COMO Business Times The Impact Issue November 2024

BECKY THOMPSON

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Meet the Advisory Board for COMO Business Times

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

SHAWN BARNES

Director of Business Development and Recruiting Williams-Keepers LLC

BROOKE BERKEY

Senior Vice President, Relationship Manager Central Bank

NICKIE DAVIS

Executive Director The District, Downtown CID

MIKE GRELLNER

Vice President Plaza Commercial Realty

JEN HEDRICK

President SOA Architecture

ANDREW LOVEWELL

CEO Columbia Orthopedic Group

MATT M c CORMICK

President Columbia Chamber of Commerce

QUINTEN MESSBARGER

President & CEO Missouri Innovation Center, Inc.

MATT MOORE Retired Shelter Insurance

ERIC MORRISON

Deputy Director of Athletics Chief of External Relations MU Athletics

SUZANNE ROTHWELL

Vice President Advancement Division Columbia College

STEVE SPELLMAN

Senior Investment Officer

The Bank of Missouri

BRIAN TOOHEY

CEO Columbia Board of REALTORS®

MEGAN WALTERS

Founder & Team Lead

The Walters Team, eXp Realty

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

J.J. Carlson, Director of Web Development

Sarah Swartz, Marketing Representative SSwartz@comocompanies.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Anthony Jinson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lauren Sable Freiman, Lori Galaske, Jodie Jackson Jr, Steve Spellman, Janine Stichter, Michelle Terhune, Brian Toohey, and Kelsey Winkeljohn.

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Aboy and a girl. And 48 years later. Talk about impacts. After all, this is our annual “Impact” issue where our leading and often unsung nonprofit leaders get put under our brightest spotlight. And the general theme of greatest impact reverberates through most of the stories in our COMO Magazine and COMO Business Times editions.

For me, personally, the greatest, longest lasting impact has roots in the Maries County R-2 junior high school (today’s kids call it “middle school”) in Belle, Missouri, and economics class. One day in November 1976, the teacher was droning on about supply and demand, trade deficits, gross national products, and other silly things like that. But I had bigger issues in my mind. And in my eighth grade heart. As best I can recall, I’d recently “broken up” with a longtime girlfriend (dating back to sixth grade), and I was forlorn.

My best buddy, Kenny, said, “I bet I can find you a girlfriend,” and he left the area where our desks were aligned in a way that basically prevented us from hearing and learning. Lo these many eons later, I rue those days if only because it would have been beneficial to learn about economics.

The bright side of the distraction is that Kenny returned to his seat next to mine and announced, “You’re ‘going with’ Kelly.” After a brief pause, I glanced toward a cluster of girls and caught her eye. I nodded. She — and I’m (probably) not making this up — rolled her eyes and shrugged, without really making eye contact. Moments later (and it’s going to sound like no one paid attention to the teacher, ever, which was probably true of that class), I sauntered over to Kelly, who was as tall as me when we were seated. But she was just a shade under six-feet-tall; I was maybe five-foot-four.

I was on the eighth grade basketball team. She was a cheerleader. There was a game that night at Chamois. I knew she was going; she knew I was going. (Obviously.)

Me: “So, I guess we’re ‘going together.’”

Her: Rolls her eyes. Shrugs. “I guess so.”

No eye contact.

Me: “Want to sit together on the bus on the way to the game tonight?”

Her: Shrugs. Rolls her eyes. Still no eye contact. “I guess.”

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what happened forty-eight years ago on Monday, November 22, 1976, in Mrs. Gerhardt’s eighth grade economics class. A mere 2,021 days later, after my freshman year in college, we were married. (June 5, 1982.) My bride, Kelly, is the most significant earthly impact in my life, thanks to her grace and the grace of our Father.

Now I present the COMO Magazine and COMO Business Times “Impact” issue, complete with the winners and honorees of our Impact COMO Awards. Be sure to pat these amazing humans on the back and let all of our nonprofit volunteers, staffers, leaders, and organizations know how much they mean to us.

JODIE JACKSON JR

Becky Thompson, Director of Housing and

Services Department for the city of Columbia.

Photo by Anthony Jinson

Closer Look

SOFTWAVE BY MOLOTHERAPY

Opened in April, SoftWave by Molotherapy is a pain control clinic with the mission of revolutionizing pain management using advanced technology. e clinic is known for its use of SoftWave erapy, a non-invasive, needle-free treatment designed to accelerate recovery from pain, injuries, and chronic conditions. is form of therapy uses acoustic waves to regenerate damaged muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.

Clinic owner Derek Parker is a former Mizzou track and eld athlete. While living in Columbia for school, he developed a love for the city and decided to stay here with his wife to contribute to the community.

“ e name ‘SoftWave by Molotherapy’ re ects our philosophy that ‘Movement You Love’ is therapy,” Parker said. “ e clinic embraces SoftWave technology as an e ective treatment to help patients overcome pain and return to the movement they love.”

e clinic o ers comprehensive care using SoftWave technology, a drug-free, e ective approach to pain relief. at includes the treatment of orthopedic injuries, urological disorders, and wounds.

“Our mission is to transform lives for the better,” Parker explained. “We’re committed to improving the quality of life for our patients, helping them recover, rejuvenate, and rediscover their full potential so they can enjoy the movement they love pain-free.”

softwavebymolotherapy.com | (573) 777-9779 | 3600 I-70 Dr. SE, Suite E

THE BEAUTY TRAP

Located in the Liberty Square shopping center, e Beauty TRAP stands as the rst Black-owned beauty supply store in Columbia since its soft opening in July. e owner, Sarah Brown, has lived in Columbia all her life, save a few years between middle school and graduating from high school when she lived in Fulton.

Since she was a child, Brown has dreamed of opening a beauty supply store. After serving for more than twenty- ve years in the salon, she gradually scaled back from doing hair. She saw a growing need for such a store and decided it was the best time to start the business venture: e Beauty TRAP.

e beauty supply store carries a variety of cosmetic products, such as body and skin care, wigs, styling tools, hair bundles, and more, and prides itself on having “all of the hottest new products on the market.”

“I bring a sense of realness and satisfaction to the community by allowing the customers that look like me to see and understand they can do anything they put their minds to,” Brown said. “And give them a sense of hope, as well.”

e business aims to uplift, encourage, and mentor young African American girls while providing them with representation.

3200 Penn Terrace Suite 121, Columbia, MO, 65202 | @beautytrapcomo CBT

Movers & Shakers

STACEY BUTTON

Stacey Button, economic development director and president of Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI), will retire from the city of Columbia in the spring after ten years of service. As president of REDI, Button took the organization through accreditation and re-accreditation, most recently in 2024, as part of the International Economic Development Council’s (IEDC) Accredited Economic Development Organization program.

DR. STEPHANIE SHEPARD

Dr. Stephanie Shepard is the new regional medical director at Brightli. She was born and raised in Columbia, is a graduate of Hickman High School, and obtained her undgrad and Doctor of Medicine at the University of Missouri. She also completed her general psychiatry residency and child psychiatry fellowship training at Mizzou. She is double board certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Shepard primarily treats youth with psychiatric needs. She has served Burrell/BMG since 2018 as a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

THE MISSOURI LIBRARY ASSOCIATION

The Missouri Library Association (MLA) recently issued awards at its yearly conference.

Otter Bowman of Daniel Boone Regional Libraries won the Ronald G. Bohley Award, which is offered annually to library staff who further the cause of interlibrary cooperation in Missouri. Bowman served as the president of the Missouri Library Association in 2023 and currently serves on the Intellectual Freedom Committee.

Pam Stone, Branch Lead of Holts Summit Public Library, part of Daniel Boone Regional Library, won the Outstanding Library Employee Award.

Sherry McBride Brown posthumously earned the 2024 Meritorious Award given for outstanding service. Brown worked for Daniel Boone Regional Libraries for 47 years before her retirement in December 2023. She died in January 2024, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service.

The Virginia G. Young Service Award went to Pat Powell, trustee at Daniel Boone Regional Libraries. Powell has served as a trustee since 1987.

GARY KREMER

The State Historical Society of Missouri (SHSMO)

Executive Director Gary Kremer will retire from his position in October 2025 after more than 21 years with the Society and more than 50 years as a highly regarded leader, educator, and advocate for preserving, publishing and sharing the state’s history. Kremer announced his retirement plans at the recent annual meeting of the State Historical Society of Missouri. Kremer has written, coauthored, and coedited 12 books. His most recent book, This Place of Promise: A Historian’s Perspective on 200 Years of Missouri History shares his knowledge and personal experiences. He has continued to publish articles, books, and papers on all aspects of Missouri history during his time at the SHSMO. A fifthgeneration Missourian, Kremer earned his PhD from American University in Washington, DC. He taught history at Lincoln University in Jefferson City (19721987) and William Woods University in Fulton (19912004). He was Missouri’s state archivist from 1987 to 1991. He has been SHSMO’s executive director since 2004. (Photo courtesy of Notley Hawkins) CBT

BOWMAN

BUTTON STONE POWELL KREMER

Briefly in the News

CELEBRATION

REDI Announces 2024 MBE Grant Recipients

Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI) recently announced the recipients of the 2024 Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) grants. e ten entrepreneurs selected for the 2024 grants of $5,000 each were: Brittany Brandt, Innher Pink CO.; Castile Gamal, Gamal Castile’s Smartbodies LLC; Valerie Gaskin, Miss Vee’s Kitchen; Ranjana Hans, Raw Roots Turmeric LLC; Debra Harris, Harris Cosmetology and Barber Institute, DBA Luxx Beauty & Barber Institute; Brandon McClain, McClain’s Helping Hands Services LLC; Abbey Mitchell, Abbey’s Swahili Delights LLC; Arizbeth Lliana, Viveros Perfect Shine Cleaning; Zellvelena Washington, Belle & Beaux Hair Studio LLC; and Stephany Williams, Bi y Styles LLC.

