Business and community : article
Last winter, University of Missouri staff and faculty in 34 counties helped residents submit 186 challenges to the Federal Communications Commission›s broadband coverage maps. Counties in Missouri organized challenge events at MU Extension offices, sharing internet connections and walking community…
ELDON, Mo. – “Grow Your Farm” sessions for beginning farmers start Saturday, March 10, at the Eldon Career Center. University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Patricia Barrett says the practical seminars and field days give attendees opportunities to learn and network.
These suggestions are provided to assist you, but in sharing them, we recognize that each business and situation is unique. We encourage you to consider each principle and apply as you believe best fits your business situation and your relationship with your employees.
1. Communicate…
What do a lavender farm, a distillery, a lively coffee shop, dozens of cover crop test plots and a college and careers pathway program for youth have in common? They show how the University of Missouri works to strengthen Missouri’s economy and empower people to improve their lives.
COLUMBIA, Mo.– While security experts and law enforcement personnel are determined to make sure events like the Boston Marathon bombing never happen again, emergency preparedness and personal safety begin with the individual, says a University of Missouri Extension emergency management specialist.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo -- When a neighbor receives a kind note from us in the mail, especially if it is handwritten, they feel like the writer has a deeper desire to serve them or to connect.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension generated an estimated $1.2 billion economic impact throughout Missouri in fiscal year 2021, according to a recent impact analysis.
JOPLIN, Mo. – Harold Noirfalise used to curse the big steel box in the garage of his Joplin home. It was there when he and his wife, Brenda, bought the house a couple years ago. The box shared space with a pickup, a car and a workshop where he built radio-controlled model airplanes, making for a…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – “Businesses that do not consider using AI will fall behind those that do. Businesses without an AI approach will become less and less competitive.” This was the message from Chi-Ren Shyu, director of the University of Missouri MU Institute for Data Science and Informatics.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – All Things Missouri (www.AllThingsMissouri.org) is a free online resource that can help media outlets enhance their reporting and storytelling by providing context and insights, identifying trends, and enabling comparisons among geographical areas.
“Hello, I am busy.” That has nearly become the standard greeting in the United States of America. But there is an answer that brings improvement, and it is not simply better “time management,” according to David Burton, county engagement specialist in community economic development with…
SEDALIA, Mo.– Megan Webb, nutrition and health education specialist for University of Missouri Extension, advises homeowners and disaster-recovery volunteers to be safe during the cleanup process in this video news story.
CASSVILLE, Mo. – Hunger and lack of reliable access to fresh food are big challenges for families in Barry County in southwestern Missouri.
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.– Flooding is a potential threat in many parts of Missouri. And even if your house is not in a flood plain, you may drive through one on your way home.
BLUE SPRINGS, Mo.–With the large snowfalls of the past winter, flooding is a potential threat in many parts of Missouri. And even if your house is not in a flood plain, you may drive through one on your way home, warns a University of Missouri Extension community development specialist.
BETHANY, Mo. – Be prepared for the next big storm BEFORE it happens in your area.
“That means having a safe place, with a supply of food, water and other items ready to use when and where you may need them,” says University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist Janet…
TRENTON, Mo.- As people brace for floodwaters and the damage they might cause, it's important to know how to properly prepare household items for long-term storage, said a University of Missouri Extension housing and environmental design specialist.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Researchers and authors have used a variety of terms to describe the state of neighboring in America.
The Branson Airport started working with the Missouri SBDC at Missouri State University in 2020 to learn more about various programs to help them navigate the pandemic impacts on travel. Check out this latest video and hear how working with the SBDC helped them.
Editorial by Marshall Stewart, University of Missouri vice chancellor for extension and engagement, and chief engagement officer for the University of Missouri System.
Missouri manufacturers, chambers of commerce and business and economic development organizations will team up with University of Missouri System researchers over the next 18 months in a series of roundtable events across the state aimed at strengthening Missouri’s manufacturing sector.
