COMO | The Innovation Issue

THE INNOVATION

NICKIE DAVIS Executive Director, The District Downtown CID

You’re invited to join us for a four-course dinner with guided wine pairing. Enjoy an exquisite evening with friends, great food, and lots of wine!

FIRST COURSE

Caesar Salad

Hearts of romaine, black garlic, cured egg yolk, Parmigiano-Reggiano, sourdough croutons

SECOND COURSE

Three Meat Bolognese

House-made tagliatelle pasta, Parmigiano-Reggiano

THIRD COURSE

Acquerello Risotto

Maitake mushroom sauteed in winter’s last herbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano

FOURTH COURSE

Chocolate Mousse

Pistachio, blackberry

Call (573) 447-7100 today to make your reservation!

Sunday - Thursday 8a-10p

Friday - Saturday 8a-12a

Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 8a-4p

29 South 8th Street

(573) 447-7100 | glennscafe.com

PARDON OUR PROGRESS

The construction of our new Children’s Hospital is well underway, bringing us one step closer to a reimagined future for pediatric care. But it’s not just the building that’s redefining possibilities.

We’re continuing to build our team of pediatric specialists, so that come 2024 when our new hospital opens, we’ll have even more new and advanced treatments to offer mid-Missouri families.

See the designs, details and more at muhealth.org/reimagine.

NOW OPEN IN COLUMBIA, MO!

Lombardo Homes is now building in Columbia!

Lombardo Homes, known for their quality, luxury, and customization in homebuilding, is now building in Columbia, Missouri! Lombardo’s spacious home plans are designed for maximum livability with storage, entertaining, and day-today functionality a priority.

Lombardo Homes is offering homesites in desirable communities in Columbia and Ashland, plus build-on-your-lot opportunities throughout the greater Columbia area. Contact our team to learn more!

573-542-0605 | lhcolumbia@lombardohomes.com | lombardohomes.com

ASHLAND, MO

Ranch and two-story homes from 2,100 - 3,800+ sq. ft.

ASHLAND, MO

Ranch and two-story homes from 2,100 - 3,800+ sq. ft.

YOUR LOCATION

Ranch and two-story homes from 2,100 - 3,800+ sq. ft.

Sales Office: 6380 Gateway Arch Way, Ashland, MO

Sales Office: 6380 Gateway Arch Way, Ashland, MO

Sales Office: 2871 Clopton Ct, Columbia, MO BRECKENRIDGE

COLUMBIA, MO

Ranch and two-story homes from 2,600 - 3,800+ sq. ft.

Sales Office: 2871 Clopton Ct, Columbia, MO

COLUMBIA, MO

Ranch and two-story homes from 2,600 - 3,800+ sq. ft.

Sales Office: 2871 Clopton Ct, Columbia, MO

COLUMBIA, MO

Ranch and two-story homes from 2,100 - 3,800+ sq. ft.

Sales Office: 2871 Clopton Ct, Columbia, MO

COLUMBIA, MO

Ranch and two-story homes from 2,300 - 3,800+ sq. ft.

Sales Office: 2871 Clopton Ct, Columbia, MO

Wedding McHughs + Barlett

Kate (McHughs) and Mason Bartlett were married on June 4, 2022 at Coopers Ridge Event Venue. It was a beautiful spring day in Missouri and the colors the couple chose for their wedding perfectly complemented the season and venue.

Kate was one of the most relaxed brides we have had the pleasure of working with and truly was able to sit back, relax, and enjoy her big day with her friends and family by her side.

We should’ve known our heart strings would be pulled after Kate saw her big burly dad in a cowboy hat and he burst into tears. The happy tears continued when the couple chose to exchange private, sentimental vows to each other at the ceremony location during their first look prior to the actual ceremony time. Having this time together allowed for their nerves to be calmed and gave them the opportunity to have some one on one time before the chaos of the day took over.

Kate and Mason included so many special touches throughout their wedding celebration including a photo with all of their guests in the middle of the ceremony, a special nod to their love of exploring National Parks through their seating chart and table numbers, and including “another dumb koozie” to add to the collection. The party continued throughout the night thanks to their amazing DJ and all of their friends and family who made it a night to remember.

Everything about their wedding was so unique to their love story and a perfect reflection of their journey together. It was an honor to help Kate and Mason Bartlett have the BEST DAY EVER!

VENDORS:

Venue: Coopers Ridge Event Venue

Coordination: Delight Events

Photography: Savannah Padgett Photography

Videography: Complete Weddings

Catering: Catering by Design

DJ: Complete Weddings - Joe Northern

Florist: Sugarberry Blooms

Pie: Peggy Jeans Pies

Officiant: Kim Coke

Transportation: MO-X

With

Innovation has been the name of the game for the last three years, at least. When the world tells you that you no longer can operate the way you’ve always done it, you are forced to look with new eyes at potential new solutions. If you know me at all, you know that I thrive on change and taking bold risks. However much I might welcome change, it is rarely always easy. But, I have learned that it often can bring good things with it.

A lot of things have changed for me in the last few years. e way I’ve parented my last kid at home has changed by having to understand her world in ways the Bigs (my four oldest) never had to face.

e way our team works together has changed by embracing new technology and exibility of working remotely when needed. e products I now o er have changed, the biggest of which is the return of COMO Business Times (CBT) in April. Heck, even the way I schedule appointments has changed since I started using my favorite new scheduling service Calendar.com. (I highly recommend it!)

Yet, I’m equally grateful for things that haven’t changed. In the time of innovation, knowing that there’s security in some things remaining the same is comforting to me. My friendships have been tried and true. My kids are all healthy and happy and predictable. My city of Columbia is someplace I still love to live in and call home. Personal connection

is still better than a zoom meeting. Co ee is warm, readily available, and my hug in a mug. My dog is always happy to see me. e sun keeps rising and setting, and new days keep coming. e consistency of these things gets me through the times when hard change is necessary, and I must innovate in ways that I sometimes don’t yet understand. And you remain consistent. My readers. I do this for you month in and month out feeling that I am living out my calling. I get to connect people with who and what they need to know to thrive in Columbia and I’m grateful for that role. Being able to tell people’s stories is a blessing and one that I’m grateful hasn’t changed.

Nickie Davis, Executive Director, The District Downtown CID

Photo By Anthony Jinson

In the time of innovation, knowing that there’s security in some things remaining the same is comforting to me.

Dr. Ashley Emel President

Wiederhold Vice President Jon Class Treasurer

Kelly Poor Secretary Kathi Betz Past President

Nancy Allison Dr. CourtneyBarnes Jeri Doty

Mike Middleton Laura Schemel Laura Crouch President Emeritus

First day of working from home... If only we knew what was coming.

Innovation

is making changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, or products.

As much as we hate looking backward, and as tired of the “C” word as we all are, it is hard to think about the word “innovate” and what that means to all of us now, coming out of a global pandemic. What a time. We sadly saw many businesses struggle, but we also saw many businesses pivot, change, adapt, ourish ... innovate. Luckily for us at COMO, we were able to pack up ship and work from home and still bring you this beloved magazine of ours each month.

So many things changed in our lives and our world during that time. Some better than others. Let’s talk about a few of (what I consider) the good ones.

• Zoom calls. Do we love them or hate them? I am undecided about where this falls on my list. Part of me would be more than happy to never hear the word Zoom again. But dang, isn’t it also so convenient?!

• Instacart, DoorDash, Curbside. Okay, maybe this made us all a little lazy, but how great was it to be able to support our local restaurants when we could not dine in? And for all you introverts out there — shout out for contactless delivery!

• To-Go Booze! What?! No more having to hide the red straws. If you know, you know. Of course, in a very safe and legal fashion. Don’t come for me.

• New Hobbies. Who knew I enjoyed doing puzzles?? I also got out and walked so much during that time, that my dog was annoyed with me.

• Togetherness. My two kids were home from college, and it was like reliving their childhood all over again. e sense of family and spending time together being a priority again.

• e world slowing down. Whatever the reason was behind it, how great it was to just slow down! I never knew I enjoyed doing puzzles because I simply never had the time before. Yes, we all had mounting stress underneath the unknowns, but how great was it, for a brief moment, to just be able to slow down?

On the ip side, I could give you a lengthy list of all the negatives, but I choose to live in a place of positivity and always nd the unseen bene t.

e exciting part of life, personally and professionally, is the opportunity to innovate. To have a life full of learning. Life experiences, both good and bad. Keep changing for the good, COMO, and being the innovators that you all are. is world needs that!

As always, this magazine is for you! What would you like to see in upcoming issues? My email is always open, Kim@comomag.com

XO,

KIM AMBRA, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Spring your health in Right direction with Chiropractic Health Care!

President

Erica Pefferman

Erica@comomag.com

EDITORIAL

Publisher | Erica Pefferman Erica@comomag.com

Editor-in-Chief | Kim Ambra Kim@comomag.com

Digital Editor | Jodie Jackson Jr Jodie@comomag.com

DESIGN

Creative Director | Kate Morrow Kate@comomag.com

Senior Designer | Jordan Watts Jordan@comomag.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lana Eklund, Anthony Jinson, Chris Padgett

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Candice Ball, Sam Barrett, Kathryn Dotson, Lauren Sable Freiman, Jodie Jackson, Amanda Long, Steve Spellman, Michelle Terhune, Jennifer Truesdale, Emmi Weiner

Director of Operations

Amy Ferrari Amy@comomag.com

MARKETING

Director of Sales | Charles Bruce Charles@comomag.com

Director of Events | Scott Callahan Scott@comomag.com

OUR MISSION

To inspire, educate, and entertain the citizens of Columbia with quality, relevant content that reflects Columbia’s business environment, lifestyle, and community spirit.

CONTACT

The COMO Companies 18 S. Ninth St. Ste 201, Columbia, MO 65201 (573) 499-1830 comomag.com @wearecomomag

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Magazines are $5.95 an issue. Subscription rate is $39 for 12 issues for one year or $69 for 24 issues for two years. Subscribe at comomag.com or by phone.

Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, Intersegmental Traction, Interferential Electrotherapy

Cold Laser Therapy, Family Nutritional Counseling, Kinesio, and Rock Taping

C hiropractic adjustments for every stage of life.

2516 Forum Blvd. #102

(573) 445-4444

compass-chiropractic.com

Dr. Ashley Emel DC, CACCP, Webster Certified Sutherland DC, FASA, Webster Certified

Representing Voices from All Different Walks of Life.

We take pride in representing our community well and we couldn’t do what we do without our COMO Magazine advisory board. Thank You!

Beth Bramstedt

Associate Pastor Christian Fellowship Church

Heather Brown

Strategic Partnership Officer

Harry S Truman VA Hospital

Chris Cottle Walk Manager

Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri Chapter

Nickie Davis Executive Director The District, Downtown CID

Alex George Owner

Skylark Bookshop

Executive Director

Unbound Book Festival Author

Chris Horn

Reinsurance Manager Shelter Insurance

Barbra Horrell Consultant

Horrell Associates

Jeremiah Hunter Assistant Police Chief Commander Investigations Bureau Columbia Police Department

Kris Husted

Senior Content Editor

NPR Midwest Newsroom

Amanda Jacobs

Owner Jacobs Property Management

Darren Morton

Program Director

Turning Point

David Nivens

Chief Executive Officer Midwest Computech

Suzanne Rothwell

Vice President

Advancement Division Columbia College

Megan Steen

Vice President

Burrell Behavioral Health

La Toya Stevens

Director of Communications for the Division of Inclusion, Diversity and Equity University of Missouri-Columbia

Nathan Todd

Business Services Specialist

First State Community Bank

Wende Wagner

Director of Philanthropy

The Missouri Symphony

20

PAW & ORDER

CPD’s K9 unit helps take a bite out of crime.

48

FUSUS: CITY COUNCIL TAKES ANOTHER LOOK Prosecuting attorney urges city to purchase the video system.

54

HERE COMES THE SUN Rising utility costs, increasing demand, and concerns about climate change have Columbia residents looking for solutions. Incentives to go solar may be the carrot they need.

87

NOTHING TO SWINE ABOUT Pigs account for $20.5 million in new MU research facilities

93

BY THE NUMBERS

New initiative supports The District's growth.

30 A COUNTRY ESTATE

When a professional home builder builds his own home.

Living

40 ENDLESS PASTA-BILITIES

XL raviolis flavor an authentic Italian experience..

48

FUSUS: CITY COUNCIL TAKES ANOTHER LOOK

Prosecuting attorney urges city to purchase the video system.

The Ever Evolving Artist

Long-time

Columbia resident, Martin Pope, shows that it's never too late to find your next calling.

BY EMMI WEINER

Martin Pope is an artist who grew up in Columbia. He graduated from Rock Bridge High School and attended Truman State University. His life, like his paintings, has meandered with multiple career changes, adding layers to his life like colors to a canvas.

Martin has lived many lives – having spent time as a cartoonist, a playwright, a top 40 radio DJ, and a screenwriter.

THE JOURNEY HOME

“Eventually, I got sick of Hollywood,” Martin says, laughing. “Los Angeles is actually a terrible place to live. is is my hometown. I came back here, thinking I would be here for like six months until I gured out what was next. at was 15 years ago.”

e gravitational pull of Columbia is strong.

“It's a college town. It's an easy landing. And it's the cost of living. It's not terrible,” he continues. It is this easy landing and low cost of living that eventually allowed Martin to nd his calling in art and create the stunning works that surround him from his seat in the middle of Tellers Gallery & Bar.

HOW IT STARTED

Martin has always been a proli c creator and painting is just the latest medium he is exploring. His paintings have movement and drama, with bold color contrasted against dark backgrounds. It is improvisational and quick and gives the impression that the idea could not be contained.

“During the pandemic, I lost two jobs in one day. And I then spent a year in my apartment by myself,” he says, outlining his journey to this stream-of-consciousness style of painting. “I ordered a French easel and some paints. I thought I was gonna teach myself to paint representational stu . I thought it would expand my skill set. Maybe I would be able to market in some way.”

Martin let the paint and easel sit for a year before he began experimenting with putting paint on the canvas.

“One day, I was like, ‘What happens if I just put colors wherever I want?’” he reects. “It was insanely moving in some fashion. I felt free and I felt like it just came out in this way. at felt astounding to do process wise.”

Shortly after creating his rst painting, a friend o ered to buy it. From there, Martin believed in the potential of his work and started a frenzy of creativity. He says he currently has somewhere between 300 and 400 completed works, with paintings hanging throughout town.

THE PROCESS

Martin’s style seems to ow from within. He sits down to paint every day. It is this consistency that has led him to develop a unique style that he continues to re ne.

“When you do something so repetitively, I think you develop skills — you also quickly plateau and they get bored, and then change something and plateau again,” he says, describing his daily painting process and how that helps develop his craft.

“I paint with acrylic paints, because I am not patient enough to wait for anything to dry,” Martin explains. "Sometimes I paint with one hand and use a hairdryer in the other. I am trying to follow the impulse wherever it goes before I judge it.” is dedication to impulsivity can be both a blessing and a curse to the artist — constantly torn between the present and the next idea.

