Chamber Updates

New Employees are just a “Handshake” Away Cooler weather this past weekend, SEMO Athletes back on campus for pre-season workouts, and flipping the calendar to August all mean one thing. The start of the school year is just around the corner and opportunity to staff up with some new employees is just a “Handshake” away.…

SBA Disaster Relief Available for Area Businesses Time is running out, but significant financial assistance remains available for our business community recovering from the devastating May 16 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding. Businesses in Scott County, St. Louis County, and the City of St. Louis have until August 11 to apply for physical…

What Missouri’s New Web Accessibility Regulations Mean for Business A recent increase in “sue-and-settle” cases around website accessibility in Missouri has created a good reminder of new rules and regulations that may require updates to your business website. Recent changes to state and federal policy are reshaping digital accessibility expectations—especially for organizations doing business with the public…

Shopping Local is a “Prime” Opportunity Summer sales season is upon us, and there’s never been a better time to discover the incredible value and unique experiences our local retailers offer. The beloved tradition of “summer sales” stretches back generations, when merchants would clear seasonal inventory to make room for fall merchandise. Today, summer sales…

Thank You Dr. Vargas Today marks the end of the academic year for Southeast Missouri State University, and the conclusion of Dr. Carlos Vargas’s 10-years of leadership as the 18th President of SEMO. While many stories have been shared about his academic leadership, it is also important to recognize his work to support business in…

Remember Employee Safety with Summer Temps on the Rise! Summer is officially here and this past weekend we really started to feel the mercury climbing as we broke into 90-degree plus temperatures. As we shift to hotter weather, safety needs to be top of mind. As summer temperatures start to climb the risk of heat…

Show Me Sports Investment Act Sports stadiums aren’t just venues—they’re economic catalysts that stimulate tourism, create jobs, and amplify civic pride. Missouri’s recent legislative push to support the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals vividly illustrates how proactive investment can yield business and community dividends. Last week Missouri lawmakers passed the Show Me Sports Investment Act,…

Expand Business Horizons with Missouri Export Programs Missouri businesses looking to break into international markets have powerful allies in the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Two standout programs are opening doors for companies ready to take their products global. The MO STEP=UP program offers small businesses grant opportunities to fund qualifying international activities that further the importance…

SEMO Industrial Park Certification Opens Doors for Regional Growth A big opportunity for Southeast Missouri’s economy as the SEMO Industrial Park in Scott City has been named a Missouri Certified Site, a designation that could help bring industrial development and new jobs to our region. So, what does that mean that the SEMO Industrial Park…

Watch Out for Fraud Following Spring Storm Damage This spring has been one for the records books in the amount of activity from severe weather events. Damage from storms have left many businesses and residents needing immediate help which can make them vulnerable to fraud. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has issued a warning to…