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What is Quality of Life? Local chamber leaders discuss quality of life in their cities (3/21/24)By Jasmine Jones ~ B MagazineQuality of life. It’s a term heard in chamber meetings, in business discussions, in city governments and city council meetings. Everyone seems to be talking about it. But what exactly does quality of life mean, and what are communities in Southeast Missouri doing to improve it? B Magazine asked local chamber leaders to reflect on what quality of life means to prosperity of their communities and what their organizations are doing to address it. Responses are submitted by contributors and may be edited for clarity and space.
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The future of Cape Girardeau’s hotel industry (3/16/24)By Jay Wolz ~ Special to B MagazineCape Girardeau will be one of the best places on Earth to experience the total solar eclipse on April 8, but any out-of-towners who haven’t booked a hotel room for the event by now are finding themselves in the dark already. “They can forget it,” according to Brenda Newbern, director of Visit Cape, formerly known as the Convention and Visitors Bureau. “As soon as reservations were available, our hotels were filled. It’s been amazing the number of inquiries we’ve had about the eclipse.”...
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Stop and Hear the Music: A look at live music venues in Cape Girardeau (3/16/24)By Jasmine Jones ~ B MagazineThird place. It is a term in sociology to represent those environments outside of the home and workplace. Third places can be coffee shops, libraries, parks, churches, bookstores, bars, music venues and community centers — they all function as places an individual can go to regularly and be around others...
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Outside the Office: Baking with Dr. Toni Alexander (3/13/24)By Jasmine Jones ~ B MagazineAs a professor and chairperson of the History and Anthropology Department at Southeast Missouri State University, Dr. Toni Alexander says much of her day-to-day work does not end with something tangible. The few “tangible” results in her job — students graduating, papers being published and other academic projects — require ample time and patience...
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Parks and Recreation Department drives economy, contributes to talent retention (3/12/24)By Mia Pohlman ~ B MagazineWhen Jennifer Wilson graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in the early 2000s, she decided she wanted to stay in Cape Girardeau and make her life here. Wanting to connect with others in the community who enjoy sports while staying physically fit, she signed up for a co-ed softball league through the Parks and Recreation Department...
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Eclipse expected to draw thousands to Southeast Missouri (3/9/24)By Christopher Borro ~ B Magazine
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Quality of life, a focus for our region (3/9/24)Lucas PressonThere’s a new buzzword these days among economic developers: quality of life. What amenities does a community have that contribute to a good quality of life: education, public safety, restaurants, entertainment, parks and recreation, church community. The list goes on...
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Businesses plan eclipse parties (3/9/24)BmagazineThe solar eclipse is cause enough for celebration, but experiencing one twice in seven years is something special. Different businesses are rolling out the red carpet to prepare for the event and to bring in as many patrons as possible while doing it...
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Business Briefs (3/9/24)BmagazineOn Friday, Dec. 29, Cal-Maine Foods of Ridgeland, Mississippi, announced the acquisition of a shuttered Tyson Foods chicken processing plant in Dexter. Cal-Maine, the country's largest egg producer, plans to convert the plant into an egg processing facility by summer 2024...
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Sponsored: New Ranken facility creates opportunities for Perryville workforce (3/8/24)B MagazineAs the foremost technical college in the Midwest, Ranken Technical College has a long history of equipping students across Missouri to take on industry-critical jobs in the trades. In response to the urgent need for a more skilled workforce in Southeast Missouri, Ranken expanded their presence in Perryville in June 2023 through a new facility poised to fill employment gaps in the trades throughout this region...
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Sponsored: The Riverview: Hotel honors the past, creates the future of downtown Cape (3/7/24)BmagazineLyle Randolph, vice president and general manager of Century Casino Cape Girardeau, says when he moved to the city in 2013, there hadn’t been a hotel downtown for almost 50 years. Since then, the Courtyard Marriott has opened on Broadway and now, The Riverview is set to be the second major hotel development downtown on 777 Main Street with its grand opening on April 4...
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Area economic development leaders collaborate on lobbying lawmakers (3/2/24)Lucas PressonHow well does Southeast Missouri advocate for itself with state lawmakers? More specifically, how does the area stack up with the rest of the state? While Southeast Missouri chambers of commerce and economic development leaders have a good working relationship, there has been little collaboration until recently when it comes to lobbying the General Assembly. As a result, other areas of the state have had more success than this part of the state in getting their priorities funded...
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Sponsored: Lynwood Christian Academy celebrates growth, plans for building expansion (3/2/24)BmagazineLynwood Christian Academy, a private non-denominational Christian school opened in August 2020 in Cape Girardeau. Since then, the school has experienced immense growth, with plans for building a new facility. Benjamin Rhodes, head of school, sat down for an interview to discuss the school’s future, academic excellence, mission and recent updates...