“It's going to go. Basically, I follow it, it goes where it's going,” he says.

PAW & ORDER

CPD’s K9 unit helps take a bite out of crime.

BY KATHRYN DOTSON | PHOTOS BY CHRIS PADGETT

Of all the tools Jameson Dowler has at his disposal as a sergeant with the Columbia Police Department, he seems most impressed with the leash in his hand.

Unlike pepper spray and a taser, which are one-purpose tools, a dog — a K-9 o cer — is so much more.

“When I have that leash in my hand, I have a tool that can do so many things,” Jameson says. “ ese dogs are the multitool. A police dog can search for narcotics, carry out article searches, track and apprehend dangerous suspects, and locate lost people in need of care.

“All of those things are possible with this one tool,” Jameson explains. “A canine and their noses - it is the most amazing thing about them, and we can’t master the way their noses work. ey are just unbelievable.”

THE SQUAD

e courageous canines currently serving and protecting Columbia are part of a history that dates to 1995 when CPD reestablished its K-9 corps 20 years after the rst K-9 unit had been disbanded. A shooting at Nowell’s grocery store prompted the department to search for safer ways of tracking and apprehending dangerous suspects, leading to ending the K-9 unit’s hiatus.

e K-9 unit in 1995 consisted of two handlers and two canines. O cer Michael Hayes was the handler for Cosmo III and O cer Kevin Moroney was the handler for Nero, who served with the department until 2001. In 2014, the unit went through an expansion and grew to four dogs and stayed in the range of three to four canines until the recent addition of an explosives dog.

Currently serving the community on the CPD’s K-9 unit are Jameson and K-9 Gorrit, an 8-year-old Dutch shepherd; O cer Eric Wiegman and K-9 Nero, a 6-year-old Belgian Malinois; O cer Nate Turner and K-9 Marek, a 2-year-old Dutch shepherd; O cer Tyler Miles and K-9 Koba, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois; and O cer Jordan Paynes and K-9 Duke, a 1-and-a-half-year-old German short haired pointer.

A LIFETIME COMMITMENT

O cers are selected for the K-9 program through an extensive interview process. Interested candidates are invited to join the K-9 handlers and their canine counterparts at their training facility to get a rst-hand experience of the intense work and training that goes into being a part of the CPD K-9 unit. Applicants will have home visits and conferences with their family members to make sure the family is completely on board with the unique requirements of owning a police canine.

e thorough vetting process ensures that by the time the leash is placed in the handler’s hand, the whole family is ready, and the o cer is committed to the process. If a handler is picked for the K-9 unit, then a canine will be chosen speci cally for that handler.

“It’s always our hope that the life of that dog will be with that one handler,” Jameson says, explaining why there’s such an extensive interview process. “ ere are some dogs that are very social where other handlers could take them and work with them, but for the most part, all of our dogs are a one-handler dog and can be a lifetime commitment.”

ALL AROUND THE WORLD

e canines themselves are vetted just as thoroughly. All the CPD canines are selected from Shallow Creek Kennels in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania. Owned by John Brannon, its website states the Shallow Creek Kennels strive to produce “superior working dogs with balanced drives, great nerves, and excellent temperaments from proven working lines,” and that the kennel is dedicated to providing law enforcement agencies with the highest quality police service dogs imported from Europe.

Columbia’s K-9’s came from Holland, the Czech Republic, and Poland via Shallow Creek Kennels. After arriving in the United States, the dogs receive extensive training at Shallow Creek and are typically at least a year and a half old before they are o ered to law enforcement agencies. Jameson says there are multiple factors the CPD considers when choosing dogs for the local K-9 unit.

“We watch for how they hunt for their toys, that they possess the drives we are looking for, we want to make sure they’re social, see how they do in different environments,” he says. “We go through an extensive in-person testing process with them at Shallow Creek before we choose dogs that are going to be the best t for our program and the handler.”

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE TRAINING

After a dog is chosen, it is brought to Columbia to undergo two to four weeks of pre-training before being turned over to its handler, followed by an eight to 10week handler’s course. e handler and K-9 are assigned patrol duties after completing the course. ere are multiple training facilities across Boone County and some joint training takes place with the Boone County Sheri ’s Department at a former treatment and rehab house that has been turned into a dedicated K-9 training facility.

“We feel very fortunate to have access to that property for our use,” Jameson says. “Before that, we did a lot of training at the Boone County Fairgrounds.” Some of the weekly training and exercises can range from simple environmental practices like climbing stairs, getting on tables, traversing di erent types of surfaces, and basic obedience to having the canines hunt through rooms for toys, as well as narcotics searches and scent tracking.

LET’S GO TO WORK!

e CPD usually sticks to working breeds such as German shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Dutch shepherds, but recently acquired a German short-haired pointer that will be an explosives dog. However, when it comes to patrol work, Jameson says, the department tends to use the working breeds due to the dogs’ breed-speci c traits.

A canine’s “drive” is the trait that makes a K-9 most successful, he adds.

“ e drive that they have to want to work is really what we look for,” Jameson says. “We want these dogs to want to come to work, just like our o cers want to. ese dogs are bred to work, trained to work, that’s what he wants to do go to work.”

e main duty of the canine o cer within the CPD is patrol support. Canines and their handlers are there to sup-

port the patrol o cers as much as they can. e canines can carry out narcotic detections, track suspects that ee from a scene, carry out article searches for evidence or weapons that have been dumped, or help locate missing individuals that might be in danger. ey also take part in K-9 demonstrations on special occasions at outreach or school events so people can see the dogs work and connect with community members.

EVERYONE DESERVES A BREAK

At the end of the workday, canines are taken home with their handlers. ey live with their handlers, in designated spaces, any time they are o duty. Jameson says the canines are given the exercise they require on their days o , but just like their human handlers, it is important for the dogs to have downtime.

“During their days o it’s a good time for the dogs to relax and let go of the stresses that they’ve encountered during their work week,” he says. Most of the canines with the unit work for eight to 10 years before retiring, when they live out their golden years as a house pet, typically with their handler. Jameson makes it clear his current patrol partner will spend his retirement with his family, lounging around a whole lot more with all the chew toys he wants.

Jameson adds, “He’s going to be able to get fat and sassy in his retirement."

Heal, Enhance, Optimize

Morpheus IV Hydration and Infusion Center offers alternative paths to pain relief and wellness.

BY CANDICE BALL

Kristen Richter and Jennifer Clark maintain their clinic Morpheus IV Hydration and Infusion Center as a labor of love. As certi ed registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), the women say they are proud to provide a path to health for people who may feel like they’ve run out of options. at path is also pursued by those who are hoping to nd a new way to protect and maintain their own wellness.

e Morpheus team brings a combined 30-plus years of nursing experience to their business and they are passionate about serving the community.

After opening in November 2020, Kristen and Jennifer dove right in. Morpheus IV Hydration and Infusion Center o ers a number of services, including med-spa treatments, IV hydration, and ketamine infusions, all of which are tailored to their patient's individual needs. e therapies are options for a number of common conditions, including fatigue, common hangover, cold and u, athletic burnout, migraines, and reversing common signs of aging.

Jennifer, who has a medical history involving daily chronic migraines, says her interest in providing this form of patient care is linked to both her personal and professional experience.

“I was miserable, and nothing I did seemed to provide me with lasting results,” Jennifer wrote on the clinic’s website. “However, I started hearing about research linking ketamine to positive results in chronic pain su erers. I gured I didn’t have anything to lose and received a treatment to help with my daily pain. It

worked so well for me that I knew I needed to spread the word on this treatment.”

Kristen concurs.

“As anesthesia providers, we already know how to start IVs, we understand critical care assessment for all types of patients,” she says, “and we have a working knowledge of the physiology, so these are all things that we’re familiar with.” Together, the two have pooled their knowledge to create an environment where their patients can receive quality, customized care.

“What we o er is another way to enhance your wellness regimen,” Kristen says.

What Morpheus provides is unique both in theory and practice. Jennifer and Kristen have done traditional and practical research to ensure they o er their patients the widest spectrum of possibilities.

“Honestly, we just looked to the literature,” Kristen says, “which is what anyone in a science-based profession should be doing.”

Both Kristen and Jennifer say the IV method can provide immediate relief, especially in comparison to oral medication.

As Kristen explains, “With IV supplements, they’re 100 percent bio-available to your tissues, to your body. When you take anything orally, it goes through rst-pass and second-pass metabolism, so it goes through your intestines, it goes through your liver, so you’re getting a fraction of what you’re taking orally. When you get things through IV, through your veins, you’re getting 100 percent of what your body needs.”

Morpheus provides customized immune boosters to care for their patients’ immediate needs, which have been popular treatments, especially in the wake of COVID.

“We see have seen so many postCOVID patients with brain fog, lack of energy, and then they get one or two immune boosters, and they’re back on their feet,” Jennifer says.

Both women feel a personal connection with the people they serve. Both say they love their job.

“First and foremost, I think going into health care, I think it’s more of a calling,” Kristen says. “I don’t think a lot of people who go into nursing do it for the money. I think you go into it because you care about people, and you really want to see them improve, and get better, and be there with them. You see people at their absolute worst, their families at their absolute worst. It’s de nitely not for everybody, but it’s an honor to serve them.”

CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULE. GET TO PULASKI COUNTY, MO!

The quiet majesty of the Ozarks beckons your family to explore the great outdoors in Pulaski County, MO. Bask in the warm sunshine as you drift down the calm currents of the Big Piney and Gasconade rivers. Cast a line in the cool, pristine waters as your kids land their first real fish story. Explore the remarkable shops and diners that line 33 miles of Historic Route 66. Absorb the history of heroes, pioneers, and engineers through the museums and historical sites. Then, sleep under the stars or rest comfortably in a cozy vacation home and plan tomorrow’s adventure.

Plan your family’s next big trip today at PulaskiCountyUSA.com.

CORPORATE SPACES THE ROOF LOUNGE KATY BALLROOM THE CAPEN ROOM

FOR

this issue you’ll learn about all kinds of whiz bang discoveries. Medical breakthroughs, engineering feats — the latest and greatest coming out of COMO.

But often some industries and institutions seem rmly planted in yesteryear. Many of us can appreciate tradition, like historic architecture, vintage clothing, or the feel of a paper magazine in one’s hands. But like downtown buildings, sometimes it’s historic and other times just old and run down.

ere’s an old saying that necessity is the mother of invention. e recent pandemic upended a lot of stu , and inspired many audibles to be called. Working from home became a necessity to keep up productivity when people couldn’t physically gather together. While some were scrambling, others had been doing remote work since before it became cool. Since workplaces reopened again, many employers, and employees, have rethought what collective workspaces they really need, or need to pay for.

Hybrid work has now set in as a more permanent xture of modern work in many sectors. Gross generalizations are tough, as the tasks to be done and people doing them di er greatly.

BY STEVESPELLMAN

A signi cant industry here in COMO is Education, a eld ripe for innovative disruption.

COVID especially challenged K-12 schools which have an operational model dependent on gathering large numbers of students together in centralized facilities. ose institutions were simply not equipped to elegantly ip a switch to remote learning.

Some households really struggled. Some hunkered down and toughed it out, while other parents got creative, turning lemons into lemonade. Some grouped neighbor kids together into mini home classrooms or “pods.” Some discovered that they liked this better than “regular” school.

e standard classroom units of 20+ kids of similar age with desks facing a teacher or blackboard/screen is a model over a century old. Lectures manually repeated in each class session from an in-person instructor, then homework to gure out examples on your on.

A “ ip classroom” however uses technology to turn this model on its head. World-class instructors can record their lectures regardless of their location, and kids watch that at home on their tablet whenever as “homework.” en during

the school day in the classroom collectively, the teacher instead helps with workbook exercises and guides lab experiments, maximizing personal interactions.

Medical innovation of interest is usually curing cancer, some surgical robot, or further mapping out the genetic code. But the delivery of health services is fertile ground, too. Telehealth is here to stay: to supplement, or somewhat replace, traditional doctor appointments or urgent care visits. Trained medical professionals to help triage u-like symptoms, a skin ailment, or a baby’s persistent cough at 3AM are low hanging fruit for this technology.

Many corners of rural Missouri are considered health care deserts. While telehealth can help, in person providers are still often necessary.

Nurse practitioners are highly skilled and licensed medical professionals who can address many day-to-day health needs. Old rules might require them to stay on a leash within x miles of a sponsoring MD. is is a matter of life and death for thousands of Missourians, so maybe underserved areas could be declared medical disaster zones, opening up opportunities for more entrepreneurial nurses.

Maybe one contract they score is being the on call school nurse for a small school district. Maybe they would be allowed to convert a spare classroom into an urgent care clinic, one door into the school hallway, the other facing out to a half empty parking lot to welcome the public.

e US Postal service is slowly going broke. While more Postal locations near COMO are needed to serve the well over 100,000 residents here, some small villages with 200 people still have their own dedicated legacy postal shack, and often a designated Postmaster. At the Boone County Historical Society, there is a blast from the past which should be reimplemented today. A old dry goods General Store displays everything from our to overalls, buckets to oil lamps. And in the corner are a block of a few dozen

post o ce boxes where locals got their mail. e same clerk that sold nails and Easter bonnets could shift over and sell stamps, too.

A lot of small towns don’t have a full service grocer but they might have a Casey’s General Store, Break Time, etc. Let them bid on having a Post Ofce counter, too. ese would serve a lot of people better and save a lot of money.

One market that is blooming is legalized cannabis (the historic name for marijuana). With medicinal sales opening up a few years ago, such specialty retailers (called dispensaries) popped up all around town. Now, jokes aside, recreational (aka “adult use”) is expected to roll out in a big way.

And we are seeing the integration of this newly legalized industry go mainstream. Operators are renting commercial retail space and competing with other area businesses for employees. Sales associates known as “budtenders,” along with business managers, logistics professionals, security guards for all that cash on hand and compliance o cers to navigate complex regulations.

Look for businesses in this industry to further integrate with our local business community, as they join the Chamber of Commerce, and reporters write up front page company pro le features.

In other states, based on what is allowed there, some cannabis retailers innovate by adding on a lounge for customers to sample products onsite, or just hangout. ink what Logboat Brewing Company has done with its attached bar, plus recreation space, which it keeps expanding as more customers continue to ock there.

Whether a public or private organization, new or old, there’s always room for improvement.

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

A Country

Estate

When a professional home builder builds his own home.

BY JENNIFER TRUESDALE PHOTOS BY LAURA ROWE

When Russ Anderson and his wife, Andrea, decided to build a house, they wanted room to spread out. ey bought a 15-acre lot on the southeast side of Columbia and built a gorgeous, 4,000-square-foot European cottage-style farmhouse on the land, located on S. Rustic Road.

e house looks like it could have been decorated by HGTV’s Joanna Gaines. e Andersons live there with their two teenage sons and a dog who enjoys the luxury of a custom-built-in dog crate. ey do not farm or hunt on those acres; they just want country life, while remaining close to town.

