Brian Gerau said he is keenly aware of the stores people would like to see located in the city of Jackson and the rest of Cape Girardeau County. The process of getting these stores, however, is much more complicated. “We talk about businesses like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Home Depot or whatever it may be that we don’t have here,” said Gerau, executive director of Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce since 2008.

Jeff Libla is an adrenaline seeker. He is also president and general manager of Legacy Fasteners, a family-owned and operated business located in Poplar Bluff, Mo., that specializes in manufacturing nails for the pallet, crating and container industries...

Terry Baker is the association executive for Southeast Missouri Realtors, the trade association representing 397 Realtors in Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Perry and parts of Scott Counties with an additional 112 non-Realtor members who work in ancillary businesses...

Cape Girardeau County has grown by almost 8% over the last decade, and approximately 19% between 2000 to 2020, according to 2020 census data. Unfortunately, the growth of Cape Girardeau County doesn’t paint the full picture of how important the greater Southeast Missouri region is to the local economy...

Say goodbye to slow internet, limited data, and hidden fees when you make the switch to Circle Fiber-Poplar Bluff’s hometown network. Our 100 % all fiber network delivers lightning-fast speeds straight to your doorstep revolutionizing the way you work and play online...

We are to the point now — and frankly, we’ve been here for a while — that people are tired of the COVID-19 comparisons. But there’s no question real estate was one segment of our economy that was affected by the pandemic in a big way. The federal government flooded the economy with cash. ...

There’s a reason we use the word “spend” when talking about time. Just like currency, we choose what time to save and give away; we make trades and sacrifices to fulfill the ultimate dream we have for our lives. And for many, living downtown sounds like an exciting dream, full of opportunities for experience and entertainment. But what about the comfort and qualities that make a place into a home? Are those also present in the downtown scene?...

Steve Halter, president of the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce, remembers when he couldn’t wait to graduate high school and leave Poplar Bluff for “bigger and better things.” Sticking around to start a career and raise a family in his hometown wasn’t something he considered. He wanted job opportunities, recreation and an overall fulfilling life. It turns out, Halter had a chance at everything he wanted out of life, and it was right in front of him.

Restoring older buildings — especially those dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s — is not an easy feat. It is usually much simpler to buy a new building and avoid the headache of adapting a century-old property to fit modern standards.

NEW RETIREMENT COMMUNITY COMING TO CAPE Newbridge Properties, based out of Stamford, Conn., is preparing to open a 75,000-square-foot retirement community at 1205 S. Mount Auburn Road in Cape Girardeau this April, with residents moving in starting in May. ...

Bill Robison likes maps. He walks into the conference room carrying an easel in his right hand and several maps under his left arm. Robison, the Highway 67 Corporation chairman, makes his introduction, then unfolds the easel. As he shares the maps, he paints the background for a story about a highway...

SOTO Property SDavid Soto, president of SOTO Property Solutions and licensed real estate broker, says many people don’t realize the work that goes into managing rental properties, including his younger self.olutions makes investing easy with full-service property management

Floridians go to the beaches. Coloradans hit the slopes. Folks in Perry County, Missouri? They go caving. This makes sense since about 10% of Missouri caves are located in or around Perryville. Among them are the longest in the state — Crevice Cave, more than 30 miles long — and Berome Moore Cave, more than 25 miles long...

It has been a “year of change” for the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, as chair Jeff Glenn stated in his Dec. 2 First Friday address. Overall, Glenn said they have been hyper-focused on growth for their organization, the Cape community and overall Southeast Missouri region...

Local finance professionals speak strategy, investment and growth for 2023 The past year has been characterized by an unpredictable financial market. From stock market swings to record inflation, individuals may find it difficult to stay optimistic about their investment plan. Despite uncertainties, local finance professionals preach a similar message, “Stay calm and stick to a plan.” Here, they share their advice and insight for creating a healthy financial plan going into the new year.

It’s not uncommon for financial changes to be part of an individual’s New Year’s resolution. And with the market volatility and persistent challenges with inflation since mid-2021, you’d expect this to be among the most important issues heading into 2023...

Launching a new business venture is a dream for many, but the path to success is rarely clear, simple or easy. Whether it is a one-person show or a small empire, there are many possible mistakes one can make in the early stages of a business. One of the biggest mistakes on the startup journey is the faulty belief that there is only “one biggest mistake” to clear the hurdle of...