Members of MU Extension Business & Communities programs were recognized Jan. 25 during an annual professional development conference for their accomplishments in the past year. We invite you to celebrate the accomplishments from around the state.Business & Communities awards and recipients
MARSHFIELD, Mo. – Owners of storm-damaged homes should be wary of out-of-town roofing companies offering their services because of recent tornadoes and hail.Many of these companies offer free roof inspections but leave homeowners still wondering if they have hail damage.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri alumni Alyssa Roost, BHS ’16, and Matt Praiswater, BS ’15, met in 2016 when they worked as interns for Camp Ca-Pow (College Access-Planning Our Way), a program that helps middle school students explore career and college opportunities.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – University of Missouri Chancellor Alexander Cartwright announced a new vision for MU Extension and Engagement to fulfill what he referred to as an “all things Missouri” mission.
A small town in northwestern Missouri is one of seven communities in the nation testing experimental technology that could expand rural access to high-speed internet and the opportunities that can bring.
Codefi, Center on Rural Innovation are Gold Sponsors for 2024 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Codefi and the Center on Rural Innovation are joint 2024 Gold Sponsors for University of Missouri Extension’s Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC), a conference dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in rural areas.
EDINA, Mo. – Jennifer Eldridge Houser never imagined that her Ph.D. in public health education would be put to such urgent use for Knox County’s 5,000 residents. After years of teaching epidemiology at Truman State University, Eldridge knew just how to respond when a global pandemic put communities…
After two years of planning, in April 2006, Erica Skouby said goodbye to her corporate job and started her own quilt shop. In June 2006 Nine Patch Quilt & Fabrics opened to the public, carrying cotton fabric, books, patterns, and handmaid gifts.
Custom Powder Systems (CPS) designs, builds and automates the equipment used to dispense, size, mill and blend the powders used in the pharmaceutical, food and chemical industries.
MOUNTAIN GROVE, Mo. – Five to 10 percent of dairy farms close each year, in part because of a lack of skilled laborers, says University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Ted Probert.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new online tool will help connect more Missourians with broadband resources in their communities.
University of Missouri Extension has resources to help you and your family prepare for and recover from disasters.
HANNIBAL, Mo. – In her 20s, Linda Studer had a dream of opening a business in historic Hannibal.
The Missouri Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) recently brought a new international export business planning platform to small businesses across the state.
Earlier in this series we looked at some of the benefits and basics of exporting. In this article, we will review an important first step, how to determine if there are no export control restrictions on your product or service.
HILLSBORO, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers a one-day workshop for those thinking about selling produce and other goods at farmers markets.
The Feb. 3 workshop covers food safety, sampling, funding, customer service and opportunities for discussion with other vendors, said MU…
CARTHAGE, Mo. – Farmers and ranchers are increasingly turning to online sales to reach customers, especially with COVID-19 disrupting the operation of many farmers markets, restaurants and stores.
Seize the opportunity to develop real-time human resource (HR) tools in order to get better results and gain a distinct competitive edge.
News releases, publications and more.
News releases
Good News Brewery has grown amidst the pandemic. They find opportunities and reach out to the Missouri SBDC at EDC of St. Charles County. Check out this latest video and hear how working with the SBDC helped them.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension invites anyone interested in learning to farm to attend an eight-session program, Grow Your Farm, offered by MU Extension in Jackson County.
The relationships Wurst has made with the SBDC gave her the confidence to make decisions for her company during unpredictable times. Wurst has continued to expand and elevate her business and the services that Language Solutions provide.
2020 has shown businesses, employees, teachers, students, and families how important a good internet connection can be. The transition to doing work and school from home, for many, has been difficult. Businesses and schools were not prepared for the curveballs that were thrown this year. St.…
The economic shock from the coronavirus is something we have not experienced in recent memory. The sudden stoppage of the economy makes it difficult to remember that until March one of the primary concerns for many business owners was finding a workforce to meet their needs.
Related video: How to use a moisture meter, youtube.com/watch?v=na4_yVBLIjYPERRYVILLE, Mo.
