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Franchise 101
Published: Tuesday, September 25, 2018
The business world is evolving and franchises are no exception. Once thought of as the "f" word, franchises are now an accepted and appealing way to enter the small business world. Small business ownership can be daunting
Cole County outsourcing economic development in 2019
Published: Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Today the Cole County Commission voted to not continue the economic development partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Jefferson for 2019. The Chamber is disappointed in that decision and believes it is
Heartland Port Authority Approved
Published: Wednesday, September 12, 2018
PORT PROJECT TAKES GIANT STEP FORWARD
The proposed Heartland Port Authority of Central Missouri took a giant step forward on Wednesday, September 6th as the MoDOT Commission formally approved our application to create a
Chamber adding "Project Retail" to economic development strategic plan
Published: Wednesday, July 11, 2018
“Should the Chamber adopt a strategy to assist in the retail development process including attraction and retention as part of its economic development Work Plan?” “How can the Chamber work with local
Ready, Set, START!
Published: Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Jeff City START Committee is gearing up for another active summer. This initiative by the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce seeks to connect employers with potential interns and to showcase Jefferson City to students
StartUp Jefferson City Continues to Assist Local Entrepreneurs
Published: Wednesday, June 13, 2018
In April, StartUp Jefferson City hosted the fifth annual Encouraging Entrepreneurship event at the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce building to provide free business counseling to local entrepreneurs. The event
Command Web Missouri Invests for the Future
Published: Wednesday, May 30, 2018
For more than 25 years, Command Web-Missouri has sat quietly on Militia Drive and printed hundreds of millions of paperback books for their main customer Scholastic, Inc. In 2017 alone, Command Web produced more than 200
Summarizing the Chamber's Economic Development
Published: Friday, May 25, 2018
The Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development staff recently presented the 2017 Economic Development Annual Report to the City of Jefferson and the County of Cole at a joint work session at the. This
Business expansions continue in 2017
Published: Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Expansion activity continued to deliver investment and new jobs to our community in 2017 as a result of continued growth from a handful of large employers within our community. The Chamber’s existing business program,
2017 - What a Year!
Published: Thursday, February 15, 2018
2017 started out with a bang when we initially began working on a business attraction project called Project Pack. The owner of the company came to Jefferson City on a cold February day and was interested in expanding the
Early results on the Multi Modal Port Feasibility Study are in
Published: Wednesday, December 20, 2017
The Preliminary Draft of the Phase 1, Central Missouri Multi‐Modal Port Project Feasibility Study was recently submitted by Cambridge Systematics to Chamber staff and stakeholders.
The following is some of the
Axium Plastics Making a Big Impact
Published: Thursday, December 14, 2017
It was just 4 short months ago the Chamber announced Axium Plastics was opening a new manufacturing facility in Jefferson City. A lot has happened since that hot August day and Axium has been working at lightning speed to
Forecasting economic growth part of Chamber's mission
Published: Monday, December 11, 2017
Sometimes things are not what they appear to be. For instance, the calendar page has turned to December, but it doesn’t feel like winter. I spent a lot of time outdoors over the weekend and needed a light jacket at
Our Ever-Changing Local Economy
Published: Wednesday, October 25, 2017
In 2007, the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce amplified their efforts to expand and retain private sector employers as employment levels continued to decline within the state government. In early 2007, the nation’s
Economic Development Conference highlights challenges for Missouri
Published: Monday, October 9, 2017
Recently I was fortunate to attend the 2017 Missouri Governors Conference on Economic Development in St. Louis. Every year this conference is an opportunity to hear the latest thinking on economic development issues in the
Jefferson City High School Counselor Tour Local Industries
Published: Monday, October 9, 2017
First thing on a bright Monday morning, right after the students were in their first block, a dozen Jefferson City High School counselors loaded up on the trolley and were ready for a full day of manufacturing firm tours.
