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Introducing the Class of 2026 Greate r Mi of the ssouri Women Y Celebra ear Awards tes 20 Years PG 10

Critical Mass PG 36

The bank of finally finding Do you ever wonder “Why am I even with this bank?” It’s too easy to accept a mediocre experience when banking is just a part of life. Before, it seemed like I had to jump through every hoop for my bank. I wanted a bank that would actually work for me. Look, switching banks is a big decision. I never made the effort before, because I assumed I’d just get the same thing. After switching to The Bank of Missouri, I’ll never wonder if my bank can do more. The bank of not settling. The Bank of Missouri.

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PUBLISHING David Nivens, Publisher david@comocompanies.com Chris Harrison, Associate Publisher chris@comocompanies.com EDITORIAL Jodie Jackson Jr, Executive Editor jodie@comocompanies.com Kelsey Winkeljohn, Managing Editor kelsey@comocompanies.com Karen Pasley, Contributing Copyeditor DESIGN Jordan Watts, Senior Designer jordan@comocompanies.com

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Lucia Kuepers, Junior Designer lucia@comocompanies.com SALES & MARKETING Charles Bruce, Managing Director charles@comocompanies.com

Charles

Kerrie Bloss, Account Executive kerrie@comocompanies.com Allie Teagarden, Account Executive allie@comocompanies.com Jack Harrison, Account Executive jack@comocompanies.com Natasha Nivens, Director of Operations natasha@comocompanies.com Amanda Iman, Marketing Manager aiman@comocompanies.com Brooklyn Greaser, Marketing Associate brooklyn@comocompanies.com Kyle Gilleland, Multimedia Specialist kyle@comocompanies.com

Amanda

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kerrie Bloss, Keith Borgmeyer, University of Missouri Research Reactor, Kelsey Winkeljohn CONTRIBUTING WRITERS J. Scott Christianson, Eric Hughes, Jodie Jackson Jr, Huikai Wu, Kelsey Winkeljohn

Kyle

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are $20 per year and include six issues of COMO Business Times. Subscribe at comobusinesstimes.com, or by phone. Individual copies are available for purchase at the COMO Companies office for $5 each. COMO Business Times are published bimonthly by COMO Companies. OUR MISSION STATEMENT COMO Business Times and comobusinesstimes.com strive to be Columbia’s leading source for timely and comprehensive news coverage of the local business community. This publication is dedicated to being the most relevant and useful vehicle for the exchange of information and ideas among Columbia’s business professionals. Copyright COMO Companies, 2026 All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of any editorial or graphic content without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited. FEEDBACK Have a story idea, feedback, or a general inquiry? Email our editor at jodie@comocompanies.com. CONTACT COMO Companies | 404 Portland, Columbia, MO 65201 573-577-1965 | comomag.com | comobusinesstimes.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

C BT | ChatC BT

TWO TRAINS OF THO UG H T: A MUR DER A N D ( S AL E S ) TAXE S

ALL RISE. Look, I know journalists aren’t supposed to gush over their sources — we’re charged with being objective and all that — but … I keep getting indications about just how important one of the August COMO Magazine stories was. It’s the feature I wrote about retired Circuit Judge Gary Oxenhandler and his book, The Life of a Murder. I spoke on the phone with Judge O the morning of August 5, as we reminded each other that the date was 50 years to the day that 23-year-old Ernie’s waitress Becky Doisy disappeared. It would be 35 years before Becky’s killer — Johnny Wright, the man whom she left her Columbia apartment with on that August afternoon — was brought to justice. The book is definitely a page-turner even if you’re not a fan of the true crime or cold case genre of books, films, documentaries, and podcasts that now stream from multiple sources. The story, the case, the characters — and especially the judge who wrote the book — are immensely intriguing. Can a judge even write such a book? Knowing that was the first question he wrestled with before writing the first words told me even more about the esteemed jurist who, by the way, is also a fantastic writer and storyteller. I’m proud to give the highest recommendation possible for The Life of a Murder. The next case on the docket for this month’s “Chat CBT” is the curious case of Columbia’s affinity for sales taxes, complaining about sales tax, and not voting when we’re asked whether sales taxes are a good way for local government to generate revenue. Now, back up just a sec, because I’m referring specifically to the August 4 special election where the city council proposed a 1-cent sales tax to fund public safety: police and fire staffing and hiring, new facilities for both, and finally beginning to pay down the massive shortfall in police and fire pension funds. Opponents likened the sales tax to giving a new credit card to someone who had already maxed out several other credit cards. In other words, in their view, the city has a

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spending problem, not a revenue problem. The pension fund shortfalls didn’t happen overnight, and budget planning for public safety to keep pace with the city’s population growth hadn’t been happening. On the pro side, there really is no other source to tap for increasing revenue for public safety’s growing needs. Putting a sunset on the tax, rather than asking for a perpetual sales tax, might have assuaged the anti-Prop 1 crowd. All the pros and cons aside, the fact is that the sales tax passed, by a hair, with 15,042 “yes” votes and 14,957 “no” votes. A difference of 85 votes. The countywide voter turnout of 36.12 percent was perhaps buoyed by a massive, statewide groundswell of opposition to Amendments 4 and 5 — one would have gutted our initiative petition process, while the other would have allowed the General Assembly to phase out the state income tax, replacing it with potentially higher sales taxes on sundry services and items not currently subject to sales tax. But here’s where I want our mind’s eye to be laser-focused: the City of Columbia voter turnout, the percentage of the 85,439 registered voters who even bothered to cast a ballot — was 35.11 percent. Complain, as you will, about city leadership, the budget process, and ways to nickel-and-dime expenses (without creating substantial savings, by the way), but also check your calendar to see if you actually cast a ballot on August 4. Barely one-third of our fine city’s registered voters decided for the remaining 64.9 percent — the ones who STAYED HOME on Election Day — that we will all pay an extra penny of local sales tax beginning January 1.

ON THE COVER We're celebrating the 20 Under 40 Class of 2026 with a bit of a throwback to yesteryear. Step inside to meet this year's class of energetic, inspiring, and successful people who make Columbia a great place to live, work, and play. Photo illustration by Jordan Watts

So next time you hear “the city is taxing us to death,” remind those listening that the city can only impose sales tax that we vote for. And by "we," I mean only about one-third of us.

JODIE JACKSON JR EXECUTIVE EDITOR jodie@comocompanies.com

CORRECTIONS Our story, “The Mother Farm” (August 2026 issue of COMO Magazine) incorrectly stated that Susan Nagel and volunteers planted 3,500 fruit trees on her farm. The correct number was about 500. The story also failed to credit the correct photographer, Kim Wade of SilverBox Photographers. Phylshawn Johnson’s name was misspelled in “The Last Word” in that same issue.

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Three, Two, One … And here we are. As you read this, you are sharing an especially unique moment in the history of COMO Magazine and COMO Business Times. The September/October issue in your hands is the first issue in our new bimonthly publication cycle. It also features the 20 Under 40 Class of 2026. It bears repeating and reminding our readers that 20 Under 40 is based on a rigorous nomination and ranking system. In other words, it’s not a publicly voted popularity contest. But, wow, we sure do have a list of 20 people who, each of them in their own right, are dynamic individuals making an enormous impact on their work environments, their families, and their communities. You’re going to see these 20 awesome young professionals in more than one place in this September/October issue, but I want to introduce them to you, as well. When you see these names, try to figure out (without peeking at the answer!) which two women are following their husbands who were members of the 20 Under 40 Class of 2025. Our esteemed Class of 2026 includes: Alyssa Galbreath, Anthony Johnson, Austin Kolb, Bob Nolte, Brighton Sanchez, Cavelle Cole-Neal, Claire Van Doren, Craig Stevenson, Garrett Rucinski, Jaclyn Rogers, Jenny Jones, Kristin Cummins, Lara Cox, Liz Sensintaffar, Matt Schwartz, Megan Crocker, Mel Constantine Miseo, Samantha Adams, Sarah Shorthose, and Sarah Owens.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

How big is 20 Under 40 for OUR team? The white board in our conference room has the process outlined, starting on March 16 with “Nominations OPEN!” to September 25 with “Event at The Kitchen!” In between those dates, in a span of a little over seven months, there are tasks, deadlines, and reminders that get us from Point A to Point Z. But, more importantly, they are reminders that 20 Under 40 is no small undertaking for the honorees. More than one honoree told us, “I have dreamed about this!” and nothing could be more humbling for us. To be a 20 Under 40 means you have been nominated by one or more peers, selected to be among the Top 40, then responded to a list of questions and submitted your résumé for review by our COMO Magazine and COMO Business Times advisory board members, an ad hoc committee of retired Columbia executives, and our magazine and marketing teams. The final list is based on cumulative rankings ( from 1 to 10) by each of the aforementioned groups, and the rankings are weighted, with our own team’s selection basically outranked by the others involved in the process. Again, there’s no public vote, no stuffing the ballot box, so to speak. The 20 Under

40 honor isn’t just about individuals who stand out in their industries or at their jobs, but they are people who are deeply involved in the community, balancing work and life and families. And still managing to thrive as leaders, mentors, nonprofit board members, and moms and dads. In the end, they are the ones who have built a community that gives us all opportunities to thrive. Oh, and if you don’t know which two of the 2026 honorees have husbands who were in the Class of 2025? Battle High School Principal Alyssa Galbreath and Locust Street Expressive Arts Elementary Principal Samantha Adams. Now, explore the rest of these pages, and thank you for trusting our magazines and our company with your stories, your interest, and your ongoing participation and investment in our great community. Thank you for sharing this incredible journey with us.

