business

Mo. Senate endorses tax incentive overhaul

Associated Press — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 23:10:09 +0000

Missouri senators have endorsed legislation creating new incentives for high-tech businesses and international exports while paring back existing tax credits.

Can small farms benefit from Wal-Mart’s push into local foods?

Abbie Fentress Swanson — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 15:29:54 +0000

Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, is muscling in on one of the fastest growing segments of American agriculture: local food.

Wal-Mart says 11 percent of the produce sold in its stores nationwide comes from local farms, a large increase from the mere 4 percent it sold two years ago when the chain announced its intention to step up local sourcing as part of a larger sustainability platform and a commitment to buy from small businesses.

Drought spells tough times for US corn exporters

Abbie Fentress Swanson — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 21:11:51 +0000

While the U.S. remains the world’s biggest supplier of corn, American farmers will lose a portion of the global corn market this year.

The Midwest drought devastated the normally robust corn harvest, which has led to higher corn prices and plummeting corn stocks. In a normal year, the U.S. exports more than 1 billion bushels of corn to markets worldwide, but with low domestic supply it’s a tough year for corn exporters – the USDA predicts U.S. corn exports will be at a 40-year low this year.

Nixon says Missouri exports increase from 2011

Associated Press — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 13:24:29 +0000

State officials say exports by Missouri businesses rose by 6 percent in the first half of the year compared with the same period in 2011.

Mo. small businesses eligible for federal aid

Associated Press — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 13:54:54 +0000

Missouri businesses directly harmed by the summer heat and drought can get low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Small nonfarm businesses, agricultural cooperatives and nonprofit organizations are eligible for up to $2 million for expenses caused by the drought. The deadline for loans is March and applications can be submitted online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

Columbia activists fight urban blight label

Associated Press — Wed, 30 May 2012 21:25:57 +0000

A city of Columbia's effort to classify certain neighborhoods as blighted to help businesses secure tax credits continues to draw fire from local activists.

The "blight" label is required by the state Department of Economic Development to create Enhanced Enterprise Zones. The zones are distinct areas where businesses can receive tax breaks in return for adding new facilities or jobs.

Opponents say the label will lower property values and could make it easier for local government to seize property under eminent domain laws.

Columbia poverty rate above national average as Matthes delivers state of the city report

Dan Molloy — Wed, 30 May 2012 14:03:37 +0000

The latest Columbia state of the city address reports mixed emotions about the city’s economic situation.

Missouri House votes to trim business taxes

Associated Press — Fri, 04 May 2012 21:10:58 +0000

Missouri House members approved legislation trimming taxes on businesses.

1,500 veterans hired through new program

Associated Press — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 21:47:56 +0000

The jobless rate for veterans remains high, but a Missouri program is making inroads in changing that.

Columbia living windows boosts ecnomy

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:24:56 +0000

The District hosts its annual Living Windows festival Friday night in Columbia.