Chamber's Investment in Spec Building Pays Off
Published: Friday, August 18, 2017
THE PERFECT STORM Most of us have seen the movie of the same title from the year 2000. Based on a true story, many factors came together in the Atlantic Ocean to create an event of great magnitude which endangered a fishing
Chamber Spec Building History
Published: Thursday, August 17, 2017
In 2007, the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce took a hard look at the Economic Development efforts in the Cole County area and along with the City and County determined it was time to enhance the efforts of Business
Axium Plastics locating to Jefferson City, Missouri
Published: Friday, August 4, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 4, 2017 Jefferson City, MO - The Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce announced today Axium Plastics will be opening a new manufacturing facility in Jefferson City, Missouri. The company
City of Jefferson takes possession of 32 acres at MSP
Published: Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Jefferson City is now the proud owner of 32 acres of the Missouri State Penitentiary, which the city plans to redevelop to attract more tourists. Governor Eric Greitens signed Senate Bill 486 Tuesday, July 11, granting the
Jefferson City START connects local interns to community - enhances intern experience
Published: Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Since its inception in 2011, the Jefferson City START program continues to grow in popularity and value. Designed to connect local interns to our community and enhance their intern experience, the program is an initiative
Progress made on Central Missouri Multimodal Port Project
Published: Monday, June 19, 2017
In the 21st century economy, the Chamber is constantly struggling with what we can do in the central region of Missouri to leverage our physical, geographic and human assets to enhance the need to create good jobs now and in
Summarizing the Chamber's Economic Development ROI
Published: Friday, April 14, 2017
The Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development staff recently presented the 2016 Economic Development Annual Report to the City of Jefferson and the County of Cole at a joint work session at the City Hall
Preparing today's students for the workforce
Published: Thursday, February 16, 2017
In the October 2016 edition of Chamber Today I wrote about the newly created Workforce Action Team that was formed after our April Board Retreat. This Action Team, consisting of workforce development professionals and a
Chamber President & JCPS Superintendent discuss upcoming Bond Levy Proposal
Published: Wednesday, February 15, 2017
I recently had a chance to discuss the proposed Bond and Levy Proposal with Dr. Larry Linthacum, Superintendent of the Jefferson City public schools. Here are some of the key issues of concern to the Jefferson City Area
Two Chamber initiatives gain ground in 2016
Published: Tuesday, December 13, 2016
As a part of the 2016 Economic Development Work Plan created a year ago with the Chamber-City-County partnership, two initiatives were proposed to further the economic potential in #JCMO. Considerable progress on each
Workforce Action Team Gets Started
Published: Monday, October 17, 2016
Finding and hiring employees with the necessary skill set has become increasingly challenging for Cole County employers in the last several years. The issue has surfaced during meetings with President’s Roundtable
Cole County receives ACT Work Ready Communities Certification
Published: Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Chamber staff was recently recognized at the 4th Annual ACT Workforce Symposium in Nashville, TN, where they received ACT Work Ready Certification. The symposium, “Advancing Innovative Communities” convened
Study provides valuable data about local labor pool
Published: Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Mike Walker, Assistant Director, Docking Institute of Public Affairs, presented the Labor Study findings to the Chamber Board of Directors in July.Mike WalkImagine you’re about to make a large investment in a
Successful Summer for Jeff City START
Published: Monday, August 15, 2016
It has been another successful summer for the Jeff City START program. In the five years of this program a record of over 60 interns registered for the kick-off event, JC-101. This event highlighted various aspects of
Site Selectors Gather at the Lake
Published: Thursday, August 11, 2016
Missy Bonnot Recently I had the great opportunity to attend “Lakeside with the Locators”, an event featuring site selection consultants who work site selection projects for companies looking to expand or locate
Gov. Nixon celebrates Cole County earning Certified Work Ready Community status; announces expansion by local business that is expected to create 50 new jobs
Published: Monday, August 8, 2016
National designation from ACT will help community retain jobs and create new ones, including positions soon to be created by Modern Litho Print Co.