Stephanie McGrew is the owner of Lone Star Physiques in Kirksville, MO. Check out our latest client highlight video to learn about Stephanie's relationship with the Missouri SBDC in Northeast Region and more about her rural, personal fitness business.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missourians report higher rates of disability and long COVID than the U.S. average, according to a study brief by University of Missouri Extension.
Research shows that broadband access can boost a community’s economy and quality of life, but only if people take advantage of that access. A volunteer cadre of Missouri Digital Ambassadors will work with people in their communities to help them realize the benefits of broadband.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Large government payments helped 2020 Missouri net farm income match or exceed the 2014 record of $3.4 billion, according to Abigail Meffert, senior research associate with the University of Missouri Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI).
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Food Finder (www.MOFoodFinder.org) is a new online tool that easily connects Missouri consumers with people growing and selling locally produced food in their region.
MISSOURI – The Missouri SBDC (Small Business Development Centers) was awarded $125,000 for specialized training, business counseling, and technical assistance for research and development (R&D)-focused small businesses under the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Even if you regularly check the batteries and test your home smoke detectors, you may not be alerted if a fire breaks out.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – For more than 100 years, University of Missouri Extension has helped businesses and communities throughout the state. “Show-Me MO Success,” a new biweekly podcast hosted by MU Extension specialist Luke Dietterle, shares success stories from across Missouri.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri’s population grew by about 11,000 people from 2019 to 2020. This 0.2% increase is only half the national rate of 0.4%, though it is typical of the modest growth experienced by many other Midwestern states.
How well do you know your neighbors? Can you name each of the neighbors that adjoin your property or apartment? Do you know a personal fact about each one? Do you speak to your neighbors?
It turns out that less than two percent of Americans can say yes to all three of these questions.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A new tracking tool developed at the University of Missouri provides a continuously updated 14-day snapshot of new cases of COVID-19 in every county in the nation, helping the public monitor trends in cases as local stay-at-home restrictions are lifted and other measures are…
Editors: University of Missouri Extension has compiled a list of websites, extension publications, news releases and other online resources for coping before, during and after winter storms.
MU Extension news releases
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The availability of good jobs is critical for attracting new residents to a community, encouraging former residents to return and convincing current residents to stay. But jobs alone are not enough anymore.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Sunni Purviance is president of the Southeast Neighborhood in Roanoke, Virginia. She has worked hard to improve the reputation of her neighborhood.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Leaders across the nation have different ideas about the best motivation for neighboring, according to David Burton, county engagement specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
"Recently, I was told that people need a tangible reason for neighboring. They have to know…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Natural disasters, like tornadoes and severe storms, are things we don’t like to think about until necessary. But in Missouri, being prepared for spring storm and tornado season is a necessity, according to a University of Missouri Extension emergency management specialist.
In 1970, Russell Smith started his own pest control business, Preferred Pest Control. 50 years and three generations later, Perry and Dawn Cooperider now manage the business and have watched it grow for many years. Along with their small team of experienced exterminators, the Cooperiders keep the…
Do you do business with the local, state, or federal government? Or would you like to add the government as a customer?
Related video: Coping with disaster, youtube.com/watch?v=q6_ugKGvd_MCOLUMBIA, Mo.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – When storms, floods and other disasters leave damaged homes in their path, local contractors often get more business than they can handle. In many cases, out-of-town contractors will arrive in force to pick up the slack.
Becoming a recovery friendly workplace was a no-brainer, says Theresa Calvert, vice president of Ace Pipe Cleaning Inc., a Kansas City, Missouri, company with 200 employees.
“It’s not only the right thing to do for our employees; it’s a good business decision, too,” Calvert said.
TRENTON, Mo.– University of Missouri Extension has prepared a checklist of measures people can take to reduce the impact of floodwater on their homes.
Williams’s colleagues have described her as having a deep dedication to her work and her clients as well as delivering quality and caring, one-on-one counseling and training facilitation that makes a difference.
Reviewed June 2019LAMAR, Mo. – When the power goes off, there is a simple rule of thumb for saving refrigerated food: The colder the foods, the longer they will keep, said a University of Missouri Extension nutrition specialist.
