Posts by rgilligan_robgilligan

Navigating the Heat: CPI Trends and Your Business Strategy for Summer 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…

Why the New B Magazine ‘Progress’ Issue is Must-read 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. The Progress issue provides a…

Cultivating Innovation: The $19,500 AgTech Vibethon Challenge 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. This isn’t your typical tech event. The Vibeathon is built…

Building Economic Resilience in 2026 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%. For business the most immediate pressure point is at…

Show Me Network Week & The AI Revolution 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. Led by…

Building the Future of a Regional Healthcare Workforce 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.…

Beyond the Books: Why Financial Literacy Matters for the Whole Team 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. For a local economy like Cape Girardeau’s to thrive, we need more than just profitable companies, we need fiscally…

Preparing for the Storm: A Tornado Season Checklist for Business 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. A solid plan doesn’t just protect your physical assets, it protects your most valuable resource, your people.…

Global Energy Shifts – What it Means to the Local Economy 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…