BusinessNovember 28, 2016
Business notebook: New store shows faith in Scott City district
Though the number of businesses on Second Street in Scott City has dwindled over the years, Chaundra Mason believes in the area. It's why her business, Paradise Express, has operated there for almost 20 years. "The buildings are so unique, and there's a lot of traffic," Mason said. "There's a lot of potential."...
Though the number of businesses on Second Street in Scott City has dwindled over the years, Chaundra Mason believes in the area.
It's why her business, Paradise Express, has operated there for almost 20 years.
"The buildings are so unique, and there's a lot of traffic," Mason said. "There's a lot of potential."
The potential she sees explains why she opened Mason Grace Boutique as an extension of Paradise Express next door.
"We've kind of had clothes, purses and jewelry for a couple of years now," Katessa Simmons said, taking a break from stocking the store, which she does part-time to help her aunt, Mason.
But in August, they shut down half the store for renovations. When completed, Mason Grace Boutique opened.
The face-lift went better than expected, Mason said. An open house received a great response, and they're working to replenish supplies.
"We're kind of low on product now," Simmons said. "We're getting in orders every day until Christmas."
The shop, decorated with bows and lights for the holiday season, carries a variety of products. Racks of clothes -- shirts, vests, cardigans and kimonos -- line the walls among other accessories.
Mason and her crew frequently post pictures of new arrivals on Facebook -- their main method of promotion.
Home and holiday decor also are available for purchase, and adorn the shop in the meantime.
Mason Grace Boutique carries out-of-the-ordinary items as well. Toward the back of the boutique stand racks of 18-inch doll clothes, made to fit American Girl dolls.
"They're one of a kind," Mason said. "The majority of them are handmade here."
Those that aren't, she said, are marked.
In the corridor connecting Mason Grace and Paradise Express are HO Scale train sets and accessories.
"That's a little unique for a flower shop/boutique," Mason said. "But we sell a lot of it."
The trains are well-liked by her father-in-law, Ron Mason, a former train conductor and model train enthusiast. He bought Paradise Express Ltd. nearly two decades ago, as his daughter-in-law's family began growing to include several children -- one with special needs.
"He knew that I wouldn't be able to work a job unless I was my own boss," Mason said.
She had experience running a flower shop, having worked for Francine Seier at Francine's Flowers before her second daughter was born.
Her own business, Mason said, allowed her the ability to raise her family and care for her children, all of whom have spent time in the store.
"We always had a place for them," she said.
It's a family-owned and family-run company, and Mason said she works hard to ensure people who come into Mason Grace Boutique feel like family as well.
She recalled a group of women who came in recently from Ste. Genevieve, Missouri.
"They sat on the couches and had a fashion show," Mason said. "We really want everyone to feel welcome here."
Mason is hopeful for the future of her new store and for other businesses in the area.
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A sign for her new boutique recently was hung outside.
Simmons joked it was acquired by "sweet-talking Pawpaw."
But it was necessary, she said, because despite heavy traffic down Second Street, the businesses there often are overlooked.
"People need to know there are still businesses down here," Simmons said. "We need to build Illmo back up so it will be a cool downtown Scott City place to hang out and shop."
Bank of Missouri acquires three banks
The Bank of Missouri is expanding.
Reliable Community Bancshares Inc., parent company of The Bank of Missouri, recently announced the acquisition of Mid America Banking Corp., holding company for Mid America Bank & Trust Company.
Its three locations in Dixon, Rolla and St. Robert, Missouri, are expected to join the 23 locations that comprise The Bank of Missouri in the first quarter of 2017.
The proposed transaction remains subject to the approval of the shareholders of Mid America Banking Corp. and regulatory authorities.
"We are excited the customers and employees of Mid America Bank & Trust Company will be joining The Bank of Missouri family, and we look forward to becoming a part of the communities they serve," David Crader, president of Reliable Community Bancshares Inc., said in a news release.
"The combination of these banking organizations creates a more convenient network for our customers, a stronger presence in central Missouri and a broader array of banking products and services," Crader said.
"I believe that this is a great fit, and I anticipate a successful union between Mid America Bank & Trust Company and The Bank of Missouri," Greg Luehmann, president of Mid America Banking Corp. and president and CEO of Mid America Bank & Trust Co., said in the release. "Our customers will still experience great service. Plus, they can take advantage of expanded locations, have more choices in products to make the most of their money and still be greeted and served by the same friendly faces they know and trust."
World Wide Auto Group opening here
World Wide Auto Group, a Paducah, Kentucky-based dealership, will open a showroom and car lot at 766 S. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau next year, according to Tom Kelsey, the commercial real-estate broker who handled the lease transaction.
The former home of Carpet Connection, which closed earlier this year, will be the fourth location for World Wide Auto Group, which has two in Paducah and another in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.
Weight Loss Solutions gets accreditation
Weight Loss Solutions at Saint Francis Medical Center has received comprehensive center accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program in partnership with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
The center, led by bariatric and general surgeons Dr. Ryan A. LeGrand and Dr. Carson C. Cunningham, earned the designation by demonstrating its ability to meet the needs of severely obese patients through multidisciplinary, high-quality and patient-centered care.
Centers seeking this accreditation undergo an extensive site visit by an experienced bariatric surgeon and are awarded a specific designation depending on how many patients it serves annually, the type of procedures it provides and whether it provides care for patients younger than 18.
The accreditation acknowledges both the center's and the health-care system's commitment to providing and supporting quality improvement and patient-safety efforts for metabolic and bariatric-surgery patients.
Business licenses
- Castaways LLC, 1372 N. Kingshighway, is a consignment shop owned by Susan Jansert. The anticipated opening date is Dec. 1.
- Midori Japanese Cuisine Inc., 2106 William St. #300, is a hibachi grill and sushi bar owned by Dinah Agustin. The anticipated opening date is Feb. 2.
- Coleman Investments, dba SEMO Kona Ice, is changing owners. Formerly owned by Josh and Courtni Stephens, the mobile shaved-ice company now is run by Jason and Stacie Coleman.
bbrown@semissourian.com
(573) 388-3630
Pertinent address:
614 Second St. East, Scott City, MO
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