Business

From sparklers and fountains to artillery shells and massive aerial displays, Americans will spend roughly a billion dollars on fireworks this year and most of it will go up in smoke next Thursday night, the 4th of July. According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, a whopping 268 million pounds of fireworks -- or roughly a pound for every man, woman and child in America -- will be bought (and burned) in the coming days...

As a kid growing up in Chester, Illinois, nothing was more refreshing on a hot summer day than a root beer float. When I was in high school in the late '60s and early '70s, I remember family trips to Cape Girardeau and stopping at what I considered to be the mecca of root beer, Popp's A&W Drive-In on North Kingshighway. A&W, after all, was home of THE best root beer in my opinion and Popp's was the place to get it...

AURORA, Ore. -- A unit of wheat is a called a bushel, and a standard weight of potatoes is called a century. But hemp as a fully legal U.S. agricultural commodity is so new, a unit of hemp seed doesn't have a universal name or an agreed-upon quantity...

Using funds raised at The Friends of Saint Francis annual golf outing, The Friends adopted Jefferson Elementary School in Cape Girardeau to provide backpacks of food during the school year as well as thousands of meals through the summer months with the Summer Tiger Bites Feeding Program...

Paul Jones takes life one step at a time…literally. He’s an avid walker, but hasn’t always been that way. Several years ago, Paul was a 243-pound smoker with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. He was hospitalized at Saint Francis Medical Center for eight days...

Although more than an inch of rain fell on Cape Girardeau on July 2, 1979, Mabel Weaver didn't seem to mind. A photo from the Southeast Missourian's archives shows Weaver smiling broadly that morning as her furniture was moved into her new apartment at Chateau Girardeau as she became the first resident to move into the new independent-living facility for seniors...

I've been asked a lot lately about the status of various restaurant projects in the Cape Girardeau area, so here's a quick update on several of them: Although he's not targeting a specific date, Top of the Marq managing partner Keller Ford told me Friday the new restaurant atop the Marquette Tower should open during the first half of July. ...

CHICAGO -- Some younger workers aren't particularly thrilled to see a rising share of older Americans forgo retirement and continue working, according to a recent poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The poll found workers younger than 50 were significantly more likely to view America's aging workforce as a negative development when compared with their older counterparts. ...

Setting smart, achievable goals is important if you want to take charge of your financial life. But many of us are surprisingly bad at choosing the goals that actually matter most to us. Investment research firm Morningstar had 318 people write down their top three financial priorities, then showed them a master list of goals prepared by the researchers. Three out of four investors changed at least one goal after seeing the master list, and one out of four switched their top priority...

After more than 25 years in the retail, marketing and media industries, Steve Turner has focused his attention on Uptown Jackson Revitalization Organization as its first executive director. Turner was hired earlier this spring to lead the organization, which is focused on promoting and developing Jackson's historic uptown area as a community anchor and destination. ...

As the Southeast Missourian's business editor, one of the things I routinely do is scan other newspapers in the region for information about what's happening on the business horizon. One day last week, I noticed a front-page headline in The Courier out of Marion, Illinois, about a new $175 million resort and casino proposed for rural Williamson County...

PHOENIX -- Rising trade tensions between the U.S. and China have sparked worries about the 17 exotic-sounding rare earth minerals needed for high-tech products such as robotics, drones and electric cars. China recently raised tariffs to 25% on rare earth exports to the U.S. and has threatened to halt exports altogether after the Trump administration raised tariffs on Chinese products and blacklisted telecommunications giant Huawei...

Barnes & Noble is being acquired by a hedge fund for $476 million and will be taken private. The national chain many blamed for the demise of independent bookstores has been ravaged by Amazon.com and other online sellers, but remains a critical outlet for publishers...

Two Southeast Missouri State University students and a recent Southeast graduate piloted a 16-week TG Missouri Leadership Program this spring at Toyoda Gosei (TG Missouri) in Perryville, Missouri, as part of the industry's TG University. Laura Gohn of Jackson, Hannah Seyer of Chaffee, Missouri, and Heath Pobst of Scott City earned Southeast credit after completing an internship and project during the spring semester. ...

This week's Business Notebook is slightly shorter than usual due to a short work week, but I would like to acknowledge the retirements of two well-known individuals that took effect last week, one of which was Maryann Gudermuth whose last day as executive director of the SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence (SADI) was May 31. The Southeast Missourian published a feature about the SADI founder May 17...

Saint Francis Healthcare System in partnership with the Community Caring Council are distributing baby “boxinettes” to encourage safe sleeping habits for newborns and their caregivers. These boxes are lined with a mattress and function like a bassinet. Accompanied with a consistent educational message about safe sleep options, they are meant to discourage parents from sleeping with their babies, which could lead to accidental suffocation...