The number of college aged young people in Cape Girardeau increased by 714, between the years 2014 and 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Please don’t call Shad Burner Santa Claus. The Bernie, Missouri, native, director of Federal Initiatives for the state’s Department of Economic Development (DED), has no sack of toys on his back this holiday season, but he is helping lead a process that is potentially lifechanging for Missourians.

As you plan for today and tomorrow, careful consideration of your financial and estate plan is important to ensure you have enough to provide for you and your family’s wellbeing. It is also likely that, throughout your life, you have come to care deeply for the good work of certain charitable organizations, such as a church or an agency specializing in education, culture, health care or social service.

ACME CONTRACTORS OPENS CAPE OFFICE St. Louis-based Acme Contractors is now leasing a 6,376-square-foot building at 2380 E. Outer Road across from Cape Girardeau Regional Airport in northern Scott County. A spokesperson for Acme, a 100% employee-owned and managed specialty construction company founded in 1947, said the company “delivers highly complex projects for manufacturing, food and beverage, airports, automotive, bulk handling systems, power, industrial, chemical, precast and steel erection, clean room and pharmaceutical industries. ...

Michael Seaman had no intention of becoming an entrepreneur. “That wasn’t in the plan,” he said in a recent interview for B Magazine. “I don’t really like the word ‘entrepreneur’ anyway.” But like it or not, Seaman found entrepreneurial success in 2018 when he and his brother, Stephen, created Swipesum, a service that negotiates contracts between businesses and credit card processors. ...

Inflation has remained one of the top news stories throughout 2022. By themselves, the monthly inflation reports released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics have captured front-page headlines and triggered immediate reactions in financial markets. Concerns about high inflation have been present in many noteworthy stories this year, such as last winter’s Omicron COVID-19 wave, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, high gasoline price during summer, the infant formula shortage and the ongoing tensions between railroad operators and labor unions.

The business world in Southeast Missouri has a lot to say, so we're giving leaders a chance to talk shop in B Reels. Through this series, we bridge the gap between past and future issues of B Magazine, connecting professionals featured in each. Listen in on a conversation between SHO.ai founder Sho Rust and Swipesum founder Michael Seaman as they discuss AI, finance, branding and entrepreneurship...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a work of science fiction. It is an emerging force in technology, a common subject of news headlines and a growing tool for business. Here, we remove the secrecy from AI through an intriguing three-part study...

Like a diesel engine mechanic troubleshooting a problem, entities providing industrial training and education in Southeast Missouri are employing a number of tools to ensure potential employees have the skills and knowledge they need to be successful for themselves and their employers...

The following is a question-and-answer response with Sho Rust, recipient of a 1st50k in Cape Girardeau, who now leads a design and AI team, SHO.ai, with an office in Cape Girardeau and employees in New York, Austin and Paris...

Gary L. Howard Jr. is a local business executive with an impressive background. After a 22-year career in banking, he joined the team at Kasten Masonry, Inc. four years ago as the vice president of sales. But outside the office, Howard is nationally recognized as a magician, magical consultant, writer, editor, creator and magic historian...

As technology evolves, so does business, and so does the way businesses market themselves. Digital marketing is expanding rapidly with consumers spending more time online or browsing social media each day.

“Fast and furious,” is how the state director of the Office of Broadband Development (OBD), BJ Tanksley, describes the current activity around broadband development in Missouri. Tanksley, a 2002 Cape Girardeau Central High School graduate, is also a 2006 alumnus of Southeast Missouri State University...

There’s a phrase that’s been used a number of times in recent years in the technology and business space: Making work more human. The general idea is to use emerging technology for repetitive tasks, allowing humans to focus on work that requires more thought or advanced skill...

St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol represents a new wave of leadership in Major League Baseball. At age 36, he’s the youngest field manager in the game. He also embraces analytics, which have become increasingly important in America’s pastime...

United Way addresses immediate need while developing solutions that help eliminate need. We invest in programs that improve access to education, health and income stability, the building blocks for success in life. We could not do this work without the help of working individuals and local businesses.

When it comes to cyberattacks, computer experts say there are two types of businesses — those that have been attacked and have dealt with it and those that don’t yet realize they’ve been attacked.

Tucked behind a family residential development off Route W in Cape Girardeau County, Cape Precision Machine produces specialty parts for some of the area’s largest manufacturers: Procter & Gamble, Pavestone, Schaefer’s Electrical Enclosures, Major Custom Cable and Havco, to name a few. ...