EDUCATION

CPSF Announces 2024 Hall of Leaders

e Columbia Public Schools Foundation (CPSF) recently announced its 2024 Hall of Leaders. Honorees were Outstanding Alumnus, Taylor Trogdon; and Outstanding Retired Educators, Chris Belcher, Mary Humlicek, and Sue Young. ey were honored at a reception on September 25 at the State Historical Society of Missouri.

EDUCATION

CIS Again Tops Niche Rankings in Four Categories

Columbia Independent School (CIS) was ranked rst on the 2025 lists of the best private high schools, best

college prep private high schools, and best private K-12 schools in Columbia, according to Niche, a Pittsburghbased provider of information on K-12 schools. CIS also ranked rst for STEM learning among all public and private schools in Columbia. Statewide, CIS ranked fourth on the list of best private K-12 schools in Missouri , seventh on the list of best private high schools in Missouri, and ninth on the list of best high schools for STEM.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Columbia Board of REALTORS Provides Free FOREWARN

e Columbia Board of REALTORS announces FOREWARN as a proactive safety and lead intelligence service for all members. FOREWARN is a service that will aid REALTOR members in instantly verifying a prospective client by simply inputting a phone number or name into the system to verify identity, phone numbers, address history, nancial indicators, property records, and criminal records.

PHILANTHROPY

Local Historical Society Receives $250,000 Gift

e Boone County Historical Society has received a $250,000 gift to

create the nonpro t’s rst O ce of Philanthropy and Development. e gift is the largest received by the organization in more than thirty years. e donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has designated the funds to identify and hire a Director of Philanthropy for the 100-yearold organization, and the necessary support for that position for at least two years. e funds are restricted to that purpose and that purpose only.

HEALTH

SCHOLAR Clinic Opens Optometry Service

Columbia Public Schools students can now have eye exams and optometry care through Columbia’s SCHOLAR Clinic. e service line expansion doubles eye care access for Medicaid recipients by SCHOLAR Clinic becoming the second optometry provider in Columbia to accept the insurance program. SCHOLAR Clinic hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 17 to celebrate the new eye care o ering.

SCHOLAR Clinic is a partnership between Clarity Healthcare and Columbia Public Schools. e clinic is a Federally Quali ed Healthcare Center (FQHC), focused on serving all students in Columbia Public Schools, especially those who have di culty accessing health care. CBT

Street Talk

I-70 work begins, City Council okays Flock, Boone Health eyes

Audrain County.

BY JODIE JACKSON JR

BUCKLE UP, SLOW DOWN, and keep your eyes on the road. (So, yeah, phone down, too.) e long-anticipated replacement of Columbia’s I-70 and Highway 63 connector — not so a ectionately known as “Spaghetti Junction” — has nally started. e project was scheduled to begin October 16 with construction of two new bridges for Highway 63 tra c, with the connector makeover coming later.

Initially, all Highway 63 tra c will be rerouted to the northbound lands, later transitioning to southbound lanes as the rst bridge is nished. Entrance and exit ramps will be available but with di erent tra c patterns.

And this is just the start, so be prepared for orange tra c cones, detour signs, and other construction markers to be part of the COMO landscape for a few years. e Missouri Department

of Transportation’s $2.8 billion Improve I-70 project should be nished by 2027. In the end, I-70 will have a third lane on both the westbound and eastbound corridors from Blue Springs to Wentzville.

Emery Sapp and Sons Earns Major Kansas

Highway Contract

Columbia-based Emery Sapp and Sons was awarded the contract for the south phase of a project that will expand the K-10/South Lawrence Tra cway in Douglas County, Kansas, in July, and the o cial groundbreaking took place on October 3. e total cost of the K-10/ SLT project is roughly $170 million.

Flock Police Surveillance System Gets Green Light

On October 7, Columbia City Council approved a new Flock police surveillance system. e 5-2 vote — with councilmembers Valerie Carroll (First Ward) and Roy Lovelady ( ird Ward) voting against purchasing the roughly $500,000 system. irty live-action cameras capable of reading license plates will be installed for the Columbia Police Department and the Parks and Recreation Department.

Vocal critics worry that the cameras can be used for more than just gaining “vehicular ngerprints” — general descriptions — of vehicles passing camera locations. Police proposed purchasing the system to improve public safety and to expedite investigations. e Columbia Chamber of Commerce, Columbia Board of Realtors, and Boone County Prosecuting Attorney were among those supporting the proposal.

Barred Owl Restaurant Continues, Butcher Shop Closes Eclectic eatery Barred Owl Butcher and Table at 47 E.

Broadway has closed its retail butcher shop. Barred Owl announced the decision on its Facebook page, citing rising costs and margins that are “too slim to justify continued retail business.” e butcher shop was part of the restaurant since 2017. e restaurant will continue with the same menu and same selections, the Facebook post noted.

COU Announces Opening of Tailwinds Market

Tailwinds Market has opened in the airport terminal at Columbia Regional Airport (COU). e new o ering allows customers to make purchases quickly by just swiping a credit or debit card, or using a pay app on their cell phone, then selecting items and exiting the market. e market o ers sandwiches, salads, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, ice cream, sunglasses, phone chargers, personal care items, fresh-made co ee, and more. A future phase of development will add kitchen space in the terminal for a hot grill. Tailwinds Market at COU is operated by Jackson Brothers, a refreshment services provider in the mid-Missouri area.

Boone Health Signs

Letter Of Intent For Audrain County Hospital Audrain County and Mexico, Missouri o cials, and Boone Health have signed a Letter of Intent to establish a Medicare-certi ed critical access hospital in Audrain County.

e LOI outlines the intent of all parties to work collaboratively toward a comprehensive agreement that would bring a new critical access hospital to the community. e proposed facility would provide emergency and related services, lling a critical healthcare gap in Audrain County. Under the proposed plan, Boone Health will manage or lease the hospital facility once constructed, though several steps remain before reaching that nal phase. CBT

Does Columbia Care About Infl ated Housing Costs?

BY BRIAN TOOHEY

WE’RE ABOUT TO FIND OUT.

Residential development in Columbia and Boone County has been controversial for many years, with neighbors living close to proposed development areas shouting, “Not in my backyard” at city and county meetings. As a result of insufcient building to keep up with family formations, Columbia and Boone County now have a housing problem, and it is no longer just a new development issue; it’s a problem — for everyone — that needs quick solutions.

Other college areas around the country tried to control and limit growth, as some in our area would like. However, several of those college towns have realized the housing problems that come from limiting growth and are reversing restrictions, such as Boulder, Colorado, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

During the last year, the city of Columbia and Boone County hired consultants to review the County Master Plan and housing issues in both areas. e results of the studies could have huge impacts on housing and development throughout the county and Columbia. Our area already is su ering from high rates of home appreciation. Based on the recommendations from these studies, residents of Columbia and Boone will have to decide if it’s really time to solve the growing housing problem the area has been facing for years.

e Boone County Master Plan Update will help guide future development over the next several years. e current plan has been in place since 1996. Meetings for the plan began late last year, and the

plan is expected to be ready for approval in the next few months. One of the key sticking points is balancing a need for housing and preserving rural areas of the County. However, the consultants have estimated that all of Boone County will need 37,000 new homes by 2050 to keep up with population growth during the life of the new plan.

e city of Columbia and Boone County together commissioned a housing study as a result of the county’s Upward Mobility Action Plan. e study began early this year, and the results were released in October, followed by an A ordable Housing Summit led by the study consultant. e study’s primary purpose is to recommend solutions that Boone County and Columbia can implement to help create a ordable housing and reduce the cost of ownership. Some recommendations could include changes to zoning and development codes to increase density, which are always controversial in our area.

Columbia also hired a central area zoning and design guidelines study consultant. e study is to assess a majority of neighborhoods that border the downtown area, with the potential of an over-

lay that could dictate additional development requirements. e recommendations from this study could have big implications for housing in the central neighborhoods because of current zoning and density opportunities that could make Columbia a much more walkable city. However, there are those who prefer the opposite and would like to see a reduction in density limits to maintain the current neighborhoods.

As the recommendations roll out from these studies in the coming months, Columbia and Boone County will need to make tough decisions. Do we begin to encourage growth and density to foster higher-density development, walkable areas, and improved public transportation — or maintain the status quo?

e latter will continue to drive up housing and infrastructure costs, along with creating urban sprawl into rural areas of the county. e recommendations chosen will be determined by feedback residents provide elected ocials. Hopefully, changes will be made to provide more housing options and return housing appreciation costs to sustainable levels. CBT

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

Creating Value For Long-term Success

BY JANINE STICHTER

SALES ARE THE LIFEBLOOD of any business, but there’s a ne line between chasing short-term gains and building lasting success. While focusing on immediate sales may boost revenue in the short term, prioritizing long-term value creation for your customers and community leads to sustained growth. It’s not always easy, but the businesses that invest in delivering genuine value build stronger, more loyal relationships — and ultimately, a more resilient foundation for future sales.

In my experience as a business coach and behaviorist, I’ve seen this pattern repeat itself. Companies push for more but forget that their best growth opportunities are often right in front of them. It’s about focusing on building relationships, not just sales. When you give back to your clients and community, you create trust and loyalty that go far beyond short-term revenue.

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF VALUE CREATION

Behavioral economics provides insight into why creating value for clients — both current and potential — matters so much. Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky’s famous studies on decision-making show that people don’t always make choices based on pure logic; they are driven by emotional responses and perceptions of value.

e principle of reciprocity is critical here. When you o er something valuable without expecting anything in return — whether it’s your time, expertise, or community support — you foster a sense of trust and loyalty. When customers feel valued, they are more likely to stay loyal, refer others, and develop a deeper relationship with the brand. In fact, research from Bain & Company shows that increasing customer retention rates by just 5 percent can lead to a pro t increase of 25 percent to 95 percent.

