As we move into April, Southeast Missouri enters the heart of tornado season. While we hope for calm skies, professional preparedness is a non-negotiable responsibility for every business.

The ongoing conflict in Iran and recent strikes on energy infrastructure are more than just international headlines. They are already beginning to ripple through the global economy, leading to a rise in fuel and natural gas prices. Because energy is the "hidden ingredient" in almost everything we buy, it’s time for all of us, from the CEO to the household shopper, to plan ahead.

As we edge closer to spring, the conversations in our business community often turn to growth. Usually, we think of "growth" in terms of square footage, new equipment, or annual revenue. But if we apply the concept of Economic Gardening to our most valuable resources, our people, we find that the most sustainable growth comes from cultivating the talent already rooted in Cape Girardeau.

In the daily grind of business, it is easy to focus solely on the next goal. But this past week, we had a powerful reminder of why we must occasionally pause.

Exciting news for the Cape Girardeau business community! Tonight, Monday, March 2, the Cape Girardeau City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing and move forward with a redevelopment agreement for the former Sears Grand building and surrounding area.

In a significant 6-3 decision on February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the administration’s broad use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose sweeping tariffs.

It has been just over a decade since Codefi first opened its doors in downtown Cape Girardeau, sparked by a mission to prove that world-class tech innovation doesn't require a Silicon Valley zip code.

The Southeast Missouri Regional Economic Development, Inc. (SEMO REDI) has officially released the Southeast Missouri Economic Report 2026, a first-of-its-kind publication designed to provide a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of our 18-county region.

Every February, I love to revisit the classic film Groundhog Day, where Bill Murray’s Phil Connors is forced to relive the same day over and over. He steps in the same slushy puddle, has the same awkward conversations, and hears "I Got You Babe" on the radio ad nauseam.

The holiday lights are down, the "New Year, New Me" energy has faded, and we are left with the snow drifts and grey skies of winter. For many business owners, this time of year brings a noticeable dip in employee morale and productivity, often called the "Winter Gloom."