As president and CEO of Anderson Homes, a mid-Missouri builder, Russ was just the right expert to show how a professional homebuilder pursues the construction of his own home. It might disappoint you to learn that he built his own home the way he builds all of his homes and that he really had no stops to pull out. Andrea, a lighting designer for Anderson Homes, played a key role in the interior design, and her in uence is especially evident in the light xtures throughout the property.

Russ, 45, is a Columbia native who has built more than 400 homes in the mid-Missouri area since opening Anderson Homes in 1997. If you’re familiar with the properties at Old Hawthorne and Copperstone, Anderson Homes built many of those.

“We try to build in subdivisions that have a lot of value, where our builds achieve larger-than-normal equity,” Russ explains.

After high school, Russ was ready for his own home, but after talking to some builders and seeing how expensive it would be, he decided to build it himself and was able to put an incredible $150,000 of equity into that home; this inspired him to open Anderson Homes. He learned the trade by doing; he had a roo ng job in high school, as well as some remodeling and excavation work.

An entrepreneur at heart, Russ also previously was involved in real estate development, owning a Century21 branch that is now Iron Gate Real Estate.

“We wanted a country home, but we wanted an elevated look,” Russ says. He says he and Andrea call the style “organic farmhouse,” but the European cottage inuence is unmistakable.

e front of the white, vinyl-sided farmhouse feels warm and inviting with accents of stone and wood. e rich wood corbels that adorn the front patio’s pillars and window awnings, and the arch in the roo ine over a large, double-hung window evoke a distinctive European sensibility. e trim, from the windows and front

doors to the gutters, is black. Black tin roo ng tops the window awnings and a dormer over the front patio, calling out the modern farmhouse feel.

e clean white theme with black metal, wood, and stone accents continues inside.

A COUNTRY KITCHEN

ey say the kitchen is the heart of the home, and it certainly is in this house. A large, white island, topped with a butcher block, o ers cabinet storage on one side, and seating on the other. Two large, tall black lanterns hang above the island. Across from the island is a large, commercial-grade, stainless steel gas oven and stove.

“My favorite part of the house is the kitchen,” Russ says. “I love our stove hood, which was custom-made by local artist and fabricator, Emmett Russell.”

e cabinets are a clean white with black pulls and knobs. e white, marble countertops add interest with their beautiful gray veining. e marble continues up the walls to the upper cabinets. e stone is show-stopping on the wall behind the white porcelain apron sink, where it frames two large windows looking out onto the property, before meeting a row of small cabinets with glass panel doors that run along the top of the sink station. ese cabinets are the perfect place to store–and display–pieces that are used only occasionally. And they add an antique farmhouse touch that you often don’t nd in new builds.

“ e calling card of our business is aesthetics. We build more attractive homes than our competition,” Russ says. It's easy to see the craftsmanship in his own home. Wood oors in the kitchen round out the country kitchen feel, and they run throughout the open-concept home.

COMFORT AND STYLE THROUGHOUT

A short hallway o the kitchen leads to an all-white bedroom that is bathed liberally in sunlight from two, tall windows on either side of the bed. e three-panel doors on the bedrooms, along with the ceiling fan blades, are a dark walnut, adding contrast and a traditional touch. Small touches of texture add warmth in the bedroom: burlap lamp shades top modern glass lamps on each bedside table; and the dark walnut bed frame has linen panels edged by upholstery tacks.

e breathtaking marble of the kitchen continues in the all-white ensuite bathroom, where white subway tile with gray veining runs oor-to-ceiling in the large walk-in shower. As the front of the house indicates, it is not short on windows, and even the bathroom enjoys ample natural light without sacri cing privacy.

e open-concept living-dining space o ers a warm, rustic respite, with its limestone replace adorned with a salvaged wood beam for a mantle, and its large leather club chairs. A pair of enormous two-tiered, round black chandeliers hang side-by-side, drawing the eye up to the high ceilings. A rustic rectangular dining table sits beyond the leather chairs, just o the kitchen. Natural

touches like thickly woven baskets, pottery, and sprigs of dried eucalyptus keep the look simple and rustic in the living area. Some other areas of the house that stand out include the mudroom, complete with the built-in dog crate, lots of storage, and a touch of shiplap; and the stairs to the second oor, which are white with dark wal-

nut rises and run, and feature a black steel railing. Dark walnut beams run across the tops of door casings throughout the house.

Russ says there isn’t really anything he’d have done di erently when building his home. After building more than 400 homes in about 25 years, he had the experience to nail his personal home build.

Own Spectacular

Why

WHAT THE HOME PROS KNOW

BRENDAN ROST

ROST LANDSCAPING

JAKE BAUMGARTNER

BAUMGARTNER’S FURNITURE

PAVER DRIVEWAYS: THE ULTIMATE SHOWSTOPPER

By Brendan Rost

Find more at rostlandscaping.com

BRENDAN ROST ROST

WHAT THE HOME PROS KNOW

Brendan Rost is a Columbia native and son of Rost Landscaping owners Tim and Toby Rost. He grew up playing at the garden center and nursery and has worked in all divisions of Rost Inc. Brendan received his degree in horticulture and design from MU and now works as a designer in the landscaping division. He thrives on building relationships and creating unique landscapes that complement their space.

W

hether you’re building, renovating, or looking at homes, the focal point on the front of your house is usually the front door. Your front door is a way to add a pop of color or a creative point of interest that enhances the appearance and functionality of your home. Like your front door, your driveway is the entrance to your property and a functional feature that sets the tone for the rest of the property. With driveways, there’s no better way to blend style and function than with pavers.

Paver driveways have been around for decades but are less common than their poured concrete counterparts. In recent years, paver manufacturers have greatly improved their product lines of vehicular rated pavers to compliment any style of home. Whether your house is rustic or modern or somewhere in between, there are infinite product and design options available to make your home pop. Paver driveways do have a unique set of strengths that sets them apart from a poured concrete drive including:

Durability and Ease of Repair

There are two types of concrete: cracked and eventually cracked. When a concrete pad settles and cracks, the only options for repair are unsightly or require full replacement. Paver driveways are designed to last 50+ years and are easy to repair or replace damaged pieces. While concrete cracks when underlayment moves, pavers can flex and absorb many of these stresses. In the event of settling, repair is as simple as pulling up the affected area and adding additional base material to level the area.

Paver Driveways Are Permeable

Paver driveways can allow water to move through them which allows for better storm water management and faster drying than a concrete slab. This creates less runoff which reduces erosion and lessens the strain on other storm water management systems on the property.

Distinctive Styles

With the advancements in paver product lines it’s now realistic to tap into modern, contemporary, or rustic looks with paver systems from most major manufacturers. Driveways can be designed to be showstoppers or complimentary pieces

(573) 445-4465

ROSTLANDSCAPING.COM

to your property in any hue needed to compliment the surrounding architecture.

While more costly upfront, paver driveways outperform poured concrete in all other areas including durability, performance, water management, and especially aesthetics. For a project of this magnitude it’s essential to recruit the right team of designers and installers to pull it all together. Firsthand experience with material selection, installation, and maintenance goes a long way to pull together that showstopper quality feature. There is no better functional feature to distinguish your space than a paver driveway.

SET THE STAGE FOR THE BIG GAMES

By Jake Baumgartner

The NCAA Division I Men’s College Basketball Tournament tips off in mid-March, with the final two teams squaring off on April 3 for the championship. Is your home ready to host or to watch the tournament – with its buzzer-beaters, dark horse upsets, and general frenzy – in comfort and style?

We know that the days of the big entertainment walls are out. Most people hang their TVs on the wall and decorate around them. Long, thin consoles are becoming more and more popular. And today’s video and audio components don’t need so many openings because just about everything is streamed. Not only are the TVs thin and streamlined, so are the peripherals.

We also know that most homes with a TV console use that piece as an accent these days, without the need to match their end tables or woodwork.

What are some trending, looking-so-good options to consider if you’re upgrading your TV entertainment area?

American Heartland Furniture has entertainment centers with multiple finishes you can choose from. The all-solid wood, American-made pieces also come in two-tone, rustic finishes. When that’s the special touch that complements the rest of your entertainment space, it’s a choice that deserves consideration.

You can also take the luxurious look — and feel — up a notch with a fireplace console. Legends Furniture has a variety of consoles to choose from and they can heat up to 1,000-square-feet of living space.

Two of the console styles to consider are from the Urban Loft Collection and the Tybee Collection.

The Urban Loft fireplace entertainment center holds up to a 96-inch TV without hanging over (without hutch; 73-inch with

JAKE BAUMGARTNER

BAUMGARTNER’S FURNITURE

WHAT THE HOME PROS KNOW

Jake essentially grew up in the furniture industry, as he is the fourth generation involved in Baumgartner’s Furniture. Working very closely with his father, Alan, Jake has been devoted to the stores full-time since 2004. His greatest enjoyment, however, still comes from working closely with the customers. He is married to Sarah, and they have two active boys, Noah and Laine. Jake received his degree in finance from Saint Louis University.

(573) 256-6288

BAUMGARTNERS.COM

hutch). The electric heated fireplace is included with remote controlled heat and flame intensity. (We already told you about the up to 1,000-square-feet of supplemental heat, right?)

The fireplace entertainment center by Urban Loft is simplicity in form and function, offering an upscale urban feel with value pricing. This elegant yet practical piece is built with poplar solids and premium veneers with a rich Mocha finish.

The Tybee 85-inch fireplace console is one of seven groups that are part of Baumgartner’s Designer Series. Inspired by today’s fashion and lifestyle trends, Tybee is dressed in a deep clove finish over oak solids and veneers.

Are you ready to refine your search for the perfect entertainment area consoles, seating, and end tables? And don’t forget to make sure your dining area has ample, comfortable seating and accessories.

Our sales associates have decades of combined experience in the furniture business. They are knowledgeable of our products to

help shoppers find the perfect piece to add to their homes. Our associates make it their priority to make the customers feel safe and comfortable in their shopping environment, turning the entire experience into a friendly one. If you have questions give us a call at 573-256-6288 or simply stop by Baumgartner’s Furniture at 1905 Bernadette Drive, Suite 102, in the Columbia Plaza Shopping Center. We’ll be glad to help you!

XL raviolis flavor an authentic Italian experience.

BY AMANDA LONG PHOTOS BY LANA EKLUND

he Pasta La Fata story is lled with twists, turns, and authentic, made-from-scratch kinds of pasta — and that’s only the beginning. Michelle “Shelly” La Fata says she is constantly amazed that what started as a side hustle has grown into a thriving business with endless pasta-bilities.

“Pasta La Fata is not a restaurant — which sometimes confuses people, I think, but they are learning that it is so much more,” says Shelly. “We’ve had an enormous amount of enthusiasm and support from the local community to get to where we are today.”

e great-granddaughter of four Sicilian immigrants, Shelly was born and raised in St. Louis eating mostly Italian cuisine and shopping in Italian grocery stores.

“I grew up thinking my grandma’s food was a religion. I would ask if we could order tacos or Chinese food and the answer was always, ‘No! What would we order?’” she says, laughing.

“I thought all kids shopped in Italian grocery stores,” Shelly adds. “I love to travel and when I go somewhere new the rst thing I do is nd the Italian neighborhood and check out the shops and the food.”

Shelly moved to Columbia from St. Louis to attend the University of Missouri, graduating with a degree in international peace studies in 2004, and she has been here ever since.

A few years later, she began working with Bryan Maness, chef-owner of Ozark Mountain Biscuit Co. — then a food truck only — managing its festival operations, which included driving a 30-foot trailer around the country.

“We would set up a commercial kitchen out of which to make biscuits from scratch, sometimes in 90-degree weather,” says Shelly. “It literally made people’s jaws drop — it was nothing like they had ever seen before.”

Between festivals, Shelly used the Biscuit Company’s kitchen to make giant toasted ravioli, which she began selling late-night at local bars.

“I was so nervous the rst time I had to approach a bar owner, asking if I could sell my XL raviolis,” she says.

Discovering success, Shelly quickly realized she wanted to feed more people and expand her sales. In 2018 she applied to the Columbia Farmer’s Market and started making a variety of regular-sized ravioli which sold out in 90 minutes.

“I had impostor syndrome — I kept thinking, ‘ ey don’t really like it. Why am I doing this?’ But every Saturday people were standing in line asking if I had sold out yet. Sometimes I think people were in line and didn’t even know what it was,” she recalls.

As Pasta La Fata grew, so did the support Shelly received from the community.

“When I rst came to the Columbia Farmer’s Market, I brought a TV tray and rolling cooler. Now I arrive with a box truck and multiple tents," Shelly adds. "We would have a line of 30 people before I could even get set up.”

Shelly says she slowly increased her o erings as she saw the potential for expansion.

“I think a major part of our growth can be attributed to the fact that I was in front of the booth every Saturday talking to every single customer,” she explains. “ at makes a huge a di erence.”

When the Ozark Mountain Biscuit Co. festival schedule came to a halt due to COVID, Shelly moved the Pasta La Fata operation into the kitchen at Café Berlin. She also hired her rst full-time employee, Moki Prevo, who came on as a prep cook and is now the general manager of Pasta La Fata.

“Moki looked at my chaotic systems and helped me streamline and implement organization. We are both creative, but our brains work di erently,” Shelly says. “She was a checkpoint for new ideas.”

After Moki and Shelly developed a website and started delivering meals, Pasta La Fata quickly became too big to continue to share a kitchen.

In conjunction, Shelly began working with Sarah Cyr, a seasoned restaurateur, and coach at the Missouri Women’s Business Center.

“We were perfectly matched,” says Shelly. “I told her I would do whatever she said. I needed to set up payroll, increase revenue, promotion tactics, a business plan and a loan from the bank. She was always like, ‘We got this. Trust me. Let’s go.’”

With help from Sarah, Shelly secured nancing from Central Bank and the Missouri Regional Planning Commission, and Pasta La Fata opened a brick-and-mortar location at 1207 Rogers St., Suite 106, behind Ozark Mountain Biscuit Company, in early June 2022.

Today, Shelly and her team of 17 employees work with local farmers to ensure that the ingredients used to make their products are as locally sourced as possible.

“We even planted 300 tomato plants and processed the tomatoes into sauce ourselves,” she says, pointing to a photo on the wall of her favorite farmer. “We are creating an important connection between who is making the food and where the ingredients are coming from.”

“Pasta La Fata is not a restaurant — which sometimes confuses people, I think, but they are learning that it is so much more.”

— MICHELLE “SHELLY” LA FATA

At Pasta La Fata, all sauces and pasta are in small batches, made from scratch daily. Shelly taught herself to make pasta dough, and it took more than two years to perfect.

e hot to-go o erings consist of weekly rotating pastas detailed on the digital menu hanging above the counter, including a variety of lasagnas, cannellonis, and carbonara, with avors dictated by what is in season. e deli case is lled with soups and fried snacks like mozzarella and Shelly’s signature toasted ravioli. Each week there is a curated sandwich available.

e back wall is lined with shelves of Italian dry goods including our, bread, olive oil, and canned tomatoes, plus cooking tools like pasta rollers and cheesecloth. e refrigerator o ers a variety of greens, potato and pasta salads, tiramisu, fresh pasta, Italian cheeses, and meal kits. Open the freezer to select takehome items like small-batch sauces, cannelloni, lasagna, and the wildly popular short rib ragu ravioli.

