Common Cents
Brian Blackwell
Brian Blackwell is the newest reporter at the Southeast Missourian, focusing on business. A May 2008 graduate of the University of Nebraska, Brian is an avid Cornhusker fan. When he is not covering the business community for the newspaper, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife and church family, cheering on the Cubs and Cornhuskers, wishing for snow and hiking on the numerous area trails.
Will it snow, will it snow, will it snow? (November 30, 2008)
Cape Girardeau Branding Iron closes (November 29, 2008)
Happy Black Friday (November 28, 2008)
Wieser acquires Suzuki franchise from Minor's Harley Davidson (November 27, 2008)
The Economic Earthquake (November 26, 2008)
Are you planning to shop on-line this holiday season? Or are you planning on getting bargains or getting up early on Black Friday? (November 24, 2008)
The business buzz: High hopes for Thanksgiving weekend (November 24, 2008)
New nail salon set to open next month (November 22, 2008)
What do you think of the auto bailout? (November 21, 2008)
Is the economy keeping you closer to home this Thanksgiving? Are you planning on doing anything to cut back on the holiday? If so, I want to hear from you today (November 21, 2008)
New hospice option offered in Southeast Missouri and my first trip to Marble Hill (November 20, 2008)
Austin's of Alto Pass, Ill., closing after 23 years in business (November 19, 2008)
Latest mall news (November 18, 2008)
Chambers adding members thanks to October drive (November 17, 2008)
The start to my Friday morning - running over a deer (November 14, 2008)
Guess who's moving into the old Fred's building in Jackson (November 13, 2008)
Bott Radio Network expands into four Southeast Missouri cities (November 13, 2008)
Renovations, expansion underway at Fireplace Center/River City Masonry (November 12, 2008)
Jaspers at corner of Independence and West End Blvd reopens, changes name (November 11, 2008)
All the buzz about business (November 10, 2008)
Upcoming ribbon cuttings (November 9, 2008)
Anyone seen "Beer for My Horses"? (November 8, 2008)
VA Clinic to relocate in 2009 (November 7, 2008)
It's official - gas is now $1.99/gallon in Cape! (November 6, 2008)
West Park Mall lands new tenant; a note to all existing, new and soon-to-be business owners (November 6, 2008)
Pet products business opens in Cape (November 5, 2008)
Thoughts from an early morning at Arena Building (November 4, 2008)
Economics of presidential politics (November 3, 2008)
Bahama Tan changes ownership, adds gift store (November 2, 2008)
Thoughts and behind-the-scene happenings from the Palin rally (November 1, 2008)
Has anyone planning to retire now or very soon been affected by the stock market? If so, I want to hear from you (October 31, 2008)
Favorite Halloween memory (October 31, 2008)
Infant and children's consignment store opens in Jackson (October 30, 2008)
Anyone heard of Palin ticket scalpers? (October 29, 2008)
Becoming quakesmart (October 27, 2008)
Some cute Halloween dog pictures (October 25, 2008)
Greetings from Lincoln, Neb. (October 24, 2008)
What stories would you like to see in Monday's business page? (October 23, 2008)
Cape Regional Credit Union hoping to open third location in January (October 22, 2008)
Marvels & Legends changes ownership; Pacific Rim Market opens (October 21, 2008)
Posting information through weekly Business Buzz column (October 20, 2008)
Contract Postal Unit to open Oct. 22 (October 17, 2008)
Party and planning business in Cape Girardeau scheduled to open Nov. 1 (October 16, 2008)
Updates on Qdoba's opening in Cape, new Drury Inn and Suites in Sikeston (October 15, 2008)
Marble Hill hardware store closing; space to be occupied by another retail business (October 14, 2008)
Solutions to latest mall casualty discussed in my latest Business Buzz column (October 13, 2008)
Want a Dallas Cowboys' end zone? Try Neiman Marcus' Christmas catalog (October 11, 2008)
Solving the mystery at 2320 E. Jackson Blvd. (October 10, 2008)
McAlister's Select closes (October 9, 2008)
Jackson Diner closes (October 7, 2008)
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Brian,
I think you're spot on in highlighting incoming businesses or potential opportunities.
