Sunday Business Spotlight - November 17th, 2024.  This week Columbia Fire Department Fire Chief Brain Schaeffer joins us to to talk about his impressions of the department after 7 months on the job.  We talk about a recent first that was intentionally set, apparently by a unhoused person account to the ongoing investigation.  We also talk about Columbia's Fire Station 10, which will start out in a remodeled church with space for fire apparatus and personnel, along with the Fire Investigation staff offices on the second floor.  Eventually a new station will be built on the same property adjacent to the church/fire station building.  We also talk about staffing now and goals for the future that will be based on a software analysis that will be in place likely by mid-2025, but that request will need to go through the City of Columbia City Council approval process.

Sunday Business Spotlight - November 11, 2024. Stacey Button, City of Columbia, Mo. Government Office of Economic Development Director and the President of Regional Economic Development Incorporated, joins us.  Columbia Regional Airport is under her direction and we talk about the awarding of a grant that will allow COU to return to offering flights to Denver with United Airlines, likely some time in 2025.  The awarding of the federal funds is just the first step that allows the city to move forward on building the timeline and setting the schedule with United.  We also talk Economic Development, discussing some successes that Columbia REDI has had in bringing business -- and the jobs that come with new business and manufacturing plants -- to Columbia.  We finish with a conversation about the rich environment for entrepreneurs in central Missouri, including the retail incubator at the Shops at Sharp End.  

Sunday Business Spotlight - November 3rd, 2024.  This week we preview the upcoming November General Election with hosts of KFRU programming.  KFRU News Director and Program Director Luke Swezy, Columbia Morning host David Gaines and Columbia Today host Ted Farnan join me for a discussion on the upcoming General Election on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024.  This also was a preview of the group that will be in the KFRU studio to bring the results to you as they come in. 

Sunday Business Spotlight -- October 27th, 2024.  This week Joanne Nelson, Director, and Kristin Cummins, Deputy Director, of the @Boone County Community Services Department join us to talk about the recently finished Boone County-City of Columbia Housing Study.  We discuss the housing study and the four main recommendations it makes to start the process of affecting "attainable" housing in Columbia and Boone County, Missouri.  We also discuss the Housing Summit held on Thursday, October 24th that introduced the 300+ page report.

Sunday Business Spotlight -- October 20, 2024.  Matt Stephens, Deputy Police Chief, Columbia Police Department joins us talk about FLOCK Safety license plate reader cameras.  The city council passed their use in Columbia, now what happens?  We also talk about the first ever training academy class that will go through the new set up specifically for CPD recruits.  Also joining us is Devlon Ford from the Noble Research Institute out of Ardmore, Oklahoma.  Devlon talks about a training seminar this week sponsored by Lincoln University that covers new ways to make grazing cattle more efficient.

Sunday Business Spotlight -- October 13th, 2024.  Boone County Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick joins us to talk about a "whistleblower" report that the county was not reporting on the 9-1-1 Sales Tax Revenue and the funds appropriated to the Children's Services Board.  Kip tells us that all the information regarding both are easily found on the County of Boone, Missouri website at showmeboone.com.  We also talked about Missouri Task Force One as they are helping in North Carolina and in Florida after recent hurricanes. We talk affordable housing, budget preparation and the completion of the African American Heritage Trail.

Sunday Business Spotlight -- October 6th, 2024.  This week Columbia City Council 2nd Ward Councilwoman Lisa Meyer joins us.  We cover a lot of topics including the recent Columbia Chamber of Commerce Annual Leadership Visit to the Research Triangle in North Carolina, which Lisa attended as a representative of City Government.  We also discuss and dig deep into her thought process and reasoning behind voting no on the 2025 fiscal year budget.  We also talk about FLOCK license plate readers coming before the city council for a vote on Monday, October 7th.

Sunday Business Spotlight -- September 29th, 2024.  Matt McCormick, President of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, joins us this week to follow-up on this year's Chamber trip to the North Carolina Research Triangle, Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill.  Matt takes us through the highlights of the trip and the follow-up items that could affect change here in Columbia and central Missouri.