Jefferson City, Mo. – Gov. Jay Nixon today was at Modern Litho Print
Jefferson City ranks high among small cities for new businesses
Published: Thursday, July 21, 2016
Finance website WalletHub recently ranked Jefferson City as the fourth-best small city in the United States for starting a new business, behind Holland, Michigan; North Chicago, Illinois, and Brighton, New York. Read the
Chamber hosts luncheon for Mandela Washington Fellowship
Published: Monday, July 11, 2016
The Chamber was privileged to host a luncheon for the Fellows participating in the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. The Fellows are attending an academic and leadership institute at Lincoln University
President's Roundtable connects industry leaders
Published: Friday, July 1, 2016
You may have seen periodic references to the President’s Roundtable Committee in past Chamber Today publications. What is the President’s Roundtable and more so, what is its purpose?
The President’s
State Tech awarded $2.7 million federal grant
Published: Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Linn MO – State Technical College of Missouri has announced it has received a $2.7 million federal grant from the United States Department of Labor as part of the national TechHire Initiative. The grant will fund the
Chamber commissions Labor Study
Published: Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Because of the current situation of challenges in the workforce, much of the conversation at the recent Chamber Board of Directors Retreat revolved around labor. Jefferson City, like many other communities is experiencing a
Chamber Board addresses workforce issues
Published: Friday, June 10, 2016
The most productive time of year for the Chamber board is gathering together at the annual retreat. There are no committee reports, no bylaw changes to approve, and no Robert’s Rules of Order to adhere to (which I will
Chamber Board authorizes workforce action team
Published: Friday, June 10, 2016
"From available data, it appears that of the 2016 graduates from county high schools, approximately 25% plan to go directly into the workforce in lieu of the military or higher education opportunities."
Crisis in the
Special Olympics Missouri receives $1 million challenge grant for Training for Life Campus
Published: Friday, May 27, 2016
The Chamber was pleased to participate in a press conference held by Special Olympics Missouri for the purpose of announcing receipt of a $1 million challenge grant for Training for Life Campus to be built in Jefferson City.
Business Attraction: The Ever-Changing Game
Published: Wednesday, May 4, 2016
The world of Business Attraction has always been a changing game but particularly in the last 10 years. With the help of the internet, companies can now find information on their own and the process has become more
Business Expansion Activity Continues in Jefferson City Area
Published: Monday, May 2, 2016
Expansion activity brought investment and job creation to our community in 2015 as a result of continued growth from a handful of well established companies within our community. The Chamber’s existing business
Summarizing the Chamber's Economic Development ROI
Published: Thursday, April 14, 2016
The Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development staff recently presented the 2015 Economic Development Annual Report to the City of Jefferson and the County of Cole. This report is the 8th Annual Report
Chamber Board endorses Proposition A - the extension of the Cole County half-cent capital improvements sales tax
Published: Sunday, March 27, 2016
At its March 22, 2016, meeting, the Chamber Board gave unanimous support for Proposition A on the April 5th ballot - the extension of the Cole County 1/2 cent capital improvements sales tax. The motion of support is as
Chamber hosts regional economic update
Published: Monday, March 7, 2016
Charles Gascon, Regional Economist & coordinator in the Research Department at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, was the presenter at a luncheon hosted by the Chamber February 29 at the DoubleTree Hotel. The
Goal in sight for certification
Published: Thursday, February 18, 2016
Representatives from State Technical College, the Missouri Career Center, Jefferson City Public Schools and the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce say Cole County needs a way to quantify a skilled workforce in our area.
Leveraging our assets to defend our local economy
Published: Friday, February 12, 2016
"We need high paying jobs, but we must create and attract workforce that is able to fill those needs! There is no one answer for economic growth in Jefferson City. The question is multiple choice and the answer is all of
Local Unemployment Rate Continues Its Decline
Published: Tuesday, December 22, 2015
For all the novice economists that follow the U.S., state and local unemployment news, you have obviously noticed a steady decline in all three areas since 2010. The overall economy has been slow to recover since the great
Making Economic Development Plans for 2016
Published: Wednesday, December 16, 2015
As you might be aware the local economic development efforts are executed by many partners. The primary stakeholders are the City of Jefferson, Cole County and the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce. For several
Bonnot Meets with Site Selectors in New York and New Jersey
Published: Friday, December 11, 2015
Every business knows that to generate sales you have to have good salesmen out marketing, doing business development and telling your story to increase your bottom line.