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Southeast Missouri’s ‘backbone’: A look at area manufacturing (1/18/24)By Jeff Long ~ B MagazinePresident Joe Biden, in a White House statement released July 21, said “American manufacturing has long been the backbone of [the U.S.] economy.” In the Show Me State, Missouri Business Alert reported Sept. 13 that state manufacturing growth is “exceeding expectations,” noting that while COVID-19 cost Missouri 25,000 manufacturing jobs, employment in the sector has grown 5.7% in the past three years to more than 290,000 workers...
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Book Review: 'Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most' (1/17/24)By Dr. Erin Rae Fluegge ~ Special to B MagazineOn the first day of my MG354 Business Negotiation: Concepts and Practice class, I tell my students that the class will literally change their lives — a bold claim usually met with lit-up eyes, curious facial expressions and palpable excitement (albeit with a touch of skepticism). ...
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Economist discusses inflation, job growth in Southeast Missouri at SEEDS conference (1/17/24)By Christopher Borro ~ B MagazineThe Southeast Entrepreneurship and Economic Development Symposium (SEEDS) on Thursday, Nov. 30 brought together several local industry leaders and economic minds to discuss the state of Southeast Missouri’s economy heading into 2024. Among the speakers at the event, senior economist Charles Gascon with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis presented to the audience some of the latest economic trends and their impact on a national level...
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Local employees travel internationally for work (1/16/24)By Mia Pohlman ~ B MagazineWork travel accounted for 19% of global travel and tourism expenditure in 2022, down only 1% from 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Statista. As the world has opened back up for travel post-pandemic, the advantages of traveling for work are many: Meeting in-person helps to build stronger relationships, strengthen communication and deepen understanding across cultures within a company. ...
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A look at the products manufactured in our region (1/16/24)By B Magazine • Photos by Aaron eisenhauerIt’s safe to say Southeast Missouri likes to make things. A lot of things. In this region, companies make products to eat: cereal, baking mixes and ice cream. They make everyday use items: toilet paper and diapers. They make cords, wires, electrical enclosures, car parts, packaging, smokers, steel buoys and so much more.
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The Child Care Crisis: How lack of care impacts families, workforce, economy (1/13/24)By Jasmine Jones ~ B MagazineMissouri loses an estimated $1.35 billion every year due to child care issues, according to a 2021 U.S. Chamber of Commerce case study. This same study indicates that 28% of Missouri respondents surveyed said they or someone in their household has left a job, not taken a job or changed jobs because of problems with child care in the last 12 months...
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Manufacturing in southeast Missouri continues to innovate (1/13/24)By Lucas Presson ~ B MagazineSo many industries are experiencing changes these days. And for many, it’s not incremental change. Some are seeing transformational changes on the good side. Others face challenges. For most, it’s a mix of both. The pandemic certainly changed things. Take, for example, recruitment...
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Industrial parks: Catalysts of growth in Southeast Missouri (1/12/24)By Christopher Borro ~ B MagazineSoutheast Missouri contains several industrial parks, employing tens of thousands of workers and helping to drive the economies of local towns. The influence of industrial parks stretches across the region. In Perry County, its park includes TG Missouri and Gilster-Mary Lee, which employ more than a quarter of the county’s population. ...
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Outside the Office: Ron Watts grows flowers for father-daughter business (1/10/24)By Bob Miller ~ B MagazineAs a pastor, Rev. Ron Watts is always planting seeds. Scripture uses this metaphor of sowing and reaping throughout the Old and New Testaments. But for Watts, planting and harvesting are not just metaphors for the divine. Watts likes getting his hands dirty. He studies the dirt. He makes his own compost. And he nurtures the half-acre lot in the back of his Cape Girardeau home for growing plants...
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David B. Knight: Ole Hickory Pit founder’s story to success and Barbecue Hall of Fame (1/9/24)By Jay Wolz ~ Special to B MagazineThere was once a saying that the sun never set on the British Empire. Today it can also be said the fire never goes out in an Ole Hickory Pit smoker. At any given moment there are hundreds — even thousands — of Ole Hickory Pit barbecues in use on six of the world’s seven continents...
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Business Briefs (1/9/24)Bmagazinegrand opening The ALDI store in Jackson at 2502 E. Jackson Blvd had its grand opening at 8:15 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 7. The store will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, with curbside pickup and grocery delivery options. Work on the 21,682-square-foot market began in March of this year. Other ALDI stores in Southeast Missouri may be found in Cape Girardeau, Perryville, Poplar Bluff and Sikeston...
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Sponsored: Investing in regional economic development (11/21/23)B Magazine
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Sponsored: FRESH Healthy Café makes healthy, nutritional eating easy (11/16/23)BmagazineIn an era where more individuals are prioritizing health, fitness and weight management, the often overlooked yet primary determinant of health is consuming nutritious foods. This is the reason Rick Hetzel and Cheryl Mothes opened FRESH Healthy Café in 2019. FRESH is a pioneer in fast-casual, nutritious dining experiences...
