Twelve years ago, my family and I made the trek north from the Dallas metroplex to Columbia, Missouri, to begin a new adventure. The most common question we heard was: “Do you know someone in Missouri or have family there?” The short answer: no. We didn’t know anyone in Columbia when we chose to make the move.
Then why did we do it? That’s easy.
- A welcoming community: From the first visit through the interview process and after our move, we were greeted with open arms and warm hearts.
- A great place to raise a family: Whether it was Daniel Boone Little League or TRYPS Children’s Theatre, there was always a place for our kids to belong.
- Endless outdoor activities: With its trails, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, outdoor concerts, and more, Columbia offers plenty of ways to enjoy nature.
- Living local: From restaurants to shopping and the farmers market, it is always fun and easy to live local.
- A strong, supportive business community: Local leaders are passionate about growth and making Columbia a great place to live, learn, work, and play.
- Higher education excellence: Our colleges and universities fuel a constant thirst for knowledge, innovation, and progress.
- Unmatched Mizzou spirit: At tailgates and on game days, some of my favorite memories were made cheering on the Tigers.
- An engaged Chamber of Commerce: It’s been an honor to be part of an organization that truly helps businesses thrive.
These are just a few of the reasons Columbia captured our hearts — and why our time here has been so memorable.
Columbia and Boone County are truly unique and special. They have been that for me and my family for the past twelve years, they are today, and they will continue to be for generations to come. There is so much for our Chamber to be proud of — from launching the Leadership Visit and Early College programs, to bouncing forward from COVID, to the Missouri River Bridge project and the ongoing improvements to I-70 — along with countless other efforts too numerous to name.
As I reflect on these years, I’m reminded of a lyric from the Jimmy Buffett song “He Went to Paris”: “Some of it’s magic, some of it’s tragic, but I had a good life all the way.”
So how do you say goodbye? I’m not sure you can. All I can truly say is thank you — for the memories, the friendships, and the opportunity to call Columbia home.