Consider this: instead of telling your clients what you can do for them, what if you showed them? O ering something of real value — a free workshop, helpful insights, or community involvement — builds goodwill. It shows that you’re a trusted resource, not just a service provider.

THE BENEFITS OF BEING A THOUGHT LEADER

Positioning yourself as a thought leader and community expert isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about consistent value. When people see you as a go-to resource, they’re more likely to turn to you when they need help. is positions your business to bene t from future sales, but more importantly, it strengthens your reputation. And reputation is the most valuable currency in business.

For example, hosting a seminar, o ering free advice, or getting involved in a local cause provides immense value. You become a trusted gure, someone who contributes not just to your clients but to the community at large. Clients will not

only remember you, but they’ll also see your business as integral to their success and the success of the wider community. ey become invested in your success.

FOCUS ON RETAINING CURRENT CLIENTS

Businesses often make the mistake of focusing too much on acquiring new clients while neglecting their current ones. e data is clear: retaining clients is far more cost-e ective. Studies show that increasing retention by just 5 percent can boost pro ts by up to 95 percent. Your existing clients don’t just want a service or product; they want to know they still matter to you. And this goes beyond follow-up emails or loyalty programs. It’s about creating a meaningful relationship where they see you as a partner in their success. As a coach, I’ve seen this rsthand. Clients who feel valued stay longer and refer others, generating organic growth for your business.

CREATING VALUE IS A LONG-TERM STRATEGY

Businesses that succeed in the long term are not the ones with the most aggressive sales strategies, but the ones that consistently provide value to their clients and communities. Creating value is one of the most powerful and uniquely human traits we have, and it’s also one of our greatest currencies in business. By focusing on building relationships, o ering expertise, and contributing meaningfully to the community, you’re not just securing clients — you’re building a legacy. CBT

Dr. Janine Stichter, President of JS Advantages, is a seasoned executive coach with a Ph.D. in Behavior Science.

Why Does Columbia ‘Hate’ Poor People?

BY STEVE SPELLMAN

“ONE OF THE GREAT MISTAKES is to judge policies and programs by their intentions rather than their results.” — Milton Friedman, Economist Columbia cares. We really do. Whether it’s e orts toward good job creation, utility payment assistance, free activities at public schools, or ever more homeless shelters, CoMo puts (a lot of) its money where its mouth is.

But at the same time, it never seems to be enough. What if many of these caring policies are actually holding back disadvantaged residents?

THE RENT’S TOO (DARN) HIGH!

First, housing is a basic need that too many Columbians can simply no longer a ord. Sure, it’s a national problem, but as our local population has perpetually grown, the supply of housing has simply not kept up — hence, shockingly higher prices.

Low-income residents — “poor people” — feel the growing despair of rising rents. If “housing rst” is really the goal, we should be doing everything we can to allow housing providers to put up mobile home parks, tiny homes, prefabricated structures, etc. on any empty or underused lot they can nd.

Oh, but that risks devolving the character of established neighborhoods. Or concerns that simple dwellings might

be deemed not “good enough” for poor folks. Or bring howls about those “greedy developers!”

Add it all up and the sub-$100,000 bungalow in CoMo has gone the way of the dodo bird, and that hurts poor people.

KEEP THE LIGHTS ON

Poor people need reliable and a ordable utilities. In all the talk of our electric grid going 100 percent renewable in a few short years, will poor people (and everybody else) have to pay more for such life necessities, which they can barely a ord already?

Poor people need smooth streets.

In a case of musical cars lately, I was temporarily running around in my son’s 13-year-old Mazda. I was chatting with a buddy that his new romper stomper SUV could run over rough ground — or even dead bodies — and keep on truckin’, but for a poor person in a jalopy hitting chuck holes around this, town could mean blowing out a half-tread tire or su ering suspension damage. Expensive repairs they can’t a ord. Neglecting our streets hurts poor people.

Poor people need public safety. It’s not to say that poor folks tend to be criminals, but instead it sure seems like criminals gravitate to low-income neighborhoods.

Law enforcement gets overly scrutinized in this town. We allowed a darn good police chief to be driven into early retirement.

FINDING SOMETHING TO PROTEST

Our newest police chief’s carefully revised proposal for strategic cameras to look out for bad guys did pass in October, but in the face of the typical opposition. Do we really distrust Chief Schlude more than we trust carjackers?!

If we cared about protecting poor people, we’d go headlong into community policing yesterday, trust city sta to use reasonable tools to keep us safe from these mushrooming big city problems, and maintain a balanced Citizens Police Review Board to address complaints.

Even in this era of school shootings and knock-down drag-out ghts among students in the hall, there were protests against reapproval of school resource o cers in our high schools. e stated intentions might be to care about the disadvantaged, but poor kids especially need a safe learning environment to climb the economic ladder.

We all need the fundamental services that municipal government provides; residents on the margins of society arguably more so than the well o .

By splurging endless political capital on pet projects, side issues and extraordinary amenities, City Hall loses sight of the basics. By doing so, the results are as if this town outright “hates” poor people. CBT

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

How the Business Community Supports Our Local Nonprofi ts

BY MATT M C CORMICK

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN the business community and local nonpro ts is a cornerstone of a thriving society. When businesses and nonpro ts join forces, the result is a dynamic partnership that fuels positive change and fosters a sense of community. Here’s how these collaborations bene t both sectors and the community at large, along with practical ways businesses can make a signi cant impact.

WHY FOR-PROFIT AND NON-PROFIT PARTNERSHIPS ARE MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL

Partnerships between for-pro t businesses and non-pro t organizations create a symbiotic relationship where both entities thrive. For nonpro ts, these partnerships provide vital resources, including funding, expertise, and volunteer support. For businesses, the bene ts include enhanced corporate image, increased employee engagement, and the satisfaction of contributing to the community.

1. Enhanced Corporate Image

Businesses that actively support nonpro ts are seen as socially responsible, which enhances their reputation. Consumers today are more likely to support companies that give back to their communities, making corporate social responsibility a critical aspect of business strategy.

2. Increased Employee Engagement

Supporting nonpro ts can boost employee morale and engagement. When employees see their employers

contributing to causes they care about, it fosters a sense of pride and loyalty. Engaged employees are more productive, leading to a positive impact on the company’s bottom line.

3. Community Impact

Collaborations between businesses and nonpro ts lead to tangible community improvements. Whether it’s through nancial support, volunteerism, or sharing expertise, these partnerships address community needs and drive social progress.

HOW TO MAKE AN IMPACT

Businesses can support local non-profits in several meaningful ways. Here are some practical methods:

• Corporate Giveback Days: Organizing corporate giveback days where employees volunteer for nonpro t organizations is a powerful way to contribute. ese events not only provide hands-on help to non-pro ts but also promote team building among employees.

• Support Employees’ Causes: Encouraging employees to support causes they are passionate about

can make a signi cant di erence. Matching donation programs or allowing employees to volunteer during work hours are e ective strategies for supporting personal causes.

• Teambuilding: Integrating nonpro t support into team-building activities can enhance employee relationships and contribute to the community. Activities like charity runs, fundraising events, or group volunteer days combine teambuilding with giving back.

e partnership between the business community and local nonpro ts is a powerful force for good. By working together, businesses and nonpro ts can achieve more than they could alone, creating a positive impact on the community. From organizing corporate giveback days to supporting employees’ causes and engaging in team-building activities with a purpose, businesses have numerous ways to make a di erence. Celebrating outstanding nonpro ts through awards further highlights the importance of these collaborations. Let’s continue to support and strengthen these vital partnerships for the bene t of all. CBT

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

WHAT THE PROS KNOW BUSINESS

TECH STRATEGIES THAT HAVE A MEANINGFUL IMPACT ON SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED BUSINESSES

By Andrew Gilstrap agilstrap@gfidigital.com

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly turning to technology to enhance their operations and drive growth. As competition intensifies, leveraging effective tech strategies has become essential for these businesses to not only survive but thrive. From cloud computing and data analytics to cybersecurity measures, the right technological investments can streamline processes, improve customer experiences, and foster innovation.

Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) must harness technology to adapt and thrive. This article explores key tech strategies that can make a meaningful impact on SMBs, helping them to adapt, compete, and succeed in an ever-evolving marketplace.

Cloud computing is a game changer for SMBs, providing scalable resources without the burden of maintaining physical infrastructure. By utilizing cloud services, businesses can access data and applications from anywhere, facilitating remote work and collaboration. This flexibility not only enhances productivity for employees, but also allows companies to adjust their resources based on demand, ensuring cost-effectiveness.

One element that could have a big and lasting impact on your both business and budget is a data breach. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, investing in cybersecurity is essential. SMBs should

ANDREW GILSTRAP Vice President

WHAT THE PROS KNOW BUSINESS

Andrew graduated from the University of Missouri, Columbia with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. Prior to joining the GFI Digital team, Andrew was Director of Operations for Sangita Capital Partners. Andrew came to GFI Digital in the summer of 2016 with over eight years of sales and management experience. He spent three years as a sales manager in St. Louis, 5 years as Managing Director in Kansas City, and and now serves as Vice President.

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

implement comprehensive security protocols to protect sensitive customer data and safeguard their operations. Regular training for employees on cybersecurity best practices can further minimize vulnerabilities, instilling trust in customers.

When it comes to earning trust from your customers, harnessing data analytics allows businesses to make informed decisions based on real-time insights. By analyzing market trends, customer behaviors, and operational efficiencies, SMBs can refine their strategies and optimize performance to meet the specific needs of their customers. This datadriven approach helps identify growth

opportunities and enhances overall competitiveness.