The same thing holds true for our community! Whether
Connecting to the island and the river
Published: Tuesday, October 20, 2015
What should we do to connect to one of our greatest resources? Should we ignore it in the face of barriers created 150 years ago? What would it look like if we were able to get across the river? These are questions that have
VOTE for Jefferson City - Strong Communities Award
Published: Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Jefferson City, MO- The community effort to bring Continental Commercial Products (CCP) to Jefferson City in 2015 is receiving national recognition.
Jefferson City is one of four cities competing in the rural category for
Economic Development Team Partnerships
Published: Thursday, August 13, 2015
Jefferson City is a great community and we offer many great amenities to our residents and to our visitors. One thing we have that most people can’t visually see is a great Economic Development Team. The Chamber
A follow-up on the "Great Abate Debate"
Published: Monday, August 10, 2015
The News Tribune ran a lengthy article in the July edition of #JCMO magazine on the status of Economic Development Incentives used in Jefferson City and Cole County to attract new business and to incentivize the growth of
Looking Back to Look Ahead
Published: Thursday, June 11, 2015
“We believe total wages are the most significant measure of economic health. More wages in a community promotes and stimulates nearly all areas growth. More wages to spend on goods, services which in turn provide
Local employers & educational institutions take part in Hiring Fair at Fort Leonard Wood
Published: Thursday, June 11, 2015
Cole County’s unemployment rate typically hovers around 5% and with low rates employers are always looking for creative ways to find and hire good talent. In fact, in April the unemployment rate for Cole County dipped
Chamber hosts MoDOT commissioners and staff
Published: Friday, June 5, 2015
A record crowd gathered at The Millbottom for the Chamber’s Annual MoDOT Reception and Dinner held on Tuesday, May 5, 2015. This event is a unique opportunity for Jefferson City to strengthen relationships with the
Chamber's contract with City and County is cost effective
Published: Tuesday, April 21, 2015
The Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development staff recently presented the 2014 Economic Development Annual Report to the City of Jefferson and the County of Cole. This report is the 8th Annual Report
Business Attraction - a year in review
Published: Monday, April 20, 2015
At a recent project announcement Senator Kehoe was discussing Business Attraction. He used the analogy that to attract a company to a community you have to kiss a lot of frogs and turn over a lot of rocks.
In 2014, we
Business expansion activity accelerates in 2014
Published: Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Expansion activity brings investment and creates jobs, but far too often the Chamber’s continuous efforts to facilitate existing business growth is overshadowed by the desire to attract that new business to our
Continental Commercial Products coming to Jefferson City!
Published: Monday, April 13, 2015
April 1 was a big day in Jefferson City and it wasn’t an April Fool Joke when the Chamber announced a new company locating to our community! There has been quite a bit of information about this new company in the
Continental Commercial Products locating to Jefferson City, Missouri
Published: Wednesday, April 1, 2015
To view the press conference, click here Jefferson City, MO - The Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce announced today Continental Commercial Products (CCP) will be relocating their manufacturing facility to Jefferson
Special Olympics Missouri to build Training for Life Campus in Jefferson City
Published: Tuesday, January 20, 2015
The Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO) Board of Directors made a unanimous decision to enter into an agreement with Jefferson City officials to locate the 44,000 sq. foot Training for Life Campus on the 15.5 acres donated by
Regional Economic Development vital to business attraction
Published: Wednesday, December 17, 2014
The Chamber contracts with the City of Jefferson and the County of Cole to provide economic development activities. As part of the functions we perform, one of the most challenging, for a variety of reasons, includes
Work continues on Certified Work Ready Communities
Published: Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Local representatives from the Missouri Division of Workforce Development, State Technical College of Missouri, Jefferson City Public Schools – Nichols Career Center and the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce have
STC provides a myriad of economic benefits
Published: Monday, December 15, 2014
In the fall of 1961, the Linn Technical Junior College offered its first program in electronics. That same institution is now called the State Technical College of Missouri (STC), and offers more than 35 technical programs
Command Web celebrates 20 years in Jefferson City
Published: Thursday, December 11, 2014
There’s a printing company located on the eastern edge of Jefferson City, just off of Militia Drive, that you may have never heard of - Command Web Missouri. Even their name is a little vague as to who they are and
"Persistence" key to business attraction
Published: Monday, November 17, 2014
“Persistence is the quality that allows someone to continue doing something or trying to do something even though it is difficult.” (Merriam-Webster)
I recently had the great opportunity to speak to a local
MISSION: POSSIBLE
Published: Wednesday, November 12, 2014
The New St. Mary’s hospital is a sight to behold. Graceful lines and eye-catching colors are complemented by lush landscaping, and a myriad of details has been put in place with an eye toward patient outcomes.