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Outside the Office - Painting With Colyn Wibbenmeyer (11/15/23)By Amanda Flinn ~ B MagazineFor 46 years, Colyn Wibbenmeyer of Sikeston, Missouri, has been working as a hairstylist. She cuts, colors and creates works of art using her scissors, professional hair dye and a blow dryer. Wibbenmeyer wakes up in the morning excited about the day ahead and looks forward to visiting with the customers that sit in her chair, many of whom have become good friends. ...
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Sponsored: Southeast Missouri State University's new division powers economic, workforce growth (11/14/23)BmagazineSoutheast Missouri State University (SEMO) is gearing up to make a significant impact on the regional business community and workforce with its recently established Division of Economic & Workforce Development. Newly named Assistant Vice President of the division, Dan Presson, sheds light on the importance of this initiative and the unique approach SEMO is taking to address the needs of Southeast Missouri...
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Fitness tracking in the digital age (11/14/23)By Danny Walter ~ B MagazinePicture two men, Sam and Jim, jogging along a wooded path in the days before smartphones and wearable technology devices. Sam is measuring his heart rate the old-fashioned way — fingers on his wrist, checking his pulse and counting beats per minute...
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Sikeston reaps benefits from community’s collaborative efforts (11/12/23)By Leonna Heuring ~ B MagazineWhen it comes to achieving success in Sikeston, Missouri, collaboration is key. The city, community, school, business leaders and residents have proven time and again they can accomplish more when they work together. This includes collaborating to find and allocate funding.
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School-Based Centers make healthcare accessible for students, staff (11/11/23)By Christopher Borro ~ B MagazineA novel approach to well-being in education, one with benefits for students, parents and staff, is the collaboration between schools and area health networks. The Sikeston R-6 School District has spent the last four years working with the SEMO Health Network to ensure student health care is easily accessible.
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New faces in health care leadership (11/8/23)By Jasmine Jones ~ B MagazineNurses, doctors and clinicians are on the ground floor, caring for patients’ health and helping their families navigate the process. Their expertise and dedication are the foundation of our regional hospitals. But without leadership, there would be no system for those nurses, doctors and clinicians to operate under. The guidance of health care leaders is what keeps our region’s health care systems running smoothly. And what keeps them doing what they do best: Care for our health. Here, we get to know a few of our region’s more-recently appointed leaders in health care.
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Cape Girardeau: The ideal city for health care professionals (11/6/23)By Jasmine Jones ~ B MagazineCape Girardeau was not on Dr. Steven Finstad’s radar. As a native to Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, he says he only heard of the city “maybe once” from a friend who enjoyed catfishing. Finstad and his wife were looking to make a career change, so he was interviewing for positions across the country — everywhere from Idaho to Florida and Michigan. After finishing up an interview at a hospital in the Midwest, Finstad and his wife decided “on a whim” to drive to Cape Girardeau...
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Healthcare in Southeast Missouri ranges from the simple to the complex (11/4/23)By Lucas Presson ~ B MagazineIt’s no secret that health care plays a key role in our economy, both at a national level and, more specifically, in Southeast Missouri. I wrote in these pages a year ago that health care is a leading industry for this region. Yes, the hospitals play a big role. But it’s also the tertiary care centers, long-term assisted living and other health related services that contribute to this economic activity...
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Business Briefs (11/2/23)BmagazineSOUTHEASTHEALTH JOINS MERCY SoutheastHEALTH leaders announced on Aug. 1 an official partnership with St. Louis-based Mercy, affiliating Southeast with one of the nation’s largest health care systems. Mercy, an $8 billion organization, operates nearly 50 health care systems with 1,500 clinics and more than 40,000 employees across seven southern states...
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How gardens and farms can transform the health of communities in Southeast Missouri (10/30/23)By Jasmine Jones ~ B MagazineAlong the interstates, highways and backroads of Southeast Missouri, there are countless fields of grain crops. Corn, soybeans, wheat and rice abound. According to the Missouri Department of Agriculture, the state ranks fourth in rice production for the country — with most of the rice growing in southeastern counties.
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Project ECHO pairs experts with medical generalists using telementoring (10/29/23)By Jeff Long ~ B MagazineThe wired world we live in allows medical expertise to be shared almost instantaneously, which is especially useful in rural areas where resources may be scarce.
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Sponsored: Pillar of the Community: How Wood & Huston Bank became a Cape Girardeau institution (10/28/23)BmagazineIn the 1870s, Missouri was undergoing a period of modernization. Railways began to crisscross the state, full-time farm operations replaced herding and hunting, and formerly small rural towns swelled in size.
