$100,000
MFA Oil Co. made a commitment to MU Children’s Hospital to raise $100,000. The company succeeded in fundraising and was able to make the $100,000 donation to help support financial responsibilities with the hospital. For several years now, MFA Oil has supported the Children’s Hospital, which houses 39 exam rooms, two telehealth rooms, blood-drawing services and a pulmonary function testing lab for respiratory therapy patients.
MU opens law clinic to benefit veterans
Law students at the University of Missouri can now obtain real-world experience at the new Veterans Clinic. Veterans and their families secure disability benefits while experienced attorneys supervise law students as they work in a law firm atmosphere and serve real client needs. Students specifically interested in personal injury, civil litigation or administrative law will benefit from the skillset taught in the clinic.
Elementary expansions
Columbia Public Schools has reached an agreement to purchase 36 acres on the corner of Scott Boulevard and Route KK to construct a new elementary school. The new site located in southwest Columbia was purchased for $2.8 million from the Sapp family using funds from the approved 2012 bond plan. “The location of the property as well as the major infrastructure pieces and student safety were important considerations in the decision to purchase the property,” says Superintendent Chis Belcher. While preparations take place for the southwest elementary school to open in 2016, construction plans for an additional elementary school adjacent to Battle High School are in the works for a 2015 opening.
Grand opening
In conjunction with a crowded weekend in Columbia, Macadoodle’s Fine Wine, Beer and Spirits officially opened its doors on Oct. 25. The anticipated construction of the all-inclusive beverage store was completed and presented to the public during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new beer, wine and liquor store offers 3,000 wine labels, 600 craft and premium brews, plus a wide variety of snacks and drinking accessories. Complete with a full-service gas station, Macadoodle’s is a one-stop shop for party necessities.
Positive economic development
According to Kara Bowlin, Graybar communication specialist, the opening of a Graybar Electric branch is usually indicative of positive economic development. The branch, located at 1805 Burlington St., plans to serve Boone and Randolph counties.
A cyclist’s city
Columbia was deemed a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly City by the League of American Bicyclists. “This award confirms what those of us who live here know, that Columbia is the best place for bicycling and active living in Missouri,” says PedNet Coalition Executive Director Annette Triplett. The silver level award means Columbia has committed to improving conditions for bicycling through investment in bicycling promotion, education programs, infrastructure and pro-bicycling policies. Out of all 50 states, Missouri is ranked 30th with five bicycle-friendly communities. There are a total of 290 other communities across the United States that have received similar awards.
Charity checks
The Tigers on the Prowl auction of 10 life-size fiberglass tigers took place in early October. Each tiger was designed by a local artist and auctioned off for one of 10 local charities. The auction alone raised $28,000. An announcement on Oct. 25 was made expressing gratitude to all participants and revealing a grand total just shy of $50,000, including the auction, tickets sales, etc., that will be donated. Receiving charities include Granny’s House, the Ronald McDonald House, Love INC, Meals on Wheels, in2Action, Foundation for the Higher Good, The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri, Special Olympics, Honor Flight and True North.
Fast Track Award
Columbia-based business 3 Interactive was awarded with a 2013 Fast Track Award from the Missouri Chamber of Commerce. In three short years, the company has grown to reach an annual revenue of $15 million and currently employs 40 people. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce presented the award to 3 Interactive at a meeting on Nov. 14 in Kansas City.
26,000-square-foot showroom
Columbia Safety & Industrial Supply debuted its new 26,000-square-foot showroom and retail store with a grand-opening party. The multi-million-dollar building is reflective of the company’s growth, which has doubled over the past three years. The facility includes a showroom, learning center, call center, a photography and video production studio and a national distribution warehouse.
Emergency texting services
The first statewide crisis texting service in the nation became available, thanks to Missouri Crisis Line and Missouri Deafline. The Department of Public Safety and the Department of Mental Health fund the 24-hour service. “Offering a crisis texting service opens the door to helping many more individuals who are unable or even unwilling to call the crisis hotlines,” says Stephanie Logan, executive director of the L.E.A.D. Institute. “It allows any individual to text the service confidentially and gain information and guidance without disclosing their identity.” To initiate a text conversation, text the word HAND to 839863.
Housing for Ronald
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri opened a brand new house on East Lansing Avenue at the end of October. The original Ronald McDonald House was built 30 years ago in Columbia, but due to ADA requirements and maintenance needs, the charity decided to rebuild. The new location offers 18 bedrooms with private bathrooms, an extended-stay apartment and will be accessible for people with special needs. “We are looking forward to enjoying the next 30 years — and more — serving families in our new home,” says Terri Gray, executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri. “The new home also will allow us to broaden our scope and outreach to support more children and families from around the state and within our own community.” In celebration of the countdown to the grand opening, the charity participated in and hosted a number of events, including the Show-Me 100 Bike Ride, a radiothon with KPLA and KFRU, Tigers on the Prowl, Food Truck Fest and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
3-D technology
The Missouri College of Engineering opened a 3-D printing lab two years ago and has seen significant usage of the lab by students and faculty in diverse fields of study. It is a valuable resource for students both in and outside of the classroom to apply 3-D technology to their designated career fields. Doctors have used the 3-D printers to prepare for surgeries, and researchers have used it quickly and inexpensively to build replicas of fossils. The lab has been funded via the fees MU receives when jobs for outside organizations and companies are completed within the lab.
What?
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, hearing loss affects 36 million Americans. University of Missouri Health Care categorizes hearing loss as a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Sudden hearing loss can happen immediately or over a period of up to three days. “Hearing loss usually occurs gradually, but when it happens suddenly, it is important to get evaluated and treated quickly to have the best chance of recovery,” says Rosie Christal, Au.D., an MU Health Care audiologist. Sudden hearing loss is most common in people between the ages of 30 and 60. Common symptoms include: difficulty hearing over the phone, frequently asking people to repeat themselves, straining to understand conversation, difficulty hearing in a noisy environment and keeping the volume on the radio or TV at a level that is too loud for others.
Risk management and insurance
The Trulaske College of Business announced a new risk management and insurance program that will be available for finance students interested in the specialized area. The program will be funded by $1 million in donations from corporate and private donors. Instruction and availability of these specific skills will be offered once a director is identified.
1 Million Cups
Columbia has joined 18 other cities in an attempt to get 1 million entrepreneurs together for coffee and conversation. Every Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m., two Columbia-based entrepreneurs give six-minute presentations on their businesses