Sunday Business Spotlight -- September 22nd, 2024. It's vacation week, so this is a "Best-Of" show.  Jonathan Seppo of Andrea Lyn Events joins us to talk about the Mid-MO Hone & Garden Expo.  We also hear about the Not-for-Profit of the Year Award nominees from the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Small Business Committee co-chairs Laura Pieper, owner of Bloom Bookkeeping and Trent Rash, Executive Director of the Missouri Symphony Society.  Brady DuBois, CEO of Boone Health gives us an update on what's happening at Boone, looking forward to exciting things coming. 

Sunday Business Spotlight -- September 15th, 2024.  This week we talk with Brady DuBois, the Chief Executive Officer of Boone Health .  At the helm of the "county" hospital for nearly a year now, Brady brings us up to date on where Boone stands, talks about the day-to-day challenges of keeping things running in a positive direction, talks about some of the challenges facing Boone Health and proudly talks about awards the facility has received with the latest distinction of being a "5 Star Hospital", the only one in central Missouri. 

Sunday Business Spotlight -- September 8th, 2024. This week we talk with Jonathan Seppo of Andrea Lyn Events about two events you can participate in during the month of September.  First we break down the Curated-Crafted-Created Fall Makers Market on September 15th at the Columbia Mall.  There will be much to see from local artisans.  Bring your gift list.  Then the last weekend of the month on September 28th and 29th, it' the inaugural Mid-Mo Home & Garden Expo.  A home and garden lifestyle event.  Two bonuses:  A BBQ contest on Saturday and a car show on Sunday.  Then we talk with Brad Boyer about NEMOPRESBOX.COM.  Brad and two of his colleagues were laid off from their radio jobs and have developed this website for fans to listen to high school games in northeast Missouri.  It's a great story as they continue a rich tradition and history of play-by-play and interviews with coaches.

Sunday Business Spotlight -- September 1st, 2024.  This week Senior Adviser Pam Hunsaker and Regional Director Kayla Williams from the Dolly Paton Imagination Library join us to talk about the celebration of Missouri being the only state to fund a book a month forever child from the day they are born to their fifth birthday. All you have to do is provide three small bits of information about your child to sign up.  Pam is celebrating her 24 years of service with a retirement planned the end of the year.  Kayla is just getting started on her career and will be the lead person for the program in Missouri and 14 other states. We also had a chance to catch up with J'Den Cox, the National Freestyle Development and Resident Coach at USA Wrestling in Colorado Springs. J'Den is a Columbia native who wrestled at Hickman High School and the University of Missouri (Tiger Style), who retired in April after an incredibly successful wrestling career.  He is now bringing his knowledge and skills to younger wresters that are at the elite status. But most important to him now?  He's a husband and a dad.

Sunday Business Spotlight -- August 25th, 2024.  Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe joins us to talk about the budget process that is underway as it moves to the second Columbia City Council meeting of September which is the date it will be voted upon.  We also talk about the FLOCK License Plate reader system and a new training academy plan for the Columbia Police Department.  We also discuss the facts abut utilities projects that were started in 2016 to 2018, were put on hold by previous councils and now are moving forward toward completion.  Why is it so hard to find a spot for a water tower?

Sunday Business Spotlight - August 18th, 2024.  This week we have a discussion with Boone County Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick.  The application process for senior tax relief is going extremely well with nearly 3500 applications in so far.  It's a collaborative process through the County Collector's office with assistance from the County Assessor and the Recorder of Deeds.  Also in progress are an update to the Boone County Master Plan with public input opportunities in the next few weeks.  At the same time, the housing survey is underway through a partnership with the City of Columbia. 

Sunday Business Spotlight - August 11th, 2024.  Fifth Ward City Councilman Don Waterman joins us this week to talk about public works projects after the passage of the 1/4 of one cent sales tax under Proposition 1 in the August 6th election. We also have a conversation about the budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year and the review process underway -- including public input -- that will move toward the passage of the budget in September.  We also have a conversation about the progress the city is making toward completing electricity and water projects that were started years ago by other city councils, but are moving forward now because this city council agrees that the projects must be done.  

