Conversations 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...

It’s now been a decade since Southeast Missouri saw the beginning of production for the film “Gone Girl”.

Chris 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...

Some 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...

As 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. ...

Dexter, 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.

On 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

It’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. ...

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.

Ronnie 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.

Advances 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

SoutheastHEALTH 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...

When 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...

The 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.”...

John 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.”...

OK, 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...

Becky 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...

When 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...

When 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...

Ever 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...

After 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...

Reading “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. ...

Mia 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...

Surgeon 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...

Every 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.

Terri 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...

Alex 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...

Don 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. ...

For 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...

Picture 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...

When 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...

Mark 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...

APPROVALS 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...

From 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...

Avon 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...

Ashley 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...

Uzma 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...

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. ...

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...

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...

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. ...

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...

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...

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!...

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. ...

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...

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...

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...

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. ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Progress 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...

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...

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...

Tameka 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...

Chartered 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...

Carlos 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...

SOTO 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...

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...

Over the last 50 years, The Lutheran Home has grown from a small, 60-bed nursing home to a vibrant, 36-acre campus housing more than 400 people. In 2022, The Lutheran Home celebrated their 50-year anniversary of serving the community through independent and assisted living, skilled care, memory care, rehabilitation, home health and hospice services...

When you become a customer with Ben Schmidt and Federated Insurance, you also become an owner. Federated Insurance is a mutual insurance company, meaning they are owned by their policy holders and do not answer to shareholders. Named a Top 50 U.S. based property, casualty and life insurance company, Federated Insurance provides exceptional life and business insurance products and unmatched resources to handle your estate planning needs. ...

The Jackson, Missouri Area Chamber of Commerce is much more than ribbon cuttings and monthly breakfasts. “We work hard behind the scenes to recruit, retain, and expand business and industry,” said Brian Gerau, CEO of Jackson Chamber. “We attract outside interests and put local people together. And we love every minute of it!”...

Dutch Enterprises has become a household name in home services for good reason. The company started in 1962 and has grown to offer almost every service a homeowner or business owner may need. Dutch provides residential and commercial plumbing and sewer services, HVAC and indoor air quality, refrigeration, water heaters and softeners, electrical, generators and luxury bathroom remodels...

SITE PREP UNDERWAY FOR NEW JACKSON ALDI A long-awaited retail development is coming to fruition as ALDI began site development work March 27 for a new 21,682-square-foot Jackson grocer at 2502 E. Jackson Blvd., adjacent to Alliance Bank. "It's a six-month job and we're anticipating completion in mid-to-late September," said Steve Ward, job site superintendent with the project's general contractor, Knoebel Construction of Chesterfield, Missouri. ...

Quentin and Amber Kimbrell’s lives are full of roaches. For most of the year, they breed them in Jackson at Quentin’s business, Kimbrell’s Coldblood Inc., which raises and sells Dubia cockroaches to reptile food retailers across the country. But it’s another kind of “roach” — the roach of the sea, more commonly called “lobsters,” which guide part of this couple’s life outside their office...

Bug Zero is a locally owned and operated pest control business in Southeast Missouri and was recently named the 2022 Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce small business of the year. Chris Horrell, owner and leader of the Bug Zero team, opened the Cape Girardeau location in 2009. Bug Zero is proud of their dedicated and knowledgeable staff and licensed technicians...

After years of operating separate Cape and Jackson locations, United Land Title (ULT) decided to bring everyone back together under one roof. Their new, combined office is located at 1330 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau. ULT strives to provide the best possible customer service in all they do. ...

Owners Gary and Penny Schuessler take pride that their company, Advanced Pest Control Systems, has been recognized as the number one pest control company by the People’s Choice Award for the past 14 years, as voted on by residents of Cape County. Advanced Pest Control Systems has been serving Cape, Scott, New Madrid, Wayne, Butler, Mississippi, Perry, St. Genevieve, Iron, Madison, Alexander and Union County residents for over 40 years...

Earlier this year, the Southeast Missouri Food Bank expanded, opening a second location in Cape Girardeau County. The food bank’s additional location provides increased storage capacity, specifically for disaster-relief items such as bottled water. It also adds a second volunteer center, where Backpacks for Friday kits will be packed and items from food drives will be sorted...

World-famous architect Frank Gehry said, “Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness.” After decades of architecture experience, with 20 of those years dedicated to serving the people of Southeast Missouri, this quote rings true of Dille Pollard’s collective mission. To genuinely and sincerely speak on the architectural fabric of our environment, we feel strongly that we must live it...

High atop Cape Girardeau emerges the iconic Copper Dome, the anchor of Southeast Missouri State University's rich and storied past. Southeast was founded as the Third District Normal School in 1873 with five faculty members and 57 students. At that time, students could choose from courses in six academic departments...

With Cape Family Medical Clinic’s focus on preventative health, their providers aim to help guide patients towards overall wellness in their medical treatments. This helps you and your family understand the best ways to prevent illness before it occurs...

LaCroix Village, a half block of French-style buildings, is home to Busch Pet Products. The 4,400-square-foot shop is next door to their sister business, Deer Creek Doggie Day Camp, and has a five-tub self-service dog wash, extensive dog and cat food departments and a room for special events, seminars or birthday parties...

