Features
*Super’s View*Superintendent says schools have important economic development role.
*Power Lunch: Sports and Business*Sports industry administrators advocate teamwork to build indoor facilities.
*Stephen B. Smith*Colleagues praise the late accounting executive for his courtroom prowess.
*Business Profile*Menu Maker Foods sees growth by out-performing the competition
*People You Should Know*New schools chief admires Warren Buffett and loves blues music.
*Shopping for Superior Customer Service*Grocery checker wows customers with personal service.
*City View Bill Watkins*Proposed budget to keep services going in tight economy
With 30 years of economic development experience and previous work with major universities, James Michael “Mike” Brooks started his new job as the city’s economic development director and president of REDI Inc. in mid-July.
Brooks will be paid an annual salary of $120,000 and receive performance-based compensation if specific economic development objectives are met. The objectives include planning and executing strategies for attracting new businesses and encouraging startup companies as well as expanding and retaining existing businesses.
*Business Profile: Job Finders*Employment service founder has navigated economic storms for three decades.
*College Enrollments Rise*Economic downturn a major factor in upward trend
*Plumbing for New Career*Career Center expands, gears classes toward practical job training
*The Big 25: Economic Rankings*How does Columbia stack up against its peers?