In addition to that, how about sampling the community / readership on their opinions:
- what area is oversaturated (do we need another _____ ?)
- what area is ripe for development (untapped, niche or novelty markets)
- what business has excellent (or poor) customer service
W
I enjoy the features on new businesses - but also
like those for places that provide unique or
unusual services.
Everyone at my workplace was talking about the
7 pound Frankenstein burger story (written by
someone else earlier this week).
A lady in our office had just last week visited
a restaurant in Memphis that served a similar
hamburger (and had a picture to prove it). We
thought this was really neat & can't wait to make
a trek to the local place to try it.
Also wouldn't mind if you branched out a little
more into some of the surrounding towns (Scott
City, Jackson, East Cape, etc).
I scoped the country last week trying to find an
odd ball 1" thick foil backed insulation - only to
be referred to a place in Scott City called Negwer's.
I had never heard of them before Dow Corning gave
me their info? Had no idea what they carried?
I'm sure the folks in Scott City know all about them -
but I seldom go to Scott City - so I don't know
what's located there if it's not by the interstate.
We enjoy scoping out the Mom & Pop Diners as well.
Found a great one called Berghoff's in Scott City.
Wouldn't mind seeing more info on places like those.
I agree with both the ideas of featuring both new and older.
My thoughts on featuring new businesses, first...tough adventure especially for a local person or persons, as the odds of succeeding are lop-sided. Thus, a feature to give them a boost of awareness would be helpful to both the owners and your readers. (Not to mention, the goodwill might encourage a stimulation of advertising dollars directed towards the paper.)
As far as the older businesses, would enjoy reading the history of their beginnings. I'd suggest digging a little deeper and find the "hidden treasures" that have been around Cape and surrounding area for a long time v. the good ole' businesses that has been featured over and over (quick archive search would identify who has/has not been featured).
Oops. Apparently I didn't take full advantage of the "Preview Your Comment" function.
"What's going on there?" should have occurred prior to the question mark. I make a complete thought, but my fingers are slower than my brain.
It looks like someone is doing some work to the old "Flesh Hound" building on Independence Street? You know, between the movers & the martial arts place just west of Thorngate.
Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. This week I hope to have items about at least four or five businesses in Cape and Jackson in my column. It all depends on if people return my messages. I'm also wanting to spotlight businesses which have overcome and thrived, such as Elfrink Transportation.
I think you have done a nice job Brian (and I'm not just saying that b/c you're a Cubs fan!!!). I enjoy reading your articles and I'm glad to see you are keeping us updated on what's new around town. Scott M set the bar high and some of us 'old-timers' (sorry just me) were sad to see him go. Rudi and the other guy (???) just couldn't live up to his standards. But you are on your way and I wish you the best. You might start to notice we all want the latest gossip on what's going on in town and we all want to be the first to know it. Just keep us informed and you should have no problems.
By the way I did see you at the Business After Hours event but you were quite busy (and I had a cold beer in my hand that needed some attention) so I'll stop ya next time and introduce myself. Keep up the good work...and take "just me's" advice (just this once)and work on the locations and addresses of businesses.
Take care..........
For not really knowing the area, I think you are off to a good start. I would really love to see a lot more information about new businesses coming to Cape, expansions of companies or just changes in local companies. Although, perhaps there is just not much going on in Cape to write about as far as new growth goes right now. Regardless, I still enjoy reading your blogs!
What about highlighting businesses that have lasted generations in the area? I'm thinking Hutson's Furniture, Shivelbine's, Lang's, and I'm sure the other bloggers could think of more. These are businesses that have faced tough economic times before and have survived even with increased pressure from chains and superstores.
I do always enjoy the scoops on future developments, such as what is happening next to McDonald's in Jackson? Is a Walgreen's really opening there?
I usually charge $1 for my opinion. Do we get change back if we only give you 2 cents worth?
Seriously, you are headed in the right direction. What new businesses are coming to the area, what new services is an existing business offering, etc. (Although you may want to start double checking streets & addresses...) If you have access to any of Scott Moyers' old columns, they would be a great source of inspiration.