Sunday Business Spotlight - August 4th, 2024. This week on the Sunday Business Spotlight we revisit parts of three conversations from the NewsTalk KFRU 98.9FM & 1400AM Morning Meeting while filling in for Simon Rose.  First, we talk about the latest information on the Columbia Real Estate market with Brian Toohey, the Chief Executive Officer for the Columbia Board of REALTORS®. Second, we look into mental health issues with focus in this segment on homelessness in central Missouri from a conversation I had with Mat Gass, Carisa Kessler and Scott Lorenz from Burrell Behavioral Health. In the last segment of the show, we hear from Lisa Meyer, Columbia Second Ward City Council Woman about the upcoming annual budget for the City of Columbia, Mo. Government, including her thoughts after a first look at the specific numbers.   

Sunday Business Spotlight -- July 21st, 2024. This week Dave Sorrell, the Director of Utilities for the City of Columbia, joins us to talk about, well, utilities. We talk upgrades and maintenance happening now for all segments: electricity, water, sewer, storm water, trash & recycling and the COLT Railroad shipping operation. Sorrell tells us that, yes, there are some projects from the past in electric, water and sewer that were delayed or stopped by previous councils and city staffs that are now underway under his guidance.  This is a far-ranging conversation with lots of information! 

Sunday Business Spotlight - July 14, 2024. This week we talk about the City of Columbia Capital Improvement Sales Tax Extension which the city council voted to place on the August 6th Primary Election ballot. Co-Chair of the committee in favor of passage of Proposition 1, David Nichols and Columbia Chamber of Commerce Vice-President of External Affairs Lily White join the show to talk about the street and sidewalk and public safety improvements that have been made and the projects planned for the next ten years (2026 through 2035) if the extension is passed.

Sunday Business Spotlight - July 7, 2024.  This week we talk transportation on the Sunday Business Spotlight.  The I-70 improvement project gets started Monday, July 8th.  The first phase of the project starts near the 70/63 connector in Columbia and moves to the Kingdom City exit according to Eric Kopinski, the Project Manager, working out of the MoDOT Central Missouri District office. It's a massive project and it has an aggressive timetable.  Lots of details here on the project.  Next, we get an update on what's going on at Columbia Regional Airport - FlyCOU from Manager Mike Parks.  Mike reports that the numbers are great.  In fact, taking in consideration just American Airlines, in May they passed the best numbers from months prior to the pandemic.  Mike tells us about continuous projects that are ongoing at the airport with the new concession area being finished by the end of August.  

Sunday Business Spotlight -June 30th, 2024. This week we go "inside radio" with two samples of programming on Cumulus stations now.  First we give you an example of 102-3 KBXR's Friday Foodies offering.  This new content with Mo Louis is on Friday morning at 8 am.  We sample the version of the show where Mo talks with Matt Kurtz and Leo Terzopolis from G & D Pizza and Steak.  Matt and Leo have taken over this family restaurant operation that has been a "staple" of good food in the area.  Next, we sample the Friday Forum that happens of Friday afternoons at 5 pm within Columbia Today with Ted Farnen on NewsTalk 98.9 FM/1400 AM KFRU.  Ted brings Judy Baker and Tony Lupo together for an interesting conversation about current events.  These are both new content that I thought you would be interested in checking out!

Sunday Business Spotlight - June 23rd, 2024.  This week Matt McCormick, President of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, joins us to talk about multiple recent activities.  We talk about the annual Year-End awards handed out in a "new look" get together that included the awards at Launder Auditorium followed by an outside celebration at Logboat Brewing.  The upgrade of I-70 is soon underway with work to begin on July 8th.  Workforce development moves forward with vigor.  

Sunday Business Spotlight - June 16th, 2024.  This week we have a conversation with Ric Ransom, the CEO of MU Health Care .  Ric tells us about the management of this Academic/Teaching Hospital that is a huge employer and economic driver in central Missouri.  Ransom talks specifically about some recent additions including the full opening of Children's Hospital and Birthing Center, the "marriage" of MU Healthcare and Capital Regional Medical and the challenges of rural healthcare in general and how it affects MU Healthcare specifically.

