COMO Business Times The Food & Drink Issue December 2024

Page 1


COLUMBIA FARMERS MARKET STAYS FRESH IN ALL FOUR SEASONS

Tyler Spurgeon, head chef and co-owner of Chris McD's

ADVERTISER INDEX

EDITORIAL

Jodie Jackson Jr, Editor Jodie@comocompanies.com

Kelsey Winkeljohn, Associate Editor Kelsey@comocompanies.com

DESIGN

Jordan Watts, Senior Designer Jordan@comocompanies.com

MARKETING

Charles Bruce, Director of Client Relations Charles@comocompanies.com

Sarah Swartz, Marketing Representative SSwartz@comocompanies.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Keith Borgmeyer

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alicia Belmore, Sunitha Bosecker, Jodie Jackson Jr, Sarah Joplin, Julia Myers, Brian Toohey, Kelsey Winkeljohn

CBT ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

Shawn Barnes, Brooke Berkey, Nickie Davis, Mike Grellner, Jen Hedrick, Andrew Lovewell, Matt McCormick, Quinten Messbarger, Matt Moore, Eric Morrison, Suzanne Rothwell, Steven Spellman, Brian Toohey, Megan Walters

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Magazines are $5.95 an issue. Subscription rate is $54 for 12 issues for one year or $89 for 24 issues for two years. Subscribe at comobusinesstimes.com or by phone. COMO Business Times is published monthly by e COMO Companies.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

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

Copyright e COMO Companies, 2024

All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of any editorial or graphic content without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

“Happy” Mouse has seen some things. He has graced our Christmas tree every holiday season since 1982, though I’m not sure when I insisted that Happy take a place of high honor as the lowest-hanging ornament on the tree. Maybe he’s been the lowest hanger since the start.

His 2024 Christmas tree placement made Happy, quite by accident, the angel hovering over the under-thetree Nativity. The old mouse seems aptly fit for that role.

What theme or motif does your Christmas tree follow? (Or maybe you call it a yule tree, a holiday tree, or even a Festivus pole. Okay, laugh now, you Seinfeld fanatics.) Back when Happy was still a young pup, the women at the newspaper where I was working were comparing notes about their holiday decor; one was using a “late Victorian” theme with huge (gawdy) bows and ribbons, another was going with “rustic Americana.” They asked me to describe the Jackson’s tree decorating style.

My response: “Late twentieth century refrigerator door.”

And that was accurate. Most of the ornaments were hand-made, kid-made, and quite possibly came from being displayed on the refrigerator. That simple approach is still the theme these many years later, though the decor has matured and aged with the DNA of memories, stories, and flickering glimpses of Christmases of yore.

Take Happy, for instance. Through his forty-three Christmas seasons, he has overseen our holiday trees during the presidencies of Reagan, Bush I, Clinton (x2), Bush II (x2), Obama (x2), that other guy, the guy who beat that other guy, and now that other guy again. Think about it. Happy has seen some things.

Happy is always the last ornament on the tree. Of course, I’m the keeper and hanger, and before placing him in a low-hanging place of prominence, I take a few moments to gaze into his still-playful

little eyes, check his weathered mitts, and take stock of more oh-so-subtle signs of aging. It’s kind of like looking into a mirror, I suppose.

I fashioned a little COVID mask for Happy in 2020. Ironic, now, because the accompanying photo shows Happy just moments before beginning his angelic watch over Christmas 2024. And it shows me just eighteen hours away from testing positive for that dreadful virus.

May your 2024 holiday season be full of peace and joy. I wish you a Merry Christmas.

SPECIAL NOTE

Nonprofit Administrative Costs

The November issue of COMO Business Times presented an infographic that was intended to show the amount and percentage of “administrative costs” for several local nonprofits. But that intent and message failed on many levels. The amount and percentage shown represented all salaries and personnel costs — and grossly misrepresented those totals as “administrative.”

Though the numbers came from Guidestar.com, which is the gold standard for nonprofit financial reporting, there was no context or explanation of the information, and the selection of nonprofits was also confusing, appearing to compare organizations that have disparate funding streams, missions, and programs.

In December, look for this editor’s letter on comobusinesstimes.com for further examination of this topic and to read clarifying responses from several of our nonprofits. As editor, I insist that all our content have a high level of meaningful storytelling, whether it’s a 500-word department brief, a 1,500-word feature, or an infographic. This incomplete piece — call it lazy or sloppy journalism — fell miles short of that goal, and I take full responsibility.

Sun: 11:00am-4:00 pm Sat: 9:00am - 6:00pm Mon-Fri: 9:00am - 7:00pm (573) 615-7500

Closer Look

THE ONLY FACIAL - COLUMBIA

e Only Facial is a service-based skincare business dedicated to making beautiful skin simple. With several locations across Missouri, Columbia is nally getting its own. e new location, set to open on Forum Boulevard, has a tentative launch date in January 2025. One of the brand’s standout features is its signature facial, which is o ered at a straightforward price with no upselling or tipping and includes everything needed to jumpstart cell turnover and deliver glowing, healthy skin.

Owner Krisan Lewis, who also owns the local Plato’s Closet, has been a loyal client of e Only Facial’s co-founder, Jill Alaimo, for nearly fteen years.

“When the opportunity to bring it to Columbia arose, I knew that I needed to make it happen,” Lewis said.

Lewis envisions the Columbia location as a place for young people to gain valuable skills and to create career paths for estheticians. She also looks forward to making it an easy and enjoyable experience for clientele.

“At e Only Facial, we believe in the power of simplicity and focus on providing the best possible experience for our clients,” she explains. “Our goal is to help you achieve beautiful, healthy skin through our customized facial treatment. Whether you’re dealing with acne, signs of aging, or just want to maintain your overall skin health, our team of skincare specialists is here to help.”

573-810-5060

1400 Forum Blvd Suite #2

Instagram: @theonlyfacialcolumbiamo

PAINT FRESH

Business owner John Gerhard launched his interior home painting company, Paint Fresh LLC, in November 2021. e company highlights its services on Facebook, stating that it “provides exceptional professional painting for studio homes and corporate contracts across Mid-MO.”

In addition to interior painting, Paint Fresh o ers a variety of property maintenance and improvement services, including exterior painting, drywall patching, deck staining, power washing, and light handyman work.

Gerhard, who has more than ten years of painting experience, considers it to be a therapeutic activity and is thankful for the opportunity to meet the needs of homeowners through the services he provides. As his business celebrates its third anniversary, he re ects on the reasons behind his passion for his work.

“Bringing joy to a homeowner is the greatest feeling to experience,” Gerhard said. “I opened this business so that I could apply a decade’s worth of experience in a way that would bene t the customers I work for every day. Keeping costs low for my customers by not charging premiums on paint and not wasting hours of labor unnecessarily taping edges is of extreme importance to me, and more importantly, to them.”

ose interested in Paint Fresh’s services can call for a free estimate.

