Flashing neon lights, pinball machines and the sound of the Beach Boys on the radio welcome visitors as they enter Jim McCarter’s neon shop. The calendar pinned on the wall reads November 2009, but the atmosphere is retro, circa 1950. McCarter has been bending and repairing neon signs in the Midwest for nearly 40 years and started his own local business, Creative Neon, in 1988.
*Hiring Trends*City unemployment rate passes 7 percent as employers tighten belts and cut costs.
Latin Food and Wine Summit brings a taste of the world to Columbia “Fay-jwa-da” — spelled Feijoada. It took me a while to say but no time at all to enjoy. This Brazilian stew is divine, and I had the chance to sample it recently at the University Club’s Latin Food and Wine Summit. This
Business managers should examine their health care benefits now rather than wait and see how federal legislation pans out, according to a consultant who recently spoke to the Human Resources Association of Central Missouri. By the time Congress acts on proposed changes to the health care system, it might be too late to avoid significant
Prepare for health care reform now before it’s too late Read More »
The story is a familiar one. A small-business owner is talking with his banker, who casually mentions the money he could be saving with a particular service. “I liked what I heard,” the owner said later. “I just wondered why he hadn’t brought it up before in the three years we’ve been working together.” We’ve
Banking questions every small business should ask Read More »
In previous years, marketers and businesses directed their messages to an audience in the form of a push. An ad was produced, the consumer listened, and if the message connected, the customer would follow the call to action. Things are a little different now. Consumers are the ones who are seeking out brands. Instead of
People are talking… Are you part of the conversation? Read More »
My recollections about Columbia’s drinking water go back only a few decades, but it’s always seemed odd that a series of wells would be a sufficient source for a growing city, one that just passed the hundred grand threshold. Surface reservoirs with distinctive Indian names such as Ashokan and Hackensack supplied water outside New York City where I
From the Roundtable: Bottomland wells? Bad idea 20 years ago, bad idea today Read More »
Olive Café and Grocery 21 N. Providence Rd. Café Berlin has opened at its new location at 10th and Park streets, and Olive Café and Grocery took its place, opening on Nov. 10. The decision to open the café came after owner Jamal Allza noticed his two similar stores in Kansas City were drawing customers
*Construction Update*Vandiver Drive extension project to improve transportation.
Vandiver Drive Extension, Upper Hinkson Sewer Project Read More »
*Job Point*Local business trains employees on how to find work in a difficult market.