DAV I D N I V E N S PUBLISHER david@comocompanies.com

Congratulations

Megan Crocker Vice President & Wealth Management Advisor

This recognition reflects Megan’s dedication to her clients, commitment to our community, and the meaningful impact she makes through her work every day. The Central Trust team is honored to have Megan on our team and proud to celebrate this well-deserved achievement.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

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September/October 2026

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FINANCIALLY PREPARING FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER By Brad Roling broling@midambk.com

ife rarely follows a perfectly predictable timeline. A new home, growing family, career change or business venture can bring excitement and possibility — along with a new set of financial considerations. Preparing for a major milestone doesn’t mean having every detail figured out but understanding what’s ahead and making thoughtful decisions that give you room to adapt.

Start with the Bigger Picture Before making a major financial commitment, take a close look at where you are today. Review your income, monthly expenses, existing debt, savings and credit. Knowing your current financial position can help you determine what you can comfortably take on and where you may need to make adjustments first. It’s also worth thinking beyond the immediate cost of a milestone. Buying a home, for example, involves more than a down payment and monthly mortgage. Consider property taxes, insurance, maintenance and unexpected repairs. Similarly, starting a family may bring new expenses for childcare, health care, education and everyday needs. Looking at the full picture can help prevent surprises down the road. Build Your Financial Cushion A strong emergency fund can be especially valuable when life is changing. Unexpected expenses are easier to manage when you have savings set aside rather than relying on credit cards or loans. The right amount depends on your circumstances, but establishing a

BRAD ROLING

Market President – Columbia

BUSINESS

PROS KNOW

Brad Roling is the Columbia Market President for Mid America Bank. Brad has more than 15 years of banking experience that he uses to help businesses in and around Columbia thrive. When he is not helping your business with its financial needs, Brad is serving the community in a variety of capacities. He is proud to serve on the Ronald McDonald House Mid-Missouri Board of Directors as Vice President, the Columbia Chamber Foundation Board as Treasurer, Executive Board for Scouting America, Great Rivers Council, and Beta Theta Pi Advisory Board. Brad is a proud Mizzou grad and loves cheering on the Tigers!

573-998-8900 | midambk.com 4601 Stellar Drive, Columbia MO

dedicated savings cushion before taking on a major new expense can provide flexibility when the unexpected happens. If you’re planning a milestone several months or years away, consider setting a specific savings goal and automating regular contributions to help you stay on track. Think About Changes A major life transition is a good time to revisit your budget, but it doesn’t necessarily mean starting from scratch. Identify your essential expenses, recurring financial obligations and discretionary spending. Then consider how the upcoming change could affect each category. For someone changing careers, that might mean preparing for a period of reduced income. For an aspiring entrepreneur, it could mean separating personal and business finances and determining how much capital is needed to get started. For

prospective homeowners, it may mean calculating a monthly housing payment that leaves room for other priorities. Get Professional Guidance Early One of the most useful steps you can take is to start the conversation before you’re ready to make a move. A financial professional or banker can help you understand your options, identify potential challenges, and create a plan based on your individual goals. There’s no perfect formula for preparing for a major life change, and plans will inevitably evolve along the way. The goal is to give yourself enough financial breathing room to make decisions thoughtfully rather than under pressure. By looking ahead, building a cushion, and understanding what a new chapter could mean for your finances, you can approach whatever comes next with a little more confidence and a lot less guesswork.

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commercial facility or mixeduse development located near residential areas brings multiple benefits to the community because it offers convenience, lifestyle advantages, and economic benefits that make the neighborhood more attractive. One effect is the creation of jobs and economic growth by creating a local workforce, plus the built-in customer base for nearby businesses. The neighborhood becomes more attractive to residents when commercial development boosts the local economy, increases household incomes, and makes the neighborhood more attractive to new and potential buyers. Property values can be increased 5% to 20%, with the resale values going up over time, simply because of the proximity to a well-planned, mixed-use development. You can gain access to services and goods without the long drive when you have a nearby grocery store, fitness center, restaurant, entertainment venue, retail shops, and medical building, for example. To attract more customers, businesses often cluster together and make it easier for the residents nearby to dine, shop, and work in one location. These all improve the quality of life without a commute that cuts into their daily routine when people prefer locations with easy access to what they need. No one enjoys the long drive to and from the grocery store, for example, because time is better spent doing other preferred activities instead. There are infrastructure improvements that also come with commercial projects we take for granted-the upgrades to public spaces, public transit, utilities, and roads that improve the overall quality of life. These upgrades also make the neighborhood more connected, safer, and attractive to residents when a development

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includes parks, public areas, or plazas to create a community gathering space that encourages social interaction with residents, which in turn fosters a sense of belonging. In a commercial mixeduse project, residential housing above retail offices/ spaces reduces road traffic and lessens the need for a car. It even encourages biking and walking that creates a connected, vibrant, lower carbon-footprint neighborhood for the community. In conclusion, a properly designed mixeduse development constructed near a residential area will result in a strong local workforce, generating tax revenue for the municipalities, and transforming an underused or blighted area that then becomes a high-value property. Mixed use areas are also valued for their sustainability, resilience, and alignment and the adaptation to hybrid and remote work has become an important lifestyle draw that makes them more investable and adaptable to shifting market conditions. All these benefits--the

economic opportunities, lifestyle perks, sense of community, social interaction, financial stability, diversified income, higher property values, and convenience of commercial development near residential areas are reasons why they can be a great local asset for any community. Prost Builders has built and developed these mixed-use facilities for the benefit of the entire community. Call us if you need a builder to help execute your development plans. www.prostbuilders.com (573)690-1616 virginia@prostbuilders.com.

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ife’s path doesn’t look the same for everyone. One person may be ready to buy a home as soon as they feel established in their career, while another may not want the responsibility of a mortgage, repairs and weekend maintenance. If you’re in your 30’s or 40’s and feeling behind because you haven’t bought a home yet, don’t worry. Waiting to buy can be a smart decision for plenty of practical reasons.

With over two decades in the insurance industry, Mike Messer has served as a claims adjuster, supervisor, and underwriter, giving him a well-rounded understanding of how policies work when it matters most — before and after a loss. He prioritizes building relationships based on trust and personalized service, recognizing that every client’s needs are unique. Through annual policy reviews, he helps ensure clients stay informed, confident, and properly covered, providing them with peace of mind and financial security.

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1. You Can Build a Better Credit Score In your 20’s, you may have had credit card balances, student loans or other debt. Add in a starting salary and a debt-to-income ratio that may not have helped you qualify for a lower mortgage rate, and waiting can make sense. By your 30’s or 40’s, you may have had more time to pay down debt, grow your income and build a stronger credit score, which can make it easier to qualify for a reasonable mortgage rate. 2. You’ll Have More Time to Save Saving for a down payment is no small task. Let’s be honest—in your 20’s, you may have been more focused on paying off debt, building your career and having some fun before settling down. If you start saving steadily in your 30’s, you could have a healthier down payment. 3. You Have More Flexibility to Decide Where You Live Maybe your hometown was a great place to grow up, but now you want to try living in a big city, a mountain town or a place near the beach. Renting gives you the flexibility to move without the cost and hassle of selling a home. Since many leases run six months to a year, you can decide what works for your lifestyle— especially if your job allows remote work. 4. You Can Upgrade Your Lifestyle If you have champagne taste and a beer budget, you may not be able to buy a home that matches the style you want. If

renovations aren’t your thing, renting a nice apartment or townhome could be a better fit. Some rentals even come with perks like a pool, fitness center or hot tub—without the extra work and expense of maintaining them yourself. 5. You Can Enjoy More Leisure Time In your 40s, you may be ready to enjoy more of life’s simple pleasures. Homeowners, meanwhile, often spend weekends mowing, cleaning gutters or handling repairs. As a renter,

maintenance is usually handled for you. If something breaks, you can call the property manager instead of spending your Saturday trying to fix it. Everyone’s path is different, and owning a home isn’t for everyone. Renting a home may be the best fit for your lifestyle – so enjoy it! The product information contained in this article is informational only and not a statement of contract. All coverage options are subject to the provisions of the policy purchased and details of the policyholder’s situation. Not all products are available in all states. Shelter Life Insurance Co., 1817 W. Broadway, Columbia, MO 65218.

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our business phone system keeps your team connected. But what if it could do much more? GFI Digital’s Elevate AI adds intelligence to every call, automates routine tasks, and provides actionable insights all in a single platform designed to integrate seamlessly into the way you already work. What AI Features Can Do in Your Business Phone System Elevate AI enhances both internal and customer-facing communications through two core capabilities: AI Assistants and AI Agents. AI Assistants: Working for Your Team AI Assistants help your people do their jobs more effectively by saving time and increasing focus through automatic notetaking during calls and meetings, making human agents faster with quicker resolutions, simplifying daily tasks like answering questions and summarizing emails, and enhancing agent management with clearer coaching insights. These features free employees to focus on conversations instead of documentation.