D2E Health Plans held its annual meeting at the Drury Plaza Hotel and Convention Center on Sept. 14. Clients and guests heard from D2E founders Beth Johnson and Deke Lape as well as health care providers from Missouri Delta Medical Center, SoutheastHEALTH, St. Bernard’s of Paragould, Arkansas, and BJC Healthcare...

CROSS TRAILS ADDS TO CAPE GIRARDEAU FOOTPRINT Cross Trails Medical Center, 408 S. Broadview St. in Cape Girardeau, is erecting a second building nearby. Cross Trails, designated a federally qualified health center and community health canter, is constructing an 11,300-square-foot structure, now in the framing stage, just across the road at 2430 Golden St...

It’s no secret that security is a growing threat and concern for today’s small and medium-sized businesses. And for many government agencies, their challenges are equal to those in the private industry. So, we chatted with our IT expert, Tom Albertson, about some of the most important questions facing today’s businesses...

The editors of B magazine wanted to show an example of an article written by artificial intelligence (AI) — using a GPT-3 writing tool — based on prompts and questions. The writing was edited for facts, style and content. While not replacing the role of a writer, AI streamlines the research and writing process. Inputs included commands for the tone of voice (>write in the style of the WallStreet Journal). Title, introduction and topics were also created with the aid of AI making suggestions and then plugging those into prompts. The article is not a copy of other writing on the Internet, but uses an algorithm, data and writing concepts found on the web to craft its own unique sentences free from plagiarism. Like anything sourced on the web, facts and sources do need to be checked for accuracy.

Workforce. It’s not a word people often conjure up when describing their passion, but for Dan Presson, it’s what drives him everyday.

Cardiologist Clifford R. Talbert Jr. has treated hearts in the region for 57 years, with much of his time spent at Saint Francis Medical Center. The longtime cardiologist, who introduced many heart...

Linda Puchbauer chartered The Rotary Club of Southeast Missouri Service on March 2, 2021, as a nontraditional cause-based club. Less than one-and-a-half years later, the club has completed more...

“Kindness goes a long ways,” Jana Jateff said. That and her Christian faith have been life guides from growing up in Benton, Missouri, through tough times and out the other side. Jateff discovered a path in life following her faith in God, herself and in human kind.

What do Cape Girardeau, Algeria, Kuwait, Gambia and Lichtenstein have in common? They are all newly-formed hubs of the Global Shapers Community sponsored by the World Economic Forum. Cape Girardeau is hub No. 481 in the world. Global Shapers Community’s mission: “We believe in a world in which young people are central to solution-building, policy-making and lasting change.”...

VOELKER DEPARTS CHAMBER Kim Voelker, vice president of Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, left her post in mid-August after nearly 10 years with the chamber. Voelker will assume a sales role with United Rentals of Scott City. COMEDY CLUB TAKES A BREAK...

Relationships and storytelling connect people with people. “Letting people’s voices be heard is important whether it is a student talking about overcoming an obstacle, a 50-year-old woman talking about how she overcame something...

John Gary has spent his career seeing people hit rock bottom and giving them a hand up. Today, Gary is the CEO of the Gibson Center for Behavioral Change, but back in 1985 he was first hired there as a part-time cook.

When Dr. Barbara Kohlfeld graduated from high school, she hadn’t put much thought into what she wanted to do for a career.

Every Thanksgiving, Grant Skelton’s grandparents would give him, his younger brother and their two cousins $50 and tell them to use it to help someone. Then on Christmas Day they would report back.

Brittney Swicionis has called Cape Girardeau her home for more than eight years, moving here from Chicago’s south side at the age of 20. Before relocating, Swicionis attended a community college in her hometown, unsure of what her future held. When Southeast Missouri State University sent her a postcard in the mail, she looked into the majors available and determined that the school was a great fit. ...

Mike Renick, general manager at River Radio, first became interested in radio due to his love of sports.

Marijuana violations have taken more than 10,000 truck drivers off the road in 2022, further complicating supply-chain issues that have plagued the U.S. economy since COVID-19 hit our shores two years ago. That's just one of many side-effects in the ongoing push for the legalization of marijuana...

Bert and Mary Ann Kellerman, both retired faculty members of Southeast Missouri State University, began the Kellerman Foundation after feeling a responsibility to preserve the history of Cape Girardeau.

Rarely, if ever, has there been a statewide election in Missouri that has the potential to profoundly impact a specific business sector, especially one that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. But it will happen in November when voters are asked to decide whether recreational marijuana use should be legalized in the Show Me State...