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Horseshoe Champion: Ronnie LeGrand uses retirement to improve his throw (10/4/23)By Amanda Flinn ~ B MagazineRonnie LeGrand, of Dexter, Missouri, is proof that life doesn’t end in retirement. While he may not get up every morning and go to the office, LeGrand is still working hard, having fun and competing against the best in his division.
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Dexter celebrates 150 years of community, collaboration (9/26/23)By Josh Ayers ~ B MagazineOn July 7, 2023, at Dexter's East Park, hot balloons glowed like giant birthday candles as they hovered over the land. In a sense, that is what they were, since Dexter is celebrating its 150th birthday this year. Dexter officially became a city on July 4, 1873, and has grown considerably since. Executive director of the Dexter
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The Future of Education: A conversation with Jackson, Cape superintendents (9/22/23)By Jasmine Jones ~ B MagazineConversations with Cape and Jackson public school superintendents Education is where it all begins — where children learn skills that will translate into interests and blossom into careers after graduation. School districts are quite literally shaping tomorrow’s generation and workforce. It takes a number of people, and leadership, to make this happen...
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Guest column: Revival of film tax incentive on 'Gone Girl' 10-year anniversary (9/20/23)By Jim Dufek ~ B MagazineIt’s now been a decade since Southeast Missouri saw the beginning of production for the film “Gone Girl”.
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A look back at Codefi’s 1st50K competition (9/16/23)By Bob Miller ~ B MagazineChris Carnell carries a passion with him regarding tech startups. He’s happy to talk about entrepreneurship. He’s more than willing to do the work behind-the-scenes to help those who want to bring tech jobs to the Cape Girardeau region, and he’s thrilled that his organization creates programs to teach people coding skills...
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Seven people, seven thoughts about the impact of technology (9/13/23)By Jeff Long ~ B MagazineSome folks seem to have a second sight, an ability to look around corners, to imagine what’s coming next. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin (1881-1955), a controversial French Jesuit priest, scientist and philosopher, may have been one of those visionaries. He made a January 1947 speech in Paris in which he wondered aloud about the possibilities and threats of technology...
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A look to the future with a celebration of innovative in Southeast Missouri (9/13/23)Lucas Presson ~ B MagazineAs I’m writing this column in the third week of August, there’s a major baseball tournament being held one mile from our downtown Cape Girardeau offices. Fourteen teams are competing in the Babe Ruth World Series for 16- to 18-year-olds at Capaha Field and Central High School. ...
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Rib City: How Dexter became Missouri’s barbecue capital (9/13/23)By Jasmine JonesDexter, Missouri, is known as “Rib City,” and West Business U.S. Highway 60 is where that name truly comes to life. On that highway, all within less than a mile of each other, exist some of the most popular and well-known barbecue restaurants in Southeast Missouri. And it goes beyond restaurants. Convenience stores, gas stations and small mom-and-pop shops are all advertising their barbecue products.
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Growing programs at Southeast Missouri State University reflect job market demands (9/13/23)Emma Kratky ~ B MagazineIt’s safe to say COVID-19 changed everything. Within the last three years, the job market has shifted substantially to adjust to the needs of our post-pandemic world. For example, when workplaces and schools shifted to remote work, this showed the importance of technical expertise. ...
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Sponsored: A bright future in economic development for Southeast Missouri (9/13/23)Southeast Missouri is at a critical moment in the future of economic development. After a reorganization effort, Southeast Missouri Regional Economic Development, Inc. (SE MO REDI) is entering the final stages of a strategic planning effort. With the continued expansion of private and public partners, the organization is well-positioned to play a key role in helping add jobs and private investment throughout the region.
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Sponsored: The Tailor Institute celebrates 20 years, introduces new director (9/2/23)B Magazine
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How technology is shaping agriculture in Southeast Missouri and beyond (8/26/23)By Rick Fahr ~ B MagazineAdvances in agricultural technology serve one purpose: Efficiency. Behemoth machines traverse fields — mostly by themselves. Sensors track myriad elements, from soil density to crop moisture. Drones are even in the mix, in some instances. Each type of technology
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Business Briefs (8/26/23)B MagazineSoutheastHEALTH joins Mercy SoutheastHEALTH leaders announced an official partnership with St. Louis-based Mercy on Aug. 1, affiliating the hospital network with Mercy, one of the nation’s largest healthcare systems. The two organizations signed a letter of intent to merge in January. In time, SoutheastHEALTH will likely become known, officials said, as Mercy Southeast...
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Difference Maker: Scott Williams using recreation to help people of all abilities (7/26/23)By Danny Walter ~ B MagazineWhen Scott Williams was growing up in Anna, Illinois, he loved to organize kickball, softball or basketball games for his friends in his neighborhood and school. He said, at the time, he had no idea this could be a profession. Years later, Williams took that natural inclination and turned it into a career, and today works as a division manager for the Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department...