The
Chamber hosts career fair for DST Systems employees
Published: Wednesday, November 12, 2014
DST Systems, Inc., a global provider of technology-based solutions, recently announced its decision to close their Jefferson City office located in the Monroe Bluffs Executive Center on December 31 of this year. The closure
Focusing on GROWTH
Published: Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Growth ensures long-term vitality and resilience. Entrepreneurship can be nurtured through an ecosystem of resources that support the commercialization of new ideas. Business Growth is a primary focus of the Chamber and
Reacting Proactively
Published: Thursday, October 23, 2014
Although the words “reacting” and “proactive” are not often used in the same thought, there are times when our immediate reaction leads to proactive responses and problem-solving.
On a daily basis,
Morris Converting soon to open in Partnership Business Park
Published: Sunday, October 19, 2014
Have you heard about a company located in Jefferson City called Morris Converting? Many people haven’t! It has been over a year ago that Morris Converting, a subsidiary of Morris Packaging, selected Jefferson City as
Chamber staff reaches out to Cole County Municipalities
Published: Sunday, September 28, 2014
As part of the Economic Development contract with the County of Cole to perform economic development services, the Chamber has been meeting with city council/alderman in municipalities in Cole County. The municipalities
Civic Progress Committee provides financial support for economic development issues
Published: Friday, August 15, 2014
One question that has been posed recently is “Does the Chamber use tax dollars to promote ballot issues?” Though the simple answer is “no”, you may also wonder “What is the revenue source for
Information Technology Roundtable addresses increasing need for IT professionals
Published: Friday, August 15, 2014
When you hear the phase “Information Technology” (IT) your first thought is perhaps Google, IBM or maybe even Apple Inc. but could you name three information technology companies located in Jefferson City? I
Lincoln University is vital to area's economy
Published: Thursday, August 14, 2014
When members of the 62nd and 65th colored infantries established what was then known as the Lincoln Institute in 1866, it probably would have been difficult to visualize just how important the institution they founded would
BIS Idea advances to Chamber Board
Published: Sunday, July 20, 2014
What does it take to have an idea move from dream to reality? Have you heard of Big Idea Sharing (BIS)? Late last year the Chamber rolled out a mechanism in which the community would have a way to voice and submit
Investment in transportation pays dividends
Published: Saturday, July 19, 2014
A few months ago, we profiled a survey from Area Development magazine which indicated that transportation accessibility is foremost in the minds of those who are considering an expansion or relocation.
"It's well-known in
Chamber endorses transportation funding & county zoning
Published: Friday, July 18, 2014
Chamber endorses transportation funding and county zoning
There are several issues on the August ballot this year. I hope you will take the time to study these and get out and vote! The Chamber’s Board of Directors
County Zoning Proposal worth strong consideration
Published: Sunday, June 8, 2014
Cole County is in the process of hosting public hearings on the proposed plan to implement a zoning regulation process for the unincorporated areas of the county.
