Chamber Updates

Tips for Finding New Talent Competing to find new talent in an already tight labor market can be exhausting for business owners, manager and hiring professionals. As we move into the summer season with seasonal employment needs starting to compete for labor, helping your business stand out to candidates will be critical. Here are a…

5 Ways to Make the Most of National Small Business Week More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year. National Small Business week is a time to recognize and celebrate the role small business…

Innovate SOMO On Friday, April 8, the Codefi and efactory teams were joined by State and Federal officials in Cape Girardeau as the programs announced the launch of one of the largest regional workforce and economic development initiatives in Missouri’s history. According to a press release from Codefi, recent grant awards from the Missouri Technology…

Economic Impact of Southeast Missouri State University Southeast Missouri State University is an engine for economic growth throughout all of Missouri. SEMO president, Dr. Carlos Vargas, presented to roughly 130 business professionals last week at the Cape Chamber’s First Friday Coffee. Dr. Vargas’ presentation detailed the findings of the University’s study conducted by EMSI on…

Asking Good Questions Asking the right questions is one of the most powerful, yet underutilized tool in business. Good questions serve as your guide on your journey to better understanding situations. Choosing your questions wisely often determines the fruitfulness of your journey. Let’s explore a few tips for asking the best questions: First, Use Open-Ended…

Business Supporting Business The concept of buying local has grown in popularity in recent years. While buying local is typically talked about from a consumer perspective, it can also be wise for businesses to purchase their goods and services through local vendors as well. There are many reasons to prioritize buying local and several ways…

Cape Girardeau Area Chamber Hires New President & Chief Executive Officer CAPE GIRARDEAU, Missouri (March 10, 2022) – The Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Robert “Rob” Gilligan as its new President & Chief Executive Officer.  Gilligan will fill the role previously held by John…

Aligning Childcare with the Needs of the Workforce and Economy One third of the U.S. workforce, or an estimated 50 million workers, has a child under the age of 14 in their household. In 2021, Harvard Business Review conducted a national survey of 2,500 working parents and the results were quite telling. Nearly 20% of…

The Gig Economy The United States is well on its way to establishing a gig economy. Estimates show as much as one third of the working population is already operating in some level of gig capacity. A gig economy is a free market system in which temporary positions are common and organizations hire independent contractors…

Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant On February 16, Senators gave first round approval to Senate Bill 672. Senate Bill 672 would expand and extend the Missouri’s innovative Fast Track program. The Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant is a financial aid program for adults. The grant addresses workforce needs by helping adults pursue a certificate, degree,…