Chamber Updates

Changing U.S. Labor Laws Two new changes to U.S. Labor Law may impact some business budgeting and staffing. Now is a great time for businesses to learn more and adjust their plans and practices moving forward. The first change in Labor laws took effect on July 1st, and updates limits and requirements on overtime pay.…

Entrepreneurs Wanted Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of any community and a driving force for the local economy. Through the variety of locally owned businesses, communities develop their own unique identity. If you have ever thought there is a need or an opportunity for a new or different business concept here in Southeast Missouri, now may…

Preparing for Back to School Missouri Tax Free weekend takes place August 2-4 in 2024 and helps kick-off the back-to-school shopping season for families and students in Missouri. For business, now is a great time to connect with a new audience of shoppers. With students at all levels just a few weeks away from starting…

Be an Advocate for Business this Election Season Election season is upon us, and the ads, mailers and yard signs are impossible to miss. As a business leader in your community raising your voice in advocacy on policy issues can be critical to long-term success. Engaging in the political process as a business leader can…

Inflation Numbers Continue in a Positive Trend for Business Since the pandemic it feels like we have been in a relentless upward march of prices that affects everything from groceries to gas. New numbers released last Thursday revealed that consumer prices dropped 0.1% from May. On an annual basis, inflation eased to 3% last month from 3.3% in…

SBDC offers Zoom Workshop Opportunities for Business The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides free consulting and low-cost training to small businesses across the United States, helping entrepreneurs with business planning, financial analysis, and marketing strategies to foster growth and success. It’s a valuable resource network supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration and local…

Independence Day, Freedom, and Entrepreneurship This Thursday marks the 248th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a document and message that set our nation on a new course. While many of us plan to enjoy a holiday from work to celebrate our nation’s freedom, now is a great time to think about how…

A new opportunity to Bounce your Big Idea Have you ever encountered a problem or an issue at work and thought there should be a technical solution to this problem? Do you have ideas for an application or technical concept that could be a business but don’t know where to start? Your next opportunity to…

Preserving History while Modernizing for the Future Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to join a couple hundred other guests at the Grand Opening of the Buckner Ragsdale Event Center (BREC) in downtown Cape Girardeau. A long shuttered and underused property now has a new opportunity to benefit the community and region, while highlighting the…