AI Agents: Working Alongside Your Team AI Agents take on tasks so your employees can focus on higher-value activities: answering calls with natural human-like interactions, handling routine inquiries and FAQs without human intervention, intelligently routing complex calls with warm transfers to the right person, and automating booking and scheduling. Stand Out, Spend Less, Sell More Today’s customers expect instant, personalized service 24/7. Meanwhile, your team likely spends too much time on repetitive tasks that do not move the needle. AI Agents and Assistants solve this by delivering instant round-the-clock service, personalizing interactions at scale, and ensuring accurate, consistent responses every time. The business impact is clear. AI reduces labor costs, minimizes errors, accelerates sales cycles, captures leads automatically, and frees your team to focus on strategic work. The result is better service, higher retention, and more revenue growth. Why GFI Digital? GFI Digital has spent years building a reputation as a trusted technology partner. With Elevate AI, we bring enterprise-grade intelligence into your phone system with a single login and AI that learns from

every interaction. You get smarter routing, better-trained agents, and continuous improvement at a price built for growth. But technology is only as good as the team behind it. Our Missouribased engineers provide fast, real-time support wherever you operate. You will speak directly with a local Unified Communications (UC) support engineer who understands your environment. Need help with your phone system, mobile or desktop UC apps, call quality, or configuration changes? We have got you covered. Our team can remotely access your system to resolve most issues in real time, often in just minutes. We do more than offer communication tools we stand behind them. With industry-leading technology and a service team that truly cares, we make it easy for your business to stay connected and productive. Because when your communication is mission-critical, support is not optional it is everything. Ready to elevate what your phone system can do? With Elevate AI by GFI Digital, any business can enable intelligent call handling, automated summaries, advanced routing, and actionable insights without disrupting their workflow.

20 Under 40 BY K EL S E Y WIN K EL J O H N ( ’ 1 9), J O D I E JAC K S O N J R ( ’ 8 1), A N D ER I C H U G H E S ( ’ 2 3) PH OTO S BY K EI T H B O R G M E Y ER ( ’ 0 3)

2 0 U N D E R 4 0 I S P R E S E N T E D BY

ONE WORD THAT BEST DESCRIBES the COMO Business Times 20 Under 40 Class of 2026? “Energy.” Well, boundless energy, but that’s two words. This group of honorees quickly established its own sense of community, bound by seemingly limitless ambition, drive, and a well-defined sense of helping make everyone around them better: Their workplaces, their homes, their own lives, and their circles of influence. And did we already mention that this class is especially blessed with … energy? We’re not sure who actually had more fun developing, selecting, and revealing this year’s class of honorees. As you take in the biographies, photos, and superlatives for the 20 Under 40 Class of 2026, you’ll see our own team’s creativity on full display. That level of production is not such a tall order when we can work with individuals with such clarity about their professional and personal goals. The 20 Under 40 honor selection process is not a popularity content; there’s not a public vote or an online polling system that solicits multiple votes. The process involves numbered rankings from COMO Companies staff, members of the COMO Magazine and COMO Business Times advisory boards, and a special ad hoc committee made up of seasoned Columbia business executives. This was the second year that ad hoc committee was part of the selection process as a transparent measure to affirm the credibility of this honor. In fact, the rankings by the ad hoc committee and advisory boards were weighted higher than COMO Companies staff rankings. The end result was a clear-cut list of 20 Columbia area business rock stars who make up the 20 Under 40 Class of 2026. Members of the special ad hoc committee were: • Gary Thompson, retired president/CEO of Columbia Insurance Group • Randa Rawlins, retired CEO/president of Shelter Insurance • Steve Smith, retired CEO of Job Point • Bob Reid, retired insurance executive • Adonica Coleman, executive producer and host of The Daily Blend 20

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

* All winners were under 40 at the time nominations opened.

Class of 2026 Samantha Adams Cavelle Cole-Neal Mel Constantine Miseo Lara Cox Megan Crocker

Kristin Cummins Alyssa Galbreath Anthony Johnson Jenny Jones Austin Kolb

Bob Nolte Sarah Owens Jaclyn Rogers Garrett Rucinski Brighton Sanchez

Matt Schwartz Liz Sensintaffar Sarah Shorthose Craig Stevenson Claire Van Doren

COMOBUSINESSTIMES.COM

Samantha Adams

Age: 39

Principal of Locust Street Expressive Arts

Cavelle Cole-Neal

Recreation Services Manager,

Age3: 9

Elementary, Columbia Public Schools

City of Columbia, Parks and Recreation

Born and raised here, Samantha Adams describes herself as a “proud product of Columbia Public Schools.” She even met her husband, Jacob — a fellow CPS principal — when both were Hickman Kewpies. Before making education the “family business,” Adams earned her undergraduate, master’s, and specialist degrees at the University of Missouri. “My educational and professional experiences have instilled in me a deep commitment to student success, lifelong learning, and building meaningful relationships within the Columbia community,” Samantha says. “I love our city, and I am grateful to be a part of it.” She notes a common misconception about principals is that they mostly handle student discipline, but she’s more focused on building a welcoming school community. “Each morning, I greet students with a smile and a hug to help create a warm and welcoming environment where every child feels valued, supported and connected,” she says. It’s clearly a successful approach: In 2024, Samantha was named the 2024 Northwest Region Assistant Principal of the Year by the Missouri Association of Elementary School Principals. She’s also received the MU’s College of Education and Human Development Champion Award for her work to support and develop new educators. Beyond these and other honors, though, she says she is most proud of the relationships she builds and opportunities she helps create for students, “who have taught me more than any book or training ever could.” At Locust Street Expressive Arts Elementary, she collaborates with families and community partners to “create meaningful opportunities for students through mentorship, experiential learning, and school support initiatives.”

A Saturday morning soccer game at Cosmo. Fire in the Sky at Stephens Lake Park. Swimming lessons at Hickman. A strength training class at the ARC. So many of the opportunities that make Columbia a great place to live are down to Columbia Parks and Recreation. And the man who helps bring them to life is Cavelle ColeNeal, whose connection to Parks and Recreation began 24 years ago when working as a lifeguard at Douglass Pool. His portfolio has expanded significantly since then. “On one day, you can find me working on reports or presentations, reviewing the budget, planning trainings, or providing feedback to our team,” Cavelle notes. “On other days, I may be working the floor at the Activity and Recreation Center, helping at a special event at one of our parks or facilities, [or] attending job fairs and outreach events. … Each day is different and has its own rewards and challenges.” Cavelle received his B.S. in biology and environmental science from Central Methodist University and a master’s in public administration from Park University. While those educational attainments are doubtless useful in his work, Cavelle believes the truly critical factor is leading with love. “Every day I … try to lead with love and understanding,” he says. “When I see joy in the people around me, I get an immediate sense of gratification and fulfillment that puts the world in a different perspective.”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

FUN FACT: In addition to being a devoted yoga practitioner, Cavelle confesses to singing “loudly and often une xpectedly.”

Brighton Sanchez

Owner, DBT Team Lead, Therapist,

Age3: 5

Mel Constantine Miseo Executive Director,

Age: 33

The Oak Center for DBT & Counseling Services

The Center Project

The challenges of self-harm, suicidal ideation, and other symptoms that are sometimes "too much" for other providers to handle are all in a day's work for Brighton Sanchez, a bagpipe-playing DBT (dialectical behavior therapy) team lead and owner of The Oak Center for DBT & Counseling Services. “People often incorrectly assume that Brighton FUN FACT: DBT therapists work with individuals d toes, a e has webb who don’t want to get better or are often she was it a family tr angry or hostile,” Brighton observes. “This in vain — hoping — couldn’t be farther from the truth — our to her to pass on clients are motivated, kind, gentle, caring, id k own s. intuitive, amazing individuals.” No wonder she considers them her primary motivation. “My clients willingly invite me into these vulnerable moments with them — I consider this one of the greatest privileges of my life. … If they can come to session even in their darkest hour, I have to be motivated to bring my best.” A Columbia native, Brighton received her B.A. in family and human development and B.S. in psychology from Arizona State University. She returned to Mizzou for her master’s degree in social work and worked in community mental health before opening her own DBT center. She is proud to be one of just four DBT-Linehan Board of Certification certified clinicians in mid-Missouri. Brighton constantly meets people who can’t get needed mental health treatment and dreams of creating a training network to help therapists navigate health insurance. “If private practice therapists knew how to manage the credentialing and claims process, they might be more willing to accept insurance,” says Brighton, “which would in turn make treatment more accessible.”