Finally, effective communication is essential for team cohesion, especially in remote or hybrid work environments. Collaboration and project management software enable seamless collaboration, ensuring that teams stay aligned and productive.

By embracing these tech strategies, small to medium-sized businesses can adapt to the evolving marketplace and position themselves for sustainable growth and success. In a world where technology continually shapes consumer expectations, these investments are critical for long-term viability.

MAKING AN IMPACT: HOW YOUR BUSINESS CAN ALIGN VALUES WITH INCOME

By Brad Roling broling@midambk.com

Do you have the dream of “making an income while making an impact”? Your dream can become a reality by setting goals for your business to get involved in causes that align with your values. Let’s talk about actionable ways your business can make an impact.

The first way your business can make an impact is to show up in your local community. Get involved with causes that you believe in and that align with your business values. This could mean you and your employees pick a day once a month, or even once a quarter, to volunteer. You can also give financially, which can have tax benefits if the benefitting organization is tax exempt. Maybe at the end of every year you end up with a stack of photo calendars that can be donated to the local school art program. Whether you’re giving time, money or resources, investing in your local community first will set a precedent with your employees

and customers that you care about the community you do business in.

Although, when we think of “making an impact” we often think of doing things outside of our business. What about making an impact for those within your business? Providing a good work-life balance can have a substantial impact on your employees as well as giving support in the way of discounted services like gym memberships. Providing benefits for your employees such as Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are beneficial and require very little administrative maintenance on the employer side. Making an impact within your business will help with retention and give your employees something to brag about to potential new hires.

Making an impact is a journey, not a destination. Start with attainable goals that

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!

573-615-2343 | midambk.com

you know you can accomplish and then continue to set the bar higher. Try using the S.M.A.R.T. road map to set your goals. At Mid America Bank, we set goals for donating back to our communities and it is amazing to see everyone work together to make an impact. We are proud to be a bank that’s good for you and your community too. We’re looking forward to opening our newest branch in Columbia in 2025 to make an even bigger impact!

75+ YEARS OF LEGACY, PRIDE, AND EXCELLENCE IN THE COMMERCIAL GENERAL CONTRACTING BUSINESS

By Vaughn Prost info@prostbuilders.com

Prost Builders is known for their passion for restoring the culture and history in Missouri because it’s the fabric of society that needs to be preserved for future generations. Much attention to detail is utilized by our skilled craftsmen who perform those restorations, and they imitate the way the old craftsmen performed the tasks from that original time period. Prost Builders even went out to the woods, cut down a particular tree, and shaped it exactly like the timber-so it looked the same as from generations ago! This is how Prost Builders works to be authentic with our renovation and restoration of all historic projects. Another restoration required the use of walnut shells to blast the wood columns of a project to remove paint and get back to the original wood surface!

Prost Builders’ attention to detail extends to all our key people because they all go through an apprenticeship programsuch as a carpenter, labor, iron worker, or concrete finishing apprenticeships. Our apprentices go to school to learn the basics and when finished-they begin work with all the knowledge and skills they learned. We don’t have our workers ‘learn on the job’ and that’s why quality is a cornerstone of our business. We have Superintendents who have been with us for over thirty years, and they provide consistency of quality workmanship, professional oversight, and reliability in delivering the goods for our clients. Having that longevity with our trusted Superintendents also gives us the assurance that we can deliver the quality

and satisfaction our clients expect for their project.

Our dedication to historic restorations is also matched by our dedication to our new build projects, as well. We’ve been known to help keep a client on budget and within the time frame by coming up with solutions and design ideas when a product is experiencing a delay in shipment. Vaughn

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.

(573) 635-0211 | prostbuilders.com

3305 Crawford Street Columbia, MO 65203

Prost designed pre-stressed, concrete double tees for the 100-foot span across the gymnasium roof for Jefferson Middle School when the structural steel roof would be delayed by 5 months. As a Professional Engineer, Vaughn Prost was able to save the Columbia Public School $360,000 by designing this alternate roof for the client.

Prost Builders has been a reliable Missouri commercial and general contractor for 75+ years and we know all the quality sub-contractors to hire for all our projects.  We’re not a ‘suitcase contractor’ that sends a Superintendent from another state to hire sub-contractors and suppliers they don’t know. We have

a long list of all the plasterers, gold leaf painters, restoration experts, and skilled craftsmen who know exactly how to properly restore unique historic projects. Since we were founded in 1949, we not only work here, but we live in this state and cherish the people and businesses who make Missouri a great place to live and work. Given all the experience of three quarters of a century of construction expertise-we have the history and knowledge to build a team for each specific project. Due to our attention to details, quality, and going the extra mile for our clients-you can only imagine how great your new build project will be with us as your construction team to help your business thrive.

HOW TO INTERVIEW FOR YOUR NEXT MARKETING PARTNER

By Charles Bruce III charles@comocompanies.com

Choosing the right marketing firm as a small business owner can make or break your growth strategy. Since every dollar and campaign counts, it’s essential to ensure the firm you hire is aligned with your goals and has the right experience. Here are eight key questions to help guide your decision:

1. What experience do you have with businesses like mine?

You’ll want to know if the marketing firm has worked with businesses in your industry or those of a similar size. Firms with prior experience in your niche will understand your unique challenges and opportunities. This will save time and effort since they already have a grasp on your market’s dynamics, target audience, and pain points.

2. Can you share examples of successful campaigns you’ve run for small businesses?

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.

Seeing real-world examples of their work will give you an idea of their capabilities. Look for case studies that reflect situations similar to yours, such as generating leads or increasing online sales for small businesses. It’s one thing to talk a big game, but actual results speak volumes.

3. How do you measure success?

This is a crucial question because their definition of success should align with yours. Are they focused on increasing website traffic, generating leads, improving brand awareness, or boosting sales? They should be able to track data and show you how their efforts contribute to your bottom line.

4. What services do you offer, and how do they fit my needs?

Marketing firms often offer a variety of services, including SEO, pay-perclick (PPC) advertising, social media management, content creation, and email marketing. Ensure they provide the services that align with your business goals. Some firms may be specialized, while others offer a full range of services. Pick the one that can tailor its services to your needs.

5. How do you handle budget constraints?

As a small business, you likely have a limited marketing budget. Ask how they manage budgets and prioritize efforts. A good firm should be able to provide solutions that make the most of your budget, like focusing on high-ROI activities. Avoid firms that suggest “cookie-cutter” approaches, as small businesses often need customized strategies.

6. What is your process for developing a marketing strategy? Every marketing firm should follow a structured process to create a plan tailored to your business. Ask about how they conduct market research, analyze competitors, and identify your target audience. You want to understand how they’ll develop a strategy that drives results for your business.

573.499.1830 | comomarketing.co

7. Who will be managing my account, and what is their experience?

The experience of the person handling your account is just as important as the firm’s overall reputation. You want to ensure the person you’ll be working with day-to-day has the knowledge and experience to manage your campaigns effectively. Ask if they’ll be your main point of contact and how involved they’ll be in the overall strategy.

8. Can you provide references or testimonials from other small business clients?

Hearing directly from other clients, especially those with small businesses, can give you valuable insight into what it’s like to work with the firm. Don’t hesitate to ask for references or testimonials. Look for reviews that highlight responsiveness, creativity, and results.

By asking these questions, you’ll have a clearer picture of whether a marketing firm is a good fit for your small business. You want a partner that understands your needs, delivers results, and communicates effectively, all within your budget constraints.

First Responders Support

Empowering our community.

BY LORI GALASKE

Having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or diculty — that, according to Miriam-Webster’s online dictionary, is the de nition of brave. While many situations require bravery, the majority of Central Missouri’s population will not have to face the events requiring the courage that Boone County’s rst responders face every day. Danger, fear, and di culty are all in a day’s work for the police o cers, re ghters, emergency medical technicians, and dispatchers.

WHAT IT IS

e year 2020 is undeniably memorable as the year the world shut down, but it is also the year that First Responders Support (FRS) was born.

“ e idea started with our president, Johnny Wingate, who has a passion for serving rst responders,” said Rick Rowden, FRS executive director. “He got together with (current board members) Don (Weaver) and Matt (Nichols), and they began to talk.”

Board member and retired Columbia chief of police Geo Jones added, “He (Johnny) has been very passionate about making sure the rst responders and the realities they face are in the forefront.”

FRS exists to o er both hope and resources to rst responders in Boone County and also to spread awareness about what rst responders regular-

2020

First Responder Support is co-founded by Johnny Wingate and Donald Weaver.

Feb 2023

The first and now annual First Responder Support "You Have My Heart Gala"

July 2023

FRS establishes the Resiliency Scholarship for mental health services for Boone County first responders.

FRS You Have My Heart Gala – February 2024

2023 Resilience Seminar

ly face. e general public watches the news or reads the newspapers and learns the facts of an event. e public knows the rst responders are there. What is still a mystery to most of the public is the emotional and psychological impact that event is having on each of the responders.

In the past, the subject of emotional and psychological health has been taboo in rst responder circles. Fear of job loss was — and to some extent still is — real. Previously the only option rst responders had was “peer support.” at amounted to, “Well, let’s just go get a beer,” Jones said.

FRS seeks to change that perception and demystify the topic through resiliency seminars and scholarships. e organization aims to increase the health and longevity of the 650 rst responders who serve Boone County.

IN THE COMMUNITY

From the rst known police force in Egypt circa 3000 BC to the relatively recent addition of 911 emergency dis-

Dec 2023

patchers in the late 1960s, rst responders have been, and continue to be, vital to the life and safety of a community.