(660) 815-2219

gerhardjp87@gmail.com

Facebook: Paint Fresh CBT

Lily White

Vice President of External Affairs, Columbia Chamber of Commerce

favorite things are the farmers market and the living windows event downtown. I love the way the businesses and venders in our community put their all into those kinds of events.

Favorite recent project: Every year I get to plan the Leadership Visit that the Chamber takes. is is a trip to a di erent city in the United States, and we take about seventy community, business, and education leaders from Columbia and Boone County. is year we went to the Research Triangle Park in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I am looking forward to seeing what work comes out of this year’s trip for our community!

Job description: Working within the community to identify and meet determined needs, incorporating the government a airs activities of the Chamber at the city, county, state and federal levels.

What is your background with chambers of commerce and economic/community development?

I began working in the Chamber of Commerce industry in 2016 when I was hired as the Executive Director of the Greater Maryville Chamber of Commerce and License Bureau in Maryville, Missouri. I served in that role for ve years and just celebrated my third-year anniversary as the VP of External A airs here in Columbia in August. Altogether I have served as a leader in a chamber of commerce for more than eight years now.

Hometown: South Kansas City, Missouri

Years lived in Columbia: ree

Favorite volunteer/community activity: I think that of all the incredible things we have in Columbia, some of my

A Columbia businessperson you admire and why: I came to Columbia because I met Matt McCormick at a conference. e Columbia Chamber had the VP role open, and I knew it was time for me to move to a larger chamber to advance my career. I knew I wanted to learn from someone with years of experience in the industry that had a presence in the national associations.

Why you are passionate about your job: We get to spend every day learning why people love their jobs and how we can assist in making their businesses and careers easier or more attainable in our community.

If you weren’t doing this for a living, you would be doing… I am truly obsessed with what I do for a living. However, if I wasn’t doing this, I think I would be good at explaining how government works to citizens. I don’t think I would be a great teacher to kids, so it would need to be grownups, like before they voted or when they were frustrated with something happening in the government. Or a professional Santa’s helper. I love Christmas.

It seems that we all have competing priorities these days. How do you prioritize your priorities? I try to work uidly and always remind myself that what needs to be a priority in the moment will be obvious and I will do everything I can to take care of the immediate need.

Tell us something about the Chamber of Commerce that you believe most people don’t know or understand: e Chamber of Commerce industry has so much history in every community, there is so much to know. Some of my favorites are that the US Chamber of Commerce was created with the goal of creating the national budget, it obviously succeeded. Additionally, the Chicago Chamber of Commerce helped ght mobs, and the San Franciso Chamber of Commerce is why the Golden Gate Bridge exists! Here at the Columbia Chamber, we haven’t fought any mobs, that I know of, but we are very involved in the Rocheport Bridge project as well as the I-70 expansion, which is pretty cool. I liken our work to not being elected o cials with our names publicly on projects or laws, but a lot like Aaron Burr, we are in the rooms where it all happens.

Biggest lesson learned in your working life: You don’t have to say out loud what people can see. When I was very early in my career, I felt like I always needed to tell people that I was working hard, until a friend and mentor said, “We can all see hard work, when it is coming with results. You don’t have to tell people you are working hard. It is obvious because you are getting things done.” at has continued to be very impactful for me to remember.

Greatest strength: I am proud of my ability to always nd creative solutions. e answer is never really “no,” it just might be how can we nd a di erent route.

Greatest weakness: I am a terrible morning person. I have a love-hate relationship with my alarm.

What you do for fun: I love everything I do with my family and friends. We like to be outside, hiking or playing soccer. We hang out at the pool a lot in the summer.

Most people don’t know that you: I love to backpack! A few years ago, I hiked over 30 miles of the Grand Canyon. CBT

It takes a team to unlock true opportunity

For more than 100 years, the Commerce Trust team of experienced wealth specialists has helped both individuals and institutions uncover opportunity amid increasing complexity to achieve their long-term financial goals. Meet Lyle Johnson, your dedicated Columbia Market Executive for Commerce Trust, and learn more about our team approach to wealth management at commercetrustcompany.com/Columbia.

Shop Local: Supporting Our Community One Purchase at a Time

THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS UPON US, a time when many of us are searching for the perfect gifts, planning festive meals, and enjoying the spirit of giving. As we make these preparations, it’s essential to consider the impact of our spending. Shopping local is more than a convenient choice; it’s a powerful way to support our community. From purchasing gift cards to opting for local catering, every dollar spent locally makes a signi cant di erence.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SHOPPING LOCAL

When you shop local, you’re not just buying a product or service; you’re investing in your community. Here’s why shopping local matters:

Strengthening the Local Economy: Local businesses are the backbone of our economy. ey provide jobs, support other local enterprises, and keep money circulating within the community. According to numerous studies, for every $100 spent at a local business, approximately $68 stays in the local

economy, compared to only $43 when spent at a national chain.

Creating Jobs: Local businesses are signi cant employers within the community. By supporting them, you help create and sustain jobs, which in turn boosts the local economy and improves the quality of life for residents.

Building Community: Local businesses are owned by our neighbors and friends. ey contribute to the community by supporting local events, sponsoring sports teams, and donating to charities. When you shop local, you’re helping to build a stronger, more vibrant community.

GIFT CARDS:

THE PERFECT LOCAL GIFT

Gift cards are an excellent way to support local businesses while giving the recipient the freedom to choose their perfect gift. Here’s why local gift cards make great presents:

Flexibility and Convenience: Gift cards are versatile and can be used at the recipient’s convenience. ey allow the recipient to choose something they truly want or need, making them a thoughtful and appreciated gift.

Supporting Small Businesses: When you purchase a gift card from a local business, you provide immediate revenue that can help with cash ow, particularly during the holiday season. is support is crucial for small businesses, which often operate on tight margins.

Encouraging Local Spending: Gift cards encourage recipients to shop locally, introducing them to new stores and experiences. is can lead to repeat business and long-term support for local enterprises.

YOUR DOLLARS MATTER: THE RIPPLE EFFECT

Every dollar you spend locally has a ripple e ect that bene ts the entire community. Here’s how your spending makes a di erence:

Economic Growth: Local spending stimulates economic growth by increasing the demand for local goods and services. is growth leads to more business opportunities, job creation, and a higher standard of living for residents.

Community Development: e money spent at local businesses contributes to community development. Local businesses pay taxes that fund public services such as schools, parks, and infrastructure. is enhances the quality of life for everyone in the community.

Environmental Bene ts: Shopping locally reduces the need for long-distance shipping and transportation, which lowers carbon emissions and reduces the environmental impact. Additionally, local businesses are more likely to adopt sustainable practices and support local environmental initiatives.

is holiday season, and throughout the year, make a conscious e ort to shop local. Whether it’s buying gift cards, choosing local catering, or simply making everyday purchases, your dollars matter. By supporting local businesses, you’re investing in the economic health, sustainability, and vibrancy of our community. e Chamber of Commerce encourages everyone to think local rst and experience the positive impact of their spending. Let’s come together to build a stronger, more resilient community — one purchase at a time. CBT

Matt McCormick is the president and CEO of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

Are you looking for a venue to celebrate the season?