NEW YORK -- Meloney Perry once worked at a traditional big law firm with a formal, corporate atmosphere, and knew she wanted a different culture at her own firm. "I learned the 'old school' way, but it's changed," said Perry, founder of Perry Law in Dallas. "Nowadays, with the employees coming in younger, you do have to have more of a family feel."...

Congrats on saving up for that down payment! And hats off for committing to mortgage payments, homeowners insurance and property taxes. Now for your reward: home sweet, sparsely furnished home. Furniture shopping may be the last thing you want to do, but it may be necessary if you moved into a bigger space or parted with unwanted goods in that process. Avoid overspending with these strategies...

McDonald Concrete, Inc. has been a staple of Cape Girardeau construction since 1946. The ready-mix company is a family business, locally owned and operated for four generations and renowned for their dependability and the quality of the concrete they deliver. From backyard DIYs to homes, streets and bridges, McDonald Concrete can supply all projects...

Checking just got more rewarding with the new Montgomery eGold and Cash Back checking accounts at Montgomery Bank. With the new Montgomery eGold Checking account, customers who have their home loan, a home equity line of credit or commercial loan with the bank can earn 3.01% APY on their balances up to $15,000...

Are you living in pain, struggling with an injury, or suffering after surgery? At Mid America Rehab, there are natural treatments available to you that help people with all types of conditions. These clinics offer services including physical and sports therapy, hand therapy, orthopedics and pediatrics...

When it comes to supporting the Cape Girardeau Public Schools, no one does it better than you! Through funds received at various events including the annual Penguin Party, Legacy giving, donor-specific designation and careful management, the Cape Girardeau Public Schools Foundation awarded $250,000 to district schools last year. The funds supported diverse learning opportunities throughout the district, including Air Force JROTC, Honorable Young Men Club, Tiger Lilies and Care to Learn...

When it comes to planning an event, the experts at Rental Land have the advice you need. "We are here to help take the stress out of planning that event," says manager Amy Kasten-Yates. She gives these five tips: 1. Know the venue's size and rules, and whether seating, tables and sound or PA systems are provided. Also be familiar with your set up/take down time schedule...

"Move" is the key word for this week's Business Notebook, which includes an update on a local "moving" and transfer company, news about people who have "moved" into new positions and a note about family vacations as we "move" into summer. Day Transfer Co., with headquarters on Southern Expressway in Cape Girardeau, has become an agent for National Van Lines...

One of Cape Girardeau's more unusual dining venues will open soon atop one of the city's most historic buildings. Top of the Marq on the seventh floor of the historic Marquette Tower will offer panoramic views of downtown Cape Girardeau along with a cocktail bar and a "social" menu designed to appeal to a variety of tastes...

CHICAGO -- Are older workers being discriminated against on the job? The answer appears to depend on the age of the person asked. About half of Americans think there's age discrimination in the workplace, according to a poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research...

Meal kit companies face an ultimatum: Adapt or die. The business is still in its infancy, with the biggest players -- Blue Apron and HelloFresh -- less than a decade old. But they're facing serious challenges from restaurant and grocery delivery services, smaller niche players and even home chefs...

The Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to introduce our new logo featuring the silhouette of our Chamber building, as well as our new website, designed by Element 74. Our new website gives members the opportunity to create their own profile, allowing viewers to learn more about their business. Viewers will also be able to read about our upcoming programs and events, with the capability to purchase tickets to events. Check out these new features at...

This year marks Alliance Bank's 22nd year in business. We pride ourselves on being Cape County's only community-owned, locally headquartered bank. We have approximately 100 shareholders, the majority of whom live in Southeast Missouri, and specifically in Cape Girardeau and Scott counties. ...

More than 50 years ago, Robert (Bob) Davis, president and CEO, started Jackson Machine & Manufacturing in his garage as a tool and die design business, working with one other part-time employee. In 1999, he moved the business to a facility in Jackson and hired two full-time employees. Just six months later, they had grown to a staff of 30...

Kasten has been focused on building family memories since 1895. From brick and stone for a new home, a fireplace or stove to keep your family warm over the winter, or creating a summer backyard getaway with a pool, hot tub and landscaping, Kasten can help create something beautiful that will last for generations...

Saint Francis Healthcare System now offers transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) with the MitraClip procedure for those experiencing mitral regurgitation (MR). The Structural Heart Team of Saint Francis Healthcare System performed its first MitraClip procedure this week...

Ramsey Branch Subdivision is the first 55-plus active adult community in the Cape Girardeau area, allowing residents to live amongst their peers. This concept, although new to this area, has grown in popularity throughout the country over the past several years...

HD Media Systems was founded in Cape Girardeau in 2006 by Scott Starzinger and Drew Balsman. Over the past 13 years, HD Media Systems has expanded their business with the purchase of Stereo One in Cape and the addition of their newest location in St. Louis...