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Difference Maker: Brady Barke leading Redhawks to success on the field and through challenging times (7/21/23)By Tony Capobianco ~ B MagazineThe job of athletic director at Southeast Missouri State University is much more than raising funds and hiring coaches. “You're trying to ultimately solve the problems that by the time they get to you, everyone else has tried and nobody's been able to solve it,” Brady Barke said. “And ultimately, it falls to you. I think that a big part of it is being able to support people and being able to let them know that you care and that you're in it together.”...
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Difference Maker: John Spear using serial volunteerism to help youth, community (7/18/23)By Danny Walter ~ B MagazineJohn Spear’s willingness to help others dates back to his childhood. That volunteer spirit has not changed. “Even as a young child I’ve really always looked forward to the Friends of the Park days where everybody goes out and cleans up the parks,” Spear said. “I just think that lending a helping hand was just in my DNA from day one, and I always try to help out.”...
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BioKyowa employees face fears in Tough Mudder competition (7/14/23)By Bob Miller ~ B MagazineOK, you’re gonna face some of your worst fears. Like water. Tight spaces. Water in tight spaces. Electric shock. Heights. You're going to test your endurance like you do when running a long race, but you might feel like this is some combination of Halloween night frights and army basic training — think of that show American Ninja Warrior with a twist of Ted Lasso and a dash of Fear Factor. It’s a spicy concoction of grit, cooperation and voluntary torture...
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Difference Maker: Becky Wiginton working to revitalize and promote Bollinger County (7/14/23)By Jasmine Jones ~ B MagazineBecky Wiginton loves Marble Hill, Missouri. She doesn’t just say it. She shows it through countless hours spent volunteering, serving as Bollinger County Chamber president, coordinating community-wide holiday celebrations and running her own small businesses...
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Difference Maker: Marc Harris leads by building relationships, pointing others to God (7/13/23)By Danny Walter ~ B MagazineWhen a person’s eyes are opened to the real needs of another it’s hard to close them again. That’s what Marc Harris said happened to him when he started working with men, struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, through Adult and Teen Challenge Mid-America...
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Difference Maker: Lester Gillespie enaging a community to improve the Missouri Bootheel (7/12/23)By Jasmine Jones ~ B MagazineWhen Lester Gillespie has a “down day,” he thinks back to the three years he spent as a 4-H summer camp director at Lake Wappapello during college. He thinks about making those kids smile, about pushing those kids to pursue their passions. This experience was where Gillespie got his start in working with the public and serving underprivileged youth...
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An invitation from Southeast Missouri journalists: Help change our local world (7/12/23)B MagazineEver wonder how newspapers in our region decide some of the big stories that they work on, which can drive a community’s attention? One way is that they hold listening sessions with community stakeholders to identify what’s important. In Southeast Missouri for the past five months, staff at the Southeast Missourian — and other Rust Communications newspapers in the region — have been asking a broad range of individuals (and some groups) formal questions about their towns and the region...
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Growing Up on 'America’s Fringe' an interview with Thompson Rehder (7/11/23)By Jon K. Rust ~ B MagazineAfter serving four terms in the Missouri House of Representatives, Holly Thompson Rehder was elected to the Missouri Senate in 2020. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, with her very early years in Texas, Thompson Rehder moved as a child to Southeast Missouri, where her parents, and extended family, have lived for more than five generations...
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Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder’s memoir: powerful and important to read (7/11/23)By Jon K. Rust ~ B MagazineReading “Cinder Girl: Growing Up on America’s Fringe” by Holly Thompson Rehder, who represents a large swath of Southeast Missouri in the Missouri Senate, I couldn’t help but cry, regularly. In this raw, highly intimate and ultimately uplifting memoir, Thompson Rehder tells her story about breaking out of poverty, sexual assault, exploitation and broken homes through Christian faith, hard work and self-discipline. ...
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Difference Maker: Mia Pohlman pouring into young people, using words to connect others (7/11/23)By Jasmine Jones ~ B MagazineMia Pohlman believes “love is the answer to anything in life.” She lives out this belief through action, storytelling and the medium of words. As writer and editor of special publications at rustmedia in Cape Girardeau, Pohlman has helped tell the stories of people in Southeast Missouri and further connect the community...
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Difference Maker: Dr. Vincenzo Galati helping patients, raising awareness around testicular cancer (7/8/23)By Jasmine Jones ~ B MagazineSurgeon and general urologist Vincenzo Galati got his first glimpse of how rewarding a career in health care could be when he was a junior in high school. He said he volunteered at Perry County Memorial Hospital in Perryville, Missouri, and there, he was able to learn what it’s like working with patients and doctors who truly love what they do...