To provide that security, Jones said the public servants must be calm, reliable, and steady.

“I think it’s about bringing stability … being healthy enough to show up to a critical incident and maintain stability, not just in yourself but in those around you,” Rowden agreed. “What’s expected of rst responders when they show up is to take control and stabilize things. I think having healthy rst responders is critical to the future of our city. e healthy rst responder is at the forefront of what we do because they sort of manage everything that happens in our community. It’s just so critical that they’re able to be resilient.”

In o ering rst responders a path to that strength, FRS simultaneously o ers the community a path to a more stable future with rst responders who stay in their jobs longer. Longevity equals experience and experience equals rst responders who know how to respond with strength and integrity.

June 2024

“First responders on the job without so much turnover is now more important than it’s ever been,” Jones said. Referencing his experience on the police force, he added, “ e younger the o cers are, the higher likelihood of mistakes, which we can’t a ord, so the need is even bigger now with short sta ng. We need to keep these people healthy.”

THE CHALLENGES

As a nonpro t still in its early years, FRS faces many challenges. Hard-pressed to name the most important, the FRS leadership might opt to place them all on a wheel and give it a spin to see which one comes out on top at any given moment. e task before them is big but not insurmountable, leaders said. It includes raising public awareness.

“Recognition from the community that this is a much-needed resource, that it has value to them (the community) and that the resources we provide to rst responders is going to give them better service from their rst responders when they don’t expect that they’re going to need it,” Jones noted.

In addition to public awareness, rst responders must be educated about the e ects of stress; and FRS wants to get the message out that there are resources available. To do that, they need funds, donations to pay for educational materials, marketing, and seminar supplies; but the funds are needed for much more than education. FRS o ers counseling scholarships (anonymously) and emergency assistance. As funding increases, the board plans to add more programs.

With increased public awareness, FRS hopes that its volunteer base will grow. e biggest need it has for volunteers right now is for the annual gala, which will be held in 2025 at the Boone County Fairgrounds. CBT

Aug 2024

Oct 2024

The first "Shop With A Hero" event at the Grindstone Walmart.

FRS appreciation event at Lakeside Ashland.

FRS sponsors the 8th Annual Columbia Memorial Stair Climb.

Rick Rowden becomes FRS's executive director.

Shop With a Hero – December 2023

BECKY THOMPSON

DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES DEPARTMENT, CITY OF COLUMBIA

JOB DESCRIPTION: Lead the city’s newly created Housing and Neighborhood Services Department.

WHAT DOES THIS DEPARTMENT

DO AND WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS?

e Housing and Neighborhood Services Department was created with the FY 2024 budget to increase access to safe and attainable housing in our community. e new department combined two existing divisions within the city - the O ce Neighborhood Services Division (which handles all of the city’s residential code enforcement, administers the rental unit conservation law, and coordinates the city’s volunteer program) and the Housing Programs Division (which administers federal funding the city receives through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist low- to moderate-income households in the community).

Our goal is to use our current resources and the newly established A ordable Housing Trust Fund to preserve our city’s existing a ordable housing stock, revitalize neighborhoods, and increase investment in the production of new a ordable housing.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: I have been an attorney for eleven years, serving for seven of those years as an assistant city counselor in both the prosecution and civil divisions of the city’s law department. Prior to that I was an attorney for the Missouri Department of Transportation.

HOMETOWN: Columbia, Mo.

YEARS LIVED IN COLUMBIA: 36

FAVORITE QUOTE: “When we try to pick out anything by itself, we nd it hitched to everything else in the Universe.” – John Muir

FAVORITE VOLUNTEER/ COMMUNITY ACTIVITY: Columbia o ers so many great ways to get involved. A couple of annual traditions we enjoy as a family – sponsoring another family through the VAC’s holiday program and the city’s Kaleidospoke Glow bike ride. I served as the Boone County Bar Association’s president in 2023 (and vice-president in 2022) and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know our legal community better – it is made up of some of the kindest and hardest working people I know.

FAVORITE RECENT PROJECT: We are getting ready to launch a new Home Weatherization Grant Program with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. e initiative will assist eligible residents in making energy-e cient upgrades to their homes at no cost to the resident, thereby reducing utility cost, improving quality of life, and serving the overarching goal of preserving a ordable housing in the community.

A COLUMBIA BUSINESSPERSON

YOU ADMIRE AND WHY: John Gilbreth, owner of Pizza Tree. He slings some amazing pizzas (my favorite food), nds creative ways to give back to and bring up our community, and won the Schulte Award at this year’s Heart of America Marathon. What’s not to admire?

IF YOU WEREN’T DOING THIS FOR A LIVING, YOU WOULD BE DOING … Something that involved a bit more movement and time outside. A park ranger for the National Park Service, perhaps?

WHY YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR JOB: Safe and a ordable housing is the foundation for successful lives and communities. I get

to work with talented and passionate people in the city, county, and various nonpro ts to move this e ort forward. It’s challenging and di erent every day.

IT SEEMS THAT WE ALL HAVE COMPETING PRIORITIES THESE DAYS. HOW TO DO PRIORITIZE YOUR PRIORITIES? I have come to accept that there isn’t a perfect balance or method to prioritizing priorities. At work, I thrive o a good, ever changing to-do list. Balancing work and other priorities? ere are always going to be times when a work priority seems to throw the rest of life out of balance – as long as that’s not the constant, it’s okay. If I am lucky enough to get a run in before the sun comes up, feel connected and productive throughout the work day, and spend some time with my family outside at night, it’s a good day.

WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT COLUMBIA’S HOUSING CRISIS? It is a crisis. We have a real need for additional housing of all types, but particularly housing that is attainable for those most disadvantaged. And that need is only going to grow as our community continues to grow. It is truly an allhands-on-deck type of problem. But this is also a really opportune time because I do think we have all of the hands on deck. In the seven months I have been in this position, I have witnessed a committed resolve to address this problem across the board, from city and county leadership, including elected o cials, to local nonpro ts, industry associations, and private developers, to name a few.

BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED IN YOUR WORKING LIFE: It’s about the process. Always. Goals are important, both big and small, but focusing on the process, on connecting with the work and the people on a day-to-day and moment-to-moment basis, that’s how big things happen. Also, be yourself and respect others.

Helping People Help People

Sappington welcomes new role with the Community Foundation of Central Missouri.

BY LAUREN SABLE FREIMAN

WHEN ERIC SAPPINGTON JOINED the Community Foundation of Central Missouri as executive director on April 1, he jumped head rst into a career that fuels his passion for creating and supporting growth and change. After just a short overlap with former executive director John Baker, who retired after thirteen years, Sappington said he has been working to spread the word about how the CFCM builds funds for organizations that support the people of central Missouri.

“I had two weeks with John to learn the ropes,” Sappington said. “Since then, I have been able to get out and visit with people and meet a lot of business leaders, city leaders and nonpro t leaders.”

Sappington spent the past fteen years working at Missouri Valley College as vice president of advancement, where he says he worked to grow recognition and support for the campus. When the opportunity to join the CFCM came up, he says it was something he couldn’t pass up.

“I recognized very early that I enjoyed working with people and organizations and nding ways to help their e orts,” Sappington explained. “While working for one campus was meaningful, I’ve realized that to be able to impact all of the organizations in the city of Columbia and central Missouri is extremely meaningful. When you work in higher education, you have to wear the colors of that organization, and when you work for a Community Foundation, you’re working with hundreds of nonpro ts throughout the region that have di erent e orts they’re trying to support.”

COMOGIVES AND SO MUCH MORE

e CFCM is most often recognized around Columbia for its CoMoGives

campaign, an annual fundraising campaign that runs throughout the month of December. Last year’s campaign raised more than $2 million for 174 nonprofit organizations around central Missouri, and this year’s campaign is on track to generate just as much support for participating nonpro ts.

“ is year, we have 170 organizations that will bene t from CoMoGives, and we are expecting to once again raise a little over $2 million in the month long campaign,” he said.

While the community has a familiarity with CoMoGives, Sappington is actively working to raise awareness of all the ways the CFCM bene ts the region.

the administrator of those funds, under the direction of the donor.

“Everybody in central Missouri has become aware of CoMoGives and how important it has become to our nonpro ts each year,” he noted. “ e $2 million last year was the most CoMoGives had ever raised, and we are looking forward to the month of December to do the same thing and reach up over that goal. But I also want to make people more aware of the CFCM and what we are able to do to help the city of Columbia and the region of central Missouri. It’s important that people know what a Community Foundation can be to an area, and CoMoGives is just one of the things we do.”

Launched in 2010, the CFCM is one of eight community foundations in Missouri, and it serves twelve counties in and around Boone County. As a 501(c) (3) nonpro t organization, it is able to work with individuals and groups to establish funds for charitable giving. e CFCM invests the funds, then serves as

“Individuals, groups, and businesses can set up these funds with no minimum,” Sappington said. “Some funds have started with a few thousand dollars, while other funds have been started with a couple hundred thousand dollars.” e CFCM currently holds funds established by 135 individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the region, totaling over $14 million. e administration of the funds, accounting, banking, and reporting are all handled by the CFCM, and there is only one hard rule that all donors must follow.

“Money has to go to a 501(c)(3) nonpro t, and that is the rule,” Sappington added. “ ere are no restrictions on timing and no minimums. Organizations and individuals can give that money to whoever they want on whatever schedule they want, it’s all up to them. In other situations you have to give out a certain amount annually. at is one of the rea-

“Everybody in central Missouri has become aware of CoMoGives and how important it has become to our nonprofi ts each year. But I also want to make people more aware of the CFCM and what we are able to do the help the city of Columbia and the region of central Missouri.

It’s important that people know what a Community Foundation can be to an area, and CoMoGives is just one of the things we do.”