I attended two of the three hearings held so far to hear the
Encouraging entrepreneurship for our future
Published: Friday, May 30, 2014
What is an entrepreneur? Merriam-Webster defines an entrepreneur as “a person who starts a business and is willing to risk loss in order to make money.” This explanation seems simple enough, but outside of
Quality workforce becoming increasingly important to business attraction
Published: Monday, May 26, 2014
Recently I participated in a marketing trip to Chicago with the Missouri Partnership, the state’s business recruitment organization and a key economic development partner for communities.
During this trip we met with
Great Legislative Session for the Jefferson City area
Published: Thursday, May 22, 2014
The 2014 Legislative Session is now over and it was a very positive one for our community. The Chamber participated in discussions with the legislature this session and supported many proposals that will affect Jefferson
Transportation critical to economic development
Published: Wednesday, May 21, 2014
It is often said that economic development and transportation go hand in hand. As the Missouri Legislature considers sending the question of additional transportation funding to voters, it is worth revisiting the topic.
Chamber hosts MoDOT commissioners and staff at the new St. Mary's Health Center
Published: Monday, May 19, 2014
MoDOT Commissioner Greg Smith and MoDOT staff Eric Schroeter and Pamela Harlan discuss transportation issues at the new St. Mary's Health Center.
A record crowd gathered at the new St. Mary’s Health Center for the
MoDOT Reception scheduled for May 13
Published: Thursday, April 24, 2014
Pictured: Bob Gilbert, 2013 Transportation Committee Chair with the MoDOT Commission
Plans are underway for this year’s MoDOT Reception and Presentation. These are annual events at which Jefferson City area
Chamber outlines use of resources for economic development
Published: Tuesday, April 15, 2014
The Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development staff recently presented the 2013 Economic Development Annual Report to the City of Jefferson and the County of Cole. This report is the seventh Annual Report
Temperate business expansion activity continues in 2013
Published: Tuesday, April 15, 2014
The Chamber’s existing business program continues to work closely with local employers to identify expansion opportunities for sustainable job growth. Existing business growth at several local companies added capital
Jefferson City area hits a homerun
Published: Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Many times when we talk about Business Attraction we talk about baseball, and this time of year certainly seems appropriate for that!
The process of business attraction is a bit like a baseball game. You have
Staring into the abyss of transportation funding
Published: Wednesday, March 26, 2014
In 1913, the State Highway Department was created by the Missouri Legislature, because the legislature recognized how important transportation infrastructure is to our state's economic well-being. Seven short years later, a
CORE hosts Central Missouri Manufacturers
Published: Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Manufacturing is a very large part of the Central Missouri area employing thousands of highly skilled people with a high wage rate. Recently Missouri CORE hosted an Executive Roundtable of the top officials in the
New Task Force created to provide support and analysis for repurposing of St. Mary's campus
Published: Monday, March 24, 2014
It is common for Chambers of Commerce to write letters of support to legislators to encourage passing legislation that benefits their community. In December, the Chamber’s Board wrote letters of support to our local
What do our local legislators say about the issues?
Published: Wednesday, March 19, 2014
The following questions regarding four legislative and budget issues were asked of our local legislators. We thank Senator Mike Keheo and Representatives Jay Barnes and Mike Bernskoetter, for their thoughtful responses.
State legislation and budget policies impact local economy
Published: Tuesday, March 18, 2014
State legislation and budget policy impact us locally in Jefferson City and Cole County just as the legislation affects cities and counties state-wide; however, there are some issues such as state employee pay increases that
Redevelopment of St. Mary's and LU Annex ... the perfect storm
Published: Tuesday, February 11, 2014
The governor announced at a press conference on January 20, that he would be asking the legislature to appropriate $10m to acquire and repurpose a portion of the current St. Mary's hospital for Lincoln University to relocate
Ideas are coming in - undergoing review
Published: Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Several months ago we rolled out a mechanism in which the community would have a way to voice and submit community and economic development ideas for the Jefferson City area. We created a place on our website entitled Have
Transportation improvements essential to economic development
Published: Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Continued economic growth and commerce is dependent on continuous improvement to our transportation systems. Rivers, railroads, airports and highways are all infrastructures essential to moving people and products. We at