Rob Gilligan

With national average gas prices hovering well above $4.00 a gallon and airline tickets reaching multi-year highs, the cost of the traditional family summer vacation has skyrocketed.

May is recognized as National Preservation Month, celebrating efforts to keep connected to our history. In Cape County, looking back isn’t just about honoring the past, it’s also a proven strategy for economic growth.

The temperatures really started turning up this past weekend here in Southeast Missouri, but that’s not the only thing on the rise. Recent reports indicate that while the blistering pace of inflation has cooled slightly from its historic peaks, "sticky" prices in essential sectors like housing and services continue to keep the Federal Reserve, and local businesses, on high alert.

Every spring, a specific milestone signals renewal for the Southeast Missouri business community: the release of the Progress issue of B Magazine. Produced by the Southeast Missourian, this edition serves as a definitive roadmap of regional growth, success, and future potential.

Innovation in Cape Girardeau is hitting a new gear. On Monday, May 18, Codefi and the ShowMe Network will launch the AgTech Vibeathon, a high-stakes, five-day sprint designed to tackle real-world agricultural challenges using the power of AI.

As we move through the second quarter of 2026, Missouri business owners are finding themselves caught in a familiar but tightening vise. While the broader economy shows signs of grit, inflation in the Midwest has proven stubbornly "sticky," hovering near 3.4%.

Next month, Missouri’s entrepreneurial spirit takes center stage as May 4th through the 8th will be the inaugural Show-Me Network Week. Held in conjunction with National Small Business Week, this statewide event highlights the modern pathways founders are taking to grow businesses across every corner of Missouri.

Last week, Southeast Missouri State University took a monumental step in securing our regional workforce by breaking ground on the Roy Blunt Health Professions Hall. This 55,000-square-foot facility is more than just a new addition to campus—it is a critical investment in the future of Cape Girardeau.

April is National Financial Literacy Month, and while we often associate "financial literacy" with personal savings or tax prep, it’s also a vital business asset

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.