COMO Business Times was here, yon, and – seemingly – everywhere the past couple of weeks, which means we have bumped into and connected with many of the cool movers and shakers in Columbia
It goes without saying that getting a photo taken with Scooter, the Columbia College mascot, with Scooter dressed in scrubs was among the highlights of this editor’s recent comings and goings.
Perhaps you’ve heard of our annual 20 Under 40 honor and event. That soirée took place Friday night at The Kitchen Grill & Games, and it was a sight (and sounds) to behold. This editor was tasked with helping to get wristbands on guests, and my count topped at least 400. (Apologies to those who have just a teeny bit less arm hair today.) But what a position I was in to meet and greet all the well-wishers, celebrants, and even unsuspecting visitors who were attending the Missouri Meat Processors event or coming to or from a massive high school cross-country meet.
Note: Some of the non-event attendees asked, “What’s this for?” A great many simply offered a wrist and got a wristband. Made me think I should have been stumping for votes. Special shout-out to Mike and Sarah Messer, one of the event sponsors, for letting me regale them with my tale of being bitten by a tiger. (IYKYK.) Salt-of-the-earth people right there. Also in that category: Scott and Jane Williams. Jane is the driving force behind Love Columbia, and she, like so many, had to know what tie I was wearing and, if they dared, hear the story behind it.
Last week ended with 20 Under 40, but also included a literal WOW factor: The Worlds of Work event on Thursday, co-hosted by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and Columbia Public Schools. Yikes … just too many names to mention, but I will point out that Chamber staffers Jamie Martin and Samantha Chandler were the primary cat-herders at WOW. And I might have (gently) scolded them about letting the power of those electronic bullhorns go to their heads.
Among the other events and duties ranging from educational to festive, Columbia College’s dedication of its nursing program and location at the old Federal Building was certainly a highlight. Spend even a few seconds with CC President Dr. Toby Arquette, and you will get such a boost of energy and encouragement to last a while.
Also noting two of the 20 Under 40 folks who were almost hard to recognize because I’m more familiar with them with the Missouri River behind them. Lara Cox, a 20 Under 40 honoree, and her workmate, Kristen Schulte, both of whom are on staff at Missouri River Relief, one of my all-time favorite nonprofits.
The list goes on, and here’s your challenge. When I’m out and about, if you can run me down, insist on a selfie. But only if you want to see it in this spot.