Solar energy advocates receive a big boost this month thanks to Capitol Hill. On Aug. 6, the U.S. Senate passed by a tally of 51-50, with Vice President Kamala Harris casting the tie-breaking procedural vote, the Inflation Reduction Act. Among the “no” Senate votes were Missouri’s Josh Hawley and retiring Roy Blunt...

With music, whether you play it, write it, listen to it or arrange it, it’s something you can do for your entire life. So said Scott Vangilder, director of the Jackson Municipal Band. And he should know, he picked up a trumpet in the sixth grade and has lived a life in music ever since.

Since Jonathan Bremer joined Thrivent in 2014, his clients in the southeast Missouri area have raised more than $2 million and volunteered over 100,000 hours for local charities. “These numbers demonstrate the real difference we can make in our communities when we join together,” Thrivent financial associate Jonathan Bremer said. “Our clients’ passion for generosity is one of the great things about this organization.”...

Sue Nesler grew up in Cape Girardeau, left for 25 years, and then returned in 2016. Within two years of moving back to Cape, Nesler purchased Yoga East Healing Arts Studio. She never planned on owning a yoga studio, but Nesler says “when something is right, it’s right.”

There are people who work a job, complete tasks and play important roles in day-to-day operations. They clock-in and clock-out, doing what needs to be done. Then there are others who go the extra mile. They’re passionate about what they do in business or community service. ...

Saint Francis Healthcare System is taking steps to recenter on their guiding principle of “People Come First.” Rooted in the history of the faith-based healthcare provider, it shows the organization’s dedication to serving their patients, colleagues and community...

New York Times bestselling author Don Yaeger’s “Great Teams; 16 Things High-Performing Organizations Do Differently” is a case-study in organizational leadership in both the sports and corporate worlds. Written in 2016, the book uses examples of great teams throughout sports history to demonstrate how good teams become great; and how the same strategies have been applied by some of the most successful organizations in the corporate world...

Each year, the Cape Girardeau Public Schools Foundation funds student programs needed in the district. This year’s Penguin Party, the most visible fundraiser of the Foundation, surpassed its goal and will support AF-JROTC, college scholarships, the Gaming Club, Back-2-School supplies, the first Central Academy Yearbook and the Rising Educators Program...

Health care is one of the top employers in Southeast Missouri. While there are many Southeast Missouri natives who continue to work in the industry locally, the regional health care market is also one of the top industries for recruitment. From doctors and nurses to information technology specialists and business professionals, many of the area’s top-paying jobs are related to health care. In this story, we speak to six individuals, some of whom are relatively new to the area, about what led them to pursue a career in health care and why they chose Southeast Missouri.

Amy Kasten-Yates is a busy woman. With COVID in the rearview mirror, all the area parties, proms, weddings, and baby and bridal showers are full steam ahead. She is ready with more special event rental pieces than you would expect. For example, they have 30 arches available for rent, as well as 200 round tables, and millions of pieces of linens in over 60 colors. Table linens have become the staple of any gathering...

Banterra Bank started as a small bank in Ridgway, Illinois in 1975, but today, has more than 40 locations in six states and finished 2022 with a 12% growth in assets at $2.6 billion and a jump in earnings by 22%. The company has been growing almost from Day One, and that is largely due to strong local teams, strategic decisions and exceptional service and products...

B Magazine sat down with area food and beverage leaders to learn about their businesses What makes them unique, and the details behind giving customers a great experience. Stephenie Gardiner Mom, Baker, Grinder Bon Bon’s of Cape Girardeau Why did you open Bon Bon’s?...

Rising costs and increased competition are ramping up pressure on health care organizations across the country, including SoutheastHEALTH, which first opened as Southeast Missouri Hospital in 1928, a private not-for-profit hospital located in Cape Girardeau.

Strickland Engineering has excelled for more than 40 years at helping clients overcome a variety of mechanical, electrical, civic, industrial and structural engineering challenges, as well as surveying services. The company has enjoyed tremendous growth over the last few years, and its team continues to expand...

Cheryl Mothes, Edward Jones financial advisor, natural health nutrition counselor and co-owner of Fresh Healthy Café in Cape Girardeau, was getting ready for work one morning in 2019 when she overheard Gayle King talking about a new study linking fried foods and breast cancer in women on “CBS This Morning.”...

A bank is much more than a building where you deposit your money and manage your bank accounts. It’s also a place where you can build important relationships as you earn an income and build toward financial goals such as buying a home, investing and saving for retirement...

