Business Notebook: Cape a semifinalist for Great American Main Street Award

A model for revitalization, economic development and historic preservation in Cape Girardeau spearheaded by the downtown organization Old Town Cape is being recognized by the National Main Street Center. Cape Girardeau was selected as one of 10 nationally accredited communities to be a semifinalist for the 2015 Great American Main Street Award, which honors achievements in strengthening downtowns and commercial districts.

Cape Girardeau will receive national exposure through promotions from the National Main Street Center and the National Trust for Historic Preservation because of the designation, according to a news release from Old Town Cape.

"It is truly an honor to be recognized as a semifinalist for this award," said Marla Mills, executive director of Old Town Cape, in the release. "The host of organizations, interest groups and individual volunteers who dedicated their time and talents to helping downtown evolve to where it is today is the reason we're being compared with the best Main Street organizations in the country."

Finalists will be announced at the National Main Street Conference in Atlanta in March.

Southeast MBA program named among 'Best Business Schools'

Southeast Missouri State University's master of business administration program has been included in The Princeton Review's "The Best 296 Business Schools: 2015 Edition," which compiles a group of outstanding business schools.

"We chose the 296 schools we profile in this book based on our high regard for their academic programs and our reviews of institutional data we collect from the schools," said Robert Franek, senior vice president-publisher of The Princeton Review, in a news release from the university. "We also solicited and greatly respect the opinions of students attending these schools who reported on their experiences at their schools on our 80-question student survey for the book."

A profile of Southeast's program included in the book says it provides a "top-notch education at an affordable price."

Students surveyed about the program, according to the release, also said the program "does a great job of making MBA students aware of job opportunities that come to its attention," said "the school puts a great deal of effort [into helping] students get jobs after graduation and organizes various networking events throughout the semester," and that the atmosphere of the program is more collaborative than competitive.

Missouri shows jobs growth

Employment in the state grew by 8,100 jobs in September, according to a report released Thursday by the Missouri Department of Economic Development. The report is based on seasonally adjusted data and looks at nonfarm payroll jobs.

Industries that gained jobs in September included construction, accommodations and food services and management of companies and enterprises. The state's unemployment rate, according to a release from the department, held at 6.3 percent for the month.

During the last year, the state's nonfarm payrolls have increased by 53,700 jobs, according to the release.

Minglewood Brewery holds a soft opening

A new downtown Cape Girardeau microbrewery and pub opened its doors for the first time Friday, and will serve only drinks while kitchen construction is ongoing. Minglewood Brewery owner Jeffrey Lage said the full operation is expected to be finished in about a month. Temporary hours are 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and from noon to 1 a.m. Saturdays. The brewpub is at 121 Broadway in the old Keys building.

Farm Bureau Insurance office moves

A need for more office space prompted Cape Girardeau's Missouri Farm Bureau Insurance agents to move recently. The insurance company now is in the West Park Village business center at 2504 William St. It previously was at 2907 Independence St., and outgrew that location with the expansion of business and hiring of another agent, said commercial broker Tom Kelsey of Lorimont Place, who handled the lease. The full-time licensed agents in the Cape Girardeau office are Michael Siebert, Justin Vines and Landon Besand. The company offers home, business, farm, ranch, automobile and liability insurance coverage along with life insurance and annuity investment packages.

Medical alarms firm moves into former federal building

Around the Clock Medical Alarms has leased space at 339 Broadway in Cape Girardeau. Owner Linda Bass said the company provides a local and personal medical alarm option for seniors and families. Service is available on a monthly basis without a contract, and customers may choose from several plan options to meet their budget needs.

The company is located in Suite 148 inside the former federal building and is the third tenant to move in during the past several months. More information on the company is available at 334-5565 or online at aroundtheclockmedicalalarms.com.

* Two local businesses are joining for a special event to highlight new products. Lattitudes Fair Trade Store and Sloan + Themis will host the Traders Expo from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Boat House at 601 Highland Drive in Cape Girardeau. The event will feature sales and full displays of products. Wine and other refreshments will be served.

* Cape Carpet Cleaning and Restoration is a new local cleaning service company owned by Tim Beard. Beard said the company offers cleaning of carpet, upholstery, tile and grout, along with vehicle interiors and area and oriental rugs. Beard also plans to add water damage restoration to his services. The company may be reached at 573-270-2810.

* A new activity is being offered at Tailwinds R/C Hobby Shop at 1 S. Plaza Way in Cape Girardeau. "An Art Party" is a paint party studio experience where participants may select a design, go to an event at the shop and paint, then take their work home with them. Mixed media parties, open art days and office and birthday parties also are planned to be offered. For more information, visit anartparty.com.

Business licenses

* Dan's Recycling & Auto Care, 1130 S. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, opened Wednesday and is owned by Daniel Meskovic. Activities of the business are listed as nonferrous recycling and starter and alternator work.

* The Property Shop SEMO LLC, 107 West Drive, Suite D, Cape Girardeau, opened Friday and is owned by Seymour Chilton. The business is listed as a real estate company.