Create Holiday Memories

in our Modern Industrial Venue

• Capacity: 518 people

• Half day or Full day bookings

• 12’ LED Media Wall

• Full, rich sound (microphones available)

• Multi-room simulcast video/audio

• Refreshment bar

• Outdoor fireplace

• Indoor/outdoor seating

• Catering available

• 250+ private parking spaces

• Minutes from the interstate

• ADA compliant

• Co-working space Mon-Fri 7-2pm

Book with us today! You can choose from our annex , auditorium , courtyard , conference room , or reserve the whole campus for your event.

Homelessness in COMO

ANYBODY WITH EYES TO SEE OR EARS TO HEAR realizes that homelessness in COMO has been on the rise in the last few years.

Maybe it really became evident during the pandemic when the bus station downtown that is normally o ered as a warming center during the winter was also opened up as a homeless hangout year-round. e situation became intimidating to customers and bothersome to employees, and managers had to fend o or clean up after an acute concentration of unhoused folks. Even caring downtown business owners came to realize it was a disaster.

And over time our major intersections around town are covered with panhandlers — who might or might not be homeless, or part of an organized group.

One longer term proposed solution to the bus station debacle turned into using $millions in ARPA funds for a homeless Taj Mahal by the old power plant.

It’s hard to have a clear public discussion about this because it gets all political; even terminology: homeless vs unsheltered? “ ose bums oughta just get a job” ain’t gonna y around here, but we can’t throw around unlimited tax dollars while ignoring obvious public safety problems.

HOMELESS FOR DIFFERENT REASONS

My eyes were further enlightened by local businessman Randy Minchew that there are myriad circumstances and attitudes among folks without a place to stay. I have since listened to many di erent perspectives to try to analyze what we have here. Here goes:

First, there are people who were doing okay, but try as they may, they tempo-

rarily fell down on their luck due to economic, medical and/or relationship problems. With a hand up they are generally willing and able to get back up on their feet. Between family and friends (reallife social networks) plus numerous nonpro t organizations, our community can handle this.

en there are those who are not trying, or who are not able to try. One important revelation is a good number of folks living on the street are struggling with severe mental health and/or addiction problems, so have slipped through the cracks, and chronically so.

en there’s the small percentage of homeless who are actively causing trouble. A local nonpro t leader privately described how their generous organization is really struggling with a small number of homeless: “disrupters” who come by the service center to intimidate other clients seeking assistance or break and steal equipment.

“WE

CAN’T HAVE THAT!”

Disrupters might be a good term for the legion of panhandlers on COMO’s street corners. We can be sympathetic to beggars, but we can’t have loitering on the narrow medians of busy streets.

At the 70/63 interchange some weeks ago I saw such a fellow whose legs were stretched into the roadway, where a semitruck had to swerve a couple feet so as not to run over the poor guy’s ankles. We can’t have that!

Homeless warming res catching adjacent buildings ablaze has become an epidemic. Including behind the Noodles and Company restaurant downtown and ironically a construction trailer at the homeless center construction site. You can’t make this up.

I hear from locals who have guests in from big cities like St. Louis and Dallas who notice the problem is worse here than back home. Locals who travel to other likesized college towns such as Tuscaloosa, Fayetteville, even Lawrence (boo!) tell me they see hardly any homeless or intersection panhandlers. What are those locales doing di erently?

Which begs the question: “What’s wrong with Columbia?” Have we become the San Francisco of the Midwest where city hall’s bleeding heart has become hemophilic?

e current trend is no good for residents, visitors, business owners, the public treasury, nor the homeless themselves. We need to balance being nice and accommodating, with being rm and smart. CBT

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

Can We Admit the Development Code Just Hasn’t Worked?

WHEN THE STUDENT HOUSING BOOM STARTED in downtown Columbia and the surrounding areas, some City Council members and their cronies rushed to halt construction and “save” our downtown. Some people even sued the city for issuing building permits. To stop the construction, Columbia passed “interim” C-2 zoning regulations. e rules limited building heights, added additional parking requirements, and made the approval process political until a more permanent x could be created.

Skip forward a few years to 2017, when the city passed an underfunded rewrite of the Development Code (the UDC or UDO as it is sometimes referred to now). e number of regulations in the new code has more than doubled and was supposed to streamline the development process –and make it less expensive.

But, almost eight years in, it’s time to admit the UDC isn’t working and is instead limiting growth and causing some of the highest home in ation in the country.

e new code was designed to encourage “development by right,” allowing more administrative approval and the use of form-based zoning in the downtown area. By-right development, in contrast to planned district development, is intended to make the development process less political by limiting the City Council’s involvement in the process. Planned district development is also more costly and time-consuming for both the developers and city sta . e new code was to encourage more development by making the process less costly and cumbersome. Unfortunately, the City Council at the time was still using its in uence to force projects to be approved as planned developments as opposed to a by-right zoning request. e approval process has eased very little in recent years, and there is more development by right, but it’s a result of a more favorable attitude with City Council members and not the code itself. A more favorable attitude may be

a result of the council recognizing that our city is falling further into an a ordable housing crisis.

ere are several additional reasons the UDC is deepening the a ordability crisis. I’ll focus on just a few.

It severely limits density growth in the central city. ese areas contain zoning and other characteristics that, for years, have facilitated more dense development. However, the new UDC was used to slow density increases by implementing neighborhood protections. Neighborhood protections dictate the density a property owner could add based on their neighbor’s current use. Since 2017, this has reduced the number of homes in an area that has historically provided greater a ordability.

Other limitations in the UDC have stalled development and created more costs, such as the inability to develop across property lines under common ownership, a reduction in the allowable slope of a lot, and limitations on the length of a building. ese stipulations have added cost, reduced density, and limited critically needed home and apartment creation.

Columbia is no longer a small town; it’s the fourth-largest city in Missouri. e city will continue to grow, and that is important for everyone. If a city isn’t growing, it’s dying.

e UDC passed in 2017 placed too many restrictions on new and in ll development, exacerbating a housing crisis that will only worsen with time unless corrective action is taken with the code. In addition to the UDC, the council and city commissions have played a part in limiting growth and in ating costs. But all of that is in the past.

I now plead with the current city leaders to nd a way to improve the UDC, streamline the approval process, reduce costs, aid development, and in doing so, provide greater housing a ordability at all income levels. CBT

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

WHAT THE PROS KNOW BUSINESS

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: WHAT DOES GOOD SERVICE LOOK LIKE?

In today’s fast-paced business environment, maintaining the functionality of your office technology is crucial for ensuring productivity and efficiency. Among the various solutions available, a dedicated Print IT Help Desk plays a vital role in managing the maintenance and operational effectiveness of devices like copiers, printers, scanners, and integrated applications.