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How has your View of leadership changed? (7/8/23)B MagazineEvery boat needs a captain. Every team needs a coach. Every church needs a pastor. It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, every community and organization needs a leader — someone to guide the group towards accomplishing their common goal and achieving success. And as leaders step into their roles, their leadership strategies may evolve through experience, added responsibilities and personal growth. It’s all part of the process. For this story, B Magazine reached out to different leaders in our community with this question: “How has your view of leadership changed over the years?” Here are their submitted responses. Some have been edited for clarity.
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Difference Maker: Terri Wunderlich impacting children’s lives, supporting foster parents (7/7/23)By Jasmine Jones ~ B MagazineTerri Wunderlich’s entire life changed in September 2021. She quit her job delivering auto parts, got hired at Hope For One More, moved from her one bedroom apartment to a house and had three foster children placed in her care. She says most of this occurred within the span of one week...
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Alex Seredovych’s journey from Ukraine to SEMO (7/6/23)By Jeff Long ~ B MagazineAlex Seredovych, a 2023 computer science graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, is a serious young man who chooses his words carefully. Seredovych moved from his home country of Ukraine to the United States in fall 2019 and immediately noticed something about Americans. As is his wont, the words Seredovych selected to articulate his experience were chosen with precision and deliberation...
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Difference Maker: Don Fulford uses not-for-profit experience in giving back to Perryville (7/6/23)By Danny Walter ~ B MagazineDon Fulford has spent most of his career working for not-for-profit organizations and considers it part of his job to share the knowledge and experience he’s gained with others. In 2013, Fulford moved to Perryville, Missouri, with his family and took on the role of president and CEO of the Association of the Miraculous Medal at the National Shrine of our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. ...
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Difference Maker: Cynthia Dean provides education, advocacy for underserved communities (7/4/23)By Emma Kratky ~ B MagazineFor Cynthia Dean, service is a way of life. With nearly 30 years of experience in the not-for-profit world, Dean has made a lasting impact on underserved communities who have a need for education and resources. As the current director of the Missouri Bootheel Regional Consortium, a not-for-profit organization that provides training, education, events and personalized services for families in the Bootheel, Dean works hard to provide the community with care that impacts lives for generations...
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Semoball Awards marks 10th anniversary this summer (6/30/23)B MagazinePicture this: You’re a talented athlete in Southeast Missouri. Big school or small school, it doesn’t matter. You might have ambitions of playing your sport at the college level. But let’s be honest. For many of us, the road of competitive sports ends when we walk across the stage at graduation. Still, there’s one event you want to be invited to each summer. It’s where the best of the best see each other as colleagues instead of competition...
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Celebrating 16 Difference Makers in Southeast Missouri (6/29/23)Lucas PressonWhen you hear the words Difference Maker, what comes to mind? For many of you it could be a former teacher or coach, someone who invested in you early in life. It could be a business mentor, pastor, an extended family member or someone else. We all define this term in a way that’s personal to us...
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Difference Maker: Mark Anderson leading Lynwood in growing Christian school, ministering to community (6/28/23)By Danny Walter ~ B MagazineMark Anderson decided at age 12 he wanted to be a pastor when he grew up. His father, also a minister by vocation, advised Anderson not to tell anyone. “He said, ‘Let’s keep it between me and you and God, and let’s see what happens,’” Anderson recalled...
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Business Briefs (6/28/23)B MagazineAPPROVALS Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center approved operation of two brick-and-mortar restaurants and five food trucks for operation in April. FOOD TRUCK LAUNCHED Mudcat Coffee House, 4056 Route E, Oak Ridge, in continuous operation since 2015, added a mobile food truck in May...
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Difference Maker: Lanae Romann inspiring community with positive healthcare and support (6/27/23)By Emma Kratky ~ B MagazineFrom a young age, Lanae Romann said she knew she wanted to work with infants in the NICU and be an advocate for patients who did not have their own voice yet. This desire for advocacy combined with her desire to inspire others has guided her to serve the Southeast Missouri community through health care...
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Difference Maker: Avon Crocker feeding the hungry through FISH food pantry, church meals (6/27/23)By Amanda Flinn ~ B MagazineAvon Crocker spent her childhood in Madison, Indiana, during an era when it wasn’t unusual for neighbors to help neighbors. She was admittedly poor, but didn’t know it. Everyone was. Clothes got handed down to the next child that size. Families shared food from their gardens. There weren’t garage sales, because every item was either needed or could be used by someone else in the community. Giving back became part of who Crocker was...
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Difference Maker: Ashley Seiler helping local kids through mentorship at Big Brothers Big Sisters (6/27/23)By Amanda Flinn ~ B MagazineAshley Seiler knows all about being a big sister. Growing up in Benton, Missouri, she was the oldest of seven children and always thought it would be cool to have a big sister herself. Her large family played an important role in her life, and while she wasn’t quite sure where she was headed, she knew she wanted to help people...