Sunday Business Spotlight - June 9th, 2024.  This week we talk with City of Columbia Deputy City Manager Matt Unrein.  Matt talks about coming back to Columbia to work.  His specific responsibilities include oversight of Parks & Recreation, Utilities and Public Works.  We talk about challenges facing the electric and water utilities, playing a "catch up" game based on updates being put on hold by previous councils and city staff members.

Sunday Business Spotlight - June 2nd, 2024.  This year's winners of the Women's Network - Columbia Chamber of Commerce Athena Awards join us on this week's Sunday Business Spotlight.  Ann Merrifield, the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri, the winner of the 2024 Athena Leadership Award and Dr. Kasey Hammock, Founder and Co-Conspirator of Partner for Better, the winner of the 2024 Young Athena Award join me to talk about their reactions and feelings on winning the award, mentorship and the state of serving non profits in Columbia. We also check in with Ann about Big Brothers, Big Sisters and get the lowdown on Partner for Better from Kasey, who recently received her PhD in Social Work from MU.

Sunday Business Spotlight - May 26th, 2024. On the Sunday Business Spotlight this week, we talk with Columbia 4th Ward City Councilman Nick Foster.  We start with a review of the recent City Council/City Department leaders retreat held at the Lake of the Ozarks.  We talk about staffing issues for the City of Columbia, Mo. Government and forward movement in hiring new city employees, with specific emphasis on the Columbia Police Department. Foster introduces us to a new program coming online soon, See. Click. Fix. and brings us up to date on infrastructure improvements facing the city.

Sunday Business Spotlight - May 19th, 2024.  Lily White, VP for External Affairs for the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and Jade Poe, Director of the Women's Network for the Columbia Chamber of Commerce join us to preview the 2024 Athena Awards Ceremony coming up, plus we review an incredibly busy spring that will culminate in a new format Chamber Year-End Celebration in June.  We also talk with Alex Renoe, a Columbia Hickman student who received her Associate Degree from Moberly Area Community College -- and -- a week later graduated from Hickman High School a year early!  A great story about a hard working high school student who will attend the University of Missouri in the fall.  

Sunday Business Spotlight - May 12th, 2024. Kathy Steinhoff, 45th District State Representative, joins us this week to talk about the bill signed by Governor Parson that adds Boone County to the very short list of counties in the state where Charter Schools are allowed.  The bill includes a long list of education related changes that also includes a $40,000 minimum salary for teachers in Missouri.  We cover many of those changes.  We also talk with Sarah Moreau, VP, Community Outreach Officer and Director of Prosper U, to revisit the wide ranging topics this Central Bank of Boone County division covers every month.  Every class is offered free of charge. 

Sunday Business Spotlight - May 5th, 2024. This week Mel West joins us to talk about the numerous organizations he has started and supported, mostly in the last 40 years since his retirement.  The focus is on Mobility Worldwide , a charitable organization that makes sturdy three wheel wheelchairs with hand cranks that are shipped around the world - mainly to African countries.  In the past 30 years, the volunteers have built over 100,000 PET Carts, a high percentage right here in Columbia.  The rest of the story?  Mel West will turn 100 years old on May 21st, 2024. He gives us his thoughts on nearing this milestone and lots more!

Sunday Business Spotlight - April 28th, 2024. Susan Hart, Vice-President of Reinhardt Construction, joins us to talk about the company in general and two specific projects that broke ground recently.  We discuss the new CPS Southwest Elementary School and the new Boone County Sheriff's Department Training Center that are soon to be underway.  Matt McCormick, President of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, also joins us to talk about the recent Showcase COMO that was a both a business expo and job fair.  We also discuss the upcoming Chamber Small Business Week, set for May 6th through 9th!  

Sunday Business Spotlight - April 21st, 2024.  Joining us this week is the new Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Central Missouri, Eric Sappington.  Eric tells us about his background and why he made the decision to move to Columbia and take the helm of the Foundation.  We also talk about CoMoGives and a change or two that have been made to the process.  We also talk with Adonica Coleman, owner of The COMO 411 , about the business being chosen as one of five finalists for the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year.  Finally we talk about the new day and new time for the Sunday Business Spotlight, formerly know as Columbia Business One-on-One!