Corey has a passion for sales and customer service. With over 27 years of experience in office equipment, he oversees the GFI Digital sales team in Missouri, Illinois and Kansas. Prior to joining GFI Digital, Corey served as Director of Sales at IKON Office Solutions (now Ricoh). Corey received his sales and management training from Modern Business Systems (MBS) in the 1990’s, which later became IKON.

croofe@gfidigital.com (media contact) marketing@gfidigital.com (general) (877) 434-0012

A Print Help Desk serves as a centralized point of contact for all issues related to office printing technology. Employees can quickly report problems, troubleshoot with experienced technicians, or seek assistance with software applications. This streamlined communication helps reduce downtime, allowing staff to focus on their core responsibilities without being sidetracked by technical glitches.

Furthermore, proactive maintenance is essential for keeping office equipment running smoothly. The Print IT Help Desk can implement regular checks and updates, ensuring the equipment is serviced before critical issues arise. This preventative approach not only extends the lifespan of the equipment but also minimizes costly repairs and disruptions.

Additionally, the Print IT Help Desk can assist in the integration of digital applications that enhance printing processes. This includes software for print management, document scanning, and workflow automation. By leveraging these technologies, organizations can optimize their printing strategies,

reduce waste, and save on costs, all while improving overall productivity.

Moreover, the Print IT Help Desk plays a key role in employee training. Many staff members may not be fully aware of the capabilities of the office equipment or the digital tools available. Providing training and support helps employees utilize these resources effectively, fostering a culture of efficiency and innovation within the workplace.

In conclusion, a Print Help Desk is an indispensable asset for any organization that relies on office technology. By ensuring proper maintenance, facilitating efficient communication, managing supplies, and

promoting employee training, it contributes significantly to the seamless operation of office environments. In an era where technology is integral to business success, investing in a Print Help Desk is not just beneficial—it’s essential.

GFI Digital, an industry-leading provider of office technology and offers the Print IT Help Desk services as part of our monthly service contract. Stop paying for copier support! It is a critical component of your copier agreement and should be included in your monthly service contract. Contact GFI Digital today to learn more about Copier Support and Print IT Help Desk services that are included in your monthly service contract.

UNIFYING YOUR BRAND ACROSS PLATFORMS

In today’s fast-paced world, brands have endless ways of connecting with their audience—social media, email, in-store displays, digital ads, and more. But the real challenge goes beyond being everywhere at once; it’s making sure your brand feels consistent no matter where people might find it. A cohesive brand identity is a must because it helps build trust, makes your brand more recognizable, and keeps customers coming back.

Define Your Brand Voice and Visual Identity

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.

The foundation of a cohesive brand starts with a clear and well-defined brand voice and visual identity. Brand voice includes the tone, language, and personality conveyed through content and messaging. Visual identity encompasses your logo, color palette, fonts, and imagery style. Once defined, communicate these elements across all platforms. For instance, if your brand uses a friendly, conversational tone on social media, make sure that emails, website content, and in-store signage reflect that same voice. The goal is to provide a seamless experience so that whether a customer interacts with your brand on Instagram or at a physical location, they feel that same connection.

Consistency is Key

Start by developing key messaging themes, such as your mission statement, product value propositions, and brand story. Use these core messages as the foundation for all content, ensuring that they’re adapted appropriately to each channel without losing the essence. Inconsistency can dilute your brand’s impact and confuse potential customers.

A brand focused on sustainability might emphasize eco-friendly practices on its website, social media, and even packaging. This consistent messaging helps customers understand what the brand stands for and builds trust over time. Using a content calendar to track themes and messaging for each platform can help maintain uniformity while catering content to each audience segment.

Align Teams Across Departments

| comomarketing.co

intact. This could mean using the same color palette in visuals, reinforcing core messages, or maintaining brand voice, regardless of platform-specific tweaks.

Consistency is also built internally. When marketing, sales, customer service, and other departments understand and embrace the brand’s identity, they contribute to a cohesive experience for customers. Sales representatives should have the same understanding of the brand’s values and message as the social media team.

Optimize for Each Platform While Staying On-Brand

Each platform has unique features and audience expectations. While it’s essential to tailor content to fit the format (such as short, visually engaging posts on Instagram vs. more detailed articles on a blog), the overarching brand identity should remain

Monitor and Adjust

Brand cohesion is an ongoing process that requires regular assessment. Use analytics to understand how customers are interacting with your brand on each platform, then make adjustments as needed. If specific channels stray from the brand’s core identity, bring them back in line by refining content or messaging.

Building a cohesive brand across all channels is key to standing out in today’s crowded market. When your voice, messaging, and visuals all align, you create a memorable experience that connects with customers and strengthens those relationships at every step of the way.

MAKING THE MOST OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

The Christmas season seems to come and go faster each year. We try to get ahead but somehow always miss something. Here are a few tips to make the most of the season as a business owner:

1. Start assessing your business needs for the new year sooner rather than later. As a business owner, you know the importance of adapting and growing to keep up with the market. Instead of rushing out of the holidays and rushing into the new year, take time now to plan for the new year so you feel ready when 2025 comes around. This will also help you get the ball rolling on saving for upgrades or talking with a lender about financing.

2. Plan out holiday promotions instead of coming up with them on the fly. It will be hard to get the word out about a holiday promotion when you’re competing against the noise of everyone else. Planning your promotion and what strategies you will use to spread the word will help

your business be effective and reach the sales goals you’ve set for the season.

3. If you haven’t already, now is the time to automate your business and your banking. Think of all the time you’ve wasted doing a task daily, weekly or monthly that could be automated. Do you run to the bank every day to cash checks? Check out Remote Deposit Capture. Are you sitting down every month to pay the same bills? Use Online Bill Pay. There are a lot of Treasury Management and Business Services that can be offered through your bank to help make managing your business and your money easier.

BRAD ROLING

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, Heart of Missouri United Way Board of Directors and Beta Theta Pi Advisory Board. Brad is a proud Mizzou grad and loves cheering on the Tigers!

4. ‘Tis the season for giving! Carve out time or money in your business and consider donating to a non-profit during the holiday season. Not only will this boost morale during busy times, but it will make an impact in our community by helping others.

I hope this Christmas season is one of relaxation and prosperity for you and your business! I am looking forward to all that 2025 has in store.

A LEGACY OF CONSTRUCTING NEW PROJECTS AND PRESERVING MISSOURI HISTORY

Prost Builders has been involved in various construction and renovation projects, including work on the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City. The Capitol is a historic building built over 100 years ago and has undergone numerous renovations and preservation efforts to maintain its structural integrity, historical significance, and beauty for many visitors and government employees. Prost Builders has contributed to these efforts, particularly in areas involving historic restoration, remodeling, and repair work. Our expertise has been utilized to ensure that modern construction standards were met while preserving the Capitol’s historical features.

