September: Briefly in the News
The latest news featuring Boone Hospital, Columbia Chamber endorsing Medicaid expansion, Williams-Keepers, and more.
Health Care
Boone Hospital Recognized as No. 1 in Mid-Missouri
For the sixth year in a row, Boone Hospital Center has been named the top-ranked hospital in Mid-Missouri by U.S. News and World Report. It also ranked fourth in the state, up one position from last year. Boone Hospital Center was rated High Performing in orthopedics and seven procedures or conditions — aortic valve surgery, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, colon cancer surgery, heart bypass surgery, heart failure treatment, hip replacement surgery, and knee replacement surgery.
Columbia Chamber of Commerce Endorses Medicaid Expansion
Columbia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors unanimously voted to endorse Medicaid expansion in Missouri. The expansion would make all adults in Missouri ages 19 to 65 whose income is 133% of the federal poverty level or below eligible for Medicaid benefits, in addition to those who already qualify. Voters approved Medicaid expansion in the August 4 election. Once put in place, the expansion will help deliver health care to more than 200,000 Missourians.
Acquisitions
Williams-Keepers Acquires Mid-Missouri Accounting Services
Mid-Missouri Accounting Services has been acquired by Williams-Keepers LLC. The company relocated and transitioned to the Williams-Keepers office in August. With the addition of MMA, Williams-Keepers’ Controller Services Department will include eight dedicated professionals and several other full and part-time associates who provide a full suite of outsourced accounting services to clients in a variety of industries.
Arts & Culture
Rough Cut Retreat Scheduled Remotely
Catapult Film Fund and True/False Film Fest held the fifth year of Rough Cut Retreat, a workshop in July that unites filmmakers and mentors in a creative and engaging atmosphere. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s retreat was re-imagined as a complete virtual experience dubbed “Assistance from a Distance.” This week-long event approached the online model with a “radically innovative spirit,” creating a virtual retreat that organizers wanted to reflect the same sense of creative community and constructive criticism as the in-person event.
Awards
Healium Wins P&G Ventures Innovation Challenge
Healium, the makers of a virtual stress-relief product that’s powered by consumer wearables, recently won the P&G Ventures Innovation Challenge, which includes a $10,000 cash prize, the opportunity to partner with P&G Ventures, and an invitation to join a nationally ranked accelerator with up to $200,000 in other benefits. Healium pitched the idea of a “digiceuticals aisle” to sell its mental health hygiene products alongside physical hygiene products in drug stores or other retailers.
Philanthropy
Boone County Community Trust Donates to Heart of United Way
Heart of Missouri United Way was awarded $54,000 by Boone Country Community Trust to continue COVID-19 recovery community impact investments. Understanding the complexities individuals face as they strive to recover from disaster, the COVID-19 relief fund will provide access to critical support for those in need, creating a path toward self-sustainability and providing vital resources to those made vulnerable by the pandemic. This outcome-driven community investment model is informed by community needs, resources, and program results.
“Recovery requires strategies that will help every individual in our community rebound from the health, financial, and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Andrew Grabau, executive director at Heart of Missouri United Way