue the project without some public subsidy, in an era where it seems as though nothing can occur without taxpayers footing least part of the bill.
Another big wealth-generating concept worth reviving is turning Columbia into a world-class medical destination. Years ago, the idea of forming a little Mayo Clinic was talked up here. As Columbia is already a regional center for higher education, retail, nance, sporting events, and medical care, the concept sure had potential to blossom further.
The seeds of Columbia’s next economic boom may already be here. Scan the QR code to see what leaders say could lift us all.
Unlocking the Full Potential of Financial Services
BY MATT M C CORMICK
WHEN YOU HEAR “FINANCIAL SERVICES,” it’s easy to picture a few familiar staples — checking and savings accounts, maybe a retirement plan, perhaps a loan when needed. ose are the foundations, yes, but stopping there means missing out on a wealth of resources that can make a real di erence in both your personal life and your business.
e truth is, your nancial institution is more than a place to park your money — it can be a strategic partner, a problem solver, and in many cases, a connector to other resources. Whether you’re running a business, managing a household, or juggling both, here are some often-overlooked ways nancial services can help you reach your goals.
Cash Flow Management for Businesses
Healthy cash ow is the lifeblood of any company, but it’s also one of the hardest things to consistently maintain. Many banks and credit unions o er treasury management tools that can automate payroll, streamline invoicing, and speed up receivables. Tip: Ask your nancial provider about electronic invoicing systems or merchant services that deposit customer payments directly into your account, cutting delays and improving cash ow predictability.
Strategic Lending Beyond the Traditional Loan
Need nancing for new equipment, a property purchase, or an expansion? Financial institutions can help you structure the right type of credit, sometimes through creative approaches like lines of credit, equipment leasing, or seasonal payment plans. Tip: Instead of simply applying for a loan, talk to your banker about the timing and structure of your nancing. is can reduce interest costs and align repayment schedules with your revenue cycles.
Think banks only handle the basics? Scan the QR code to see how financial services can fuel your next big move. CBT