Columbia Business One-on-One - April 13th, 2024. This week we talk with the new owners of Clovers Natural Market . Long time employees Laura McGuire, Noah Earle and Russ Baurichter took over the two Columbia locations on April 1st. We talk about some history of the market, what is going on now and plans for the future. Also this week we talk about "Common Ground", a film that follows the pioneers of the Regenerative Agriculture Movement, who value a healthy ecosystem for all. Michael Heimos from the City of Columbia, MO - Office of Sustainability and Michele Woolbright from Boone County, Missouri Stormwater talk about this film sponsored by Sustainability and Stormwater and the Ragtag Cinema. They also give us some insight as to what they offer to residents.

Columbia Business One-on-One - April 6th, 2024.  This week we talk with Bridgid Kinney about their STEAMfest Renaissance Festival to celebrate science, technology, English, art and match with a twist.  Plus we get an update on the new Upper School building addition and their enrollment process for next fall.  After a special 50th Anniversary celebration last year, the Maplewood Barn Community Theater announces their 51st year schedule that includes 4 shows never before performed at the Barn.  Morgan Dennehy and Julia Carney join us to tell about this exciting summer season.  Columbia Chamber of Commerce Vice-President for Workforce Development Chad Massman and Kerrie Bloss from Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Showcase COMO co-chair, tell us about this year's version of the Showcase.  After the QMB on April 11th, Showcase COMO get underway to show off the products and services of over a hundred Chamber members, but this year's event also is a job fair focused on developing Columbia's workforce, even including folks on hand to interview for jobs they have available right now!

Columbia Business One-on-One - March 30th, 2024. This week we continue our conversations with Columbia Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year nominees. Austin Ilsley, the co-owner of A I Painting Plus, gives us the information on his small business and their foundation for success. Next we hear from  Josiah Williams from the Lee Street Deli Market.  This Columbia icon has undergone some renovation.  Josiah says you'll see some of the old-time favorites on the menu with some new offerings once they open in early April.  Finally, John Shrum of Visionworks Marketing Group tells us about his new Management and Leadership Accelerator  hands-on and interactive workshops to be held at the ACA Business Club.

Columbia Business One-on-One - March 23rd, 2024.  This week we talk about a brand new business to Columbia.  Christion Hulen is the owner of COMO Clean Carts, a roll cart cleaning company.  Developing and building his own roll cart washing system, Christion describes the process.  Booches has new owners!  Mike Hagan joins us to talk about the ownership change and the unlikely possibility much will change to this Columbia icon and landmark.  Mike, Josh Fuller and Jeff Bossaller have taken the reins.  Finally, Missouri State Senate President Pro-Tem Caleb Rowden announced this week he will not run for Secretary of State and will back away from politics for a while.  Simon Rose caught up to Caleb on the KFRU Morning Meeting and we replay the conversation.

Columbia Business One-on-One - March 16th, 2024. This week we talk about the return of the State HS Basketball Championships to Mizzou Arena.  Craig Long, the Chief Financial and Chief Operations Officer for the Missouri State High School Activities Association, tells about the economic impact of the championship as it returns to Columbia after a 6 year absence.  Karen Mareck Grundy also joins us to catch up on all things Mareck Center for Dance.  Their Spring performance is  coming  up in April, followed quickly in May with their annual Dancing with the Missouri Stars fundraiser.  In our third segment, Rachel Flynn from Betz Jewelers joins us.  Rachel talks about this long time Columbia jewelry store being name one of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award 2024 finalists. Lots of history, but lots of new things happening at Betz Jewelers, too.

Columbia Business One-on-One -- March 9th, 2024. Austyn Belle Isle joins us following a Small Business of the Year nomination for Lumia Med Spa.  We learn about how the business came about and how things are going, plus we take a look into the future.  Next, we get a real estate update from Iron Gate Real Estate's Jordan Barnes.  The Jordan Barnes Real Estate team leader gives us insight as to where the real estate market stands today and what might be happening in the near future.  Finally, we replay a part of an earlier interview with Mike Parks, General Manager of the Columbia Regional Airport. It's always fun to talk about new places we might go based on additional partnerships with America Airlines.  Also good to check in with Mike Parks!

