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PLAyfest Community Festival Sponsorship Opportunities

By Chamber Member | February 25, 2026

Right now our focus is on sponsors for the event and coloring book sponsors primarily.  Directly after that in line is entertainment – free activity providers and craft / sales vendors.    Facebook Event Page: (3) PLAyfest 2026! | Facebook   Main Stage: https://forms.gle/zT1957oVwPXvy5g77 50/50 Raffle: https://forms.gle/AtDFFkDV4G1emqda9 Free Activity: https://forms.gle/MNwJfJcNgDAFmBru8 Mascot Race: https://forms.gle/VTmVqqyXdajR5Tq4A Sponsor Form: https://forms.gle/bNBoogJDuW2FaRjTA Craft Vendor: https://forms.gle/J1vsQt7cNQuSGHq19

New SCOTUS Ruling on Tariffs Means More Changes on International Trade Coming

By rgilligan_robgilligan | February 23, 2026

In a significant 6-3 decision on February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the administration’s broad use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose sweeping tariffs. This ruling has immediate and profound implications for our business community here in Southeast Missouri. The Court ruled that while the President has broad…

From Cape to Statewide: Codefi’s AI Powered Evolution

By rgilligan_robgilligan | February 16, 2026

It has been just over a decade since Codefi first opened its doors in downtown Cape Girardeau, sparked by a mission to prove that world-class tech innovation doesn’t require a Silicon Valley zip code. Today, we are thrilled to celebrate a massive milestone for this homegrown organization: Codefi is officially expanding its services statewide and…

February Calendar of Events @ The Bar

By Chamber Member | February 11, 2026

After a Decade in Rural Missouri, Codefi Launches AI-Native Programs Statewide with Plans for National Expansion

By Chamber Member | February 11, 2026

Link to full website article: After a Decade in Rural Missouri, Codefi Launches AI-Native Programs Statewide with Plans for National Expansion | Codefi | Missouri The Question I Didn’t Want to Ask About a year ago, I had to look in the mirror and ask a question I didn’t want to ask: Is Codefi good,…

UWSEMO Announces Grant Opening News Release

By Chamber Member | February 11, 2026

Southeast Mo. – United Way of Southeast Missouri (UWSEMO) announces the official opening of their grant application on February 2 for agencies and programs that desire to join the United Way network of partners. Applications for the organization’s two-year 2026-2028 funding cycle will be accepted until February 27 at 5 pm (CST). As part of…

United Way Receives Transportation Grant to Help Close Local Gaps

By Chamber Member | February 11, 2026

United Way of Southeast Missouri (UWSEMO) has been awarded a grant from their parent organization, United Way Worldwide, to expand United We Work, a workforce transportation program. In partnership with the Cape Girardeau County Transit Authority (CTA), United We Work was launched by UWSEMO in late 2023 with initial funding from Healthy Blue. Since its…

SEMO REDI Releases Inaugural 2026 Regional Economic Report

By rgilligan_robgilligan | February 9, 2026

At last weeks First Friday Coffee The Southeast Missouri Regional Economic Development, Inc. (SEMO REDI) officially released the Southeast Missouri Economic Report 2026, a first-of-its-kind publication designed to provide a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of our 18-county region. For business leaders and community stakeholders, this report offers a crucial baseline for understanding the economic conditions shaping…

Be the First Step in a Lifesaving: URGENT need for Blood Donor Ambassadors!

By Chamber Member | February 6, 2026

Did you know someone in the US needs blood every two seconds? Every day, roughly 36,000 units of red blood cells are needed in the US. Simply put, that’s a lot of blood that is severely needed. Thankfully, many heed the need and donate blood. To continue to meet this critical need, the American Red…

JOIN IN ON THE RESTAURANT HOP AND SUPPORT SEMO THEATRE AND DANCE STUDENTS

By Chamber Member | February 6, 2026

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. Enjoy signature items from Cape Girardeau restaurants and businesses participating in the “Restaurant Hop”, Tuesday, March 24, 2026, benefitting Southeast Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance. The restaurant hop works like a punch card and tickets will have the logos of the participating restaurants on them. Each eatery will serve…