This type of work often includes delicate tasks such as gold leaf painting, restoring stained glass, and Carthage marble repairs, ensuring the building meets contemporary safety codes, and preserving the integrity of architectural details that reflect the Capitol’s history. Our work of repairing and refinishing the Missouri State Capitol’s large 18-foot-high by 12-foot-wide bi-fold bronze doors at the Grand Staircase entrance required gently removing and transporting them to restoration experts in New Jersey to clean, repair, and restore the doors to their natural beauty and operability.

Recently, Prost Builders restored the gorgeous barrel vault, stained glass laylight above the Grand Staircase, by removing and transporting the stained glass laylight in sections to Los Angeles for cleaning, repair, and restoration to follow the ‘original intent’ of the laylight. The project included artisan

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.

painting of the dome’s arch ceiling and artisan painting of the Capitol’s Rotunda.

Yet another project Prost Builders worked on was the Governor’s Mansion, which required brick tuckpointing, window replacements, lead paint removal, repainting the exterior, replacing the roof, and renovating and restoring various interior spaces—such as the Ballroom, the Governor’s master suite, kitchen, living room, and elevator. Prost Builders also built the fountain with the children sculpture in the Mansion’s front yard as a reminder to the public of Missouri’s children.

A year ago, we restored the Carnahan Memorial Garden by removing the weathered wood from the structure on the ceilings of the pergola and restoring it with a new western red cedar shingle roof, redwood timber, and decorative wood elements. Prost Builders was also responsible for the repair and renovation of the Capitol’s exterior terrace and foundation repairs, and exposed Osage River aggregate sidewalks and foundation repairs.

It’s clear that Prost Builders has been an integral part of Missouri’s new projects throughout our 75 years of construction work— but we also show our dedication to the history of our beloved state through our restoration and renovation projects on many Missouri landmark properties.

New Look for an Old Favorite

Chris McD’s spruces up to complement its menu.

CHRIS McD’S, a staple of ne dining in Columbia for more than thirty years, is a name that quickly conjures up the aroma and delicacy of sizzling steak and mouthwatering seafood. But even the greats need a makeover at times, and that’s what happened this fall.

“With the caliber of food and service it was apparent that the atmosphere needed to match the great experience here at Chris McD’s,” said Tyler Spurgeon, head chef and co-owner. Together with brother, Chris Spurgeon, and his team at Como Cabanas LLC, the team assembled all the ingredients to achieve that goal.

A LOOK BACK

Chris McD’s was established in 1991 by founder and chef Chris McDonnell at 1400 Forum Boulevard. e restaurant has only been remodeled one other time in its thirty-three-year history, just after a re in 1993. e restaurant shut down for a spell for repairs, opening back up in 1994 after rebuilding the kitchen and revamping the front of the house as well as the menu.

irty years later, Chris McD’s Restaurant & Wine Bar is as much a destination as it is a top choice for a romantic date night, corporate wine-and-dine, or relaxed family and friend culinary experience. e eatery’s Facebook page promises “a wide variety of top-quality, full- avor cuisine, including seafood, steak, pasta, chicken, and daily chef specials.”

In the years that followed the re, shutdown, and resurgence, the popularity grew, and the restaurant was the recipient of the Restaurant of the Year Award in 2002. Patrons were enjoying the menu variety with new cuisines as well as the delectable steak and seafood Chris McD’s came to be known for. e twenty- fth anniversary brought celebrations and menu specials as well.

By 2022, Chris McDonnell had found his suitable successor in Tyler Spurgeon. Together with new co-owners Tina and Dr. Mike Maurizi, Spurgeon took over as head chef. It seemed just the right timing for both McDonnell and Spurgeon. His plan was to keep all the great menu options that Chris McD’s was already known for while adding a bit of a French are as time went on.

Tyler also had plans for a remodel of the space and adding to the lovely patio options, which are now among the renovation features and the reopening.

A LOOK FORWARD

Spurgeon and team were excited to reopen in the fall with a new look updated to match the upscale service and menu. Excitement is buzzing in the restaurant and in the community as the ambiance, food, and friendly service beckon both old and new guests.

Some of the other remodel highlights include a new oor, updated restrooms, bar, water feature, re-

1991

1993

1994

Chris McDonnell opened Chris McD’s with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Kitchen fire caused severe damage, restaurant shut down.
Chris McD’s rebuilt and reopened to the public.

2022

As for the future of Chris McD’s, the goal is simple: “To continue the great legacy that has made us a staple here in Columbia.”

place, and private dining room. Included on a “welcome back” Facebook post was “a special thank you to Como Cabanas LLC for spearheading this project seamlessly!”

Como Cabanas LLC owner and brother to the chef, Chris Spurgeon, said he was excited and honored to work on the project.

“ ere were a lot of great ideas, and we wanted to capture the feelings and elegance of a one-of-a-kind ne dining establishment,” he said. “It was our pleasure to put together a timeless build that people will be able to enjoy for years to come.”

While the look was getting a facelift, Chef Tyler worked to update the menu as well. It was condensed down a bit and now boasts an al a carte option to allow customers to pick their steak and sides.

“With the remodel we were looking to add an elegant atmosphere that matches the food and service here at the restaurant,” Tyler said. As for the future of Chris McD’s, the goal is simple: “To continue the great legacy that has made us a staple here in Columbia.”

Chris McD’s will continue its focus on top-quality service, securing the freshest ingredients possible, and creating a memorable dining experience, Tyler said. Guests can drop in or make a reservation. e hours are 4:30-9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. CBT

2024

Remodel and menu revamp complete to match the atmosphere and experience.

Chris McD’s awarded Restaurant of the Year by the Missouri Restaurant Association.
Chris McDonnell hands the apron to Tyler Spurgeon who takes over as Head Chef  and co-owner with Tina and Dr Mike Maurizi.

Fresh IN ALL FOUR SEASONS

Even in the dead of winter, the Columbia Farmers Market is alive with seasonal offerings from local producers.

If you are like many who thrive in summer and grow melancholy when the cool weather comes, there is good news. You may be among those who don’t realize that the Columbia Farmers Market o ers a vibrant atmosphere with fresh local produce and goods year-round.

“We treat Saturdays in February the same as those in June,” said Corrina Smith, executive director for the past eleven years. Whether it’s fall, winter, or spring, she explained, “It is still a great space to get all of your groceries; you’re just eating with the seasons.”

Smith encourages the community to enjoy and support the market all twelve months of the year, acknowledging the symbiotic interrelationships involved in eating fresh.

Dustin Stanton of Stanton Brothers has been selling eggs at the market since 2007.

“It’s the place to be on Saturday morning,” he said. A fth-generation farmer and member of the market’s board of directors for nearly nine years, Stanton understands and knows the dynamics of local food better than most. In addition to the nancial support the market a ords, he said, “It is really great because people enjoy meeting their farmers but as farmers, the market is a great way for us to meet our customers and we love that.”

For those unfamiliar, he reports that the winter market is still festive with live music, kid’s activities, and tours.

Shoppers might also not know that there is actually a lot of green produce grown throughout the winter right in mid-Missouri.

