October 3, 2008

Nineteen months ago, as the local real estate market tightened and a national financial crisis was developing, broker Freddy Spencer decided to open a real estate company in the Liberty Square development on Clark Lane. This summer, Century21 Advantage ranked first in volume of business out of about 400 Century21 offices in the real estate

The day after one of the country’s largest auto dealers abruptly closed all 14 of its locations and financial markets seemed on the brink of collapse, Gary Drewing, the owner of Joe Machens Dealerships, calmly surveyed his latest acquisition, Legend Automotive Group.

In weather terms, there are tropical storms buffeting housing markets along the coasts, and foreclosures raining down on the Steel Belt states. But that doesn’t mean thunderclouds are forming above the local market, according to Carol Van Gorp, chief executive officer of the Columbia Board of Realtors. Real estate is “a lot like the weather,”

The Missouri Technology Corporation has awarded Phase II Bridge Loans through the Missouri Technology Incentive Program (MoTip) to three small high-tech companies: Iconic Health in Columbia and Cervimark and VirRx, both in St. Louis. Iconic Health was founded in 2005, and its primary mission is to improve access, quality and efficiency of mental health care.

These are difficult times for small businesses. You and your customers are struggling with inflation, increasing energy costs and tight credit. Each additional expense should be considered carefully to be sure it will offer the return you need. Here are a few ideas to contemplate in an effort to protect your profit margins. Have you