In the movie “Field of Dreams” there is a line, whispered mysteriously: “If you build it, he will come.” It worked in the movie. Ray Consello, played by actor Kevin Costner, builds a baseball diamond in the middle of his cornfield. Soon after, ballplayers from yesteryear, including Consello’s father, begin to appear and play America’s pastime...

Nursing homes have always had to exist in an ever-changing industry; however, the last two years have brought more change than ever. “COVID has forever changed the health care industry, but it has also created a unique opportunity to be innovative in how we care for our residents,” said Teresa Brown RN, chief operating officer of the Lutheran Home Health Center. “I’m very proud of how our team rose to that challenge.”...

Health care is a major economic driver for our regional economy. According to city-data.com, health care and social assistance ranks as the top industry in Cape Girardeau County. Saint Francis Health Care and SoutheastHEALTH continue to be two of the top employers. Add in the new Southeast Behavioral Health Hospital, Department of Veteran Affairs Medical Center and tertiary services, as well as Doctors' Park, and you can really see the employment impact...

Sipping a cup of coffee, sitting alongside his wife and watching his colony of purple martins was how Donnie LeGrand spent his first morning of retirement this spring. After 36 years working for Procter & Gamble in Cape Girardeau County, LeGrand walked out of the plant on his 59th birthday — May 2...

Many businesses measure progress by the growth of their client base or the number of assets they manage. Growth can require significant investment from every part of the company, yet with one cyberattack, all of that hard work can fall to the wayside. It is critical to make sure your business is taking steps to be proactive and diligent about cybersecurity to protect the progress you’ve made...

Since 1996, Natural Health Organic Foods has been a source of locally produced items, including eggs from Family Friendly Farm, honey from Riverbend Honey and Shady Lane, rice from Cahokia Rice and Inland Cape, gluten-free baked goods from Mandy’s Gluten-Free Bakery, milk and poultry products from Farmstead Farms and grass-fed beef from Sunny Ridge Farm...

Century Casino Cape Girardeau held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 26 for its new $26 million, nine-story hotel. According to Lyle Randolph, vice president of operations and general manager at Century Casino Cape Girardeau, the hotel will have 69 rooms — with most featuring a view of the Mississippi River...

Experts say your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Wendy Ice, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Counseling Center (CCC), believes seeking mental health treatment should be just as common as going to your primary care physician to care for your physical needs...

TRUCKERS LOSE THEIR RIDES DUE TO CANNIBIS Marijuana violations, according to stacker.com, have taken more than 10,000 truckers off the road thus far in 2022. A total of 10,276 commercial vehicle drivers have tested positive for marijuana use, an increase of nearly one-third year-to-year from 2021...

Food insecurity continues to be an issue in the United States, including in agriculturally-rich Southeast Missouri. Some of the area’s most rural communities continue to be the hardest hit, with the COVID-19 pandemic also contributing to the challenges...

Arranging the details of your funeral and cemetery services sounds difficult, but having a plan in place is smart and caring. It allows your loved ones to celebrate your life without the added stress of planning during an already-difficult time. Whether considering a traditional funeral, cremation services or a service that represents your unique interests, pre-planning guarantees your memorial is done your way. You also have the chance to “freeze” prices, saving your family money in the future...

Co-owner of the Digital Foundry Robert Spurlock spoke with B Magazine writer Nate Gautier about his marketing agency and why diversity and inclusion are important. What is important for people to know about diversity and inclusion (D&I)? Spurlock: “People can be LGBTQ+ in Cape Girardeau and successful. The reason I want to share this piece with the community is multifaceted. There are local companies who are trying to create proactive public spaces for this regionally...

As someone who builds his fair share of websites, I spend a lot of time talking with people who are thinking about an upgrade. Many of these conversations start with, “I’ve been thinking about building a new website. Can you work up a proposal?” Beyond the obvious, “Yes! Of course I can,” I wanted to shine a light on three questions that I always ask folks who are looking to upgrade their website...

Today, there’s almost no need to actually walk into a bank. Not when it’s so easy to pay bills, deposit checks, transfer funds, or even send money to friends and family by the touch of a smartphone. However, sometimes it’s important to be able to talk about money face to face with a real live person...

The Clippard Wilson Taylor, Post 3838 is celebrating its 80th year supporting veterans and their families. VFW Post #3838 and its Auxiliary are committed to initiatives to provide funds for The Avenue of Flags in Cape County Park, Homeless Awareness and solutions in our community, the Legacy Wall memorializing our loved ones and supporting youth through various contests promoting patriotism, scouting, and JAFROTC at Central High School...