Long before becoming The Center Project’s first full-time executive director, Mel Constantine Miseo was one of its most dedicated volunteers. For 10 years, Mel helped shape Mid-Missouri’s LGBTQIA+ community center while balancing graduate school, research, and a full-time career with Flourish, a local nonprofit providing housing for homeless youth. During that time, Mel led The Center Project’s youth program for six years, helped develop an LGBTQIA+ inclusivity training program that has since reached more than 3,000 people, and played a key role in securing funding for the organization’s first paid youth program coordinator. Today, Mel leads an organization where no two days look alike, handling everything from grant writing and volunteer coordination to direct client support and even building maintenance. They say one of the biggest misconceptions about their work is that LGBTQIA+-specific services are no longer needed. “Many people don’t realize the specific needs and barriers LGBTQIA+ people face when accessing services,” they say. “We fill a critical gap in our community for LGBTQIA+ people and their loved ones.” Mel earned a Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Missouri in 2022, where their community-engaged research focused on the experiences of parents of transgender youth. Their work has been recognized with the Columbia Missourian’s Progress Award, Missouri Business Alert’s Kindness to Youth Award, and multiple University of Missouri honors for community engagement. Motivated by the people they serve, Mel hopes to continue building more equitable systems and to advocate for affordable housing. COMOBUSINESSTIMES.COM

Lara Cox

Education Coordinator, Missouri River Relief

Age: 31

One thing Lara Cox loves about her job is that it’s different every day. While people often assume that Missouri River Relief staff spend all their time on the river, Lara says she also spends a lot of time in the office planning. “Different community members and groups can have very different needs to feel safe and have fun in the outdoors, so we … take care of every detail and make sure that each person’s Missouri River experience is a positive one,” she says. Lara received her B.S. in secFUN FACT: Lara is ondary education and K-12 ESL “a secret music nerd ” from Drake University, where she — with the emphasis on discovered a passion for worksecret. “I enjoy playing ing with immigrants and refugees. After a post-graduation guitar and singing,” she stint teaching English in Ecuasays, “but you’d have to dor, Lara worked as an English drag me onto a stage to Language Learners teacher for get me to do it in front Columbia Public Schools. CPS trips to the Tetons and Smoky of a crowd!” Mountains showed her “the importance of getting students outside,” so she switched to environmental education. In her current role, Lara is particularly proud of the Catfishing Gear Library, a grant-funded program that reduces barriers to access for catfishing in the Missouri River. Its first full year, the program served 500 people in Columbia. “My background working with refugees and immigrants has been particularly helpful, as this program is quite popular within those communities. … Seeing people find peace and connection through fishing, while making lifelong memories, has been incredibly rewarding.” 24

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

Anthony Johnson

Age: 40

Executive Director, Columbia Supreme

Anthony describes his connection to Columbia as “full-circle.” He grew up attending Columbia Public Schools — from kindergarten through graduation — and was involved in Boys & Girls Club of Columbia and Fun City as a youth, then came back to serve in those same spaces as an adult. “Experiencing those programs from both sides gave me a deep appreciation for the lasting impact they can have on young people,” he says. Anthony founded Columbia Supreme in 2018, creating a space where young people can grow through “sports, structure, mentorship, and opportunity.” The organization’s after-school and summer programming focuses on social-emotional and career development, while the broader work includes sports, case management, and community partnerships that help subsidize costs and remove barriers for families. Anthony earned an associate of arts degree from Lewis & Clark Community College and a bachelor’s degree in sports management from Central Methodist University. His background also includes stints in youth development, education, and disability support. In addition, he partners with the city’s Office of Violence Prevention and is part of the Missouri Foundation for Health cohort and the Coalition Against Community Violence. Meanwhile, Columbia Supreme is about relationships and access, giving parents, youth, and families a place to connect through shared experiences, while developing relationships that continue beyond the programs. “Watching that happen is one of the most meaningful parts of what we do,” Anthony says. “I relate to that personally because my mother was a young teenage single parent and raised me and my brothers without adequate support or resources. We would have really benefited from a program like Columbia Supreme.”

Craig Stevenson

Age: 38

Manager, Population Health Strategy,

Jenny Jones

EVP, Strategy & Integration, Woodruff

Age3: 8

Centene

(Soon to be President & CSO!)

Craig Stevenson has spent FUN FACT nearly two decades building a career around one quesCraig is a die -hard tion: How do we make sure collector of St. Louis Cardinals vulnerable kids are seen? At memorabilia, including a Centene, where he manages population health strategy for 20-foot canvas of Lou Brock and the state’s Medicaid-funded a poster signed by 20 members child welfare contract, Craig of baseball’s 3,000-hit club. serves as a bridge between the insurer and Missouri’s Children’s Division, coordinating support and benefits for more than 41,000 foster, adoptive, and at-risk children across the state. “The misconception I debunk is that we are ‘just’ insurance and deny care,” he says. “I’ve continuously witnessed our teams do the right thing.” Craig and his wife, Brittney, have been licensed foster parents for 11 years, a role that led Gov. Parson to appoint him, and Gov. Kehoe to later reappoint him, to the Missouri State Foster Care and Adoption Board. He recently helped keep a medically complex toddler from being sent to an out-of-state nursing facility, escalating her case until a Missouri family was found to adopt her. Craig also serves as president of the Hallsville R-IV school board and is an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church, occasionally preaching at churches statewide. A trip to Mozambique in 2006 reshaped his worldview, he says, shifting his motivation “from self-serving” ambition toward a career built around people who often don’t have a voice in policy.

Jenny Jones is the rare executive who can pivot from leading a boardroom strategy session to derailing a Zoom call to ask a co-worker to show off their dog. "I’m extremely distracted by dogs,” she admits. “I have a terrible habit of saying hello to the dog before acknowledging their human.” At Woodruff, the 55-person marketing agency with offices in Columbia and Kansas City, Jenny will become president on January 1, 2027, capping a career that began at 24, when Kansas City advertising legend Sam Meers gave her an early shot at business development. She later helped grow the Honeywell account at VML from $300,000 to $3 million before returning home to Columbia, where she built a new discipline at Woodruff that now drives more than 35 percent of the agency’s revenue. Despite spending her workdays in websites, paid media, and AI tools, Jenny says her personal life looks nothing like that: She lives on 10 acres with her conservationist husband, two bird dogs, and a toddler “who loves mud.” She credits her fertility struggles and pregnancy loss with deepening her empathy as a leader, and her husband — her best friend since college — for backing every leap she’s taken. These days she’s learning patience from an unlikely teacher: “I’m learning from raising a toddler that sometimes the best moments come when life is messy and unpredictable.”

FUN FACT: Jenny has at least 15 screenshots from Zoom meetings she’s brought to a screeching halt so she could ask a co-worker to show off their pet. COMOBUSINESSTIMES.COM

Class of ’26 Most School Spirit Alyssa Galbreath

Most Likely to Win The Great British Bake-Off Social Butterfly

Kristin Cummins

Jaclyn Rogers

Most Likely to win americas got talent

Jack of All Trades

Most Likely to Break Out in Song

Garrett Rucinski

Cavelle Cole-Neal

he World ave t S o e Miseo yl t stan t in n

Liz Sensintaffar

Samantha Adams

Most Lik e

Teacher's Pet

Most Likely to Win America's Got Talent

Most Likely to Host a Talk Show Megan Crocker

Most Likely to Become a Rockstar Austin Kolb

Superlatives influencer

Most Likely to Achieve World Peace

achieve world peace

Most Likely to Ask About Your Dog Jenny Jones

Craig Stevenson

Most Likely to Become an Influencer Claire Van Doren

ay B r i g h t o n S a

Most Athletic

Anthony Johnson

Matt Schwartz

ly to

M os

Most Likely to Win at Trivia Night

n B r i g h te

Most Photogenic

Sarah Shorthose

Most Civically Engaged Bob Nolte

Most Likely to Give a TED Talk Sarah Owens

Biggest Treehugger Lara Cox

Liz Sensintaffar

Marketing Director, Job Point

Age: 39

Motherhood meets passion for nonprofit marketing. That’s Liz Sensintaffar, who gave birth to her fourth child in late 2025 and returned from maternity leave in February, with less than two months to finish planning and coordinating Job Point’s 60th anniversary banquet. The result? A sold-out event that raised more than $60,000, exceeding its already ambitious goal. Liz is quick to give credit where credit is due. “I had a wonderful team of colleagues and community volunteers who helped make it happen and, of course, we are surrounded by a community that deeply values the work that we do,” she explains. “They are the ones who rallied together to make this happen.” Liz also applauds “some incredible women” in her career, from her first boss, Jaime Freidrichs, to Job Point Executive Vice President Brenda Overkamp. In addition to working full time and volunteering FUN FACT: When Liz was in in the community, Liz and high school, she competed her husband, Lee, homeon the national level in school their children. “It’s a lot of work and puppetry. One year at the stress, but we feel so blessed summer camp competition that our schedules work in upstate New York, she out to allow both of us to be a part of this journey,” she and her partner received an says. “I know it wouldn’t be honorable mention award. possible without the support “I still have the pin and of our village.”

chuckle every time I see it while cleaning my home office,” Liz says.

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Jaclyn Rogers

Client Relations Manager, Ai Painting Plus

8 Age: 3

For Jaclyn Rogers of Ai Painting Plus, success is largely measured by the meaningful relationships she forges. Operating as the client relations manager, Jaclyn supports clients from initial consultation to final brushstroke, helping them confidently navigate what can feel like overwhelming projects. After nearly two decades of customer service experience, she has come to understand that the key to her work lies in listening, problem-solving, and building trust with the people she works with. That people-first approach has become a hallmark of Jaclyn’s career. In 2024, she was recognized at Nolan Consulting Group’s Business Coach Summit for her authentic relationship-building, graduated from Leadership Columbia, and helped Ai Painting Plus earn the Small Business of the Year award through the ACA (American Club Association) Business Club. She also serves as president of Show Me Referrals Mid-Missouri, a 45-member Business Network International chapter; is a Columbia Chamber Ambassador; and will soon begin serving as chair-elect of the Chamber’s Women’s Network, where she hopes to create more opportunities for collaboration. Jaclyn credits much of her leadership style to her mother, whose example of hard work and resilience has shaped how she approaches both her life and career. She also praises her husband, Clay, for his unwavering support, and Ai’s owners, Lacie and Austin Ilsley, for trusting her to represent their business. “Being deeply plugged into the COMO community is essential to both my personal growth and success in my role,” Jaclyn says. She believes that the strongest communities are built through relationships, and she sees this as a key part of what makes Columbia special.