“Our lasagna is really unique because it is light, u y, and silky, and it gets a response when people try it for the rst time. e next big step for this business is not a restaurant, it’s a lasagna factory,” Shelly jokes.

For dessert, Italian cookies made from Grandma La Fata’s recipe are on display, alongside an assortment of cakes and pastries.

Pasta La Fata is open Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for retail only, Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to

3 p.m. (hot food starts at 11 a.m.) and can be found at the Columbia Farmer’s Market on Saturdays year-round. PastaLaFata.com o ers online ordering, as well as catering and delivery options.

Details about rotating menus and upcoming events are on the @pastalafata Instagram and Facebook pages, by signing up for the newsletter, or by joining the @pastalafatafamiglia Facebook group.

“One of the things that has set us apart and helped us be successful is that I am really authentic with my social media — as the business keeps growing, I am always telling the story,” Shelly says. e schedule of upcoming pasta-making classes, taught by Shelly, can be found on the website and for the monthly Italian Wine Dinner series. Each ve-course meal features a di erent region of Italy and is seated family-style for 30 people, with two sessions o ered for each dinner.

“We are rst and foremost a pasta shop,” she says. “We have found a need in the Columbia community and will continue to ll it.”

Michelle “Shelly” La Fata

Are You Ready to Climb Your Family Tree?

DNA testing only reveals part of your story.

BY JODIE JACKSON JR

Climbing the limbs of your family tree or poking around at the trunk to nd your roots has never been easier or, increasingly, without the risk of uncovering a family secret or two. With an accumulating trove of digital data available online and mail-in DNA testing services providing more details, family researchers have a boundless supply of sources for nding their branches and roots.

But DNA genetics testing only goes so far. e genetic code, fascinating as it is, doesn’t tell family stories.

“You never know what you’re going to nd if you start looking. You’re going to nd something interesting,” says professional genealogist Bill Eddleman, research coordinator at the State Historical Society of Missouri’s Cape Girardeau Research Center. “But you need the story behind it. And that’s what the paper trail does.”

In other words, nothing beats good old-fashioned research and detective work, whether that’s combing through the State Historical Society of Missouri research library at the Center for Missouri Studies at 605 Elm St. in downtown Columbia, which has the world’s largest collection of Missouri newspapers — some of which is digitized — or diving into extensive family histories and other documents via a mouse click. SHSMO has subscriptions to the nation’s top genealogy databases – ancestry.com, for instance — that are free for on-site public use.

Whether someone is a genealogy newbie or a veteran family tree climber, a good resource for getting started or for guring out the next steps is the 12-part video series, Basic Genealogy, available free from SHSMO on demand. e video series is presented by Bill, with strategies and tips for family history researchers. Each video in the series explores a di erent kind of record — from plat maps and obituaries to census records reports and county history records — detailing the kind of information that can be found and how to uncover it.

Scan the QR code to access part one of the 12-part video series, Basic Genealogy, available free from SHSMO on demand.

ere’s also hands-on help from SHSMO library sta , including Amy L. Waters, senior librarian. Amy, a native Kansan, is an avid genealogist who has traveled to all 50 states and visited every U.S. president’s grave. Both of those distinctions are connected to her interest in learning more about an ancestor who was held captive at the notoriously hellish Andersonville Confederate prison during the Civil War.

His diaries from that time are preserved at the Kansas State Historical Society.

“Probably the most surreal moment in my life has been going to Andersonville, standing there and knowing that my ancestor stood there as well and experienced this,” Amy adds, “because the Civil War has in uenced so much of American history.”

For family tree creation, Amy suggests starting out with ancestry.com at the SHSMO ancestry library. From that point, the search will add parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and beyond, using U.S. Census records to provide additional information. In some cases, birth and death records are available. Once the basic genealogy is in place for two or three generations, a search of obituaries, county records, newspapers, and even prison records can generate and con rm more of a family’s story.

Bill, who hosts a twice-monthly radio show, “Tales of Days Gone By,” says genetic connections via mail-in DNA testing has much to contribute to genealogical pursuits, but that technology is still evolving. He’s been tested twice, with somewhat di erent results. e rst test showed he has German and British Isles lineage, which he knew. A second test some months later also showed Scandinavian in uences.

Research resources at your fingertips:

The State Historical Society of Missouri’s Center for Missouri Studies at 605 Elm St. In downtown Columbia has a plethora of resources for genealogy research, including:

NEWSPAPERS

Genealogists use newspapers to find information about births, marriages, deaths, legal transactions, business advertisements, and local events. Some newspapers publish full obituaries for local residents; others print only brief notices. Birth notices, marriage announcements, and anniversary notices can also provide useful information. Library staff will help you learn how to access the newspaper collection, some of which is digitized on microfilm.

REFERENCE

SHSMO’s reference collection includes a wide variety of published sources for genealogists. Cemetery transcriptions, town and county histories, city directories, family histories, autobiographies, college periodicals, church histories, newspaper indexes, and genealogy society journals are available. Researchers can search the reference collection through the SHSMO online catalog.

MANUSCRIPTS

These collections may include letters, diaries, scrapbooks, and photographs kept by families or individuals. While these collections can be beneficial for genealogists, not every family is represented in SHSMO’s manuscript holdings.

The Society's Genealogy and Family History Digital Collection includes several genealogical manuscript collections, including compilations of births, deaths, marriages, and other vital statistics and funeral home and cemetery records.

VISITING SHSMO

All researchers are welcome to use SHSMO’s resources in person. Holdings may be requested for use at any of the six SHSMO research centers but do not circulate outside SHSMO’s facilities and must be used on-site. There is no charge for reference assistance or use of the collections for patrons visiting SHSMO in person.

Genealogists may also access the paid online subscription service AncestryLibrary.com for free on computers at SHSMO’s Columbia Research Center. All six statewide SHSMO research centers are FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries. This provides on-site patrons access to digital genealogical collections that are otherwise accessible only through a FamilySearch family history center.

Source: State Historical Society of Missouri

at shouldn’t be all that surprising, he says. After all, as more people submit saliva samples for DNA testing, the “pool” of samples increases the scope and depth of results. It didn’t mean the rst ethnicity estimate was incorrect but that the second one was more correct.

One PBS show about genealogy revealed that one man who thought he was one-quarter Armenian and one-half Italian found out otherwise.

“Turns out he’s zero Italian and his Italian grandfather was not his grandfather,” Bill says. What’s more, the man discovered African American ancestry, which quali ed him to join the Sons of the American Revolution.

“Occasionally, you’ll get surprises,” Bill explains. “If you’re going to do this, be prepared for that — or don’t do it.” He’s aware of some reports of a family tree researcher becoming suicidal from nding out “grandpa wasn’t grandpa.”

Getting to the root of family connections — and, in some cases, separate myth from fact — requires nding the stories, whether they are in a written family history, a snippet in an obituary here or a newspaper advertisement there, the census records, or some other source. at’s the part of the research that energizes both Bill and Amy.

“ e paper trail — it’s a lot more fun,” says Bill, who has traced one branch of

his family back nine generations. One ancestor got a Spanish land grant in Missouri in 1802, just before omas Je erson successfully negotiated the Louisiana Purchase. He’s still not used to the sense of wonder from discovering something new.

“It happens all the time,” he says.

Some years ago, Bill learned from a Civil War researcher that one of Bill’s ancestors was in the Mexican American War, and the man had the ancestor’s pension le. From that information, Bill found his ancestor’s obituary, which claimed he’d ridden escort for the famed Kit Carson during that war.

e pension le con rmed that as a fact. Again, it’s good old-fashioned detective work that pays o the most, Bill says.

“ ere’s so much appearing online so rapidly that it’s hard to keep up,” he adds. “But you can’t get everything online.” And, Bill warns, even online “facts” require corroboration.

Amy also attests to examples of helping prove or disprove family narratives that date back multiple generations, sometimes spanning a century or two.

Lately, Amy has been intrigued by learning about the Depression-era migration from Missouri to California. at process also meant many extended families were separated, and helping bridge those gaps is an important role genealogists can ll.

Amy doesn’t completely eschew DNA testing, though, “Unfortunately, all that it con rms for me just how western, European, and white I am,” she says. “You know, my chart is not very colorful. Not at all.”

She’s also grateful that there are numerous services that provide genealogical information. But she prefers doing it herself.

“Part of my thrill is discovering the information, being the detective who puts it all together,” Amy says. “ at’s what I nd interesting. I want to nd it for myself. I want to make the connections.

605 ELM STREET, COLUMBIA, MO

SHSMO.ORG/THE-CENTER

1-800-747-6366

FUSUS: City Council takes another look

Prosecuting attorney urges city to purchase the video system.

BY JODIE JACKSON JR

“[Video is] such a crucial part of our e orts against crime and our truthseeking mission that I encourage the council to reconsider its vote on the Fusus system.”

Prosecuting Attorney Roger Johnson

The crime- ghting Fusus video sharing platform that the Columbia City Council narrowly voted not to purchase — following nearly four hours of public comment in November — will return to an upcoming council agenda with an ordinance that will outline First Amendment and non-discrimination protections.

e Fusus system, presented and championed by Columbia Police Chief Geo Jones last fall, now has Boone County Prosecuting Attorney Roger Johnson calling for its purchase and implementation. Johnson's letter outlines the important role video plays in combatting crime as well as exonerating potential suspects.

At the February 20 city council meeting, Ward 4 city council member Nick Foster made a motion directing the city manager to bring the council an ordinance to purchase and implement the Fusus system. His motion, unanimously approved by the council, was spurred by a Dec. 22, 2022, letter from the prosecuting attorney to Mayor Barbara Bu aloe and Chief Jones, who asked that the council reconsider its decision not to purchase the video software

e Fusus platform would allow businesses to share live-time video with police in the event of a crime. Geo said police are primarily interested in cameras with a public-facing view, such as those that have a street view. Currently, investigators have to request video footage, and that process can be time-consuming.

Opponents of the Fusus system aired a variety of concerns, with some arguing that the system would be an invasion of privacy or could be used to target minorities. Geo assured those gathered for the Nov. 22 meeting that his o cers do not have time or the need to use video feeds for surveillance, and that the police department’s policy would prohibit accessing cameras for live-feed views except in the case of a major event, such as an active shooter at a school.

Fusus advocates — primarily downtown businesses and business leaders — lauded the police chief’s proposal as an important addition to respond-

ing to, investigating, and preventing crime. Nickie Davis, executive director of the downtown Community Improvement District, says her support for the proposal hasn’t waned since she spoke in favor of the video software system in November.

“It’s a constant issue,” Nickie says. “It’s de nitely still needed.”

In addition to e District, e Downtown Leadership Council, the University of Missouri, and most of the major players in the downtown area have expressed support.

e prosecuting attorney said in his letter that many murders and other violent crimes in Columbia have been solved and prosecuted as a result of having access to surveillance video captured before, after, or during a crime.

“Video evidence has become a critical part of ensuring reliability of prosecutions. While footage in some areas of town is often available, collecting it requires substantial police manpower, and sometimes business personnel with access to video are not immediately available,” he wrote. “Having the ability to obtain video quickly after a crime would help ensure police are able to respond before witnesses and suspects disappear. It also reduces the risk that video will be deleted or overwritten before it can be recovered.”

He continued: “I believe that having fast, reliable access to videos is a critical part of reducing violent crime in our community,” noting the importance to business and tourism, as well as citizens’ lives and safety. “Moreover, as prosecutor, my goal is not only to hold the guilty accountable but also to ensure the innocent are not punished. More than once during my career, surveillance video has been able to prove that a former suspect was not guilty or was elsewhere during a crime.”

Johnson’s letter concludes by saying that video alone is almost never enough evidence to prosecute a crime or identify a suspect, but it is “such a crucial part of our e orts against crime and our truth-seeking mission that I encourage the council to reconsider its vote on the Fusus system.”

Geo said the video software system is also a matter of e ciency.

Chief Geoff Jones

Prosecuting Attorney Roger Johnson

Nickie Davis

WARD 1

Pat Fowler

EMAIL Ward1@CoMo.gov

PHONE 573.256.6841

WARD 2

Andrea Waner

EMAIL Ward2@CoMo.gov

PHONE 573.321.9219

WARD 3

Roy Lovelady

EMAIL Ward3@CoMo.gov

PHONE 573.810.1965

WARD 4

Nick Foster

EMAIL Ward4@CoMo.g ov

PHONE 205.420.8102

WARD 5

Matt Pitzer

EMAIL Ward5@CoMo.gov

PHONE 573.823.7037

WARD 6

Betsy Peters

EMAIL Ward6@CoMo.gov

PHONE 573.874.7812

MAYOR

Barbara Bu aloe

EMAIL Mayor@CoMo.gov

PHONE 573.874.7222

“ is isn’t about getting things that we don’t already have access to,” he said prior to the Nov. 22 council meeting. “ is is more e cient. O cers spend a few hours a week on average, trying to get video from di erent businesses, and the person working it may not know how to use it or how to download it, so it may be days before we get a video.”

In action at the Nov. 22 meeting, Ward 2 Councilmember Andrea Waner, Ward 3 Councilmember Roy Lovelady, Ward 1 Councilmember Pat Fowler, and Ward 4 Councilmember Nick Foster voted against making the $315,000 purchase. Councilmembers Betsy Peters (Ward 5) and Mitt Pitzer (Ward 6), along with Mayor Bu aloe, voted in favor of the purchase request.

Concerns about privacy and lack of contact with businesses that are not downtown were factors in some “no” votes. Other concerns focused on oversight and policies about how the video footage will and won’t be used.

Geo said at the time that the Fusus system would not be used to gain access to residential video security systems, and while the software has the capacity for facial recognition, he said local policies would prohibit using that aspect of the technology.

Responding to concerns about the platform being used to target minorities, Geo said the system would not be used to track gender or race.

“It reduces those investigative stops and incidental contacts that lead to disparity,” he added, noting that some of the opposition was rooted in misinformation related especially to facial recognition and racial and gender identi cation.

Nick’s motion to ask for an ordinance for the council to consider came in the waning moments of the Feb. 20 council meeting.

“Since we addressed the possible purchasing of Fusus, we’ve had a number of people be in touch with us about reconsideration of the system and purchasing the software,” he told fellow council members, citing the letter from the prosecuting attorney.

Nick’s motion directs City Manager De'Carlon Seewood to bring the council an ordinance “with legal protections for the city’s residents in the use of the Fusus system … as well as protections that ensure non-discrimination in its use, including but not limited to race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or other classi cations protected by law.”

