June 27, 2016

A Franchise Enterprise

Franchise owners experience the best of big and small business.    There is little competition for Anup Thakkar’s favorite task at Dunkin’ Donuts. The franchise owner of the restaurant located at the corner of Green Meadows and Providence always loves to spend part of his day as drive-thru cashier. Here, the energy flows as freely

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MOHELA: Service Expansion

The Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority, a federal student loan servicing agency, is continuing to make investments and expand its physical presence in Columbia. Will Schaffner, MOHELA’s director of business development and government relations, says MOHELA has plans to expand in Columbia, but a permanent relocation of headquarters is not on the agenda. “The St.

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United We Serve

This story appeared in print alongside “The Business of Giving.”    Current Heart of Missouri United Way Community Campaign chairs Mike and Sarah Messer have the Ropps to thank for an extra year of experience. Last year, as community campaign chairs, Mary and Greg Ropp helped transition the volunteer leadership system to a tri-chair model,

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Who Turned out the Light?

Reflecting on light pollution in Columbia.    Four miniscule pinpricks of white – Europa, Ganymede, Io, and Callisto – section the rust-colored globe in half, like the tear-away fold on a piece of paper. At the bottom of the striped orange ball, in the middle, a deep red spot can just be made out. Even

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The Business of Giving

Local business devote their time, expertise, and financial resources to help the community.    Sometimes, giving back is as simple as changing an out-of-reach light bulb. Underwriting the cost of pledge forms. Donating a portion of your paycheck. Or doing laundry for someone in need. The options for getting involved are endless, and many Columbia

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More Challenges Ahead for MU

Figures released recently by the U.S. Census Bureau estimate Columbia’s population is now 119,109, making it Missouri’s fourth largest city and the fastest growing metropolitan area in the state. Before officials rush out to update figures posted on signs that guard the city’s principal portals, let’s take a timeout for a reality check. Since the

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