ERIC SAPPINGTON

sons people nd that having a fund with a community foundation is bene cial.”

MAKING GIVING SIMPLE

Because there is only one rule that money must be given to nonpro t organizations, Sappington said there are many ways that individuals, organizations, and businesses can interact with the CFCM.

“We try to make it easy for people to be philanthropic and give to nonpro ts in Columbia and central Missouri,” he said.

Sometimes, friends or family members will establish a scholarship with the CFCM in memory of someone who has died, then distribute funds based on a set of criteria that they determine. Or someone may receive a lump sum from a company upon their retirement and choose to set up a charitable fund. Someone else may have money resulting from the sale of stocks, bonds or real estate.

“ ere are tax bene ts to starting funds,” Sappington said. “ is allows people to give money to nonpro ts and avoid some of the taxes they may otherwise owe.”

In addition to potential tax bene ts, setting up charitable giving through the CFCM relieves the administrative burden of giving.

“Sometimes people don’t want to deal with administering checks, so they just call us and have a check sent,” he explained. “Some people don’t want to deal with it, and would rather call and have it taken care of.”

EMBRACING NEW CHALLENGES

While Sappington says his role at the helm of the CFCM is an exciting way to harness support for a large variety of nonpro ts and a wide range of causes, the fact that Columbians and central Missourians warmly embrace and support philanthropy is also proving to be his biggest challenge.

“ e most challenging part of this position is getting my arms wrapped around all the nonpro t organizations and what their needs are and what they are working to do, and making sure I’m understanding all the people involved,” he said. “ e learning curve of starting from ground zero and moving up is the biggest challenge.”

For the married father of three, avid Kansas City Chiefs fan and edgling empty nester, Sappington said the challenge is one he eagerly embraces.

“I want to make sure the CFCM is out in front of people, I want to make sure people know how to get in touch with us, and if there are questions, we are always open to conversations,” he said. “We are just trying to do what’s best for the nonpro ts here in the area by helping people help people.” CBT

What Do Banks Do With Your Money?

Here’s how some of Columbia’s banks carry out the directives of the Community Reinvestment Act.

BY JODIE JACKSON JR

You deposit some cash and checks into a savings or checking account then probably give little thought to what happens to that money – at least until you want to withdraw or transfer some of it or make sure that the account covers ongoing expenses. But what does your money do while it’s in that account as part of your bank’s overall assets portfolio?

e answer depends on the bank’s community priorities, investment strategy, and compliance with regulations under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). e CRA, enacted in 1977, requires the Federal Reserve and other federal banking regulators to encourage nancial institutions to help meet the credit needs of the communities where they do business, including low- and moderate-income (LMI) neighborhoods.

When a local bank contributes to a Columbia or Boone County nonpro t, that is just one of multiple ways of complying with the CRA. One notable feature of CRA-fueled initiatives is Central Bank’s ProsperU, a free nancial education program. Last year, ProsperU served more than 4,000 people with nancial education classes and one-on-one nancial counseling, said Mary Wilkerson, senior vice president of marketing for Central Bank of Boone County.

Wilkerson and others point out that CRA also highlights what banks already do to a vital part of their communities.

“We have always taken the approach that complying with the CRA is really about the things we do for our community every day,” said Matt Williams, community regional executive for Simmons Bank in Columbia. “We take local deposits and lend money to individuals and small businesses in parts of our community.”

Giving back to organizations that serve individuals in need was already a part of the bank’s culture before the CRA was enacted in 1977, he said.

“Our bank is only as strong as the community we live in,” Williams said.

Bill Costello, director of community a airs and senior relationship manager at e Bank of Missouri, echoed that conclusion.

“While CRA is indeed a requirement for banks like ours, our true motivation at e Bank of Missouri for giving back to the communities we serve is driven by the care, concern, and connection we have with our friends and neighbors,” Costello said.

In 2024 alone, e Bank of Missouri will donate to more than sixty- ve individual nonpro ts and causes in mid-Missouri – ranging from little league baseball teams to highway improvements and airport projects.

Hawthorn Bank’s Corporate Communications Manager Kristin Cable highlighted a starkly visible element of lending that also meets CRA requirements: Construction. Hawthorn Bank has nanced multi-unit apartment buildings aimed at providing a ordable housing as well as nancing building construction for local businesses, thereby contributing to job creation and revitalization of areas in Columbia, she said.

Wilkerson explained that the CRA essentially requires three things:

1. Serve the whole community: at can include all types of loans from business to home to others, as well as where branches and ATMs are located and even operating hours.

2. Invest in the community: Generally that means the bank participates in community development projects, which might include supporting a ordable housing units or working to provide homeless veterans services or other community improvement projects.

3. Service to the community: is is where donations of time and money come in. In particular, CRA regulations want to see banks use their nancial expertise to help lowto-moderate-income citizens and nonpro t groups.

COMO Business Times asked several Columbia banks to provide information about how they comply with the CRA. Here are the responses we received.

“While CRA is indeed a requirement for banks like ours, our true motivation at The Bank of Missouri for giving back to the communities we serve is driven by the care, concern, and connection we have with our friends and neighbors.”

– BILL COSTELLO

Director of community affairs and senior relationship manager at The Bank of Missouri

Central Bank of Boone County

Taking another glance at ProsperU, the bank provided about 144 classes and presentations and hosted several non-pro t organizations in the ProsperU space. e monthly classes serve both individuals and businesses in our community.

Other highlights include:

• e largest Small Business Administration lender in this market. e loans are often the only way a small business can get started, “and we pride ourselves on the expertise and experience we have in making these dreams happen,” Wilkerson said.

• From a nancial perspective, the bank consistently gives more than $300,000 each year to many nonpro t organizations. at can be as simple as tickets to an event or a multi-year capital gift. e number varies but at least 300 organizations bene t each year from Central Bank’s nancial gifts.

• Employers are asked to volunteer their time and expertise to community e orts. In 2024, forty-one employees hold leadership positions in nonpro ts throughout the community and more than 130 employees report multiple volunteer e orts so far.

• Producing “Branch Out” videos for social media that highlight small businesses and nonpro ts in the community, often featuring places that might fall under the radar.

• Even the bank’s branches each adopt a nonpro t each year to support through a variety of activities throughout the year. e bank itself chooses four nonpro ts each year to do group projects for.

• Twice each year, the bank creates a month-long promotion raising funds for two nonpro ts. In June this year it was the Humane Society and Mexico Animal Shelter. In November, it will be Patriot Place and the Mexico Veterans Home.

“Banks are reviewed for everything from the number of customer complaints we get to the types of loans we do, to how well capitalized we are,” Wilkerson said. “However, we are dealing with people’s money so it is certainly understandable that the government would want to be sure we are doing the right things.”

First State Community Bank

First State Community Bank (FSCB) takes great pride in being of service to the communities it serves, said Kim Ponder, executive vice president-regional retail leader for FSCB in Columbia.

“Our resources can sometimes come in the form of a donation, but the ones that are really impactful come from hands on work,” she said. For instance:

• In 2023, the FSCB team members served on fourteen di erent boards in Columbia. e team also volunteered or served more than 3,500 hours.

• FSCB resources directly impacted eighteen United Way Agencies, and the total investment touched eighty-one nonpro t organizations, groups, or agencies.

• Provided resources to rst responders to support and serve children during an emergency.

• Paid o school lunch balances.

• Filled the resource closet at a local veteran’s shelter with items that are needed to transition.

• Supported the senior center through nancial training and programs designed to protect their identity and prevent scams.

• Updated children’s toys and books at a local hospital.

• Built and designed mobility carts.

• Filled the pantry of a small non-pro t agency with items that are not easy to collect.

• Provided coaching and counseling on how to start a business from scratch.

• Sponsored activities and events that further support a lift for a variety of events and causes.

“From providing nancial literacy training on how to build a budget to how to start a business,” Ponder said, “our goal is to be a trusted resource for all segments of the community.”

“People from the outside – they see how well the banks get along. In our community, we are really fortunate. We know each other, we like each other. We compete fiercely, but we all have a lot of respect for each other. Having banks that can work together benefits the community. I think that makes us unique.”

– MATT WILLIAMS Community regional executive for Simmons Bank in Columbia

Hawthorn Bank

Hawthorn Bank serves the deposit and credit needs of the Columbia market, and other markets it serves throughout Missouri, Cable said. at includes two full-service branches, three interactive teller machines, and one ATM in Columbia.

Other highlights include:

• Small business loans and status as an SBA Preferred Lender. e bank’s 2024 CRA performance evaluation showed that the bank’s lending performance in low-income tracts signi cantly exceeds aggregate performance.

• Credit builder loans to those who want to improve their credit score and begin saving money for a down payment.

• Several a ordable home loan products with low down payment requirements. (All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting, and property quali cations.) Some of those loan options include Opportunity First Home Loans, HomePossible Loans, FHA, VA, and USDA loans, HomeStart Grant through FHLB, and Missouri Bond Loan through MHDC.

The Bank of Missouri

“Our goal in giving is to rst focus on the most ‘at-risk’ members of our community and support their critical needs either directly or through the wonderful nonpro ts that serve those needs,” Costello said. “But we also encourage each of our bankers to support the community on their own in a personal way.” at includes supporting team members and causes they care about by donating company time and money on their behalf. He added, “We think that’s meaningful to not just our community in general, but to our team members individually.”

Other highlights include:

• e Bank of Missouri has been an investor in many organizations focused on economic development. For example: e bank has been involved from both a leadership and investor level with Columbia’s Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI).

• Opportunities to nance projects in mid-Missouri, ranging from construction of new o ces for not-for-pro ts, to partnering with clients that use tax credits or other subsidies to provide a ordable housing in the community.