Are you looking for a local, efficient and easy-to-use solution for processing credit and debit cards at your business? Consider setting up your merchant services with First State Community Bank. First State Community Bank offers a variety of payment solutions, including point-of-sale terminals; Internet, mail or telephone payment acceptance; gift cards; check processing and mobile acceptance...

Downtown is the heart and soul of Cape Girardeau and home to hundreds of unique restaurants, boutiques, museums and more. Over the past several years, our rich history, historic buildings and heritage have been beautifully coupled with innovative technology and modern amenities, allowing start-ups and mom-and-pop businesses the perfect environment to grow and thrive...

A local agency that helps people in Southeast Missouri deal with substance abuse and addictions is marking its 40th anniversary this year. The Gibson Center, originally incorporated as the Southeast Missouri Halfway House, opened its doors in 1979 to help individuals struggling with substance abuse. ...

Raise your hand if you've ever eaten a potato skin. Chances are you have and the odds are pretty good sometime over the last 39 years you've tried the potato skins at BG's Olde Tyme Deli on the corner of William Street and South Plaza Way. BG's has announced new ownership and is planning to celebrate several upgrades to the business you'll find in this week's Business Notebook...

NEW YORK -- When Matt Barber and Joel Doub bought a fishing rod manufacturer two years ago, the plan was for previous owner Tom Morgan to stay with the business for five years to mentor them. But six months after the deal closed, Morgan died unexpectedly...

Dutch Enterprises, a local plumbing, heating and air conditioning company since 1962, was recently awarded the 2019 President's Award from Carrier, recognizing the company as an outstanding dealer in the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) industry. Chris Janet, director of sales, accepted the award in Huntington Beach, California...

Founded in 1972 as a group of local Lutheran churches’ response to the need for senior care in the area, the Lutheran Home still carries out this mission more than 45 years later. On approximately 37 acres within Cape city limits, the home is one of the most well-established, largest not-for-profit facilities offering skilled care at an affordable price in the Southeast Missouri region. ...

The best defense is a good offense; the best way to keep bugs away is prevention. Advanced Pest Control, established in 1980, can offer protection for your home with a quarterly treatment that takes care of all general bugs. They also offer effective treatments for mosquitoes, flies, bed bugs, brown recluse spiders and termites -- treatments that are bad for bugs and safe for humans and pets. ...

Phillip B. Smith Architect LLC is celebrating 20 years of architectural design service to Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Sikeston and the Southeast Missouri area. We focus on being a local architectural firm with diverse experience in both large and small projects. ...

The mission of the Cape Girardeau Area MAGNET is to foster a strong economic environment resulting in the retention, expansion, creation and attraction of jobs and new investment in the area. The MAGNET serves as the lead organization for area economic development efforts. The organization was established in 1992 as a 501(c)3 not for profit organization...

Gary Stevens and his wife, Debbie, look out onto the shores of Lake of Egypt and count their blessings. “I don’t take anything for granted now,” Gary said. “You appreciate everything and everyone after what we’ve been through.” Gary is a walking “miracle man,” according to many cardiovascular staff at SoutheastHEALTH. The 66-year-old is recovering from major heart surgery after unknowingly suffering a heart attack almost two years...

Sports teach us important lessons. Teamwork, competition and discipline -- all things employers look for in new hires. Does this mean all college athletes make a good hire? No. But athletic director Brady Barke and his team at Southeast Missouri State University have put programs in place to give athletes the best chance to succeed, both during their college career and after they graduate...

Notre Dame Regional High School provides numerous ways for students to be formed by the school's motto: "Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve." The high school is proud to be a STREAM school -- as identified by the National Catholic Education Association -- providing a challenging science, technology, math and arts curriculum through the lens of faith. This designation exemplifies a commitment to teaching both Catholic Church doctrine and living a life representative of Church values...

This week's Business Notebook covers a wide range of topics, from an update on a new manufacturing operation in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to recognition of an alpaca ranch in Southern Illinois. You'll also find news about the relocation of some Cape Girardeau businesses, plans for a new development at the junction of Interstate 55 and U.S. 61 near the Cape Girardeau SportsPlex, several promotions and hirings and the recognition of a municipal utility...

SoutheastHEALTH has announced the opening of two new areas designed to give surgical patients access to the latest technologies and to give heart patients a new-patient centered inpatient area. A new hybrid operating suite at Southeast Hospital is designed to handle the most critical heart and vascular cases. ...

NEW YORK -- Toothpaste delivered in two days is convenient, but not so great for the environment. After you click "buy," online orders leave warehouses to be loaded on gas-guzzling jets or trucks. And returns are a problem, too, since the items have to make the trip back to a warehouse...