“More and more of our vendors are evolving their production processes to be able to produce something year-round,” Smith said. “ e most common seasonal extensions are greenhouses, high tunnels or hoop houses and row cover, all of which allow farmers to produce some type of fresh produce.”

Producers are also growing fall and storage crops, things like sweet potatoes, winter squash, and garlic that can be sold throughout the entire winter. She wants people to think beyond corn, tomatoes, and watermelon, and know that the winter market still o ers meat, eggs, fresh greens and vegetables, baked goods, honey, and prepared foods in addition to niche items like mushrooms and microgreens.

While the Columbia Farmers Market dates to 1980, the winter market has steadily grown since its debut in 2010. ese years on, with Columbia’s Agricultural Park coming to fruition, the Farmers Market is nally settling into a permanent home in the MU Health Care Pavilion. e dust was still settling from nal construction last fall, so the 2024/2025 season will mark the rst since 2018 that the market isn’t adjusting to infrastructure changes. e heated, indoor gathering looks forward to welcoming its estimated 2,500 to 3,000 weekly shoppers and attendees, up from just 100 during its humble beginnings.

Attendance and venue are far from the only things that have improved over the years. ere is a common slogan behind the scenes in the farmers market world that says, “Farmers Markets don’t just happen.” In Columbia’s case, the busy team currently works from home and is comprised of two full-time and one part-time employee, along with a small group that works speci cally at the markets. When the Welcome Center at the Agriculture Park is complete, the sta will have o ces onsite alongside its ally — Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture. e new space will also be used to expand programming and provide education, business development, and marketing skills to farmers to help them be more successful. Onsite, the shared kitchen will undoubtedly foster new product development and unforeseen entrepreneurial collaborations.

Currently, the Columbia Farmers Market sta not only facilitates the market event itself, which draws 5,000 to 7,000 people during the summer months, but it also works day in and day out on programming to support local farmers and agriculture, to provide market access to disadvantaged

locals, and to continue teaching and feeding people. A 2019 USDA Farmers Market Promotional Program grant awarded to the market funded multiple marketing workshops open to vendors, facilitated thirty branded websites being designed and built for select market vendors to carry forward, a orded fty-one promotional vendor pro le videos to be created, and allowed for a corresponding printed booklet titled “Food From Home” which includes favorite recipes and is still available online.

While proceeds from the annual Farm to Table event contribute to support operations, an organizational change to a 501(c)(3) non-pro t status has helped develop additional funding for the overall mission. For example, the Columbia Farmers Market now participates in the CoMoGives online fundraising event.

is year’s goal is $20,000. Another new revenue stream and way for local businesses that don’t t into vendor parameters to still participate in the market and support its work is the sponsorship program. It allows sponsor businesses to table at the market and interface with its customers in addition to receiving recognition in print and online.

e Market’s goals of philanthropy and goodwill are perhaps most re ected in alliances with local social services. Last year, the Columbia Farmers Market dispensed over $227,000 in food incentive bene ts and it anticipates surpassing that this year.

“Everybody eats and we want everyone to have access to what our farmers and producers are growing, making and bringing to the market,” Smith said. at is being done through multiple initiatives including SNAP and WIC matching programs, as well as WIC-FMNP and SFMNP vouchers. In partnership with Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture, the Columbia Farmers Market also participates in the Produce Prescription Program administered through Compass Health where patients are prescribed and provided fresh fruits and vegetables. If you are a SNAP, WIC, SFMNP or WIC-FMNP recipient living in Boone County, a senior, disabled or living with children under 19 years old, you can shop the market, and the Columbia Farmers Market will match your bene ts up to $35 per market. Sign-up is simple and can be done online or at the Oasis booth on-site.

Smith added that she’s been doing her job long enough to know customers she saw as kids now shopping as adults. Children of all ages are welcome to join the weekly Good Food Detectives club. All you need to do is stop by the Oasis booth to sign up for free, receive and complete one of three activity booklets, and earn “Munch Money.” Kids earn $2 for each completed activity book and can spend it on fruits and vegetables.

“We’re teaching where our food comes from and who is growing it and giving them the buying power and em-

powerment to build their own relationships with farmers,” Smith said. “We’re cultivating the next generation of our shoppers and planting these seeds as a type of legacy planning.”

It’s little surprise that all of the good works have garnered recognition. In 2021, Columbia was named the No. 1 Farmers Market in the nation, the Midwest, and in Missouri by American Farmland Trust.

“To be recognized for what we have done is an honor but there are so many farmers markets out there that are doing amazing work,” Smith said. “I don’t think any farmers market is the best market; I think that we have the best customers. ey are the ones who have supported us since 1980 and more recently in the capital campaign to build the pavilion.”

If you need a healthy pick-me-up this winter, think of the Columbia Farmers Market which features nearly ninety vendors from within a fty-mile radius, most of whom are located in or near Boone County. As a producer-only market, everything sold is o ered by the farmers and artisans who help sustain the culture, economy, and environment of the region.

“We would not be the Columbia Farmers Market without our customers,” Smith explained. “ at is really who the awards go to, those who shop with us every week and help support our local farmers.” CBT

There’s magic to side hustles, especially when they involve late nights, quirky customers, and the unpredictable pulse of delivery apps like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and Amazon Flex. Maybe it’s the mystery of who’s on the other side of that door, or the way drivers gather stories like souvenirs. Either way, if you’ve ever ordered Taco Bell at 1 a.m. or shared an Uber with a karaoke setup in the backseat, you’ve experienced a piece of this strange, charming world.

On one particularly memorable night, I dozed into a deep sleep in my Airbnb around 1 a.m., fully intending to stay awake just long enough for my Uber Eats delivery to arrive. I’d ordered a Crunchwrap Supreme, that late-night delicacy best enjoyed with a dash of sleep deprivation. As I awakened the next morning, the immediate thought that popped into my mind was: Did my Crunchwrap survive the night?

I stumbled to the door, opening it with a mix of hope and dread. To my relief, the package lay undisturbed by the “nightlife creatures” I’d feared. ere it was, my Crunchwrap, mercifully untouched by raccoons, cats, or late-night wanderers.

The Adventures of Side Hustles

e thing about side hustles is that they create these little snapshots of other people’s lives. Take my friend Zach, for example. Once, he logged into his Grubhub app to deliver a single ice cream cone. at’s right — one cone, one scoop, across town from a convenient gas station. Most people would have expected it to melt before arrival, but a job is a job, right?

en there’s Amazon Flex, where the job involves more than just packages — it involves tips, sticky notes, and good survival skills. Colby once dabbled in Amazon Flex and shared some personal notes on how to avoid the family’s hyperactive golden retriever or overly anxious Pomeranian.

Others were more direct signage warning things like, “Please knock quietly, new baby inside!” or “Please use the back door, house cat tends to escape.” Every house has its own house rules. Don’t you?

en there are the pet sitters and dog walkers who bring tales from the yards and front doors they visit. One pet sitter, who doubled as an Amazon Flex driver, told me about the “rules” that came with each house. Not just the human rules, mind you, but the pet rules. ere were charts to let her know which dogs were friendly, which cats would scratch, and which guinea pigs were escape artists.