He added, “ e ordinance should provide for an e ective and reviewable written policy controlling the system.” Both Nick and Ward 2 Councilmember Andrea Waner, who seconded Nick’s motion, voted against purchasing the system in November.

Some of the opposition last fall was based on the belief that the public — speci cally minorities and businesses outside the downtown area — were not involved in the discussions about the police department’s Fusus proposal.

Geo says there has not been additional public education “because the council voted not to fund it.

“I would like to see it as the police chief, but if the city doesn’t have the will or the desire to get the product, it’s not something we’re going to spend manhours to educate about,” he adds. “We’re just waiting to see what the council does.”

In action at the Nov. 22 meeting, Andrea Waner (Ward 2), Roy Lovelady (Ward 3), Pat Fowler (Ward 1), and Nick Foster (Ward 4) voted against making the $315,000 purchase. Councilmembers Betsy Peters (Ward 5) and Mitt Pitzer (Ward 6), along with Mayor Bu aloe, voted in favor of the purchase request.

Columbia city council headshots acquired from como.gov.

HERE COMES

Rising utility costs, increasing demand, and concerns about climate change have Columbia residents looking for solutions. Incentives to go solar may be the carrot they need.

BY MICHELLE TERHUNE

THE SUN COMES

There’s no doubt most of us take our utilities for granted. We ip a switch and expect the lights to come on. Chargers plugged into sockets recharge our mobile devices in never-ending succession. Washing machines keep washing, dryers keep drying, refrigerators keep “fridging.” And when the temperature drops below freezing or rises into the triple digits, we just adjust the corresponding system accordingly to stay comfortable.

Meanwhile, we sit in front of our Wi-Fi-connected screens watching wild res, oods, droughts, hurricanes, tornadoes, snowfalls measured in feet, and record high and low temperatures. ese signs of climate change seem to be harbingers of the end of the world. For certain, they are exacting a toll. e National Centers for Environmental Information, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), reports that in 2022 there were 18 weather or climate disaster events in the United States, each causing damage in excess of $1 billion.

Few of us would attempt to live o the grid because we’re far too dependent on our modern conveniences. But that doesn’t mean many of us haven’t considered what we could do to make our increasingly larger carbon footprint a little smaller.

Some Columbia residents and businesses have stopped thinking about the size of their footprints and have focused on the size of their electric bills. When they’re ready to take action, the city of Columbia provides incentives that make it easier to let the sunshine in.

PUTTING A LID ON IT

Energy e ciency isn’t new to Columbia.

e city started o ering home energy assessments and incentives nearly 45 years ago. In 2017, the city launched a year-long, community-driven process that resulted in the Community Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP). CAAP’s aims are to help Columbia and its residents become more resilient to the impact of climate change and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Of course, to know whether you’re reducing emissions, you need a baseline. For CAAP, the baseline is 2015 with a goal of zero emissions by 2060. As of 2021, Columbia measured a reduction of 12.4 percent. at’s a long way from 100 percent or even from the 35 percent reduction goal by 2035, but it’s a start. Increasing use of renewable energy to power the city’s electric grid is the only way to get there. According to the city’s draft 2023 Renewable Energy Plan, an estimated 20.2 percent of Columbia’s energy will come from existing renewable sources, including wind, solar, and land ll gas production.

e utility is going to need help from residential and commercial customers, and it will provide nancial incentives for those who do.

“City of Columbia utilities implements these utility-focused initiatives to assist residential and commercial customers in using less electricity and water as well as to advance the city’s adherence to its strategic goals and climate initiatives,” says Todd McVicker, energy services supervisor for Columbia Water and Light. “Saving electricity and water helps the utility extend the lifespan of infrastructure and reduces the number of resources that the city must produce or purchase.”

Columbia Power Partners is the city’s provider of education and incentives for renewables and energy e ciency. In addition to free home and business energy assessments, Columbia Power Partners o ers rebates, discounted utility rates, and low-interest loans for customers who take steps to make their home or business more energy e cient. It’s how the city can help put a lid on energy problems and open the door to solutions.

POWER TO THE PEOPLE

Customers can get rebates for such actions as installing LED lights, air conditioners, and heat pumps, increasing attic and duct insulation, and making the move to solar. In scal year 2021, the city dispersed $819, 501 in rebates to residential and commercial customers. Quali ed customers who installed solar systems collected rebates based on the overall capacity of the system and the amount of energy it produces during peak-use periods.

e city uses a net metering system for renewable energy customers. e meter measures the surplus energy a customer is producing and the amount of energy they’re using. Every month, customers are billed for the di erence or the “net.” Residential and commercial customers can also apply for low-interest loans to help pay for their solar energy systems. Interest rates are from 1 percent to 5 percent, depending on the duration of the loan repayment period of one to 10 years. Loan limits are $15,000 for residential and $30,000 for commercial customers.

Residential customer Scott Gossett was looking for a way to save on energy costs and reduce his impact on climate change. He found out about the rebates and loans on the city’s website and worked with Dan Shi ey at Dogwood Solar, one of the city’s approved solar design and installation companies.

“I met with Dan rst to discuss the viability of solar for our home. He was also very familiar with the city loan process and was helpful in guiding us through the process,” Scott says. “Dan inspected our property and conducted a shade analysis. He then drew up a proposal to give us an idea of how many panels we can install to meet our needs and included a nancial analysis. We explored

our options, made a few tweaks, settled on a con guration we liked and scheduled the install.”

Dan installed Scott’s system in May 2022. Although it hasn’t yet been a year, Scott thinks Dan’s estimate of a 75 percent reduction in energy purchased from the city is spot on.

“For the summer, our electric bill was reduced to nearly nothing,” Scott says. “ ere isn’t as much di erence in the winter, but I expect to see a surplus in the spring to balance that out.”

Scott and his wife both drive fully electric vehicles, so their bill could be steep. Dogwood Solar calculated roughly nine and a half years to recoup the investment in the system, but Scott anticipates it

will pay o sooner than that. He says Dan’s estimate doesn’t factor in that their new system is fueling their vehicles, so they’re saving money they would otherwise spend on gas.

A SOUND INVESTMENT

Solar systems aren’t inexpensive, although the price for them continues to fall as they become more ubiquitous. Dan says that in the 1970s, solar modules cost about $75 per watt and now it’s about 60-cents per watt. How long it takes for your investment to fully pay o depends on multiple factors, such as the amount of energy you use, the amount of sun exposure your panels get, and how many panels you install. But the city’s incentive programs and rate structure puts the expense within reach of many of its utility customers. And that helps pay dividends right away.

“As soon as you put solar in, you’re saving money from day one, and you’re using those savings to pay yourself back,” Dan says. “It’s one of the few home or business improvements you can make that actually has a calculable return on investment.”

Homeowner Scott agrees. In addition to the low-interest loan and net metering savings, Scott’s solar system qualied for a rebate of $3,135. Plus, he will receive a tax credit for 30 percent of the cost on his 2022 federal income taxes.

“For anyone concerned about their climate impact, it’s a no-brainer, but beyond that, it’s a smart investment worth considering for anyone in the right circumstances,” he says.

Scott also emphasizes an “underrated bene t” of going solar.

“I just don’t worry about our electricity consumption anymore,” he adds. “It’s impossible to quantify, but it’s signi cant.”

And it’s all adding up by increasing the resilience of Columbia residents and business owners, the city, and the planet. One panel at a time.

“For anyone concerned about their climate impact, it’s a no-brainer, but beyond that, it’s a smart investment worth considering for anyone in the right circumstances.”

Dan Shifley, owner of Dogwood Solar

– SCOTT GOSSETT

Dr. Tashel Bordere

Dr. Meredith Shaw

Mayor Barbara Buffaloe

Valerie Ninichuck Natasha Harris

Jina Yoo

Dr. Nicole Monnier Taylor Freeman

Mary Anne McCollum Mary Ratliff

78 FINDING THE EDGE Competitors become firends and business partners.

Working

83 PERSON YOU SHOULD KNOW

Tom Richards, Chief Investment Officer, University of Missouri System

93 BY THE NUMBERS

New initiative supports The District’s growth.

CMFCAA is committed to providing essential services and support to the kinship, foster and adoptive children, young adults and families in central Missouri.

WHAT WE DO

We provide essentials to any stage of the foster care journey. That includes food, clothing, furniture and our Begin Again Backpacks.

We host support groups and conferences for foster and kinship families.

We teach life skills for aging-out youth such as building a resume, renting an apartment, applying for a loan and more.

We advocate for education, mental health, behavioral issues, and other family support.

We find viable family members for children in foster care.

We host monthly respite events with fun activities for the children we serve.

We teach and support the next generation of foster, kinship, and adoption families.

Pure Barre Columbia

Pure Barre Columbia is a boutique tness studio o ering music-driven tness classes that strengthen and tone your body and mind. Pure Barre is best known for low-impact, strengthening workouts that are great for people of any age. Pure Barre o ers four di erent formats of classes, ranging from the restorative class, Align, to the higher-intensity cardio class, Empower. Rounding out the group is the Classic class, and the resistance-based class, Reform. Owners Jenny Dewar and Hannah Orf started as members of Pure Barre and began teaching at the studio within a year of each other. “We love the welcoming community, the positivity, and the happiness that this studio brought into our lives, and we wanted to continue to share that with the community,” Jenny says. “We strive to ensure that our studio is a happy place for everyone who enters. We want our members and guests to feel welcome, comfortable and to have a great

time while they’re here. Pure Barre is for everybody and every body. It’s a great way to clear your mind, get stronger, and connect with your movements.”

3310 BLUFF CREEK DR. STE. 107

573-874-9006

PUREBARRE.COM/LOCATION/COLUMBIA-MO

Hexagon Alley

Hexagon Alley is a board game café currently under construction in downtown COMO with hopes of opening in March.

e team behind Hexagon Alley believes that board games create an opportunity in a digital age to help forget about our troubles and di erences and connect with those around you at the table. Whether it be through competitive or cooperative play, games help enable creativity, ingenuity, and a genuine joy of experience.

Owners Kyle Rieman, Nathen Reynolds, and Colleen Spurlock agree that saying they are passionate about board games

might be an understatement. eir library boasts over 300 games and counting. “At Hexagon Alley we love tabletop gaming and want to spread that love through our community here in Columbia,” Colleen says. Whether you are looking for a family event, date night, morning study session, or to make new friends, Hexagon Alley is your home away from home providing a great selection of games, events, food, drinks, and more. Colleen adds, “Our mission is to create a welcoming all-inclusive environment where our sta provides everything you need for a community gaming experience.”

111 S. NINTH STREET STE. 10 573-227-2213

HEXAGONALLEY.COM

Wee Care Early Learning Center

Wee Care Early Learning Center is a full-service childcare facility for ages three weeks to ve years. e sta strives to o er a solid foundation for children to meet developmental milestones while engaging in a fun, loving, and safe environment, and to make sure each child learns and grows in a way that re ects their individual needs. Owner Katherine Tufts says, “Ironically, attending my niece's graduation, I learned the owners were selling. I’d been looking for commercial property for years to grow and expand my small in-home services. Proving to me that all things happen for a reason and in good timing.” Katherine says she aspires to be known for providing safe, fun, and well-rounded childcare, “A mother myself, I know the value and stress of nding quality care. e trust, reliability, and communication that it entails. Family’s the foundation of our future and prevails in communities and education.”

WEECAREEARLYLEARNINGCENTER.COM

2601 N. STADIUM BLVD 573-445-5383

Briefly in the News

COMMUNITY That’s What She Said Show Shares Personal Stories from Local Women

Since 2013, the She Said Project’s “ at’s What She Said” performances have been inspiring audiences and empowering communities throughout the country with powerful, intimate stories shared by local women. In this inaugural production in Columbia, 10 women from the community will take the stage and share their own stories of success, hardship, and overcoming barriers. “ at’s What She Said is a platform for everyday women to share their extraordinary stories,” explains Jenette Jurczyk, at’s What She Said, national director. “We have lots of work to do, but our vision is so clear. Let’s build a stronger community and give a voice to stories that need to be told. Let’s continue to make the world a better place for everyone’s daughters.” at’s What She Said Columbia will take place at the Missouri eatre at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 15. e show is under the direction of Allie Teagarden, who moved to Columbia in 2017 from Champaign-Urbana, Ill., where at’s What She Said was founded. A percentage of the ticket sales from at's What She Said live shows support a local nonpro t with True North of Columbia being this year's partnering organization in Columbia.

Top row, left to right: Valerie Ninichuck, Dr. Meredith Shaw, Jina Yoo, Dr. Nicole Monnier, Allie Teagarden (producer and director). Bottom row, left to right: Taylor Freeman, Natasha Harris, Mayor Barbara Buffaloe, Mary Ratliff. Speakers not pictured are Dr. Tashel Bordere and Mary Anne McCollum. Photo by Sarah Jane Photography.

Healium closes $3.6M in Seed Investments and Enters into KnowHow License with Mayo Clinic

Healium, a virtual and augmented reality biofeedback company, announced Feb. 27 one of the largest private equity raises for a womenowned business in mid-Missouri history. e immersive media company has also entered into a know-how license agreement with Mayo Clinic. Healium’s products and patented technologies bring biometric data from tness trackers to life inside virtual, augmented, or mixed reality stories so the user can see and interact with their own EEG brain patterns, heart rate, skin conductance, blood pressure, or other biomarkers. Healium’s immersive products including Sleepium are used worldwide in schools, with frontline healthcare workers, elite athletes, and the US military to self-manage anxiety and burnout, and downshift the nervous system before sleep or stressful events. rough this knowhow agreement, Mayo Clinic will provide subject matter experts to assist in the development of immersive mental health and tness capabilities using virtual and augmented reality.

“By collaborating with Mayo Clinic, we’ve built an important bridge between biometric data, generative AI, and XR content,” said Sarah Hill, Healium’s CEO. Healium recently completed a successful seed raise totaling more than $3.6 million in oversubscribed rounds. Healium has generated millions of dollars in revenue and created jobs in the hightech sector for the Missouri economy.

e company’s success is the result of state and local resources that helped it succeed, including the Missouri Innovation Center, REDI, Mizzou Venture Mentoring Service, the MU Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic, KCRise Fund, the Missouri Women’s Business

Center, Pipeline Entrepreneurs, Missouri IDEA Fund Co-investment, WIN for Entrepreneurs, and the Enterprise Center of Johnson County. GIVING BACK

Missouri River Relief Continues Its

“Missouri River Scientists” Traveling Trunk Program

Missouri River Relief is bringing back its "Missouri River Scientists” traveling trunk education program which launched in 2022. In the past year, this program has served 750 students from all around midMissouri. Columbia Public Schools is partnering once again with this local non-pro t to bring these trunks to educators around the area. Teachers will have the continued opportunity to bring the Missouri River into their classrooms and explore the issues that face the endangered pallid sturgeon. e partnership between Missouri River Relief and Columbia Public Schools also provides an opportunity for Columbia Public School teachers to request the help of “Missouri River Scientists” co-instructors to assist them in leading their students through the lessons in their CPS classrooms.