Costello explained, “From the regional level to the street level, e Bank of Missouri is committed to not only meeting federal CRA requirements but also making a signi cant impact in the individual lives of the people we serve, live, and work with.”

Simmons Bank

Williams pointed out that Simmons has a dedicated pool of funds to provide resources to organizations that qualify as CRA-eligible – by serving LMI geographies and individuals – which is separate from the bank’s standard donations and sponsorships budget targeted for CRA giving. Among other highlights: e Simmons First Foundation that provides funding for organizations serving K-12 youth programs that may also qualify as CRA-eligible organizations.

Williams emphasized that the Simmons Bank CRA report encapsulates what is already in the bank’s DNA – especially when it comes to building relationships with customers, organizations, and businesses, as well as the community in general.

“In community banking, our customers are local, they have their business and personal accounts with us, we lend them money,” he said. “ ose deposits that our customers have are somebody else’s home loan, somebody else’s operating line of credit, of some other type of loan. at’s always been the case for banks.”

In essence, that means the bank’s assets that come from the community go back to the community. And it certainly bears stating that Columbia has “a very stable economic base” built around education, insurance, and nance, Williams added.

“One of the reasons the nonpro t community here is so strong is that banks and other companies are giving back,” he said. “I think all of that bene ts Columbia.”

Williams also cited examples of how banks have partnered in ways to bene t economic development.

“People from the outside – they see how well the banks get along. In our community, we are really fortunate,” he added. “We know each other, we like each other. We compete ercely, but we all have a lot of respect for each other. Having banks that can work together bene ts the community. I think that makes us unique.” CBT

A NIGHT ON THE TOWN

A tale of music, energy, and sloppy disco fries (IYKYK).

STORY AND PHOTOS BY SUNITHA BOSECKER

Standing on the street corner at Ninth and Broadway, you see — and feel — downtown Columbia’s boundless energy. e air buzzes with a circulation of gossip, grievances, and nostalgia from conversations owing from the open doors of packed restaurants. ere’s something both new and familiar about the downtown vibe. e rst clue? e line of vehicles entering the parking garage is a reminder that a new semester has started, with students again transforming Columbia into College Town.

e city’s nightlife awaits.

On nights like this, Columbia reveals its true character. It's a place that balances small-town charm with the vibrancy of a larger city, and nowhere is this more apparent than the diverse array of alluring businesses and people ready to experience it all.

THE WARM WELCOME AT 44 CANTEEN

Your rst stop is 44 Canteen, a cozy yet bustling spot that has become a staple in Columbia's sparkling food scene. Lively conversation spills out onto the street, mingling with the occasional notes of a street musician playing nearby. e host

greets you with a friendly smile, but the wait is forty- ve minutes — a testament to the restaurant's popularity. No matter. is just gives you time to grab a drink and soak in the atmosphere from one of the outside benches.

e 44 Canteen drink menu o ers a well-curated list of craft beers, inventive cocktails, and a selection of wines that cater to every palate. You decide on the Tepache Agrio, a cocktail described as a sour but sweet take on a traditional Mexican beverage. It's made with tequila, pineapple juice, and a peach and habanero shrub — an intriguing mixture of avors that leaves you curious for more. As you sip, the sounds of Columbia at night surround you — snippets of dialogue, the occasional burst of laughter, and the regular hum of cars going by. Finally, you're ushered inside to the warm, inviting interior where soft lighting casts a golden glow over the rustic wooden tables and modern industrial décor. e menu is a mouthwatering array of small plates and hearty dishes, but there's one dish that stands out above the rest: the sloppy disco fries. If you know, you know — these fries are legendary in Columbia. ey're a decadent combination of crispy fries smothered in rich gravy, gooey cheese, and a

medley of toppings that make each bite an explosion of avor.

It's the kind of dish that de nes comfort food.

For those who aren't ready for the full disco fry experience, the sweet potato wedges o er a lighter, vegetarian-friendly alternative. But for the main course, there are a few top contenders: the chicken and cheese tostada, Valentina fried chicken taco, Korean bacon burger, and the double cheeseburger. (Feeling extra indulgent? Order the burger with a fried egg.)

After nishing your meal and leaving the buzzing atmosphere, walk two doors to the left to nd yourself in front of e Blue Note, a Columbia institution known for hosting an eclectic taste of bands that draw the entertainment crowd. Tonight's show features a band from the Kansas City area — the Danielle Nicole Band — taking center stage with her left-handed electric guitar.

THE ELECTRIC ATMOSPHERE AT THE BLUE NOTE

As a sidebar, the rst time I walked into e Blue Note, I was 16 years old, invited to a Dr. Zhivegas concert. It was my rst taste of live music at the Blue Note, and it left a lasting impression. Music, after all, has the

beauty of never aging, and I nd myself returning to e Blue Note time and again for that same rush of excitement. Before the calendar turned to October 2024, I was back for another Dr. Zhivegas show, a tribute to Prince — a night that promised to be just as unforgettable as my rst. Tonight, the energy outside e Blue Note is diverse and wholesome. e crowd is a collection of regulars and rst-timers, all eagerly waiting for the show to start.

e bar manager hands you a special wristband that grants access to a new VIP section that o ers a heightened view of the stage, which the Blue Note named the Rock Box. e venue underwent a slight renovation to build the Rock Box earlier in the year. As you enter, the frontof-house manager, Will, gives a nod of recognition. e new seating section, he explains, was designed to provide a premium, unique experience — a space that combines comfort with an intimate view of the performance.

It's a cozy area but with enough room to feel exclusive. e lights dim, and the rst notes of the opening song ll the space.

Danielle, the lead vocalist and guitarist, steps into the spotlight with a half dozen shiny, vibrantly colored left-handed electric guitars stationed behind her. She's a sight to behold — con dent, poised, and entirely at ease in front of the crowd. Her husky voice is a perfect match for the

bluesy numbers she's about to perform.

ere's a moment in the set line-up when the drummer and pianist step back, leaving just Danielle and her husband — also her guitarist — on stage. ey launch into a soulful cover of Etta James' "I'd Rather Go Blind.” e room seems to shrink around them, drawing everyone into the intimate performance.

eir chemistry is endearing, especially during a song about a love story set under a willow tree — a song that feels like it was written for this moment. ere's something about how she plays and sings; it's clear this is what she was born to do.

“I feel fortunate enough to pluck strings and sing songs for a living," she says between songs.

Hopefully, we all nd that privilege of doing what we love.

A NIGHTCAP

As the night draws to a close, you step back outside; again, greeted by the warm summer air. e streets are still busy, with people spilling out of bars and restaurants, all caught up in the magic of a Friday night in downtown Columbia. You can't go wrong with making a nal pit stop at Sparky's Homemade Ice Cream shop, where everyone is welcome, and your quirkiness is embraced. (Look around. e walls are adorned with quirky, creative artwork that adds to the inviting atmosphere.)

Looking for a crowd-pleaser? Try the Oreo Speedwagon. is decadent treat features a rich blend of Oreos, chocolate, and a subtle hint of espresso. It's the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.

With its blend of small-town charm and big-city excitement, Columbia has once again proven that it's a place where memories are made, whether it's the taste of those unforgettable sloppy disco fries, the sound of Danielle's vocals, or a reminder that when we step outside and enjoy the talents of our local community, it’s always a sweet experience.

As you make your way home, you can't help but feel fortunate to have been a part of a night that captured the essence of Columbia. It was a night of seamless moments strung together like the notes of a well-played song. And you know your soul will soon be ready for a repeat performance. CBT

Photo courtesy of The Blue Note

What’s Going Up?

HomeGoods preps new store and another Discovery Parkway high-rise in the works.

BY JODIE JACKSON JR

A HOMEGOODS STORE is taking over the space previously occupied by Bed Bath & Beyond at 205 N. Stadium Blvd., according to building permits issued by the Columbia Building and Site Development o ce in September.

e September report also listed building permits for $2.4 million in renovations to the Burrell Behavior Health o ce building o Berrywood Drive and a $10.3 million development o Discovery Parkway. e city issued 118 building permits with a combined valuation of $39.23 million. e Boone County Resource Management O ce issued 76 building permits with a total valuation of $15.36 million. e city and county issued 194 building permits with a combined valuation of $54.57 million.

e building permit for the HOMEGOODS store listed TJX Companies of Fort Worth, Texas, as the owner. HomeGoods has standalone and superstore formats, which couple HomeGoods with a TJ Maxx or Marshalls. HomeGoods is a sister company to T.J. Maxx, Sierra Trading Post, and Marshalls. Tenant Build Inc. of Richland Hills, Texas, is the general contractor for the $1.8 million building renovation. HomeGoods also has Missouri stores in Je erson City, Osage Beach, Wentzville, and St. Peters. According to its website, HomeGoods stores o er

“many a ordable ways to upgrade your home décor, from wall art to stylish chairs and accent tables,” in addition to other home decorations, furniture, rugs, bedding, and kitchen essentials.

Columbia was one of seven Missouri sites where Bed Bath & Beyond shuttered stores in 2023 as it sought to cut costs and stay a oat pending a possible bankruptcy ling. e location is near the vacant Macy’s building, which closed in 2016.

e city’s September building permit total breakdown includes:

• Commercial addition: 1 permit, $10,000 valuation.

• Residential addition: 5 permits, $319,002.

• AUD (Auxiliary Dwelling Unit): 1 permit, $106,298.

• Commercial alteration: 14 permits, $9,841,003.

• Residential alteration: 10 permits, $339,655.

• Commercial in ll: 1 permit, $103,663.

• Commercial multi-family: 1 permit, $10,349,993.

• Deck only: 6 permits, $92,657.

• Duplex: 20 permits, $6,031,555.

• Reroof: 36 permits, $1,479,281.