Megan Crocker

Age: 37

Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor,

Matt Schwartz

Vice President of Strategy,

Age4: 0

Central Trust Company

Shelter Insurance Companies

Whether she is filling her roles as wealth management advisor and development officer for FUN FACT: While in the Central Trust Company or takJ-School at Mizzou, Megan ing charge as owner/operator of Imo’s Pizza in Columbia, Megan was the student anchor for the said her career has always cen“Around the State” segment on tered around relationship buildKOMU-T V’s 4:30 a.m. morning ing, leadership, mentorship, and broadcast on Tue sdays. serving the community. After earning a journalism degree at Mizzou, Megan completed the MBA program at William Woods University in Fulton while working full time and operating a business, noting, “That’s a milestone I am incredibly proud of.” Recently, she was honored with a Missouri Senate resolution offered by state Sen. Stephen Webber (D-Columbia), recognizing her “professional advancement, educational achievement, leadership, and commitment to the community.” And she’s on a mission to continue her roles in community betterment. Megan’s position on the Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity executive board gives her a close look at the one thing that she said would make Columbia an even better place to live: increasing access to affordable housing for working families. “I have seen firsthand how transformative safe and stable housing can be, just financially, but also emotionally and generationally,” she says. “A home creates stability for children, reduces stress for families, and gives people the opportunity to focus on education, career growth, and long-term goals instead of daily uncertainty.”

Matt Schwartz has built his career on curiosity, a trait that took him from investigating storm damage across rural Indiana as a field claims adjuster to leading Monarch, the largest business transformation program in Shelter Insurance’s 80-year history. “My strategy role is mostly about creating vision for future time horizons while also balancing how the business is running today,” he says. Since joining Shelter in 2011 while still attending law school at Mizzou, Matt has moved through data analytics, legal counsel, information security, and digital strategy roles, building the company’s first cybersecurity department before becoming Shelter’s first-ever vice president of strategy. He credits mentors, including retired Shelter CEOs Matt Moore and Randa Rawlins, for shaping his leadership style, along with his wife, Rebecca, and parents, Eric and Kim Schwartz. Outside the office, Matt sits on the board of the Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri and coaches his kids’ youth soccer and baseball teams. He’s also chasing one more sport: “Hoping for some basketball opportunities next year!” A proud Hickman Kewpie, Matt has one glaring gap in his polished résumé: He can’t sing a note. “There isn’t a karaoke microphone I won’t step up to,” he says, “even though the noises emitted can only be categorized as off-key.”

FUN FACT: Matt is a devoted sports trivia enthusia st who spent his childhood organizing baseball , basketball, and football cards by statistics, so recruit him for your next trivia team. COMOBUSINESSTIMES.COM

Sarah Owens

Associate Teaching Professor;

Age: 38

University of Missouri

FUN FACT: Sarah’s dream cameo is a blink-and-you-missit role in a movie, handing Meryl Streep a cerulean sweater in a hypothetical Devil Wears Prada 3.

Dr. Sarah Owens moves between two worlds: MU classrooms training the next generation of school psychologists and the six Boone County districts where her Family Access Center of Excellence (FACE) team provides free mental health screening and treatment to more than 25,000 students a year. “Being a school psychologist is more than giving IQ tests and writing publications,” she says. Since becoming director of FACE School-Based Services in 2020, Sarah has led universal social-emotional screening across all 55 Boone County public schools, an early-intervention effort she credits with reducing depression symptoms among local students even as national rates climb. She also trains providers statewide in suicide prevention and recently received the Margaret McLaughlin Faculty Fellowship, recognizing work that strengthens how educators are prepared to support students. What’s harder to picture: Sarah once took a zero on every college assignment requiring public speaking rather than present in front of a class, shaking and breaking out in hives when forced to talk before a group. A psychologist helped her work through the fear, and she now teaches and speaks publicly for a living. “I am living proof that mental health treatment can be effective,” she says. She credits her graduate mentor and FACE co-founder Wendy Reinke for teaching her to “think big” and her husband, Nick, and daughter, Reese, for keeping her grounded. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

Boone County Recorder of Deeds, Boone County

Director, FACE School-Based Services,

Bob Nolte

Age: 38

Bob Nolte’s work may happen behind the scenes, but it’s essential to the everyday lives of Boone County residents. Originally from Schenectady, New York, he now oversees Boone County’s property records and marriage licenses, helping residents through some of their most important milestones. “My job is an elected office, and I’m very proud of the amount of effort I put into the campaign, knocking on thousands of doors and speaking with thousands of Boone County voters,” Bob says. Elected in 2022, Bob has since worked to demystify recordkeeping and address people's concerns. One way he has done this is by operating a free Deed Watch notification program that alerts residents when any documents are recorded in their names. In 2025, he hosted the annual conference for the Recorders Association of Missouri in Columbia, where over 100 attendees gathered to learn about trending issues in the profession. Outside of the archives, Bob has found himself involved in several ways. He serves as the treasurer of the Columbia Art League and has volunteered at the Art in the Park festival. He has also dedicated time to the True/False Film Fest and the former Roots N Blues Festival. Prior to becoming recorder of deeds, he served as treasurer of the City of Columbia New Century Fund, a nonprofit that supports local projects in Columbia. “Day to day, I try to go the extra mile to assist people whenever I can,” he adds.

FUN FACT: Bob used to work as a professional high diver, diving from 70 feet up into a nine-foot pool as part of a show in a theme park.

Austin Kolb

Creative Director and Co-Founder, The Evoke Group

Age: 34

Austin Kolb says he is motivated by two things: his children and his art. His oldest child, Hendrix, was a big reason that he stopped his pursuit of a fine arts degree at age 21 to start The Evoke Group. “It gave me the push I needed to quit the agency I was working for and dive into 12 hours a day trying to make a business out of thin air,” he says. He and his co-founder, Adam Weber, did just that, turning themselves into a tempting acquisition target in the process. In 2021, they sold the digital marketing and web development side of the company to Denver-based VEA Technologies, which allowed them to focus on growing the video production side of the company. Specialization has led to success, with Evoke winning a bevy of national awards, among them a Regional Emmy for their work on travel series Missouri Life TV. While no stranger to accounting and email tasks, Kolb lives for the production work. “One day we could be shooting with a drag queen in NYC, and the next interviewing a cancer patient at a hospital,” FUN FACT(S) Austin says. “Production is what I really do Austin has been the lead all of this for. The expesinger and songwriter of a riences, the people, the places, the travel, the reggae band since 2010 food, and — most of all — and he's summited — the joy that it brings Mount Kilimanjaro. to our crew, clients, and actors.”

Sarah Shorthose

Owner and Lead Photographer, Sarah Jane Photography

Age: 38

“No one will build it for you,” says Sarah Shorthose. “You have to do the work.” Over her 15 years of running Sarah Jane Photography, Sarah has learned that building a successful photography business requires much more than capturing great images. Most weeks, she spends only a fraction of her time behind the lens, with the rest being dedicated to editing, designing, marketing, networking, and managing the many moving parts of her business. That adaptability has paid off. This year, Sarah earned her Professional Photographer Certification, a distinction held by just 5 percent of photographers nationwide. She also serves as a fractional chief marketing officer for two transportation companies, co-founded Envision Retreats, and joined the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. Community involvement has always been a natural extension of Sarah’s work. She regularly donates her time and photography services to local nonprofits and mentoring organizations, earning the Missouri Women’s Business Center’s 2026 Volunteer of the Year award for her commitment to giving back. She gives a shoutout to her late mother for instilling in her the confidence to pursue entrepreneurship and her husband, Ryan, for supporting her through every season of life. Her continued motivation comes from her two daughters, whom she hopes to inspire by showing them that hard work, resilience, and kindness can build something meaningful. “I want them to see that you can go after what you want,” she says, “but you have to do the work.” COMOBUSINESSTIMES.COM

“Take pride in how far you’ve come. Have faith in how far you can go.

But don’t forget to enjoy the journey.” – Michael Josephson

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

COMOBUSINESSTIMES.COM

Alyssa Galbreath

Principal, Battle High School, Columbia Public Schools

Age: 36

Dr. Alyssa Galbreath likes to say she runs a small business, one where students and families are the clients and teachers are the employees. As only the third Black female high school principal in Columbia’s history, she’s spent three years following in the footsteps of Muriel Battle, the school’s namesake, logging more than 10,000 steps a day coaching teachers and checking in with students. “A common misconception is that I deal with discipline and sit in an office all day,” she says. “Most of what I do is coaching instruction and systems analysis.” Aly’s path started early: She skipped three-fourths of seventh grade after ew up FUN FACT: Aly gr transferring into a gifted ll but — with and talented program, playing basketba ce — switched graduating high school at no prior experien llege. She just 16. She went on to earn cheerleading in co to a doctorate in educational ushed me to says the pivot “p leadership, writing her disever expected. sertation on the recruitment grow in ways I n girls in the and retention of minority Plus, I got to toss em!” teachers, a topic personal to air and catch th a woman who now leads a school of her own. She credits her late father, longtime CPS teacher and coach Arnel “Spanky” Monroe, for showing her what education could do for a community, and her husband, Tony, for helping sharpen her leadership instincts. Outside Battle, she serves on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Mid-Missouri United Sports Foundation, as well as chairing a scholarship fund named for her father. 34

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Garrett Rucinski Director of Engagement, City of Refuge

Age: 37

After briefly dipping his toes in a healthcare career and then serving a short stint as a banker, Garrett found his true calling — “a home” — as director of engagement for City of Refuge. “Our country’s lineage, including many of our ancestors, is the story of people seeking refuge to find a place where they can thrive,” Garrett explains. “Each day, I get to tell the story of City of Refuge and the refugee friends we serve, inviting our community to get involved through volunteering, donating, or networking for the cause.” While, due to “uncertainty in ever-changing policies,” the organization should probably be struggling, Garrett is happy to report that the organization is “thriving thanks to our incredible community and our important mission.” The mission requires a team and constant teamwork, of course, but he is especially proud of the part he has played in leading fundraising for City of Refuge. Garrett is Hispanic and grew up in a Spanish-speaking home with a mother and grandmother who immigrated from Chile when his mother was a child. “I didn’t realize until I was an adult that this was unique,” he says. “I thought everybody had that experience growing up. Looking back, I realize how this heritage ties me to my passion to help welcome others in my day-to-day.” Garrett also spent the year after high school in Chile as a Rotary exchange student. In 2025, he launched a DJ business, Sound Story Events, where he blends music, storytelling, and vibes to accomplish a night that feels like it has a meaningful flow.