BUSINESS

Boone Health and Peak Sport and Spine Announce MidMissouri Partnership

Boone Health and Peak Sport and Spine are joining forces at 20 outpatient therapy clinics in midMissouri, bringing together two longstanding healthcare organizations. e move allows for elevated coordination of care throughout the patient’s healthcare journey and accelerates Boone Health’s e orts to expand access to quality care in mid-Missouri. “We

know that Peak Sport and Spine is a strong organization that provides great service to their patients,” says Troy Greer, CEO of Boone Health. “ ey have established locations throughout our service area in midMissouri, including places we currently don’t have a presence. is allows us to continue our focus of bringing Boone care closer to home for our patients.” e therapy clinics join nine primary care clinics, two convenient care clinics, 10 specialty clinics, and nine lab services locations in Boone Health’s growing outreach portfolio.

CELEBRATION

True/False Film Fest Announces Inaugural Confluence Fellows

Ragtag Film Society is launching the inaugural year of its Con uence Fellowship program during the 2023 True/False Film Fest. is new initiative brings together Midwestbased lmmakers who are in development on their rst featurelength non ction lm to provide artist support at an early stage in the creative process, and centers Midwest lmmakers in order to uplift lmmaking voices from the region that True/False calls home. e 2023 Fellows will be joined by established international lmmakers and other industry experts for in-depth workshops, talks, and screenings, as well as to enjoy camaraderie and professional engagement experiences over the course of the Fest. e fellowship aims to connect the projects and lmmakers with both the national and international industries for inspiration and collaboration.

2023 Con uence Fellows and Projects:

• Erin Semine Kökdil | Untitled Santa Cruz Chinautla Documentary

• Desireé Moore | Work in Progress

• Tommy Franklin | You Don't Know My Name

• Joua Lee Grande | Spirited

BEN CARRIER

e Partners of Gerding, Korte & Chitwood (GKC) are pleased to announce that Ben Carrier has joined their rm as partner. Ben is a Certi ed Public Accountant licensed in Missouri. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Missouri with a Master of Accountancy degree in 2012. Ben brings the rm a breadth of professional experience, working as a CPA for KPMG LLP both in Kansas City and for multiple years internationally in Zurich, Switzerland. Ben joined the rm in 2021 and has extensive experience providing tax, audit, and accounting advisory services to a variety of clients.

THE GREATER MISSOURI LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION

• Erica Pefferman, president, The COMO Companies;

• Loren Prince, organizational development consultant, MU Health Care.

STEPHANIE BARTON

Monarch Title Company

owners Chuck and Pam Bowman and president Christy Lyon are proud to announce the promotion of Stephanie Barton to vice president of business development and escrow operations. Stephanie joined the Monarch team several years ago and has played a key role in the closing department and the success of the Centralia and Boonville markets. With her dedication to customer service and ongoing coaching of her peers, she will be a great addition to Monarch's leadership team. In her new role, she will oversee business development in all areas. In addition, she will continue to perform escrow closings for Centralia and Boonville, and assist other branch o ces as needed.

The Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation has selected 40 women professionals to participate in its 2023 Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge program. The Class of 2023 will be the 34th class. More than 1,300 individuals have participated in the program. The challenge is designed to provide a unique Missouri-statewide traveling symposium for emerging and established women leaders to have insightful symposium sessions, personalized tours, and issues discussions about each community, and receive training to accept future leadership roles where they are motivated to take action. Individuals selected from Columbia for the 2023

Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge Cohort are:

• Lisa Driskel Hawxby, business development specialist, Regional Economic Development, Inc.;

• Kaneshya Lucas, EdD, director of Academic Affairs operations, Columbia College;

• Amanda Martin, director of innovation, Shelter Insurance;

• Marty McCormick, executive director, Strategic Planning and Marketing, University of Missouri Health;

• Mackenzie Moorefield, executive director for Human Resources, University of Missouri;

• Anne Morgan, senior director, Office of Gift Planning and Endowments, University of Missouri;

SEAN CURD

Sean Curd was recently promoted to the position of director of admissions at Stephens College. He holds a BA in literature from Murray State University and an MA in literature from the University of Missouri-St. Louis where he taught for two years. Sean transitioned back into higher education at Stephens College to be part of an institution that empowers women from diverse backgrounds and helps them chase their dreams.

CARRIE GARTNER

Carrie Gartner, executive director of The Loop Community Improvement District, has recently obtained the designation of certified leader in place management (LPM) from the International Downtown Association (IDA). Carrie joins a community of professionals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills to manage and lead a place management organization, such as a community improvement district. Carrie was formerly the head of The District, where she spearheaded numerous projects including the removal of the Broadway canopies and the placement of downtown on the National Register of Historic Places. She is currently working to revitalize the Business Loop with a 10-year plan to rebuild and beautify the corridor.

CARRIER

BARTON

DRISKEL HAWXBY

CURD

LUCAS

GARTNER

RECRUITMENT SPECIAL

These innovative companies are looking for qualified individuals to fill open positions. Think you might be a fit? Reach out to them today!

A Lot to Share

Construction-tech company EquipmentShare is expanding again.

BY SAM BARRETT

After almost eight years of growth and success, EquipmentShare is expanding its headquarters in Columbia. e expansion, announced in November, will add 500 jobs to the Columbia region.

Governor Mike Parson applauded the expansion as “a major development for Columbia and great news for our state.”

“ is innovative company is creating jobs, investing in its community and having a nationwide impact,” Parson said at the announcement event on Nov. 3. “We’re proud to see EquipmentShare expanding and look forward to its continued success here in central Missouri.”

A BRIEF HISTORY

A 2021 COMO Magazine feature, “From Startup to Success,” detailed EquipmentShare's beginnings in 2014 and rapid rise to prominence. e Columbia company was founded by brothers Jabbok and Willy Schlacks, who were former construction workers.

Jabbok and Willy’s experience in the construction industry led to the concept that created EquipmentShare. After recognizing the multitude of shortcomings with equipment rental, safety, and maintenance in the construction industry, the brothers decided to make a change. e idea for EquipmentShare was born, followed by the T3 operating system that is available in the equipment it rents and sells. e cloud-connected T3 platform allows contractors to monitor every aspect of their machinery’s usage and make data-driven decisions.

EquipmentShare now has more than 4,000 employees and over 160 branches across the U.S.

“We’ve seen really exceptional nationwide growth and have also managed to maintain our roots in Columbia,” says Meg Judy, deputy director of public relations

and communications at EquipmentShare. Now the company plans to strengthen its Columbia roots by expanding the headquarters and bringing 500 new jobs to the community within the next several years.

SHARING SUCCESS

e company is planning to invest more than $100 million into its new “high-tech campus,” which is expected to be at least 10 times the size of the current, roughly 50,000-square-foot headquarters. e new campus will include a agship o ce building, a research-and-development center, a learning-and-development center, and additional space for o ces and retail.

EquipmentShare will nance the expansion, in part, with incentives from Boone County's Chapter 100 policy that will give the company a 75 percent break on county property tax for up to 10 years.

at incentive, approved by the Boone County Commission on Aug. 30 — barely one month after EquipmentShare ocially led the Chapter 100 tax abatement paperwork. ough not required by the state law that created the Chapter 100 incentive, county o cials included a panel made up of the taxing entities to study and o er feedback on the proposal.

Meg says the company will invest a lot of the tax savings revenue into recruiting new employees. She adds that the expansion is estimated to generate an additional $2 million in property tax income for Columbia Public Schools.

“ is is going to be so great because we’re going to be able to expand and then add all of those jobs,” she adds. “ en you have to also think about the multiplier e ect, the trickle-down e ect of putting better paying jobs into Boone County.

en those people are going to buy homes, go to the hairdresser, shop at the local stores, eat at local restaurants — so it just does nothing but support the community.”

Photo by Joel West

2014

The idea for EquipmentShare is born with the T3 operating system following shortly thereafter. The company wins Startup Weekend Columbia and is founded.

2015

EquipmentShare is incorporated with its home base in Columbia, Missouri.

2016

EquipmentShare opens its first branch outside of Missouri.

2022

EquipmentShare has over 160 branches across the U.S. and over 4,000 employees.

2023

EquipmentShare announces a more than $100 million expansion of its Columbia headquarters, which will add 500 jobs to the area

en-Boone County Presiding Commissioner Dan Atwill echoed that sentiment at the Nov. 3 announcement event.

“When we talk about 500 new employees, we’re also talking about hundreds more who support those people and will bene t from this,” he said.

Meg says that each EquipmentShare department will gain new employees.

“From my team — communications and PR team — to the robotics team, engineers, accounting, HR,” she says, “every department will need more people.”

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

EquipmentShare has also been working to build more connections with the community, including a Partner in Education program with Columbia Public Schools and Two-Mile Prairie Elementary School.

“We do a lot of work with CPS already, but we’re just formalizing the partnership with Two Mile Prairie,” Meg adds. Two Mile Prairie is in an agriculture area and has a strong focus on STEM — science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. “So obviously for us it’s kind of that perfect crossover with machinery and technology,” she says.

EquipmentShare also has been continuing to support local and national charities, something that has become a big part of the company.

“Our giving back initiative is huge,” Meg explains. “Across the nation we give every branch a $2,500 giving back budget, and that $2,500 is for that branch to partner with local organizations.” ere are also other initiatives throughout the year connected to Christmas and the beginning of the school year. “We kind of leave it up to the branches to decide how they want to participate.” she says.

EquipmentShare tries to seize opportunities to give back to its employees and the community. is past holiday season, the culinary team at EquipmentShare cooked up fresh meals that employees

served at Oakland Middle School in Columbia. When Hurricane Ian hit, EquipmentShare had a team that provided two semi-trucks full of toiletries, water, food, and more.

“We have a lot of really cool internal goals; like our culture, we’ve coined as a ‘people rst’ culture,” Meg adds. “We really want to make sure that our people feel like they’re taken care of and that we are putting them rst.” She says the company is also committed to diversity, being a workplace for all, with e orts focused on hiring veterans and women around the country.

One stride EquipmentShare has taken to give more job opportunities to veterans is through the Department of Defense’s internship program, SkillBridge. is internship program sets veterans up with positions at EquipmentShare. In their last six months of service, veterans can work at EquipmentShare to more comfortably transition back into their community.

“We really want to be an impactful partner in every community we serve.” Meg says.

EQUIPMENTSHARE

5710 BULL RUN DR. 573-550-0440

EQUIPMENTSHARE.COM

Photo by Anthony Jinson

Brothers Jabbok and Willy Schlacks have worked in the construction industry throughout their lives, often feeling frustrated with the outdated ways of renting and managing equipment.

On the Lookout

BY JENNIFER TRUESDALE | PHOTOS BY LANA EKLUND

If you’ve logged onto NextDoor recently, you’ve likely scrolled through dozens of posts from concerned neighbors. Detailed descriptions of suspicious strangers strolling through the neighborhood, minute-by-minute observations of an unrecognized car driving around, an inquiry about a missing package that was marked as delivered — often accompanied by clips from a video doorbell — warning neighbors to be on the lookout.

With the rise in popularity of apps that allow neighbors to connect, along with the increased accessibility of video doorbells and other surveillance technology, it can be easy to feel like crime is happening everyday, all around you. But did you know that, according to 2021 FBI data, property crimes like theft and home or auto burglary have been steadily decreasing over the last 20 years?

While you may be safer today than you were 20 years ago, crime is still a reality that many residents are looking to help prevent in their neighborhood. And that’s where Neighborhood Watch comes in. e national organization has an active chap-

ter in Columbia, which is solely managed by volunteers. It’s easy to get involved, and you could make a di erence in your neighborhood by doing so.

“I believe Neighborhood Watch is an effective deterrent as long as Columbia residents are actively involved,” Columbia Police O cer Brad Anderson says. Brad is the department’s liaison to Columbia Neighborhood Watch. He adds, “Crime models in Columbia have shown over the years that crime is down in neighborhoods where Neighborhood Watch is actively involved.”

FILLING A NEED

Crime in America was on the rise in the tumultuous 1960s, and the nation saw a heyday of serial killers that decade, including the Zodiac Killer and the Boston Strangler. Cult leader Charles Manson ordered his group’s members to carry out grisly murders. Before that time, people didn’t lock their doors, and they didn’t think twice about letting their kids roam free on a summer day. In response to rising crime, the National Sheri s’ Association

started the National Neighborhood Watch program in 1972 as a means to involve residents in the safety of their own neighborhoods. Columbia was relatively quick to hop on the bandwagon in 1976. Forty-six years later, about 300 blocks in Columbia are part of Neighborhood Watch.

“In the 1970s, the Columbia Police Department noticed that crime was increasing,” says Je Hempstead, Columbia Neighborhood Watch vice president. As a way to combat the rising crime rate, Columbia Neighborhood Watch Crime Blockers was formed. Je says the program was run by the Columbia Police Department’s crime prevention unit with a civilian board of directors.

ADJUSTING TO CONSTANT CHANGE

“When my wife and I moved to Columbia in 1999 from Illinois, our subdivision, Parkade, was involved in Neighborhood Watch, so I joined,” Je says. An electrician, he retired from Columbia Public Schools in 2013 and joined the Neighborhood Watch board, where he continues to serve.

Je has seen a lot of changes to CNW over the years.

“In 2009, the city hired a new police chief. One of his rst acts was to do away with the Police Department’s crime prevention unit,” Je adds. As a result, the civilian board of directors took over the operation of Columbia Neighborhood Watch Crime Busters and ran it as a nonpro t.

Je says the program struggled with low funding for about ve years but kept the program going. It was also challenging to keep board members, he says, and at one point only four of the nine board positions were lled.

Funding for the nonpro t often has been an issue.

“In 2014, one of the board members approached City Councilman Mike Trapp about getting a grant from the city to fund the program,” Je says, describing the initial “purchase of service contract” that provided the group $5,000 annually for ve years. e contract “made a huge difference in the program,” he adds, noting that prior to the grant, board members were putting in their own money to run the program.

With the new funding, the board updated its training video and PowerPoint presentation.

For nearly 50 years, Columbia Neighborhood Watch has helped make Columbia a safer place to live .

Columbia Neighborhood Watch

MISSION

The mission of Columbia Neighborhood Watch is to inform, train and encourage residents to work together to establish neighborhood watch programs with the goal of reducing crime and public safety.

FOUNDED

1976

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

• Herb Watchinski Jr, president

• Jeff Hempstead, vice president

• Keith Caldwell, treasurer

• Susan Dickerson, secretary

• Rod Perry, signs

• Heath Rose, board member

• Mechelle Hager-HairisonPrado, block captain liaison and Facebook

• Officer Brad Anderson, Columbia Police Department liaison

In 2014, the board changed the organization’s name to Columbia Neighborhood Watch, and the group began participating in outreach events. In 2020 the city manager terminated the grant contract as a result of the city losing revenue during the pandemic.

As a result, Columbia Neighborhood Watch funding is back to the pre-grant level, Je says.

