From the publisher: Leading from a position of service

Research is rife with the ways social media has done the opposite of what it was created to do, extensive in the ways it isolates, rather than unites. Most people are content to shake their heads about this and leave it at that. Others, to lament social media�s invention.

It is a third, much smaller group of people, who fuse what has been with what is to create something innovative.

Gabriel Oviawe, pictured on the front of this issue of B Magazine, and his business partner Hojung Kim, belong to this latter group. They are one winning team from this year�s 1st50K competition. Their startup, Homecooked, is a social platform that helps people organize events in real-world kitchens to cook and dine together, harnessing the technology used by people who feel isolated to create connection.

The pair, along with their other two business partners Eric Duong and Kevin Zhen, will move from New Haven, Connecticut, to bring their mission of rallying around food and the simple act of cooking to Cape Girardeau.

This year�s 1st50K winners are not the only individuals making substantial differences in our community. In this issue of B Magazine, we honor 2018�s local Newsmakers. These are people not content to sit idly by when they see something that needs attention. They want to help, see progress and make a meaningful difference.

For some, it�s central to their occupation. It�s living in Southeast Missouri, helping serve their neighbors and those with whom they go to church. For others, it�s the extracurricular volunteer service they provide after 5 p.m. These are the givers who are happy to donate their time time and resources to causes dear to them, the ones who make a difference for others.

We have quite a group this year. There are 14 men and women who do important work. Readers have shared why they believe these folks should be honored. After reading their profiles in this edition of B Magazine, we think you�ll agree.

The B Magazine Newsmakers 2018 Awards Reception sponsored by First Midwest Bank will be held Wednesday, Sept. 5, at First Midwest Bank in Cape Girardeau, 1820 N. Kingshighway. A social hour begins at 5 p.m. and includes cocktails and hors d�oeuvres. The awards presentation will begin at 6 p.m. To RSVP, contact Heather Short at First Midwest Bank at (573) 335-3682 or at hshort@onemidwest.com.

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