This economic sector plays an important part in virtually every aspect of our lives. I’m talking about the information technology sector, or IT. The IT sector is made up of companies producing software, hardware or semiconductor equipment, and companies providing internet or related services. According to numerous sources, these companies consistently lead our economic growth. Think about your daily life. How important is your computer or your handheld smart device. There are specialized

2020 and this past week have reminded us about the importance of disaster planning in our businesses. Disasters can be man-made or natural. Either way, the percentage of businesses that don’t survive significant disasters is alarming. Many simply aren’t prepared and can’t make the recovery necessary to keep operating. We live in a great state and an awesome community. But we have been reminded we can face challenges in this area from weather to a global pandemic. So let’s talk about what you can

Successful employers are looking at many different ways to hire and retain employees and keep them engaged and happy in a time of workforce challenges complicated by the pandemic. In today’s world, employers must consider more than just monetary compensation when hiring and retaining employees. Creative compensation is a method of looking at an entire compensation package and including things other than actual dollars. Examples are job security, flexible hours, work from home, growth

We often refer to the Cape/Jackson MSA as a regional hub. Why do we say that? Let’s take a closer look. We are the largest metro between St. Louis and Memphis north and south, and between Clarksville or Evansville and Springfield east and west. Our daytime population often exceeds 100,000 as we become a bevy of activity Several things drive this regional hub status. Education is one reason. Southeast Missouri State University leads this category and is also supported by other regional draws

Business success and growth in any region is dependent upon many things. Certainly, as we emerge from this pandemic, one critical factor is a positive business climate. Strong advocacy efforts go a long way in creating a positive business climate. It is important for advocacy groups and individuals to work with responsible entities and seek win-win approaches that are good for business and the general public. This must be an intentional and ongoing effort. Advocacy groups – also called special

Can you guess what occupations are projected to be the fastest growing in the next ten years for the southeast Missouri region? The Missouri Economic Research and Information Center – MERIC – has released the latest projections for fast growing occupations in our part of the state. They classify these into three different categories: Now, Next, and Later. Now occupations typically require short on the job training, little or no experience, and a high school diploma or equivalent. The projected

January 2021 marks the beginning of the State of Missouri legislative session and a new administration in Washington, D.C. Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States on Wednesday of this week. His first 100 days agenda includes special attention to vaccine rollout and addressing our nation’s post pandemic economy. In Jefferson City, Governor Parson was sworn in last week as the session began. He mentioned several priorities in his address related to business. Wayfair,

Before the pandemic, technology visionary Leonard Brody called what we are experiencing today a complete reset of the operating system of our planet. And today, it’s only been accelerated. In a recent presentation, Brody said change today is occurring unlike anything we have experienced in the last 100 years. He believes the next decade will bring many of our structures and systems to a place we will barely recognize. At the Chamber, we agree. Just think about these economic drivers for our

2021 is a new year and with it comes a new set of laws, rules, and guidelines. Are you prepared? The Minimum Wage Rate in Missouri for private employers changed effective January 1, 2021. The Governor’s office announced the new rate is $10.30 per hour. All private businesses are required to pay at least the minimum hourly rate, except retail and service businesses whose annual gross sales are less than $500,000. They are still covered under the Federal Minimum Wage Law. As a result of the voter

As 2020 comes to a close, it is time to pull out those crystal balls and look at some top predictions for the business world in 2021. Near the end of each year, I do research to determine what experts believe will be the top trends in business for the coming year. It is interesting how most agree with several leading concepts. Let’s take a look at a few. Convenience is absolutely critical. Regardless of business category, the customer now demands it. Coming out of the experiences of 2020, all