“ is time we are a little better o as we have a reserve fund that will take us through our expenses for another year while we look for additional funding,” he says. As part of its fundraising objective, the board has applied and quali ed for the Better Business Bureau accreditation and obtained the gold level of transparency with Gold Star.

Now certi ed by BBB as a charity, the organization won the BBB Torch Award for ethics in December.

GETTING TRAINED

Participating in Neighborhood Watch requires a two-hour training, which generally is o ered monthly. e rst hour is run by CNW and involves the updated video and PowerPoint to inform participants about the mission, goals, and responsibilities of Neighborhood Watch. e second hour is conducted by Brad. He has been

the CNW liaison since August 2022, and he’s been on the force for 21 years. He’s often spotted on patrol downtown, where he is the downtown business district o cer.

“I provide the communication and cooperation between the CPD command sta and the CNW board of directors,” Brad explains. He also helps facilitate CNW training and special events and attends the monthly board meetings.

He says the law enforcement training portion teaches residents about crime prevention techniques, how to report suspicious activity — as opposed to crimes in progress — and how to use the CPD website to report minor crimes or provide information and intelligence on criminal activity in their neighborhoods. e training di erentiates between calling 311 for non-emergency matters and 911 for emergencies.

Citizens can call 311 to report suspicious activity in their neighborhood. is is an important part of Neighborhood Watch, as CNW members are instructed not to intervene to stop crime.

“We are not a police force of any kind. We don’t do any patrolling,” Je says. “We recommend observing and reporting. We recommend against interfering.” If trained members see something suspicious, they should call 311 to report it to

the police. e information is documented or logged if an o cer cannot respond.

“If there are a lot of calls logged, CPD can increase its patrol of that area,” he says.

Brad says the crime reporting and prevention training is important for Neighborhood Watch members. e training also gives members direction on how to register or log serial numbers on high-dollar property items, such as electronics.

“If these items happen to get stolen, it is much easier for o cers to locate these items later,” Brad explains e training gives residents the knowledge about how to observe and report suspicious activity in their neighborhood, which in turn can be used by the police investigations and patrol divisions.

Brad adds that the training also is helpful in dispelling a common misconception about CPD: whether Columbia residents should even contact police in certain circumstances. For example, some residents believe they may have to wait for an extended period of time for an o cer to contact them in a non-emergency call.

“Unfortunately,” he says, “sometimes this happens because of our sta ng shortages. But we encourage residents to be patient because their information on suspicious activity may lead o cers to an actual suspect and an arrest.”

Once the training has been completed, CNW assigns a level of participation, as explained on the organization’s website.

Based on national standards, CNW will recognize a block, and a person(s) as block captain, when they submit a roster to CNW showing the percentage of neighbors trained on their block. If the percentage of the occupied houses to have at least one occupant attend the training reaches 25 percent, the block is designated as “recognized” and a “block in progress,” working toward the 50 percent national standard.

Once the 50 percent training level is achieved, the block becomes fully certi ed. CNW, after reviewing this information, installs a free neighborhood watch sign.

While there are some 300 blocks with active watches in Columbia, Je says membership is lacking in the downtown and northeast areas.

“ e Columbia Police Department relies on the residents just as much as the residents rely on the Police Department,” Brad says, calling residents “the eyes and ears of their neighborhood.”

“As long as they communicate any criminal or suspicious activity in those neighborhoods directly to the police department,” he adds, “we can assist them in keeping their neighborhoods safer.”

COLUMBIA NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH COL.NEIGHWATCH@GMAIL.COM

FUN FACT:

The familiar black-cloaked silhouette on the Neighborhood Watch sign is named “Boris the Burglar.”

EDGE

BY LAUREN SABLE FREIMAN

Today, they are business partners. As the owners of Edge Rail & Screen, headquartered in Eldon, Nick Allen and Barry Roewe are working together to grow the business they started in 2019. But, when they rst met, they were direct competitors.

Nick, who started Manor Roo ng in 2006, and Barry, who started TrueSon Exteriors & Interiors in 2010, rst started chatting across the aisle at a home show at Lake of the Ozarks. e show, they say, was poorly attended, leaving both of them time to stray from their booths and catch a Mizzou basketball game on television at another booth.

Photo by Lana Eklund

Competitors become friends and business partners.

“We just stayed in touch. We would run into each other and we would get together for lunch every once in a while,” Nick says. “When he left his company to start TrueSon, we talked pretty regularly about things he was facing that I had already faced when I started Manor.”

ough Manor was mainly focused on roofs and siding and TrueSon was mainly focused on windows and siding, both Barry and Nick say they were direct competitors in many ways, and the close relationship they formed was unique.

“It was crazy how the timeline of my startup was so similar to his,” Barry says. “What I was facing in year two, he had faced in year two, and what I was facing in year three, he had faced in year three. It was like I followed in his wake a little bit.”

As their friendship grew, their families bought a condo at the Lake of the Ozarks, setting the stage for many business conversations late into the night. As the outdoor living segment was experiencing massive growth, they shared conversations about a company they both used as a supplier for railings, powder-coated aluminum, and screened rooms.

e company had recently changed ownership.

“We didn’t know it was for sale, but once it sold, we had more conversations about how it was a missed opportunity,” Nick says. “We would have considered going in together and purchasing it.”

THE RIGHT TIME

A couple years later, Barry and Nick shared another late-night conversation at the lake. ere were rumblings that some of the core employees of that company, now under another new ownership, were unhappy, and Nick and Barry decided to seriously pursue the idea of starting their own company.

“In late 2018, we closed on a facility in Eldon,” Nick says. “We hired a few of those former employees, along with a chief operating o cer, Tyler Gesch, who we both knew, and that formed the core group that got the company started in early 2019.”

Today, Edge works with general contractors and remodelers who are installing decks, covered patios, railing, and screen rooms. ough the primary business is centered on custom building, welding, and installing rail and awnings, Barry says they’ve had the opportunity to ful ll a variety of needs for the community.

“We’ve done wine racks and an ax throwing cage on a trailer,” he says. “We’ve had people bring us a race car chassis to powder coat. You just never know what you’re going to get, and it is a really fun business to be around.”

EXPLOSIVE GROWTH

Now in year four of the business, Nick and Barry look back at their accomplishments — the recent completion of an additional facility that doubled their original building footprint, growing from ve original employees to close to 20, and growing more than 40 percent year over year — and feel excited about the future.

“We started o targeting much of Central Missouri, including Columbia, Je erson City, Lake of the Ozarks, and Eldon, and now we feel like we have the structure from our employee and process standpoint to go into the St. Louis, Kansas City, and Spring eld markets,” Nick says. “ at is a big area of target growth for us over the next ve years.”

As Edge grows, Nick and Barry say it is vital that they support the people who have supported their growth.

“A lot of our employees from Eldon are now seeing the path of growth, where they can turn their job into a career,” Barry says. “Before they were clocking in and clocking out, and giving people a career

path is important, especially down here where the mindset is di erent.”

ey also know they made the right choice in bringing Tyler into the business.

ough he had no previous background in railing or welding, he knew how to treat people, and that was enough for Barry and Nick.

“If you know how to treat people and make good decisions in the interest of your customers and employees, it’s almost hard to fail,” Nick says. “We knew our employees would gravitate towards him and he would do really well there, and we also knew he would do well with our customers.”

A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

For contractors and remodelers, the service that Edge provides is zero touch. Once a deck or covered patio or porch is framed and the oor is installed, the experts at Edge step in to nish the job.

“Our people come out to template the project so we can custom cut and weld everything to the exact dimensions of the project,” Nick says. “Once it is powder-coated, our employees do the installa-

tion. What we provide is unique because a big part of the market is to buy a bolt-together system, which looks similar, but isn’t as sturdy because it isn’t fully welded. Our cost of our installed product is similar to the cost of the materials for a bolt-together system.”

Coupled with responsive customer service, quick turnaround times, and a high-quality product that eliminates much of the need for callbacks and repairs, Barry and Nick say that they’ve found the key to their continued success.

“We both have been through the experience of starting up a company from zero, and we’ve brought those valuable experiences we’ve learned along the way to Edge,” Nick says. “It’s provided a clear roadmap of where we are going next.”

EDGE RAIL & SCREEN 79 GENSERT RD. ELDON, MO 65206 573-392-7245

Tom Richards

Chief Investment Officer, University of Missouri System

JOB DESCRIPTION

Our team manages investments totaling approximately $10 billion across the university’s three main portfolios:

• e de ned bene t plan, which provides retirement bene ts to nearly 31,000 members;

• e endowment pool, comprised of more than 6,200 endowment accounts providing funding for scholarships, faculty positions, and research;

• e working capital pool, which contains the operating cash, reserves, and invested assets of all four universities within the UM System.

Tom recently received a CIO Innovation Award for Pension Fund Management.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

I began my career in public accounting, ultimately serving as an audit manager in the nancial services practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers. at was followed by 10 years in banking, having served as chief nancial o cer of a large multi-state community banking organization. I began my current role with the university in January 2011.

HOMETOWN Grosse Pointe, Michigan

TIME LIVED IN COLUMBIA 24 years

QUOTE YOU LIVE BY “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

FAVORITE VOLUNTEER/ COMMUNITY ACTIVITY

I believe we should try to give back to others in our community in whatever way we can. For me, that’s involved volunteer board or committee service with Daniel Boone Regional Library, the Columbia Public Schools Finance Committee, the City of Columbia Airport Advisory Board, the City of Columbia Finance Advisory and Audit Committee, and Stephens College.

FAVORITE RECENT PROJECT

I’m currently serving on the MU NextGen MURR task force, which is exploring the feasibility of building a second research reactor to advance MU research e orts as well as help supply the world with critical components for ground-breaking cancer treatments.

A COLUMBIA BUSINESS PERSON YOU ADMIRE AND WHY

I’ve known John Ott for nearly 20 years and during that time, he’s done as much as anyone to transform downtown Columbia into a vibrant anchor for our community.

WHY YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR JOB

It’s challenging, every day is di erent, and what we do matters. A lot.

WHY YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR COMPANY

Given our mission, every day presents an opportunity to positively impact lives.

WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR PROFESSION

Staying calm and focused during di cult times is a key element of success in institutional investing (and life).

THE NEXT CHALLENGE FACING YOUR INDUSTRY

Many higher education institutions will struggle to stay relevant, or even survive, in their current form over the next decade, given disruptions from online learning, funding challenges, demographic changes, etc. Fortunately, I am very con dent that MU leadership has our institution well-positioned to face these oncoming challenges.

YOUR NEXT PROFESSIONAL GOAL Retirement (hopefully after another 10 years of delivering exceptional results)!

BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED IN BUSINESS

Humility is your friend; always be open to new ideas and opportunities to learn from others.

GREATEST STRENGTH

Keeping focused on the big picture.

GREATEST WEAKNESS

Ice cream?

WHAT YOU DO FOR FUN

Exercise and watch University of Missouri and University of Michigan football and basketball.

FAVORITE PLACE IN COLUMBIA

e Crossing on a Sunday morning.

ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF Family accomplishments with my wife, Dr. Melissa Lawson, serving adolescent patients as a Professor of Child Health at MU Health Care since 1999; my daughter, Laura, nishing up at MU College of Education while preparing to become an elementary school teacher this fall; and my son, Jack, currently pursuing a degree in accounting at MU Trulaske College of Business.

MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT I was successfully treated for prostate cancer in 2021. For men over 50 years old (45 years old if African American) — if you’ve never had a PSA screening test, please discuss it with your doctor at your next physical exam.

IF YOU WEREN’T DOING THIS FOR A LIVING, YOU WOULD I enjoy what I do immensely; there is nothing I’d rather be doing.

What’s your CoMo?

No

RICHARD KING

What is your go to place to take a visitor in Columbia?

Lately, it’s been Coopers. Mizzou Campus/downtown

What’s your fave pastime in Columbia?

Walking/biking the trails.

What do you think is Columbia’s best kept secret?

Missouri River Relief

How would you describe Columbia in one word? The Best.

Own your past to own your future.

Finding a job isn’t easy. And the process doesn’t get any easier if you have to explain a prior conviction in an interview.

For Teron, getting out of prison was his chance to own the direction of his life. But his job working the night shift at a factory didn’t offer a brighter future for him and his family.

So, he came to Job Point for help.

While most of us were just starting the day, Teron was finishing his night shift. After clocking out, he would ride his bicycle to his Job Point classes, miles away from the factory. Despite that rigorous schedule, he was always alert and focused in class, quickly becoming a leader amongst his peers.

Teron was able to learn vital job skills like how to drive a semitruck, but, most importantly, he started dreaming again.

Our instructors helped him learn not only practical skills like how to use a dump truck, but life skills like helping Teron see himself as someone who provides value to the community.

With newfound confidence in hand, Teron found gainful employment at a construction company and was able to provide a better life for his wife and sons.

NOTHING TO Sw e Ab t

Pigs account for $20.5 million in new MU research facilities.

BY JODIE JACKSON JR

b n said

t

“pigs e like peop .”

But there’s a lot of scienti c truth to that belief, and it has led to medical breakthroughs and cutting-edge research being conducted at University of Missouri farms and facilities. Now those studies will widen with the help of three swine-related research facility expansion projects. e UM Board of Curators on Feb. 9 gave approval for the three projects totaling $20.5 million.

e expansion projects are now set for the National Swine Resource and Research Center (NSRRC), Middlebush Farm’s NextGen Center for In uenza Re-

search, and the South Farm Swine Research and Education Facility. e building projects amount to $8 million, $7.5 million, and $5 million, respectively.

Each project is expected to enhance the “translational research” into using animal organs or tissue for human ailments ranging from cancer and diabetes to cystic brosis and in uenza. What’s more, the research is not new to MU facilities.

When news broke in early 2022 about the rst-ever partial heart transplant that saved a two-week-old baby, reports didn’t

include the deeper story — that the surgery was made possible by discoveries pioneered 21 years ago using pigs from the University of Missouri.

Randall Prather, director of the NSRRC, has been working behind the scenes for decades on genetically modifying pigs to prevent diseases that threaten both swine and humans. Now his research with pigs has been directly linked to successful transplants in humans, o ering hope to more than 100,000 people waiting for organ transplants.

(Or vice versa, depending on the source or the complaint.)

“We undertake projects for things that have failed in studies with mice but are much better suited for pigs,” said Randall, a Curators’ Distinguished Professor in the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR), in a news release that announced the MU connection. “For example, you can’t take a mouse’s heart and transplant it into a human — it’s not going to work — but pigs are far more genetically and physiologically similar to a human, so they are very good biomedical models to study diseases that impact humans.”

He said the cardiovascular systems between pigs and humans are similar, “and baby pigs are also great for studying infant nutrition, as their nutritional requirements and the way they absorb nutrients is very similar to humans.”

Randall’s research is an example of translational medicine, as therapies and treatments that are successful in pigs may be successful in treating humans with the same diseases.