• Single-family detached: 21 permits, $9,687,792.

• Townhouse: 2 permits, $867,724.

Highlights of the building permit report include:

Interior remodel of the GERBES grocery store at 2900 Paris Road e $450,000 project entails 55,039 square feet. e general contractor is Diamond Contractors of Lee’s Summit.

An aviation program classroom and o ce project got the all-clear at COLUMBIA REGIONAL AIRPORT, 11300 S. Airport Dr. Creative Building & Design LLC of Columbia is the contractor for the $250,000 project.

e former Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS) building at Columbia Regional will be remodeled to accommodate the TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION (TSA) OFFICE, airport administration, and vehicle rental space. e AFSS building was constructed in 1985. Currently, TSA o ces are in an upstairs area, and airport administration and car rental services are in the old terminal. e 10,786-square-foot project has a valuation of $1.13 million. e general contractor is Professional Contractors and Engineers Inc. of Columbia. e electrical contractor is Meyer Electric Company of Columbia. Questec Constructors Inc. of Columbia is the mechanical, plumbing, and fuel gas contractor.

BURRELL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH at 3401 Berrywood Drive is renovating the second and third levels of its building. e 20,000-square-foot project has a valuation of $2.39 million. e general contractor is Reinhardt Construction LLC of Columbia. e plumbing and mechanical contractor is Environmental Engineering LLC of Je erson City.

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

A MULTI-FAMILY, THREE-STORY, MIXED-USE BUILDING got the green light at 3617 Discovery Parkway.

e property is owned by Discover Entertainment Center II, LLC. e project permit listed a valuation of $10.35 million and 69,875 square feet. e general contractor is Discover Development LLC and Crockett Engineering of Columba is the engineer.

TWENTY BUILDING PERMITS FOR DUPLEXES — each with a valuation of $301,578 — along Sundeck Drive will spur a bevy of building activity in the Oakland Hills development. JMC Construction LLC is the builder.

A reroo ng project at THE QUARTERS AT COLUMBIA, located at 2500 S. Old Highway 63, is listed with a permit valuation of $930,404. Hustad Companies Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska, is the general contractor for the complex-wide roof replacement of 15 buildings. e Quarters is an apartment community managed by e Tailwind Group, with one- to fourbedroom rentals.

TOP-DOLLAR SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES greenlighted by the Building and Site Development o ce in September were located o Easley

Cabin Circle (7,035 square feet and $912,490, built by Girard Custom Homes), and two homes on Walton Heath Drive at Old Hawthorne North — one home is 6,249 square feet with a valuation of $871,461, and the other is 5,730 square feet with a valuation of $788,217. Anderson Homes is the builder for both of the Walton Heath Drive homes.

Boone County’s September building permit report from the Resource Management O ce included:

• Single-family residential: 15 permits, $7,684,300

• Two family buildings: 3 permits, $1,150,000

• Modular/double wide: 2 permits, $241,000

• Public works/utility building: 1 permit, $4 million

• Stores/mercantile building: 1 permit, $200,000

• Other nonresidential: 2 permits, $23,000

• Other structures: 8 permits, $580,380

• Residential additions/alterations: 11 permits, $457,538

• Nonresidential additions/ alterations: 6 permits, $158,644

WHAT’S

Construction will begin soon on Providence Landing, a housing development under the direction of Central Missouri Community Action. The roughly $3 million project will include one-, two-, and three-bedroom units and will house fourteen families.

Photo by Jodie Jackson Jr

• Residential garages: 10 permits, $824,965

• Miscellaneous: 17 permits, $25,800 e public works/utility building with a valuation of $4 million is the Boone County Fire Protection District Station 8 at 5905 S. Route K.

Top-dollar single-family homes getting Boone County building permits in September include:

• 8875 S. Smith Hatchery Road, Columbia, $1 MILLION. Contractor is Ryan Sears.

• Welek Construction Inc. is the contractor for a $1.4 MILLION home to be built o S. Hidden Pond Lane, just south of Helmi’s Garden Center o Route K.

• A $1 MILLION home at 7932 S. Rangeline Road. Newell Kitchen is listed as the owner/contractor.

New home construction accounted for thirty-six building permits with an aggregate valuation of $17.4 MILLION in the combined city/county building permit totals, accounting for just over 30 percent of the $54.6 million in total permit valuations. ose numbers are down from the August totals of fty-eight building permits for new homes with an aggregate value of $21.3 million. CBT

Serving Those Who Served

For many veterans, medical foster homes are a heroic alternative to traditional nursing homes.

BY MICHELLE TERHUNE

“FOSTER” CAN CONNOTE the encouragement or development of something. Or it can be used to refer to the of raising children who aren’t your own. When used in context with the U.S. Department of Veterans A air’s Medical Foster Home Program, the term embraces both concepts. In other words, VA medical foster homes are places where individuals and families encourage and care for aging veterans. In doing so, new families begin.

MFHs are private homes where resident caregivers tend to up to three veterans who need assistance with activities of daily living, 24/7/365. ADLs include such things as eating, getting dressed, bathing, toileting, and getting around.

ere are about 700 veterans in MFHs nationwide. It’s a new program to Columbia, and Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital’s Melonie Blair-Fabian is looking for a few good men and women to take part.

“ is is an innovative way to care for aging veterans in our community,” said Blair-Fabian, MFH program coordinator. “MFH works through the VA to establish partnerships with community members to o er an alternative to a traditional longterm care setting.”

According to Blair-Fabian, more than half of the veteran population is over the age of 65, including more than 104,000 in Missouri. MFH is one component of the VA’s Aging in Place initiative that brought home-based primary care services to them. It’s a sound concept for a lot of reasons.

Ready to learn more? Scan the QR code to read the rest of the story.

How to Avoid Scammers Who Target Our Giving Spirits

BY KHESHA DUNCAN

THE WINTER HOLIDAYS ARE APPROACHING, and many people take this time of year as an opportunity to give to charitable causes or participate in events like Giving Tuesday.

With so many great organizations to support, you may nd yourself struggling to sift through the options. You might also receive unsolicited requests for donations from charities around this time of year – and while many of them are trustworthy, some of these messages could be from scammers impersonating trusted nonpro ts. ese unethical organizations take advantage of the giving spirit around the winter holidays to solicit money from well-meaning donors.

As a donor, you want to know that your money is being used wisely. e best way to do that is to give to trusted charities who have a high degree of transparency and accountability to their donors and communities.

It’s best to start with well-known charities you are already familiar with. e Better Business Bureau can also help you nd a trusted charity: Donors can search for Charity Reviews at BBB. org and look up local Accredited Charities, which have been vetted and meet high standards for ethics and transparency.

BBB’S TIPS FOR GIVING WISELY

• Do your research. If you’re unfamiliar with an organization, ask the charity for written information about its programs and nances. Read reviews on BBB.org and check for the BBB Accredited Charity Seal.

• Know where your money is going. Don’t assume you know what the organization does based on name alone. Go to their website or call to see what services you are supporting.

• Look out for lookalikes. Some scammers will use similar names to impersonate a trusted charity. Double check the name of the nonpro t and their web address, email and/ or phone number before giving any money.

Get more scam-aware tips and read the rest of this story. Just scan the QR code. CBT

ADVERTISER INDEX

Deeds of Trust

Worth more than $999,999

$8,000,000

Regal Richland LLC

Alliant Credit Union

Rebel Hills Mobile Home Park Ff Pt

$8,000,000

Regal Creekwood LlC

Alliant Credit Union

Str 5-48-12 //SE Sur Bk/Pg: 4206/20

Ac 24.5 Ff Tract 1 & Survey 5558/44

$5,000,000

50 Rangeline LLC

e Bank Of Missouri

Str 7-48-11 /SE/SW Sur Bk/Pg:

497/780

$3,920,000

Concorde Plaza LLC

Mid America Bank

Lt 1a Concorde South Plat 1-B

$3,575,000

Sunset Residential Properties LLC

e Central Trust Bank

Lt 114 e Woodlands Plat 5a

$2,500,000

Love Columbia Corp

Simmons Bank

Lt 14 Hubbell Place/Kellys Addition

$2,082,000

Uni Investments LLC

Central Bank Of Boone County

Lt 3a Concorde South Plat 1-B

$2,001,477

Eamon O’Reilly

e Callaway Bank

Str 26-48-14 //S Sur Bk/Pg: 5779/17

Ac 10.04 Ff Tr C & New Madrid

Claim Number 64

$1,840,000

Eastern Lights LLC

e Central Trust Bank

Lt 8a

Plat 1-A

$1,750,000

Towne Drive Investments LLC

River Region Community Federal Credit Union

Lt 4A-2 White Gate Community Tract 4A Replat

$1,425,000

M Anna Franklin Living Trust

Central Bank Of Boone County

Str 35-46-12 //SE

$1,125,715

Summer Solstice Properties LLC

e Missouri Bank

Lt 1 Ann Street Condos

$1,077,600

omas Ceballos

U S Bank National Assn

Str 27-48-14 Sur Bk/Pg: 4391/42 Ac 10.03 Ff Tr 9 & New Madrid Claim

No 64

$1,040,000

Cinnamon Hill LLC

e Central Trust Bank

Lt 17 Pt Columbia

$1,026,000

Michael A Middleton, Trustee

Bell Bank

Lt 215 Old Hawthorne North Plat No 1

$999,999

Central Missouri

Community Action

City Of Columbia

Lt 19 Pt McBaine Add CBT

Source: Boone County Recorder of Deeds

New Business Licenses

3020 Paris Road, Columbia

Macaw Drive, Columbia

14 E Business Loop, Columbia

114 S Ninth St, Columbia

S Airport Dr,

Lorie Kaplan LPC

Nifong,