And there’s something oddly endearing about delivering groceries through Instacart. Sophie sometimes does Instacart to earn a few extra bucks and swears by the number of times she ended up delivering orders to the right places but discovered later it was the wrong home address. ese deliveries were small moments of delight for the residents, but for the drivers, it was another stop on a list that stretched through grocery aisles, late-night fast-food stops, and emergency snack runs.

One of the biggest ironies in this world of gig work is that many drivers who started these jobs to make some “extra” cash ended up working fulltime hours. ese side hustles are often seen as exible income boosters, but for some, they’ve become primary sources of income. e drivers themselves are as diverse as the stories they tell, from college students looking to ll in gaps between classes to retired folks who enjoy the extra cash — and the extra company.

e Uber stories, though, are my personal favorites. It’s a mishmash of personalities, from 30-something code developers to 40-something dads. Once, I found myself in the backseat of an Uber with a full karaoke setup. e driver had a mini microphone setup, complete with small iPad screens that played 80s and 90s pop wonders. He said the karaoke sessions brought in tips and kept things lively.

ere is nothing as relatable as singing along to “Don’t Stop Believin’” with strangers under neon van lights. But it’s not just the karaoke Ubers that make the night interesting; it’s the Uber Eats runs that turn chaotic when team projects run late, and everyone decides a midnight McDonald’s run is the answer. You get a collective sigh of relief as everyone piles into a shared order, then the surreal thrill of opening that door past midnight to receive French fries and cheeseburgers as if these delights make the group project more enjoyable.

Shop Local

Locally, there is a hidden gem of a local delivery service called CoMo Delivered. It is a locally owned service in Columbia that partners with small restaurants. Unlike the big delivery names, CoMo Delivered is all about supporting local eateries, and it delivers with the same pride that many bigger platforms can’t replicate. e drivers here know the best places to pick up a late-night gyro or extra-cheesy pizzas.

Side hustles like these keep a person busy and make the distance of a city reachable. Every delivery paints a picture of late-night cravings, tired students, or hardworking parents who just can’t make it to the store, from the Taco Bells to the ice cream cones to the midnight McDonald's. And sometimes, the customer’s life sneaks in, too — an Amazon delivery with baby supplies, a dog-walking client juggling a high-demanding job, or the college group too exhausted from cramming for nals to cook.

Whether they’re delivering, driving, or just dropping by to walk a dog, these side hustlers are the unsung threads that stitch the city’s story together. While the gigs may not always be glamorous (or even side hustles, in some cases), they create a strange, enduring connection between all of us who’ve ever waited for a Black Bean Crunchwrap Supreme at 1 a.m., hoping it’ll still be there come morning. CBT

“Working with COMO Marketing was the best choice for taking our company to the next level, their website and social media team are extremely creative and passionate. The first thing I noticed was how engaged and interested they were in learning about Monarch Title and what our goals were in meeting customer needs. The dollars invested immediately showed a return on our investment. We saw more traffic to our website, we were getting great reviews from our customers, and we were receiving multiple online orders for title work and closings. We have become a loyal customer of COMO Marketing and highly recommend their services. They are driven to produce results for their clients. We would meet monthly with her staff and they always produced reports providing valuable data and suggestions to us on how to reach goals to increase market share. With her marketing skills she assisted us in increasing our market share by upwards of 30% over a three year period.”

New Business Licenses

Issued October 2024

Resilient

Counseling LCSW PC

Jamie Vollmoeller 401 N. West Blvd., Columbia

Arizona Solar Solutions 2141 E. Broadway Rd., Tempe, AZ

Brew Crew LLC #000186

209 S. Providence Rd., Columbia

Carney Construction and Inspections LLC

Jade Carney

3106 Funderburg Mill Drive, Columbia

Dreamz, LLC

MassageLuXe

Donna Lauer

3507 Nor eet Drive, Columbia

Nivo Solar

211 N. Robinson Ave., Oklahoma City, OK

Ruprecht Foods LLC

McDonald’s – St. Charles

Ryan Ruprecht 5615 E. St. Charles Rd., Columbia

Bow Doctor 12 Ring

Archery Range LLC

David Mitchell

1313 Count Fleet Court, Columbia

Danger’s Chaos and Curios

1103 E. Walnut St., Columbia

Columbia MO

Storage LLC

Zach Quick

3100 Chinaberry Drive, Columbia

Ahura Mazda LLC

Five Star Bath Solutions of Columbia

Sherezad Mistry 5108 Rosewood Court

Our House, My House, LLC

Health care and social assistance 5695 E. Clark Lane, Columbia

The Patch Co.

Retail trade

Averi Gray 901 Rollins Street, Columbia

Paint My World Rainbow

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Rachel Rosenkoetter 101 Walton Heath Court, Columbia

AD Beauty Co.

3700 I-70 Drive SE, Columbia

Bigfoot Wing Dust

Retail trade

Tawnya Moroni 5101 Craydon Drive, Columbia

Cornerstone Compassionate Care Services 1121 Business Loop 70E, Columbia

Scott Baldridge LLC

Electrical trade contractor 11491 W. Callahan Creek Rd.

Black Dog Enterprises

General contractor 1415 Wilkes Boulevard, Columbia

Missouri Valley Home Inspections

Heidi Adams and James Adams 3605 Jamesdale Rd, Columbia CBT

What’s Going Up?

Kraft-Heinz preps for hot dog equipment updates, Love Columbia ten-plex moves forward.

EXPANSION OF THE OSCAR MEYER HOT DOG PRODUCTION LINE at the Kraft-Heinz Columbia plant and the construction of a three-story ten-plex apartment building designed to create a ordable housing options are among the projects listed on the city’s October building permit report.

e city of Columbia’s Building and Site Development o ce issued 112 building permits showing a combined valuation of $27,162,378. Boone County’s o ce of Resource Management issued 110 building permits that had an aggregate value of $13,997,447. Together, the city and county entities issued 222 permits totaling $41.16 million.

e city’s October building permit breakdown includes:

• Commercial addition: 1 permit, $30,122 valuation.

• Residential addition: 7 permits, $269,316.

• Commercial alteratio: 5 permits, $3.88 million.

• Pool: 11 permits, $733,927.

• Commercial in ll: 22 permits, $929,650.

• Commercial multi-family: 1 permit, $1.88 million.

• Deck only: 8 permits, $170,266.

• Duplex: 4 permits, $915,822.

• Reroof: 28 permits, $496,437.

• Single family detached: 44 permits, $17.8 million.

Highlights of the October permit report include:

A three-story, ten-plex apartment complex at 1221 E. Ash St. is a focal point of Love Columbia’s e ort to provide additional a ordable housing options in the central city.

e building permit for the $1.88 million LOVE COLUMBIA TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PROJECT entails 12,700 square feet. Prost Builders Inc. is the general contractor. Engineering rms involved are Shane Floyd

Timberlake Engineering and Crockett Engineering. e architect is Jason Simon Associates.