Kristin Cummins

Deputy Director, Boone County

Age: 38

Armed with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Lindenwood University and MU, respectively, Kristin Cummins was well prepared to do good in the world. And she found a place to do it at the Boone County Community Services Department, where she now manages more than 50 contracts with nonprofit and governmental agencies that serve children, youth, and families. “I believe every child deserves access to the support, resources, and opportunities needed to reach their full potential, Kristin says. “Strengthening families and investing in children creates a stronger community for everyone.” She praises her boss, BCCSD Director Joanne Nelson, for encouraging her professional growth, saying, “I can go into her office with a crazy idea, and she tries to find a way to make it FUN FACT: Kristin’s house happen.” One of her not-so-crazy ideas was the Boone County Chilis known as the “giant dren’s Services Fund’s Grassroots cookie house” because of the Funding Opportunity, which won face-sized chocolate chip an achievement award from the National Association of Counties. cookies she make s for the The GFO came about after Kriskids at her neighborhood’s tin learned that small organizations were unaware of BCCSF annual gara ge sale. funding opportunities, found their requirements complex and intimidating, and/or struggled with a reimbursement-based funding model. She used that feedback to design the GFO, which has since enabled six nonprofits to hire staff and expand their services. “Our community is rich in amazing organizations and passionate people,” Kristin says. “It’s always exciting to see [or in her case, create] innovative approaches!”

Claire Van Doren Development Manager, Love Columbia

Age: 30

Three years ago, Claire Van Doren returned to her hometown of Columbia “after [her] life in Seattle imploded.” Though coming home hadn’t been part of her original plan, it became the start of a new chapter filled with purpose, connection, and a renewed appreciation for the community where she grew up. That fresh start also led her to Love Columbia. Looking back, Claire says there’s something poetic about finding a career at the organization while she was learning to love Columbia again. Now as development manager for the nonprofit, she is responsible for cultivating donor relationships, developing community partnerships, and overseeing fundraising efforts that help support individuals and families across the city. Over the past three years, Claire has advanced through four roles within the organization, a path that resulted from finding a mission she truly believes in. One of her proudest accomplishments has been completing Love Columbia’s Extra Mile Program before returning as a financial coach, helping others build financial stability through the same program that once supported her. Claire’s commitment to strengthening the community doesn’t stop when the workday ends, either. She serves as incoming co-chair of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Women’s Network Programming Committee, is active in EPIC and Downtown Rotary, and serves on the board of Heart of Missouri Girls on the Run. She also enjoys public speaking, connecting people to causes that matter, and creating opportunities for meaningful collaboration. “When people feel known, supported, and connected, entire communities become stronger,” Claire says. CBT COMOBUSINESSTIMES.COM

CRITICAL MASS

The University of Missouri is shaping the future of nuclear medicine by expanding research production. BY ERIC HUGHES

very year, tens of millions of people rely on nuclear medicine to diagnose and treat different types diseases, including cancer. Over 10,000 hospitals worldwide use radioisotopes in medicine, and four crucial radioisotopes used in treatments for liver, thyroid, pancreatic, and prostate cancers have just one domestic producer: the University of Missouri.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

The university is currently constructing two additions to the existing research reactor, building a new radioisotope science center, and planning to build a second next-generation research reactor that would expand radioisotope research and production. “It takes a lot of work for a lot of awesome people to keep MURR running reliably every single day, and we want to continue that mission in the future,” Michael Hoehn II, Nextgen MURR program director, said. “[We want] to support generations to come and really put the University of Missouri, and the state of Missouri, as the premier destination for nuclear science, technology, and radio pharmaceutical science.”

TOP: University of Missouri Nuclear Research Reactor's core: MURR's reactor with its core situated in a 30-foot-deep pool of water. BOTTOM: Model of University of Missouri Nuclear Research Reactor's core. CREDIT: Schaefer Photography via Adobe Stock

MURR Expansions

In order to meet the growing demand for the critical isotopes used in both diagnosis and treatment of cancer, MURR is expanding. Early next year, three new production lines will begin operation, according to Uriah Orland, former MURR director of communications. A second addition to provide storage and support for those production lines is slated to come online later next year. The added production lines will allow MURR to produce small batch quantities of lutetium-177, a radioisotope used in cancer treatments and clinical trials. Right now, MURR produces large batch quantities of the radioisotope for commercial production of Pluvicto and Lutathera, the two nuclear medicines that it is currently used in. Pluvicto treats advanced prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and isn’t responding to treatments that lower testosterone levels. The medicine locks onto a protein found in prostate cancer cells and delivers radiation to try and kill it. Luthathera similarly binds to a protein, somatostatin receptor, and delivers radiation that may kill it. The drug is used to treat patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors that are somatostatin receptor positive. Orland added that the expanded production lines will allow MURR to start making terbium-161, a similar radioisotope to lutetium-177 in both chemical makeup and half-life. Terbium-161 is capable of depositing energy over a much shorter range, which potentially will make it more effective at damaging single tumor cells, according to the National Library of Medicine. “In the U.S. [MURR] will become the domestic supply so that pharmaceutical companies, startups, [and] researchers can start using terbium as a potential isotope to treat cancers in the future as well,” Orland said. MURR has done a lot of research with terbium-161 and plans to start producing that for customers in the next coming year, Orland explained. COMOBUSINESSTIMES.COM

Nuclear medicine also faces a challenge that most other medicines don’t; nuclear medicine rapidly loses its radiation, making it less effective. Lutetium-177 has a half-life of about 6.65 days, while terbium-161 has a half-life of about seven days, meaning that half of the radioactive atoms in the isotope will decay in that time. Because of the quick decay of radioactivity, MURR has to consider when the drug would get to patients to properly produce the radioisotopes. Once the radioisotopes are done in the reactors, they are sent to the drug companies that can package it into Lutathera or Pluvicto and send it out to hospitals depending on treatment orders. “Medical isotopes are liking melting ice cubes and have to be made each week and shipped on time to ensure patients receive the right amount of treatment dose. It is a logistics exercise to coordinate the initial isotope production, shipping, drug processing, patient scheduling and treatment timing — everything must stay on schedule for the patient to receive treatment.” Orland said. He said that they produce the radioisotopes on Monday and Thursday and ship on Tuesday and Friday. What they ship on Monday is typically in patients by the end of the week and what they ship on Friday is typically in patients before the following Wednesday. Hoehn added that the upgrades being made to MURR could one day also support production from NextGen MURR. Radioisotope

Science Center

Because the radioisotopes produced by MURR have such a small window of effectiveness, MU is attempting to cut down on transit time to change how treatments reach patients. The new Radioisotope Science Center at Discovery Ridge Research Park will be approximately 31,250 square feet and will have two production lines that allow MU to make research-grade isotopes as well as FDA-approved isotopes. Orland said that the RSC will support the Department of Energy’s iso38

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

GLOSSARY OF TERMS Radioisotopes An unstable form of a chemical element that releases radiation as it breaks down and becomes more stable. Radiopharmaceuticals Medicine containing small amounts of radioisotopes used to diagnose and treat diseases like cancer. Half-life The time it takes for half of a radioisotope to decay into another isotope. FDA approval The off icial regulations ensuring a drug is safe and effective for its intended use. GMP compliance A system of regulations ensuring products are consistently produced, tested, and controlled to safety and quality standards. Research-grade isotopes Isotopes specif ically manufactured for scientif ic experimentation rather than commercial use. Neutron flux A measure of the intensity of neutron radiation in a given area.

tope program, which provides isotopes to researchers. “They don’t have the ability to make FDA-approved and GMP-approved isotopes,” Orland said. “So they looked at the players around the country that are a part of the isotope program, and they recognized that MURR is an expert in this field. So they came to us and said, ‘So we want to build a center there that we can process isotopes that are either produced at MURR or possibly at one of our national labs.’” The center is being funded by $40 million in total shared investments by the Department of Energy and the state of Missouri, and it is expected to be operational in early 2029. Th is allows the center to be owned by MU and operated by MURR in partnership with the Department of Energy. Orland added that MURR will manufacture radioisotopes for the Department of Energy, which will allow them the opportunity to share GMP- or FDA-approved radioisotopes with researchers who are doing clinical trials or lab testing for imaging or disease treatments. He said that the center’s proximity to MURR, about five miles, can make huge differences in efficiency for researching and producing radioisotopes. “Instead of having to ship those isotopes across the country, where it’s 12 hours of transit time, and you lose 12 hours of activity or potential doses from that isotope, now you’re driving it 10 minutes,” Orland said. The central location allows MURR to shorten the process and potentially expand production to allow for more doses of the radioisotopes. The Discovery Ridge Research Park is also the preferred location for NextGen MURR, which Orland said can make the production process as efficient as it can be. NextGen MURR