After decades of basic research that led to successful scienti c innovations, Randall and his team of investigators at the NSRRC have become the go-to source for genetically modi ed pigs used by researchers across the United States to study various diseases that impact humans. e latest in a series of NIH grants will increase the center’s ability to generate and distribute more pigs for research.

e NSRRC has received funding from the NIH for 20 years, and Randall has been at MU for 34 years. With requests for genetically modi ed pigs constantly coming in from researchers at universities all over the country, including University of California-Los Angeles, Harvard, Duke, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Louisiana State University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Indiana, the current facility has maxed out its capacity.

Construction on the expanded facility, which will have stringent biosecurity measures to ensure, for example, safe transfer of organs from pigs to nonhuman primates, is expected to begin in February 2024 and be completed by summer 2025.

While the NSRRC is mainly focused on biomedical research, Randall’s research also has agricultural applications, such as making pigs that are resistant to certain diseases, which has implications for both agriculture and human medicine.

“Our work is a part of medical solutions for people and this expanded facility is crucial because pigs have so much potential for solving real-world problems. We are just one step in the journey, and it is satisfying to be a part of it.”

Randall Prather, director of the NSRRC

Board of Curators Project Approvals

February 2023

South Farm – MU Swine Research and Education Facility Addition

Total project budget: $5 million

Funding: Federal Health Resources and Services Administration grant.

• The existing 14,000 gross square feet South Farm Swine Research and Education Facility was completed in spring 2022 and is comprised primarily of animal holding space.

• The facility accommodates the research programs of new faculty in large animal genetic engineering and will support the National Swine Resource and Research Center, and the Center for Somatic Cell Gene Editing.

• The project will construct an expansion of approximately 12,000 gsf to the South Farm Swine Research and Education Facility, nearly doubling animal housing capacity.

• The project is expected to be complete by January 2025.

Middlebush Farm – NextGen Center for Influenza Research Phase II Addition

Total project budget: $7.5 million

MU National Swine Resource and Research Center – Addition

Total project budget: $8 million.

Funding: $7,969,580 from a National Institutes of Health grant; $30,420 from university funds.

• The NSRRC is the only NIH-funded swine resource center to develop and supply swine models to biomedicine fields.

• Increasingly, pigs are being used as models for human disease … Swine models are making unprecedented contributions toward unraveling the molecular basis of human disease and developing new therapeutic strategies.

• The project will be an expansion of 12,220 gross square feet to the NSRRC, allowing the research center to double animal housing capacity.

• Continue to supply swine models free of certain viruses for xenotransplantation (animal tissue or organs transplanted into humans).

• The project is expected to be complete by spring 2025.

Funding: The total project is funded by a Federal Health Resources and Services Administration grant and, if necessary, $2.5 million could be provided by state and university funds.

• The mission of the Middlebush Farm—NextGen Center for Influenza Research is to develop and apply systems of biology-based translational approaches (animal-tohuman) to counteract influenza and emerging infectious diseases. The animals primarily used to study infectious disease transmission and vaccinology are swine.

• The Center for Influenza and Emerging Infectious Disease has garnered more than $15 million in NIH and CDC funding during the past two years.

• The addition of 8,300 gsf is intended to enhance animal capacity and increase research in influenza and emerging infectious diseases, as well as adaptable animal holding rooms that can transition between animal models, procedure rooms, support spaces, and a connectivity plan for a future Phase III.

• The project is expected to be complete by spring 2025.

Source: University of Missouri Board of Curators, Feb. 9, 2023

In total, the NSRRC has made more than 90 di erent genetic modi cations in pigs to study di erent diseases, including spinal muscular atrophy and cystic brosis, the most common genetic mutation a ecting Caucasian adolescents in North America.

Randall says the research is “very intellectually stimulating.”

“Every few months, we basically get a mini master’s degree in various elds of physiology,” he said, adding, “Our work is a part of medical solutions for people and this expanded facility is crucial because pigs have so much potential for solving real-world problems. We are just one step in the journey, and it is satisfying to be a part of it.”

e NSRRC at MU serves as a core National Institute of Health center for researchers from a variety of elds.

“What is so neat about the National Swine Resource and Research Center is the best researchers from all over the country come here to get their pigs,” Randall explained.

e South Farm swine research facility expansion project is designed to support the NSRRC and new faculty in large animal genetic engineering.

e $7.5 million expansion at Middlebush Farm will be an addition for the NextGen Center for In uenza Research. e project description provided to UM curators on Feb. 9 said the current building provides specialized laboratory space “for innovative research inquiry” relating to replicating a variety of climates. e facility contains two holding rooms and procedure rooms with temperature and humidity control to produce “extreme conditions.”

“ is type of space was not previously available at Mizzou and is rare in the country, making it a unique attribute when competing for grants,” the project sheet stated.

e expansion will increase capacity for that work.

e swine research expansion approvals come just four months after university o cials celebrated the one-year anniversary of Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health building on the MU campus. e $221 million, 265,000-square-foot facility anchors the overall NextGen Precision Health initiative. NextGen researchers are focused on developing treatments and cures to some of the most pressing challenges in health care including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, infectious diseases, and infertility. All research tackles individualized care for diseases and conditions.

At the one-year event, UM President Mun Choi said the universi-

ty was already seeing the returns of the investment in NextGen through the recruitment of top-tier faculty, high-impact research and research grant awards totaling more than $97 million.

“One year ago, this building represented hope. Today, that hope has become reality,” he said in October. “ e research conducted

“The research conducted in this building and across campus is delivering each day on our mission to innovate in areas that will improve precision health for Missourians and people around the world.”

NUMBERS BY THE

New initiative supports The District’s growth.

BY LAUREN SABLE FREIMAN | PHOTOS BY ANTHONY JINSON

With more than 5,000 residents, 600 businesses, and 300 property owners, e District is one of Columbia’s hottest tourist destinations. e restaurants, shops, galleries, hotels, theaters, event spaces, salons, and other businesses making up e District’s 50 square blocks — bound by three college campuses — draw people from across the country and the world.

And now, e District has a plan in place to make sure it remains a vibrant and enticing area that continues to draw businesses and visitors alike.

ALL ABOUT THE NUMBERS

About six months ago, e District began using a web-based program called Placer AI. rough Placer AI, e District is able to access foot tra c data

that measures store tra c and tra c to the downtown area. According to Placer AI, foot tra c data analyzes the movement of people from place to place. Using information collected from a variety of sources, including cameras, in-store sensors, and data sent from mobile devices, e District is able to compile a vast amount of information about visitors to, and visits to, e District.

In addition to learning more about shopping trends within e District, the information available through Placer AI is extremely valuable for retail site selection, property leasing, and real estate investments all important pieces in drawing business interest and in keeping e District a thriving destination.

“We’ve been in training and we are still learning how to use the program,” says Nickie Davis, executive director of

the Downtown Community Improvement District. “It is pretty extensive and we are still learning about all the amazing things it has to o er.”

WHAT IS PLACER AI DATA?

Placer AI data is “observed mobile location data that is aggregated, normalized, and extrapolated to generate insights into venues and consumer behavior,” the company states on its website. e company partners with mobile application publishers who embed their software code into hundreds of mobile apps, allowing it to capture data.

When a user stops moving and spends seven to 10 minutes at a location, the data is logged as a visit. According to Placer AI, all placer data is stripped of identiers, and personal or identi able information is not captured by the company.

A TARGETED GROWTH STRATEGY

Once data from Placer AI is in hand, e District will create targeted marketing materials to propel it towards its biggest goal: recruiting new businesses that would t with downtown’s vibe and ll some key needs in the area.

“We are small-business focused, local focused, and we want to make sure it stays that way,” Nickie says.

e implementation of Placer AI is especially intriguing for e District because Nickie says, there hasn’t been much previous benchmarking or data collection to inform the area’s growth. With data collected through Placer AI, Nickie says e District will have concrete data to help guide growth plans.

“We wanted to gure out where we are now so we know how to grow properly and know where to focus our e orts,” she says. “Our main goal is to attract businesses while we pinpoint where we’ve been and where we’re going.”

Using curated data from Placer AI, Nickie says her team will create marketing packets, full of various data sets, that will go out to targeted businesses. e packets will include information about how many visits a speci c business would be estimated to get in downtown Columbia, how much that type of business is needed, and what the downtown area is losing by not having that speci c type of business, Nickie says.

“ e marketing packets themselves will be quite intensive, with a lot of design work and printing,” she explains. “ e data we get from Placer AI is a tool for our o ce to use to help grow our downtown.”

FILLING THE GAPS

While 2022 ended with a downtown commercial property vacancy rate of 4.46 percent, according to market data from Plaza Commercial Realty, Nickie says the constant goal is to close the vacancies around the downtown area. With data from Placer AI, Nickie says e District will have the ability to help determine what type of businesses should go into those open spots, and then target those speci c businesses.

“With more businesses comes more vibrancy, so everybody wants more businesses,” Nickie says. “We’d love to see diversity in those businesses so we can keep things interesting, and we’d like to keep them small, if possible. Any type of new business is always exciting, but it is important to get businesses that t our community and that we know people would love to see here.”

“With more businesses comes more vibrancy, so everybody wants more businesses. We’d love to see diversity in those businesses so we can keep things interesting, and we’d like to keep them small, if possible. Any type of new business is always exciting, but it is important to get businesses that fit our community and that we know people would love to see here.”

7.8

As the team learns to harness the extensive data available through Placer AI, Nickie says she expects that it will be used in additional ways. Understanding the foot tra c patterns will also likely reveal some hidden patterns.

“It will help us to gure out where to focus things like future art installations,” she says. “Right now we can see that we have more tra c coming in from the college side rather than the Providence side, and when we know these things, we can focus our e orts in those areas.”

In addition to lling an important role in attracting businesses and growing the area, the data gained from Placer AI has been helpful to existing businesses as they seek to understand their customer tra c, and as they focus on their own growth.

“We’ve been able to help businesses with grants they were trying to get,” Nickie says. “ ey needed to know foot tra c, and data that they may need for certain things is something we are happy to provide our businesses with.”

ough it wasn’t a driving force behind implementing the Placer AI software, Nickie also expects the data to be especially helpful to realtors working to sell and rent space in the downtown district.

“If a realtor is showing a space in the downtown area, I can help them sell the space with this extra information, so we can get those vacancies lled faster,” she says.

e downtown area is already highly sought-after and desirable, and this new focus on gathering data to support the continued growth is evidence of the ongoing commitment to maintaining a thriving downtown area.

“People want to be downtown which we appreciate because it’s one of the best parts of our city,” Nickie says. “We are just making sure we continue to keep it that way, and that we can help our property owners in any way we can.”

And as a cherry on top, the Placer AI data is revealing what Nickie and Columbia's residents already knew — that downtown Columbia is a highly desirable area that is home to thriving businesses, unique housing, and plenty of tourists looking to discover the city’s treasures.

“Over the past 12 months, we’ve had 7.8 million visits to downtown Columbia, with a frequency of eight visits [per person] over the course of the year,” Nickie says. “It is one of our biggest tourist areas, with people coming from all over the country.”

Downtown COMO's commercial property vacancy rate at the end of 2022.

How long a user must stop for Placer AI to log a visit.

7-10 minutes

4.46% 50 square blocks make up The District.

visits to downtown Columbia over the past 12 months.

million

Instacart... I have not stepped foot in a grocery store since this spectacular invention!

KIM AMBRA Editor-in-Chief

Reddit, when properly vetted, allows me to see what is going on in the world in real-time. It has been a huge source of not only information, but also seeing life from perspectives about which you may have initially been naive or ignorant.

SCOTT CALLAHAN Director of Events

Asana. We added it at work, and it has been a lifesaver to help manage our team and projects, especially for tracking due dates.

WENDE WAGNER

Advisory Board

Sadly, I spend a lot of time on Facebook still. But if I had one app I couldn’t live without, it would be my Audible app. I am constantly listening to books and podcasts on it throughout the day.

HEATHER BROWN Advisory Board

Clickup has been a game changer work-life wise in helping me track projects and due dates. ParkMobile has also helped me stop paying the City of Columbia so much $$$ in parking tickets.

MEGAN STEEN Advisory Board

Insight Timer. CHRIS COTTLE Advisory Board

Matt and I use the Paired app. It’s an app for couples that asks a daily question and you can see each other’s answer once you have both replied to the question. It has been a game changer for our relationship as it has sparked conversations about things we probably never would have discussed this early or quickly in our relationship. It’s fun and I look forward to doing it every day.

AMANDA JACOBS Advisory Board

Really diggin’ this Backgammon game app I just got.

JEREMIAH HUNTER

Advisory Board

NYTimes Cooking for me, I do most of my meal planning with recipes for the week on it. Haven’t found a bad recipe yet.

KRIS HUSTED Advisory Board

I wish I was saying this as a joke but unfortunately I am not. I have a love/hate relationship with TikTok! Once you get past the lipsync dances and nd the search bar, it can become a pretty good resource where you get to hear rst hand experience on the topic.

Marco Polo. My best friends from all over the country and I started using it during COVID, and I’ve never felt closer to some of my oldest friends.

NICKIE DAVIS Advisory Board

NATHAN

TODD Advisory Board

e apps I use the most are Podcast Addict and Audible. If I’m not listening to an episode of a podcast, I’m listening to an audiobook.

JJ CARLSON Director of Web Development

Waze! If you know me you know I love to travel. You also know I love a good road trip. Waze has been a game changer for me. Not only does it get you there, it alerts you to weather conditions, road hazards and so many other things.

LATOYA STEVENS Advisory Board

AnyList . I can make multiple shopping lists or just lists of any kind. ese lists can be shared with others who can then add to them. I’ve tried many apps similar and this is, by far, the most comprehensive for me.

AMY FERRARI Director of Operations

Grammarly — for obvious reasons. It helps me avoid dangling my participles and splitting my in nitives. It also integrates with my messaging and FB messenger, because we all know how important proper grammar is for those. KWIM? is app is never asleep on my phone.

JODIE JACKSON JR Digital Editor

Leadr. It’s a people development software that helps us engage and grow our team through more intentional leadership.

BETH BRAMSTEDT Advisory Board

NYTimes Games. I complete the Wordle and the Mini Crossword daily. My brother and I compete on e Mini to see who nished fastest and JJ and I compare Wordle grids. Plus, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as hitting Queen Bee status on the Spelling Bee.

KATE MORROW Creative Director

Libby connects to the local library for digital and audio books. Free access to all sorts of learning has been wonderful.

CHRIS HORN Advisory Board Google Maps

JORDAN WATTS Senior Designer

Which app do you spend the most time on or has been the biggest game changer for you?

Columbia Walk to End Alzheimer’s

We’re back at Faurot Field!

Saturday, September 30th | Time: TBD

SUPPORT THE FIGHT TO END ALZHEIMER’S

TO REGISTER, VOLUNTEER, OR DONATE, SCAN THE QR CODE OR CONTACT CHRIS COTTLE AT CCOTTLE@ALZ.ORG

“Hawthorn has supported our business since day one. Brandon always listens to our plans and offers smart options to help us out quickly ”

“It’s obvious they are committed to seeing our business thrive.”