Signi cant funding for Love Columbia’s focus on transitional housing for families and children experiencing homelessness has come from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) awards from city and county o cials.

KRAFT HEINZ COLUMBIA at 4600 Waco Road is the plant that makes every Oscar Meyer hot dog sold in America. e company will use Chapter 100 revenue bond nancing for a roughly $93 million expansion of its hot dog production line. at work is getting started with a building permit for altering an existing packaging room per equipment updates and other related work involves 7,789 square feet of space with a project valuation of $3.57. e general contractor is e Dennis Group Inc. of Spring eld, Massachusetts. e local economic development and expansion project, known as Project Lightyear, comes with a Boone County Commission-approved 75 per-

If you see a building popping up and wonder, “What’s going up?”, email jodie@comocompanies.com and let us know!

cent property tax abatement on new equipment. All of the county’s taxing entities, including the city of Columbia, signed o on the Chapter 100 tax abatement.

Kraft Heinz Columbia produces roughly one million hot dogs each day.

A new shell building at 2101 Cottle Drive – next to the BreakTime convenience store on North Stadium/ Route E – is the subject of two permits for COMMERCIAL INFILL . Suite 101 consists of 4,413 square feet and will become a new storage warehouse. Little Dixie Construction Co. is the contractor for the $111,926 project. Suite 105 of the same building has the same square footage and will be out tted for new o ce and warehouse use. e permit for that project lists a valuation of $817,725.

Little Dixie Construction is the contractor. Star Heating is the mechanical contractor, and the architect is Jason Simon Associates. e property owner is listed as Stadium Commercial Park, located at 7250 E. Highway WW.

A project called TOKYO CLUB has a commercial alteration permit at 700 Fay Street, Suite 105. e $118,446 project entails minor tenant nishes for a pinball arcade. e contractor is Dependable Services and Construction, and the property owner is OTA Properties LLC.

Featured single-family homes getting the permit green light include:

• 5205 Buttercup Drive, Legacy Farms development. $691,239 and 5,231 square feet. e builder is River Oak Homes.

• 6013 Ivory Lane, Old Hawthorne North. $660,000 and 3,465 square feet. Anderson Homes in the builder.

• 6001 Ivory Lane, Old Hawthorne North. $788,752 and 5,591 square feet. Anderson Homes in the builder.

• 4541 Stonington Court, Creek’s Edge development. $623,344 and 4,879 square feet. e builder is Hemme Construction LLC.

Boone County’s building permit breakdown includes:

• Single family residential: 27 permits, $10.17 million.

• Two-family buildings: 1 permit, $376,500.

• Modular/double wide: 2 permits, $119,000.

• Other nonresidential: 9 permits, $671,500.

• Other structures: 21 permits, $1.22 million.

• Additional/alteration residential: 13 permits, $490,126.

• Addition/alteration nonresidential: 4 permits, $276,000.

• Residential garage: 9 permits, $585,000.

• Miscellaneous: 24 permits, $86,714.

Top-dollar homes on the county permit report include:

• 1223 E. Bluebird Lane, Columbia. $808,000 Builder: Anderson Homes.

• Bowling Lane, Columbia. $800,000 PLUS A $150,000 outbuilding. Builder: AT Framing Construction.

• W. Woodie Proctor Road. $660,000 . Builder: Horizon Builders. CBT

Rendering by Simon Associates Inc

2017

Year the city adopted its updated Unified Development Code.

$227,000

Value of food incentive benefits dispensed by Columbia Farmers Market in 2023.

33 years

How long Chris McD’s has been a part of the Columbia dining scene.

$41.16 million

Combined value of building permits issued by the city of Columbia and Boone County in October 2024.

$68

Amount from each $100 spent locally that stays in the local economy.

Now Recording: Soundcheck

Student entrepreneur’s creation came from a vision to solve her own problem.

STILL A STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI, Kiley Grimes had the idea for Soundcheck Practice Studio since last December when she was struggling to nd a space to practice piano. She recalled that her musician father would use their home’s basement as a practice studio. at idea clicked for Grimes during her involvement with the Entrepreneurship Alliance at MU. e business accelerator program was capped by a pitch competition.

Her business, Soundcheck Practice Studios, is a practice space for local musicians to record and perform their music. It’s located at 110 Orr Street in Columbia’s North Village Arts District. Soundcheck opened in October.

“I’m excited,” Grimes said. “And I hope that this is the start of a kind of music renaissance. I know that sounds cheesy. But I think that musicians deserve better. Musicians give so much to the world, and we need to be giving back to them in a bigger way.”

Originally, her name for the business was the Music Den, but she had to pivot because that name was already trademarked by a business in New Jersey. Grimes said the name change occurred late into the project, after she had already won the seed funding, signed a lease, and started moving into the location.

“I honestly didn’t want to change the name from Music Den to Soundcheck at all,” she said. “I think it took me so long because I was internally battling with myself — I was really stubborn about it. But I think in hindsight, Soundcheck is a better name. Maybe the whole name change thing was just a sign from the Universe: you can have a better name than this.”

Room at the Inn Marks First Year as Year-Round Shelter

RATI keeps busy and needs additional volunteers.

WITH ROOM AT THE INN (RATI) now at a permanent location at 1509 Ashley Street, several changes have been made as the local shelter has now been operating year-round for just over a year.

With recent funding, a transition program began, along with a hired caseworker. Along with its successes, RATI’s year-round operations have come across new and di erent challenges, including a long waitlist — not just during the cold winter months.

“We didn’t expect to have so many people staying here during the summer,” said Jacqie Melloway, operations manager. “ is was the rst time we’ve been open during the summer” in addition to wintertime hours. She said the shelter’s motto is, “If everyone is alive and everyone has their ngers and toes, we did our job.”

Melloway runs the shelter daily, arriving at around 5 p.m. Loaves and Fishes, the soup kitchen, is there from 4:30 to 6 p.m.; the folks coming for the evening meal must be nished by 6 p.m. to give Melloway and her crew time to prepare the building for overnight guests.

Not everyone who comes to the soup kitchen is homeless or needs overnight shelter, so volunteers have to check in those who are spending the night. Each guest who was there the night before must check in between 6:30-7:30 p.m., or their cot is cleaned and given to someone on the waitlist.

Guests who want other services, such as transitioning from homelessness to sheltered living, may meet with a caseworker who conducts an assessment and comes up with a speci c treatment plan for that person. When their milestones are reached, they trade their cot in for a twin-sized bed and a locker, giving them a place to store their belongings. Otherwise, those guests have to take all of their belongings with them because RATI has limited storage space. Each guest will have a chore to do every night.

Scan the QR code to read more about how Grimes turned her vision into a reality.

Scan the QR code to discover how RATI is adapting to year-round operations and addressing new challenges. CBT

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.