Rob Gilligan
Host, Let's Talk BusinessRob is the President and CEO of the Cape Chamber.
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The corn dogs are spinning, the midway lights are shining bright, and the Southeast Missouri District Fair officially kicked off this past Saturday and continues running strong through this weekend! For local businesses, this is a week to shine as we host thousands of visitors from the region and beyond. -
Most discussions surrounding Labor Day frame business and the workforce as opposing sides of a persistent tug-of-war. But in any resilient local economy, enterprise and labor are not competing forces, they are partners in mutual investment. -
When looking at an industrial park, it’s easy to see just open ground and access roads. In economic development, however, a master-planned industrial site is a region’s most powerful job creator and tax-based anchor. -
Even if your classroom days are long behind you, late August has a way of resetting the entire community. Yellow buses are back on the road. Friday night football lights are turning on. And the energy across town shifts almost overnight. -
With headline inflation settling near 3.4% and core inflation cooling to 2.5%, the overall economic picture shows signs of stabilizing. However, for regional business leaders across Southeast Missouri, macro trends hit differently on the ground. -
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword reserved for tech giants; it is becoming an essential toolkit for local businesses looking to save time, streamline operations, and boost daily productivity. -
The regional economy is moving quickly. Rapidly evolving technologies, changing workforce demands, and a competitive national landscape mean that staying ahead requires clear data, strong partnerships, and shared vision. -
August is just days away and it brings one of the most profitable shifts of the year to our region: Back-to-School Season. -
The recent announcement of an engineering partnership between Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) and Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) is a massive win for our region. -
Summer can bring a distinct shift in rhythm for local businesses, especially in a college town like Cape Girardeau. While some sectors thrive under the summer sun, many retail and service-oriented shops face a seasonal slowdown as families travel and daily routines shift.