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Difference Maker: Uzma Aziz serving behind the scenes, advocating for women (6/27/23)By Jasmine Jones ~ B MagazineUzma Aziz has worked for Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence (SEMO-NASV) for almost 20 years, making her the organization’s longest serving staff member. Aziz has chosen to stay because she truly loves her job and the positive impact she’s able to make on area adults and children. She says she couldn’t imagine working anywhere else...
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Sponsored: Redefining Collection Agency Relationships for Financial Success (5/31/23)The credit and collection industry has changed a lot over the past 90 years, but Credit Bureau Services (CBS) has remained vigilant and proven themselves as a full-service accounts receivable management company dedicated to serving the region. Past collection activities included sending letters, making telephone calls and placing a creditor’s balance information on a person’s credit file. ...
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Sponsored: ODACS, Inc., celebrates 27 years of testing services (5/30/23)ODACS, Inc., has offered DOT testing compliance programs and services since 1996. They are certified as a woman-owned business by the state of Missouri and have been family operated for 27 years with locations in Cape Girardeau and Park Hills, Missouri...
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Sponsored: Roy’s Tire and Auto celebrates 20 years of auto services (5/26/23)Roy’s Tire and Auto in Jackson has served its clientele for 20 years in their same location. Through the years, their team has stuck to one tenant: “Every car and every customer is important.” They feel this is integral to their success, which is why they treat all customers like family...
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Sponsored: SoutheastHEALTH continues to expand facilities, serves as regional hub (5/26/23)With the recent opening of its new, $25 million Southeast Center for Integrated Health Services, SoutheastHEALTH continues to position itself as a regional hub for healthcare services. The center, along with the nearby Southeast Cancer Center and Southeast Behavioral Hospital, further defines the health system’s West Campus facilities as a patient-centered option for outpatient services. ...
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Sponsored: Kasten continues to provide for their customers’ dreams (5/26/23)Kasten is a family-owned business focused on improving customers' lives in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois. Established in 1895, Kasten provides top-quality brick, stone, pools, hot tubs, hearth, and associated products and services. The company is remodeling the showroom at their Jackson location to display more products they offer while creating an atmosphere where customers can envision the improvements they'd like made inside and outside their homes...
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Sponsored: Local banking from local people at Southern Bank (5/26/23)Southern Bank understands that communities evolve. That’s why our focus isn’t just on being in the community but being a part of the community. This means understanding the needs of the people and businesses around us and adapting. It means hearing from the people we serve and responding. It means treating them like neighbors, because we are neighbors...
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Sponsored: New business brings premium olive oil and balsamic vinegar to Cape (5/26/23)Water & William Olive Oil Co. recently opened at 105 William St. in the Rivers & Rails building downtown Cape. Owners Todd and Georgia Lowman, a husband-and-wife team, said tastings are available for all olive oil and balsamic vinegar products. During your visit, this knowledgeable team would be glad to assist with finding the right product for your specific taste and cooking needs!...
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Sponsored: Growing Lives Through Local Partnerships (5/26/23)First State Community Bank is focused on growing lives, not just financial wealth. That’s why over the last 20 years in Cape Girardeau the bank’s priority has been the educational growth of the community’s local students. This year, 2023, will mark First State Community Bank’s 20th Anniversary in the Cape market. ...
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Sponsored: Riverside Roofing Receives toP Awards as firestone contractor (5/26/23)A leaky roof is not a problem you want at your commercial or investment property. That’s why you need to hire a roofing company you can trust to do the job right. Riverside Roofing is that experienced company you can trust, as they just completed their 600th commercial roofing project. They are also a Firestone Master Contractor. This designation is given to only 250 roofing contractors in all North America and Latin America...
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Sponsored: House of Paws offers full-service dog grooming (5/26/23)House of Paws Grooming Salon, located at 2031 Cape LaCroix Road, specializes in full-service dog grooming in a fun and loving atmosphere. Whether it’s a simple bath or full groom, we groom your dog to breed standard or your preference. We take care of your furry family members like they’re our own...
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Sponsored: Montgomery Bank offers CardProtect™ feature to protect clients’ finances (5/26/23)Montgomery Bank offers CardProtect, a feature that provides real-time alerts, fraud protection and clarity in transactions. With CardProtect, customers can rest assured their Montgomery Bank debit cards are secure. CardProtect not only helps with fraud protection, but it can help parents manage their spending or their child’s spending from that account...
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Sponsored: SEMO Pets opens new facility, adoptions increase (5/25/23)It’s been an eventful couple years for Southeast Missouri (SEMO) Pets with the opening of their new adoption center after 40 years of planning and dreaming up the facility. Both adoptions and volunteers have increased significantly. Overall, this new facility allowed SEMO Pets to grow in more ways than one. ...