The pandemic has brought change for many businesses. For Reppert’s Office Supply it has brought growth. The business that began in 1969 in Anna, Illinois, and grew to locations in Sparta and Carmi, Illinois, has now acquired Mid South Office Supply and Heartland Office Supply, both in Sikeston, Missouri...

What makes a community grow? Is it economic development? New businesses? A commitment by the people to improve the physical surroundings? For downtown Cape, the answer is all of the above. This past year, downtown Cape has added 24 new businesses, which means 112 new jobs and $18 million invested in making it a better, brighter area — despite challenging economic times...

We all need allies especially when it comes to our financial well-being. For the last 25 years, Alliance Bank has been serving as that dedicated ally to the people of Southeast Missouri. David “Pee Wee” Erlbacher, Bob Blank, Bob Meyer, Chad Hartle and Carolyn Hurst founded Alliance Bank in 1997 in Cape Girardeau, which has since added four more branches...

Auto Tire and Parts NAPA has earned the name “the parts professionals since 1909.” They are the most experienced parts experts so that you get the right part the first time with hometown personal service. The company also carries the widest selection of parts for all your vehicles...

Since childhood, Dr. Anne Heisserer has always been interested in helping others. Her father set the example working as a pharmacist. Throughout college, Dr. Heisserer investigated several avenues of study before deciding that chiropractic care best suited her personality and goals...

We all strive for our independence. We cherish it because we know it can be lost. We can’t always gain it on our own. Sometimes we need help. This is the main goal of the SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence (SADI) — to enable persons with disabilities to remain in their own homes, not an institution. Since 1993, SADI has been helping individuals with physical and developmental limitations achieve their independence...

Who is Sergio Ramos? Have you seen the #SoldbySergio signs? Sergio is one of Southeast Missouri’s most well known and top ranked real estate agents — not only in his office, but the region. Last year, Sergio was on a team of eight that sold $64.5 million in sales volume, and Sergio contributed $8.2 million, indicating that he is a force to be reckoned with. ...

Presort, Inc., a direct mail and printing company, has purchased PDQ Quality Printing in Cape Girardeau. The acquisition of PDQ is more than Presort merely expanding its operations in Southeast Missouri, said Jeromy Fritz, co-owner and president of Presort. The company is also carrying on the four decades of experience and trust built up by former PDQ owners, Raymond and Cathy LeGrand...

Finding it harder to hear conversations around you might mean you need to get your ears checked. It could also be your ears signaling to you about other health concerns. “Hearing is directly correlated to so many other health issues,” said Sarah Hickey, Doctor of Audiology and owner of Audiology Associates of Missouri...

The rules were different 40 years ago when two women decided to open a uniform shop serving area medical offices and hospitals. Geraldine Stone, RN, and her friend, Margaret Edmondson opened Professional Fashion Uniforms and quickly found they couldn’t open a checking account for the business, get a business loan or buy insurance without their husbands’ signatures on the paperwork...

Traditional values and a solid work ethic while providing American-made products have been a long-standing tradition for Bootheel Fence Company. For more than 20 years, Bootheel Fence Company has offered both commercial and residential products that include, but are not limited to, decorative and security fencing, estate gates and operators...

Progress and change are vital in any business, but at Roy’s Tire and Auto, it’s good to remember there are a few things that will never change. Roy’s Tire and Auto has been proudly serving the area since 2003. Whether they need a routine oil change or a new set of tires, customers know they will benefit from the knowledge and experience Roy and his team have gained from four decades in the automotive and tire industry...

The organization formerly known as Gibson Recovery Center is proud to announce the launch of their new name, website and company logo as part of the ongoing evolution of their brand. “It’s an exciting era for our company — our steady growth has brought new patients, new employees and new services to the local community,” said CEO John Gary...

A frozen treat paradise, Simply Swirled is celebrating 10 years of serving the Cape Girardeau area. The independent, locally owned business boasts a family-friendly atmosphere where customers can create their own dessert creations. “We offer choices that cater to so many different tastes,” said Dawn Kirby, owner of Simply Swirled. “We always have at least one sugar free option available, and we also have gluten- and dairy-free options.”...

An important factor to consider in choosing a bank is finding one that is empowered to make decisions but also offers customers the conveniences that make life easier. “We are proud of our mortgage banking team, as well as our entire First Missouri State Bank team,” said Steve Taylor, president, CEO and chairman of the board. “We make banking easy! We’re proud to be a community bank, with our employees and board of directors all based locally.”...