Cheryl Mothes, local FRESH Healthy Café franchise owner, has always had a keen interest in nutrition and how it can improve our quality of life. She firmly believes that a plant-based diet can provide all the necessary nutrients, including protein, to live your best life. ...

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Saint Francis Healthcare System was quick to adapt. They ensured patients who were unable to attend appointments in-person could still access and receive the quality of care they deserved virtually. Going into 2023, Saint Francis wanted to maintain this access of care, so they continued to offer Virtual Urgent Care and have plans to offer virtual primary care...

First Missouri State Bank believes the best way to serve customers is to hire exceptional individuals who provide top-notch service. The bank started out with 12 employees. Now, 20 years later, nine of those same employees still remain. Britney Lee began as a personal banker when First Missouri State Bank first opened its doors 20 years ago. Today she is the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer...

The world never stops changing, and this includes the world of car transmissions. Thankfully, LeGrand Brothers Transmissions in Cape Girardeau are constantly shifting gears to keep up to date on transmission technology. Seeing a need in the area, owner Dave LeGrand’s dad, Ben, started their shop in 1953. Back then, Dave says transmissions were simple, with only two and three speeds. Today, they have eight to ten speeds with electronically controlled constant velocity and hybrid transmissions...

The growth of an area takes jobs, financial resources and a commitment from the community to improve what already exists while bringing new to the area. In 2022, downtown Cape added 23 new businesses, which means 62 new jobs and $10 million — private and public — invested in improving the area for community members and visitors...

America’s population makes up less than 5% of the world’s population, yet we spend more on healthcare than the entire world combined every year. This is most likely because America’s traditional medical model focuses on symptom reduction through use of medications, steroids and surgery. Another startling fact — America prescribes more than 75% of the world's medications and over 90% of the world's opioids...

The Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to be a leading partner of business and industry that supports the growth of a vibrant economy, an enhanced quality of life, business advocacy and strategies to grow and retain a talented regional workforce in Southeast Missouri...

Dan Presson is Southeast’s director of career services and interim vice president for Economic and Workforce Development. Presson was asked to reflect on President Vargas’ comments on entrepreneurship. President Vargas has said that when he was in college, he didn’t think in terms of creating his own job, which is the very definition of entrepreneurship. In your mind, in working with today’s students, how much of a hurdle is it to encourage young people to become entrepreneurs?...

With over 250 years of combined experience, Strickland Engineering excels at helping clients overcome a variety of mechanical, electrical, civic, industrial and structural engineering challenges, along with providing survey services. Strickland Engineering explains options in simple terms, while providing their customers creative solutions for their next project build or retrofit...

You work hard for your money, but fraudsters are also working hard to take it. In fact, the 2022 Association for Financial Professionals (AFP®) Payments Fraud and Control Survey reported 71% of organizations were victims of payments fraud attacks in 2021. One of these schemes is check fraud, specifically check washing. Criminals attempt to redirect checks to their own accounts, increase amounts and send false ACH payment requests...

Notre Dame Regional High School officially kicked off its strategic planning process titled, “Beyond the Building,” in February 2022. During a nine-month period, hundreds of hours of interviews, conversations, meetings and discussions took place, engaging more than 1,000 Notre Dame community members...

Cape-Kil Pest Control has been the trusted structural pest management company for Cape Girardeau County for 73 years. Dr. Charles Knote, a board-certified entomologist and Purdue University graduate, founded the business. Many of Charles’ developments and inventions are still used, including his solution to control brown recluse spiders...

One family business. Three generations. 90 Years. For any business to exist for 90 years is amazing, but a luxury-oriented business standing the test of time through a depression, multiple recessions and a pandemic is baffling. How, you ask? Here’s a little intel on Rust & Martin Interior Design’s background...

Drive by the Cape Girardeau SportsPlex nearly any weekend and you’ll find a sea of cars. Inside it’s full of athletes, parents and coaches competing in tournaments or practicing. Everything from cheer camps to volleyball, basketball and soccer tournaments to batting cages for baseball players. And while the weekends are busy, the facility is also being used during the week for a variety of activities...

Plans are in place for redeveloping West Park Mall, the iconic shopping center in Cape Girardeau, known and frequented by generations of Southeast Missouri residents since 1981. Ownership of West Park Mall has changed many times in the past 40 years, but this time is different: The owners are local...

This is our annual Progress Edition of B Magazine where we highlight companies doing innovative work in the area and some of the big projects moving the region forward. There have been several significant construction projects over the past year, ranging from municipal infrastructure to the Houck complex (a sports and academic space on the SEMO campus) to health care construction at SoutheastHEALTH...

When you think of rural Southeast Missouri, what comes to mind? For the folks who call the region home, perhaps it’s the 1,000-acre soybean farms covering the back roads on your morning commute or the small businesses where the owners know you on a first name basis. Most people would agree the network of small businesses and agricultural industries are essential to Southeast Missouri’s identity and heartbeat, but very few consider how it’s all powered, which is rapidly shifting...

Cuba Financial Group officially moved into their new Cape Girardeau office at 3224 Independence Street. CEO and Senior Wealth Advisor Tyler Cuba says this new office allows the company to expand and continue providing clients with the best overall wealth management experience...

Hudson Chiropractic in Cape Girardeau extended operating hours to allow flexibility for patients with busy schedules. They are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, and 8:40 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Hudson Chiropractic made it possible for patients to book appointments, ask questions and obtain paperwork online...

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.

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?...

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...