Business Briefs

Cape Chamber

The Cape Chamber launched their new website, capeishome.com, on May 31, as part of their talent attraction campaign. Designed as a hub of information, this website will serve as a valuable tool for both human-resource professionals and individuals looking to relocate to the Cape Girardeau area.

Saint Francis Healthcare System

Effective July 8, Saint Francis Healthcare System's new minimum hourly rate will be increased to $11.70, which means raises for more than 200 employees -- nearly 8 percent of the total Saint Francis workforce. President and CEO Dr. Maryann Reese says the wage increase is not based on the external market. Rather, the decision is rooted in the mission and values of Saint Francis Healthcare System and affirms the human dignity of all their employees. The new hourly rate is double what an individual would need to stay above the federal poverty rate, according to this year's figures.

Berkshire Hathaway Bridgeport Realtors

Berkshire Hathaway Bridgeport Realtors, part of the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices real estate brokerage network, ranked "Highest overall satisfaction for repeat home sellers among national full-service real estate firms" in the J.D. Power 2017 Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction Study. The 10th annual study measured customer satisfaction among the nation's largest real estate-brokerage companies and their agents through March and April. Among repeat home sellers, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices scored 858 on a 1,000-point scale.

'Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday'

The Cape Girardeau County Commission has unanimously agreed to participate in the Missouri Sales Tax Holiday from August 3 to 5. Certain back-to-school purchases such as clothing, school supplies, computers and other items as defined by the statute are exempt from sales tax for this time period. Other Southeast Missouri counties who will not be collecting tax revenue from the sale of qualifying items during this weekend include Perry and Ste. Genevieve counties. The cities of Dexter, Kennett, Jackson, Perryville and Ste. Genevieve also will not be collecting tax from the sale of qualifying items, according to the Missouri Department of Revenue website.

Southeast Missouri Regional Port

Dan Overbey, Southeast Missouri Regional Port executive director, will retire June 30, after 25 years of service. Cary Harbison, assistant director, will take over as executive director July 1.

Kohlfeld Distributing

Kohlfeld Distributing has acquired the majority of Bluff City Beer Co.'s assets. The transaction's targeted closing date is July 20, and Kohlfeld Distributing will assume sales and distribution rights for the brands acquired from Bluff City.

Element 74

Element 74, a digital production company, has recently acquired contracts with The Domestic Violence Coalitions for the states of New York, Minnesota and Colorado. The agreements will include the deployment and support of Element 74's "Coalition Manager" software platform, an enterprise-level solution that collects and manages mission-critical data and generates detailed reporting on organizational outcomes.

Delta Companies Inc.

ASA Asphalt (ASA) joined the Delta Companies in March. This acquisition brings to Delta Companies Inc. a skilled workforce with experience and expertise, as well as an additional Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Plant located in Advance, Missouri. Delta Companies Inc. currently has four HMA plants in Missouri and 11 plants overall.

Ramsay's Run

Ramsay's Run and Realty Executives of Cape Girardeau County announced the launch of the reservation period for their premier active adult community, Ramsay's Run. The 55+ active adult community, located on Bloomfield Road in Cape Girardeau, will offer homes inspired by the Scottish heritage of the property, state-of-the-art community activity areas and a low-maintenance lifestyle.

Harbor Freight Tools

Harbor Freight Tools will open a location at the former AMC Town Plaza 5 Cinema in Cape Girardeau with a target open date of Aug. 1. The 15,000-square-foot location will employ approximately 35 to 40 people.