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Sponsored: Century Casinos’ impact on Southeast Missouri (5/25/23)Since acquiring casino properties in Caruthersville and Cape Girardeau in December 2019, Century Casinos has made a significant financial investment and impact on the region. With each property presenting unique opportunities and unexpected operating challenges during the pandemic, Century Casinos put their trust in the Missouri management teams to provide historical insight and perspective to make recommended enhancements to each location...
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Sponsored: Reppert’s serves Southeast Missouri’s office supply needs for 54 years (5/25/23)Reppert’s Office Supply has served this region for decades. The store opened in 1969 in Anna, Illinois, and expanded to include locations in Sparta and Carmi, Illinois. Now, they have five locations, after acquiring Mid-South Office Supply and Heartland Office Supply in Sikeston, Missouri...
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Sponsored: SADI wins nation-wide True Inspiration Award (5/24/23)SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence, Inc. (SADI) was nominated by local Chick-fil-A owner Brian House to apply for True Inspiration grant funding through the fast-food franchise in 2022. SADI submitted their application, and they were chosen out of 46 finalists nationwide to participate in a “voting contest” on the Chick-fil-A's mobile app...
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Sponsored: Hometown service at Auto Tire and Parts NAPA (5/24/23)Auto Tire and Parts NAPA has earned the name “the parts professionals since 1909.” They are the most experienced parts experts, so you can get the right part the first time with hometown personal service. The company also carries a wide selection of parts for all your vehicles...
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Sponsored: Cape Airport makes improvements, builds new terminal (5/22/23)B MagazineProgress is in full swing as the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (CGI) works to complete several major capital improvement projects. After years of planning and having received funds from the Coronavirus Aide Recovery and Economic Stimulus Act and locally, CGI is slated to complete the Taxiway B Reconstruction Project, new T-hangars and Passenger Terminal Building, all before June 2024...
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Sponsored: Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners chosen for Aftermarket Achievers award (5/18/23)Sydenstricker Nobbe (SN) Partners are national leaders in John Deere sales and aftermarket. They were chosen again for the John Deere Aftermarket Achievers award, due to their excellent customer service with parts and service customers. SNPartners said they are on track to open their 28th location...
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Sponsored: Ritter Communications announces Cape Girardeau expansion project (5/17/23)Business is better with Ritter Communications, the largest privately held telecommunications provider serving exclusively the Mid-South. In November 2022, the company began serving the Cape Girardeau business community after announcing a $5.5 million expansion project to bring its telecom service and advanced cloud solutions to businesses, manufacturers, healthcare and schools in the area. This was their first expansion project in Missouri...
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“A Voice for Service”: An interview with Tameka Randle (5/13/23)By Bob Miller ~ B MagazineTameka Randle is wearing several hats these days for her neighborhood, city and state. Randle grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, earned a basketball scholarship to play at Eastern Michigan University, where she earned a degree in education. Then, 20 years ago, Randle landed in Cape Girardeau to become an assistant basketball coach at Southeast Missouri State University. She’s been involved in the Cape Girardeau community ever since, though no longer with athletic pursuits...
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Sponsored: First Midwest Bank adds new location and new product offering (5/13/23)B MagazineChartered in 1964 with the vision of hiring local people to take local deposits and make local loans, the First Midwest Bank group affiliates have experienced consistent growth with multiple full-service branch locations throughout the Ozarks and Southeast Missouri, including the communities of Poplar Bluff, Dexter, Sikeston, Jackson, Cape Girardeau and Columbia...
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An interview with Carlos Vargas as SEMO celebrates 150 years (5/12/23)By Jeff Long ~ B MagazineCarlos Vargas may regard March 2023 as one of the best 30-day periods of his eight-year tenure as president of Southeast Missouri State University. Vargas traveled to Dayton, Ohio, on March 14 to see SEMO’s men’s basketball participate in its first NCAA Tournament game since 2000. On March 22, he led the kickoff celebration for the university’s year-long sesquicentennial celebration...
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Sponsored: SOTO Property Solutions wins Small Business of the Year award (5/12/23)B MagazineSOTO Property Solutions, a full-service property management company, was awarded Small Business of the Year by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce in 2022. The company, headquartered in Cape Girardeau, has 15 years of experience. Their expert team stays up-to-date on the rules, regulations and happenings in real estate, so you don’t have to...
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Sponsored: Pre-Planning Final Wishes with Ford & Sons is the Smart and Caring Decision (5/12/23)Arranging details of your funeral and cemetery services can be a difficult step to take, but having a plan is a smart and compassionate choice for you and your family. Whether considering a traditional funeral, cremation services or a service that represents your interests, pre-planning guarantees your wishes will be met. This also means you can “freeze” prices, saving your family money in the future...