CARTHAGE, Mo. – People can become victims twice in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
Dishonest businesses, questionable charities and others looking to make a quick buck try to take advantage of both disaster survivors and those wishing to help.
When three of Marina Scheiner’s nieces were away at college, Scheiner wanted to send them boxes of goodies to ensure they felt supported, appreciated and encouraged. But even with good intentions,“it was so hard to get it done. That conundrum sparked an idea.
Are you a small business owner that is not currently exporting your goods and services, but is considering it? Are you concerned about how to make the right decision on this important question for your company and how to prepare your business for success in this area? If so, this column is for…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Communities that struggle with broadband connectivity are at a disadvantage. The University of Missouri System has resources such as the Digitally Connected Communities Guide to help areas in Missouri gain better broadband service.
FULTON, Mo. – After Paige Speers suffered a brain injury when blood clots cut oxygen to her brain, her recovery experience made her want to help others.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Closing the gender gap in civic representation is the focus of the latest episode of “Show-Me MO Success,” a podcast from University of Missouri Business and Community Extension.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Women make up 51% of Missouri’s population but only 22% of the state legislature. according to a 2016 report prepared for Women’s Foundation by the University of Missouri Institute of Public Policy,
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Quality of life is affected by the quality of the neighborhoods in which people live.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. –The Dorothy Day Cabin sits in the Green Hills of Platte Wildlife Preserve just a few minutes north of downtown Kansas City. Dorothy Day, an artist and conservationist, lived in the cabin until her death in 2011. Platte County spent $1 million to preserve the cabin and has looked…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Small Business Development Centers offer personalized and extensive services from knowledgeable and helpful professionals.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Floods and severe storms can leave more than just people homeless. Displaced snakes, rodents and other nuisance wildlife often will seek shelter and food in areas close to people, said Bob Pierce, MU Extension fisheries and wildlife specialist.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – To guide the state’s internet expansion and training efforts, the Missouri Office of Broadband Development and University of Missouri Extension are conducting a brief online survey on household internet access and use.
MARSHFIELD, Mo. — Homeowners and disaster-recovery volunteers who use chain saws should use extreme caution to prevent injuries.
Thalia Cherry started working with the Missouri SBDC at UMKC in 2016 and continues to work with her business coach to help her business grow. Check out our latest client highlight video to learn more about Thalia's entrepreneurial journey.
In the previous article, we looked at tools that were available online from US Census sources and through Missouri SBDC counselors to identify potential markets at the country level. This resulted in a prioritized list of countries to consider for e
Now that you have confirmed there are no export restrictions on your product or service, you are ready to develop your strategy to export your product. The effectiveness of the export plan you develop will hold the key to whether the international marketplace becomes a significant revenue stream…
Now that you’ve identified a country for export and have selected a path to your customers, it’s a good time to start to think about pricing. You’ll need to make the important decision on what you will charge for your product. In this issue, we’ll discuss the additional costs you can…
MARHSFIELD, Mo. – In the aftermath of a disaster, the safety of your water supply might be in doubt. Bob Schultheis, a natural resource engineering specialist with University of Missouri Extension, says drinking water can be disinfected by ONE of the following methods:
On July 8, experts from all four University of Missouri System universities and MU Extension unveiled a pilot plan to expand broadband access in a rural community.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- A three-year Gallup study of 26 U.S. cities (released in 2010) found that peoples’ love and passion for their community may be a leading indicator for local economic growth.
Editorial by Marshall Stewart, vice chancellor for extension and engagement and chief engagement officer for UM System.
BLOOMFIELD, Mo. – Heavy rains and rising rivers may flood wells. “Wells could be contaminated with bacteria, viruses or parasites that can make you ill,” said Van Ayers, a former University of Missouri Extension agriculture and rural development specialist.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Many small Missouri towns – perhaps most -- need new businesses and improvements in their downtown area, according to David Burton, county engagement specialist with University of Missouri Extension.