Columbia Business One-on-One - March 2nd, 2024.  This week we talk about the Small Business of the Year finalists during our review of the last Quarterly Membership Breakfast. Columbia Chamber VP for External Affairs Lily White and VP for Workforce Development Chad Massman tell us about the SBOTY Awards for 2024 along with a conversation about the upgrade of I-70 that is in progress which will include enhancements to the overpasses within the city limits of Columbia.  We also welcome one of the five finalists for Small Business of the Year, The Cleanest, LLC.  Emily Haynes is the owner and tells us about when and why she started her business - and much more. 

Columbia Business One-on-One - February 24th, 2024.  This week we talk about the new area code overlay -- that starting 2/24/2024 -- requires us all to dial all ten phone number digits to make calls in the 573 area.  Teri Walden, the Executive Director of Meals on Wheels-Columbia, talks about the annual "Big Wheel" fundraiser.  MOW is looking for sponsors for this April fundraiser that looks to deliver over 3,000 meals to Columbia area businesses. Also joining us this week is Jami Clevenger, the Executive Officer for the Columbia Home Builder's Association.  Jami talks about the upcoming Home Show at the Columbia Mall in mid-March.  We also get an update on the April Spring Parade of Homes that is an annual HBA tradition.

Columbia Business One-on-One - February 17th, 2024.  Jake Leitza, the owner of The Old Neighborhood Cafe, joins us to talk about the restaurant in the Cherry Hill area.  Jake talks about the Cafe's menu, charcuterie boards and catering.  Then, Rachel Norden from Andrea Lyn Events joins us to talk about three upcoming events of special interest to many.  The first of those events coming up is the The COMO Wedding Experience which includes the wedding plaza, a wedding stroll and a "live" wedding VIP event.  Also coming in the next few months are their Spring Curated Crafted Created Markets along with a new event called the Wholeness8 Summit 2024 that covers health in 8 aspect of your life. 

Columbia Business One-on-One - February 3rd, 2024.  This week we talk about City Garden School with the Head of School, Jordan Johnson.  Recently celebrating their 10th anniversary, students at City Garden School spend a lot of time outdoors studying in nature and learning in creative ways.  Jordan tells us about the school's inspiration from Waldorf Education and the benefit for children. Also this week, Jake Rettke, the FQHC Program Director, Central Region, for Clarity Healthcare tells us about the new Scholars Clinic at the Field Elementary building located on Rangeline, that now houses the CPS Gifted Education Program.  The clinic will provide primary care to students along with optometry services, and by extension, dental and mental health services.  Jake also talks about Clarity Healthcare and their relationship to Brightli and Burrell Behavioral Health.

Columbia Business One-on-One - January 27th, 2024. Rick Rowden from First Responder Support joins us this week to talk about the second annual You Have My Heart Gala.  This event is a significant part of the annual FRS fundraising plan and brings in dollars to support their mission of supporting police officers, fire personnel, medics and 9-1-1 operators. We then talk with Mike Parks, the General Manger of Columbia Regional Airport - FlyCOU.  COU is in the process of developing on a new master plan.  Recently open and online meetings were held to gain input from the public.  Now, the building of the plan begins which should be completed in two years time. We talk about what has been accomplished under the current master plan and what possibilities the new one may bring.

Columbia Business One-on-One - January 13th, 2024.  This week Steve Smith, the President and CEO of Job Point, joins us to talk about his recently announced retirement to come in this fiscal year (by September 30, 2024).  Steve also gives us a rundown of all the services Job Point offers, along with a look into the wide-ranging funding that is required to keep their programs growing and moving forward. Job Point is workforce development.

Columbia Business One-on-One - January 6th, 2024.  To kick off the New Year on Columbia Business One-on-One, Matt McCormick, the President of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce joins us for a conversation.  The most recent focus of the Chamber's activities was on the Missouri Legislature as they hosted a reception for a Senator and a contingent of Representatives.  Matt also looked into the future, with an exciting calendar of events for the second half of the "chamber year".