MURR is already the only domestic producer for several potentially lifesaving radioisotopes. With NextGen MURR, the university seeks to more than triple that output while also opening the door for production of new radioisotopes. NextGen MURR is the University of Missouri’s initiative to build a new

20-megawatt research reactor that will be able to do what MURR does with potential for higher neutron intensity that could make additional products that the existing reactor can’t, as well as do things quicker. “When we say ‘NextGen MURR,’ we’re saying at least three times [more than current] capacity to be able to support radioisotopes, supply chains, and the radio pharmaceutical production,” Hoehn said. “It’ll continue to expand research potential as well. So neutron beam science, material science, neutron activation analysis — we’re gonna build those capabilities into NextGen MURR.” He added that he sees strong partnerships with industries that need to develop next-generation materials, such as cell phone battery technology, and national labs. The NextGen reactor will also have capabilities for neutron transmutation doping of silicon, which can convert silicon into semiconductors. “Th is could allow MURR to partner with the semiconductor industry and then they’ll turn these into wafers, semiconductors that are used for quantum computing, high-powered electronics, it’s used for really specialized applications,” Hoehn said. He explained that they are designing NextGen MURR with a “reliable, adaptable innovative, safe, and efficient” design principle to make the flow of radioisotopes more efficient. He said in some places it can be somewhat autonomous, which will speed up the process and limit the number of people who need to touch the radioisotopes. The current MURR reactor employs about 450 total employees, and Hoehn said the university’s calculations expect over 450 total employees and students, eventually at NextGen MURR. The new Radioisotope Science Center will employ about 20 to 30 people. They also see the potential for NextGen MURR to attract businesses to Columbia who want to work in the NextGen MURR ecosystem. “It’s not just expanding nuclear isotope science and the supply chain,” Hoehn said. “It’s securing those domestic [medicine] needs, expanding our research potential, and also being a workforce development center for really highly specialized skill set individuals. And we see, eventually, that pipeline is going to serve many aspects of the nuclear ecosystem of the health community.” CBT

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CBT | D E E D S O F T R U ST

Deeds of Trust Worth more than $1,176,000

LET’S TALK STRATEGY. WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

$600,000,000

$2,000,000

Penney Property Sub Holdings LLC Whitehawk Capital Partners Lt 2 Columbia Mall Plat 2 FF W/ ESMT

Kushmaahi Hospitality LLC Investors Community Bank LT 4B Keen Estates LT4 PL 2

$36,000,000

RE773 LLC

Unbridled Moose I LLC Barclays Capital Real Estate Inc. Lt 2A Candlelight Terrace Lt2

MJM Enterprises LLC LT 102D Eastport Plat 1-A-3

$15,000,000

JQB Construction Inc. First State Community Bank STR 36-49-13 SUR BK/PG: 3140/9 AC 6.4

Red Jeep LLC The Bank of Missouri LT 2-25 Rockbridge Condos Blg 2

$13,000,000

$1,935,000

North Hampton Village Properties TIC Holdings LLC Truist Bank Lt 104 North Hampton Village Plat 1

NRMB7F Real Estate LLC Mid America Bank LT 1 Harbison’s Add & Colt Railroad Adminstr FF W/ Vacated Piece

$9,700,000

Stadium Lodging LLC Carrollton Bank Lt 1 Fellows Addition #7 $9,200,000

Millard Family Investments LLC Mid America Bank LT 14 PT FF J A Stewart’s Sub $1,760,000

$6,192,757.19

$1,600,000

AAAJ Hospitality LLC The Central Trust Bank LT 1A Pate Sub Replat Pt LOT 1

William A. Markel Revocable Inter Vivos Trust First Midwest Bank of the Ozarks LT 117 Clear Creek Estates Plat NO 1

New Haven Property LLC UMB Bank STR 27-48-12 //NW SUR BK/PG: 5503/57 AC 31.56 FF Tract 2 $3,600,000

Reid Millard Flat Branch Mortgage Inc. STR 23-45-12 /W/SW AC 75

$1,200,000

Hudson Property Group LLC The Central Trust Bank STR 5-48-13 /E/SE SUR BK/PG: 608/169 AC 6.768

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Bristol Lake Cottages LLC Simmons Bank LT 25 The Cottages at Bristol Lake Plat NO 1

comomarketingco

$2,400,000

Dustin Bly Bell Bank LT 210 Old Hawthorne North Plat NO 1 CBT

Blake Wollard The Central Trust Bank STR 23-47-13 //SW

Issued by the Boone County Recorder of Deeds in July 2026

573.577.1965

$1,935,000

Richland Olivet Investments LLC The Central Trust Bank STR 14-48-12 //NE SUR BK/PG: 1453/371 AC 9.37

$4,143,459

comomarketing.co

$1,980,000

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

$1,176,000

C BT | N EW BUS I NE S S L I C E NS E S

New Business Licenses Issued July 2026

Boozy’s Beer, Wine & Spirits

The Columbia Tattoo

Donald Hinshaw 308 S. Ninth St., Columbia

Company LLC

Nora Drown Alterations LLC

The Connection Exchange

1400 Forum Blvd., Columbia

Network LLC

Jen McIntyre LLC

5106 Columbia Gorge Parkway, Columbia

Healthcare and social assistance 2800 Forum Blvd., Columbia

Crystal’s Salon

The Rabbit Hole Stitchery LLC

Crystal Shumaker 550 Stone Valley Parkway, Columbia

111 E. Walnut St., Columbia

124 E. Nifong Blvd., Columbia Creature Comforts of Columbia Earth Touch Therapies LLC

Healthcare and social assistance 409 Vandiver Dr., Columbia

Funky Bunch Pet Care LLC 310 Tiger Lane, Columbia Go Greek Chic

Columbia’s Finest Custard LLC

3304 Broadway Business Park Court, Columbia

The Crafty Engineer LLC 906 E. Broadway, Columbia The Poop Scooping Business LLC

Mosaic Health and Wellness

1703 Apple Valley Court, Columbia

Group LLC

Real estate rental and leasing William Carpenter 2201 W. Nifong Blvd., Columbia

Cross Holdings LLC

Done in a Day Handyman LLC

Wuba Cleaning Company

401 W. North Cedar Lake Dr., Columbia

Commercial & Residential

Capital City Burns & Bricks Inc.

Eleni Kano 705 Ridgeway Place, Columbia

Retail trade 2703 E. Broadway, Columbia

White Lotus LLC

Designer Decks Company LLC

Tasha Huesca 1705 N. Stadium Blvd., Columbia

Call Plaza Commercial Realty for our updated 2026 market report!

Arts, entertainment, and recreation 4501 Stellar Dr., Columbia

4507 I-70 Dr. SE, Columbia Big Tree Construction Fresh Market Co.

& Handcrafts

Ashley Worley 3700 E. Biggs Rd., Ashland

Lucas Elliott 5907 W. Jacobs Lane, Columbia

Crooked Spine

Loredo Homes LLC

Tyler Hague 308 S. Ninth St., Columbia

Joel Loredo 5284 E. Deer Park Rd., Columbia CBT

Classic Whips LLC

Issued by the city of Columbia’s

1405 Illinois Ave., Columbia

Finance Department

573-445-1020

39 Paul Land - Mike Grellner - Lauren Crosby

www.PlazaCommercialRealty.com 2501 Bernadette Drive Columbia, MO 65203 573-445-1020

COMOBUSINESSTIMES.COM

CBT

What’s Going Up? Dancearts relocation is underway, Mid-City Lumber continues expansion. BY JODIE JAC KSON JR

DANCEARTS OF COLUMBIA is relocating its dance studio and Mid-City Lumber off Paris Road/Route B is transitioning from dirt work to construction of an office and warehouse expansion. Those moves are among the highlights of city of Columbia and Boone County building permit reports for July. The Columbia and Boone County development offices issued 230 building permits with a combined valuation of $45,430,909 for the month. The city’s Building and Site Development office issued 145 permits with a total valuation of $31.9 million, and the county’s Resource Management office issued 85 permits with an aggregate value of $13.6 million. The July tally included 57 re-roofing permits in Columbia and 56 single-family homes — 35 in the city and 21 outside the Columbia city limits. The city building permit report breakdown includes: • Additions, residential:

9 permits, $557,503 valuation. • Alterations, commercial:

11 permits, $2,949,130 • Alterations, residential:

15 permits, $794,487

• Pool (1 & 2 family):

1 permit, $62,676 • Commercial multi-family:

1 permit, $4.84 million • Commercial, new:

4 permits, $7.28 million • Deck only:

12 permits, $240,121 • Re-roof: 57 permits, $1.59 million • Single-family detached:

35 permits, $13.55 million The DANCEARTS space renovation at 313 E. Ash St. — a space formerly occupied by the Columbia Daily Tribune — encompasses some 7,646 square feet with a cost of $200,000. The contractor is Coil Construction Inc. The property is owned by West End Columbia Properties LLC. The project involves demolition and addition of walls as well as a new heating and cooling system. Dancearts is currently located at 110 N. Tenth St., Suite 3. (Just a 60-second drive from the new space, according to a social media post.) The renovated space will feature four studios, a larger lobby, parking space, a larger dressing room, three allgender restrooms, more storage, and an instructor break room. Creative Building & Design LLC is the general contractor for the MIDCITY LUMBER facility expansion at 4709 Paris Rd. The building permit listed a valuation of $6.9 million for the 56,945-square-foot project. A land disturbance permit for the project was issued in February 2026, so motorists along that route have been seeing the dirt work for several months now. The BOONE COUNTY HISTORY AND CULTURE CENTER at 3811