Columbia Business One-on-One - December 30th, 2023. Joining us this week on the show are Eric Morrison from Sunvold Financial. Eric is the Chairman of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. We're half way through the Chamber year, so we do a review of 2023. John Baker is the Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Central Missouri, the group that operates COMO Gives every December. In this segment, we talk in-depth about the Foundation itself and the scope of their work outside CoMoGives. Finally, Dave Matter, the Assistant Director of Athletics for Communication and Storytelling for Mizzou Athletics, tells us about the logistics of a football trip to a New Year's Six bowl game and brings us up to date on the athletics program. 

Columbia Business One-on-One, December 23rd, 2023.  City of Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe joins us to talk about the value of her latest trips to China and to Dubai.   We also review 2023 and talk about the latest updates on recycling and roll carts, water and light, short term rental units, the Columbia police Department and much more.

Columbia Business One-on-One - December 16th, 2023.  This week we talk about the new host of the Sunday Morning Roundtable on KFRU.  Mat Gass is the Central Region President for Brightli, the operators of Burrell Behavioral Health in Columbia.  Mat has joined the NewsTalk 98.9 FM/1400 AM KFRU team and talks about the recent past and the bright future of this long-running show on Sundays form 8 am to 10 am  Mat also then puts his President "hat" on to talk about the wide ranging services of Burrell.  They cover a lot of bases through Columbia Public Schools, the City of Columbia and Boone County and more.  Finally, we get a "halfway through" update of the 2023 COMO Gives campaign with John Baker, the Executive Director of the Community Foundation for Central Missouri.  This year has been different from last years and most years in the past and John gives us the good news, the not so good news, and a little bad news in one interview. 

Columbia Business One-on-One, December 9th, 2023 - Boone County Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick joins us to talk about approval of a request for $4,000,000 in state ARPA funds to cover half the cost of a daycare center to be built on county property near the Boone County Jail and the Boone County Joint Communications Center.  We also talk about a wide range of county issues as the elected officials work toward finalizing a budget for the 2024 fiscal year starting January 1st, 2024. We also talk with Rick Rowden, a spokesman for First Responder Support as they pass their first year in existence, to get an update.  We also discuss the upcoming "Shop With A Hero" event and the "You Have My Heart Dinner & Dance" coming on February 15th, 2024 for the second time.  Tickets are already on sale! 

This week on Columbia Business One-on-One we talk with Jason Gruender, one of the owners of Liberty Family Medicine along with Dr. Bridget Gruender, about the "Liberty" was of delivering primary care.  They started the practice in Columbia and now have expanded to a new clinic in Jefferson City.  Jason also details Liberty Insurance Solutions and how it can help businesses save money on their annual healthcare costs.  PFSbrands in Holts Summit announced this week they are starting the process of purchasing Show Me Oil in Auxvasse which also includes the Moser's Discount Food stores in central Missouri.  We talk  with PFS Brands Founder and CEO Shawn Burcham about that deal, but also learn much more about Champs Chicken, BluTaco and Hanger 54 Pizza and the "store within a store" concept.  Finally, we talk with Dr. Makenzie Schouten, the owner of Vera Chiropractic.  Kenzie tells us about her practice that focuses on pediatric, prenatal and family care. She tells about her goal of helping to make expectant mothers, newborns, infants, and children get healthy and stay healthy through neuro-based treatment.

This week's version of Columbia Business One-on-One is a "Best Of" show.  We replay for you three interviews from past weeks, including Jerry Jenkins, Assistant Fire Chief and Director of Operations for the Columbia Fire Department, talking about the Grand Opening of Fire Station #11 in southwest Columbia.  Cathy Cook talks about the new Travelin' Tom's Coffee Truck that is now moving around Columbia, central Missouri through Springfield to Branson.  The Cook's have served the same geography with KONA Ice for the past ten years.  We also hear from Dan Lafferty, the Executive Director of Impact Support Services, formerly know at Alternative Community Training (ACT).  The name changed on November 1st.