Ponderosa St. is preparing for the relocation of Locust Grove Baptist Church. A building permit for foundation work is for an area of

1,200 square feet with a valuation of $200,000. Reinhardt Construction LLC is the contractor for that part of the project. A three-story, 39-unit APARTMENT COMPLEX at the corner of Endeavor Avenue and Artemis Drive is being built by Discovery Development LLC. The building permit for Discovery Apartments R47 encompasses 32,340 square feet with a valuation of $4.84 million. The property owner is P1316 LLC. OUR LADY OF LOURDES CATHOLIC CHURCH at 903

Bernadette Dr. is undergoing interior renovations with improvements made to the sanctuary area and replacement of existing flooring. The 910-square-foot project has a valuation of $415,806. The general contractor is Professional Contractors & Engineers. Subcontractors and professional services include Meyer Electric Company, McCrery Architects, and Timberlake Engineering. The church is owned by the Diocese of Jefferson City. Tenant finishes for a new restaurant with sit-down dining was the focus of a building permit for 2101 W. Broadway, Suite 1, which will become SAGO HOTPOT , an Asian buffet that began hiring servers, hosts, bus staff, kitchen help, and others in mid-August. An official opening date had not been announced before COMO Business Times went to press. The new dining option in the Crossroads Shopping Center will entail 5,700 square feet, which the permit listed with a valuation of $698,421. The general contractor is Stephen P. Malan & Co. North American Construction is the contractor re-siding the five-story TODD apartment building at 601 S. Fifth St. The building permit valuation was $1.7 million.

If you see a building popping up and wonder, “What’s going up?”, email jodie@comocompanies.com and let us know!

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

WHAT ’ S G OING UP?

REMAX RENTALS RESOURCES at 3211 S.

Providence Rd., Suite 111, is a metal freespan building for Providence Green Meadows LLC. The project will reinstall interior nonload bearing walls that were removed by a former tenant. Insight Contracting Co. Inc. is the general contractor. The $144,641 valuation involves 1,488 square feet of space. The city’s report for single-family homes showed a range of $1.32 MILLION for a home off Tralee Court in Old Hawthorne with Wilcoxson Custom Homes LLC as the builder to a $217,601 home at the Cottages at Evergreen. That builder is Anderson Homes. Boone County’s July building permit report included: • Single-family residential:

21 permits, $10.48 million. • Modular/double wide: 2 permits, $175,000 • Other nonresidential: 4 permits, $87,000 • Other structures: 10 permits, $776,400 • Residential additions/alterations:

13 permits, $715,386 • Nonresidential additions/alterations:

2 permits, $3,450 • Residential garages:

14 permits, $1.13 million • Miscellaneous: 19 permits, $203,026

There was a wide range of valuations for singlefamily homes on the Boone County building permit list, including: • $2 MILLION for a two-story home with

Local leaders and Missouri Department of Transportation off icials celebrated the reopening of the new ST. CH AR L E S R OA D BRID G E over Interstate 70 with a ribbon-cutting on August 10. The reconstructed bridge is wider to accommodate three lanes in each direction on I-70 and is part of the statewide Improve I-70 project. Photos by Kerrie Bloss

a basement and another $340,000 for two accessory buildings on a property off Adelaide Court in Columbia. The builder is listed as Will Montgomery. • $1.8 MILLION on Old Plank Road. The

builder is Anderson Homes. • $200,000 for a home on Rollins Street

in Centralia. The builder is JVAKR LLC. • $150,000 for a home on Smith Street

in Sturgeon. The builder is DDB Home Designs. CBT

COMOBUSINESSTIMES.COM

C BT | STREET TALK

Street Talk Clementine’s Ice Cream seeks to satisfy COMO’s sweet tooth. BY JODIE JAC KSON JR

IT’S OOEY AND GOOEY, and it’s ice cream. And if you want your sweet treat to be a little “naughty,” for just a little extra cash you can order an alcohol infusion, making the dairy dish an even bigger delight for the 21-and-older crowd. Clementine’s Ice Cream opened at 914 E. Broadway on Friday, August 14, the day after an exclusive friends and family soft opening for guests to check out Clementine’s award-winning ice cream. Columbia is the 12th parlor location for Clementine’s, a St. Louis-based microcreamery that specializes in small-batch ice cream crafted with all-natural dairy and premium ingredients. In addition to parlors across Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, and Missouri, Clementine’s Ice Cream pints are available at select Schnucks locations. From Burnout to Belonging

Entrepreneur Yahav Sal explains that his years in the startup world left him feeling … “hollow.” He discovered contrast therapy as a way to fill his own cup. “What changed me wasn’t the heat or the cold,” he said. “It was the stillness.” What is contrast therapy? It’s the practice of moving between cold and hot: three minutes in a cold plunge and 20 minutes in a heated sauna. And that’s what Sal’s Vessel Club at 210 Saint James St. is all about. Located in the former DogMaster Distillery building, Vessel Club has targeted September 3 as its opening date. Founding memberships, monthly membership packages, and daily passes are available to purchase. “You sit in the sauna until your body opens up, then you step into the cold plunge and feel everything sharpen. Then you do it again,” he said. “The thing you’ve been carrying all week loosens its grip a little, and you feel present again. Doing this alongside others is a tradition as old as time.”

Page sponsored by The Bank of Missouri.

Bidding Farewell and Making Changes

Bud’s Classic Barbecue at 304 S. Ninth St. has closed after six years in operation. There’s no word yet from owner Jason Paetzold about Bud’s relocating and reopening elsewhere, though he told COMO Business Times in March 2026 that he was considering expanding Bud’s to south Columbia. Paetzold also owns JoJo’s Biscuit Co., which now has two locations in Columbia. Paetzold’s company is also opening Rosie’s Tortillas and Tequila at 1305 Grindstone Parkway, the former location of Casa Maria’s Mexican Cantina. Peggy Jean’s Pies is closing the Nifong location that the business has called home for more than a decade. Its shop at 421 N. Stadium will remain open. According to a blog post shared on Facebook, the team said that the Nifong lease does not hold the landlord responsible for maintenance. “Add in outrageous food costs, incrementally rising labor costs each year, and a cautious economy, and you’ll find a tired family in a small business.” The post noted that all staff is making the move to the west location and that the Nifong shop was closing by the end of August. “I know we are making the best choice for PJP and for our family. We are so fortunate to have a storefront that is doing well just three miles away. And soon it will have a Nordstrom Rack across the parking lot, so how can anyone be sad around that?” The Speckled Frog Toys & Books at 16 S. Ninth St. is closing its retail storefront. “We are incredibly grateful to every family who walked through our doors, attended an event, purchased a special gift, or stopped in to say hello,” the store announced in a Facebook post. The business will continue to offer events and workshops, but at a different location. The store owners had not announced details before COMO Business Times went to press. A new eatery is on the horizon for Columbia’s west side. Sago Hotpot is opening in the Crossroads Shopping Center at 2101 W. Broadway. Milestone I-70 Project

Local leaders and Missouri Department of Transportation officials celebrated the new St. Charles Road bridge over Interstate 70 with a ribbon cutting on August 10. The reconstructed bridge is wider to accommodate three lanes in each direction on I-70, taller to allow more clearance for taller vehicles, and upgraded with pedestrian crossings on either side of the bridge, according to a news release from MoDOT. The St. Charles Road bridge revitalization is part of the Improve I-70: Columbia to Kingdom City project. CBT Street Talk is a monthly overview of “word on the street” business and community news. Street Talk is sponsored by The Bank of Missouri.

Send your questions and/or a Letter to the Editor to jodie@comocompanies.com with “Letter to the Editor” in the subject line.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

CONGRATULATIONS! Congratulations to Matt Schwartz for receiving recognition in the 20 Under 40. We appreciate your leadership and service to our community. Thanks for all you do!

Matt Schwartz

Vice President of Strategy

Th a n k yo u f o r h e lp ing ch a nge li ve s !

Congratulations Liz Sensintaffar! We are thrilled about your 20 Under 40 Award.

Join Liz in building a brighter future! Learn more at jobpoint.org

WE BUILD

Mizzou Arena Renovations

spaces to cheer chear on the home team With over 75 years of serving our communities, Nabholz is proud to help shape Columbia and the surrounding region. Our teams live here, work here, and build here — creating lasting value for the people and places we call home.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

C BT | BY T HE NUM BE RS

600,000,000

Value of a loan f rom Whitehawk Capital Partners to Penney Property Sub Holdings LLC, as listed on the Boone County Recorder of Deeds report for July 2026.

85 & 55,440 Margin of votes approving passage of Proposition 1 — the city’s proposed 1 percent public safety sales tax — and the number of registered voters who did not vote in the August 4 special election.

24,032,163

Combined valuation of 56 building permits issued in July by the city and county planning departments for new home construction.

1,000+ Number of foster children who have received care f rom Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries, which celebrated its 35th anniversary in January 2026.

50 Number of years that the beloved COMO institution, The Pasta Factory has been open — since 1976.

1 The University of Missouri’s research reactor (MURR) is the ONLY domestic producer of four crucial radioisotopes needed to treat speciﬁc forms of cancer.

20 Number of young professionals honored in the COMO Business Times “20 Under 40” Class of 2026. COMOBUSINESSTIMES.COM