Business
Business coverage from Columbia and across the region.
Recent coverage
Employer-Provided Health Insurance Costs Rise for Businesses and Workers
Premiums for job-based health coverage increased again this year, according to findings from a nonpartisan research group. The higher rates place an added financial burden on employers and employees as medical expenses continue to climb.
St. Louis jury awards $10 million in Missouri cannabis ownership dispute
A St. Louis jury awarded $10 million to a group of plaintiffs in a legal battle over ownership stakes in Missouri marijuana dispensaries and cultivation facilities. The verdict addresses claims of withheld ownership in several state-licensed cannabis businesses.
Missouri microbusiness owners face delays despite new state regulations
State rule changes aimed to expedite licensing for microbusiness owners, but many still experience significant waiting periods. These ongoing delays create financial challenges for small businesses across Missouri.
Missouri Cannabis Employees Seek Union Representation After Terminations
Twelve employees at a Missouri cannabis dispensary lost their jobs following attempts to organize a union. The affected workers are now seeking reinstatement and official union recognition at the facility.
Kansas City Specialty Trade Employment Exceeds 10,000 Workers
Specialty trade contractors in the Kansas City area now employ over 10,000 individuals locally. This sector includes various skilled construction trades.
Kansas City's Muehlebach Hotel frequently seeks public financial aid
Kansas City's historic Muehlebach Hotel has repeatedly requested taxpayer-funded subsidies for its redevelopment efforts. This pattern of seeking public assistance has become a recurring theme for the downtown property.
Federal Reserve increases interest rate, first time since 2018
The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points. This decision marks the first rate hike in over three years, aiming to combat persistent inflation.
Analysis indicates 2 million foreign-born men have departed the U.S.
Recent data analysis suggests approximately two million foreign-born men have left the United United States. This population shift could impact various sectors of the U.S. economy and labor market.
Springfield cannabis dispensary staff ratify union contract
Workers at Springfield's Good Day Farm Dispensary secured their first collective bargaining agreement. This marks the second union contract for Missouri cannabis employees.
Missouri Insurers Face Potential Disruptions from Western Wildfire Impacts
Missouri's property insurance market could experience instability due to the recent wildfire in Western states. Industry experts are evaluating how such climate-related events may influence future insurance availability and costs.
Missouri Corn Growers Seek Federal Probe into Fertilizer Industry
The Missouri Corn Growers Association asked the Department of Justice to investigate alleged anti-competitive practices within the fertilizer industry. The organization claims potential collusion among fertilizer companies increases costs for farmers.
Kansas City lacks metrics to assess effectiveness of economic incentives
Officials frequently approve financial incentives without established methods to measure their economic impact. This practice limits understanding of which subsidies genuinely benefit the city's development.
Missouri Cannabis Employees Gain Union Representation
Cannabis industry workers across Missouri have secured union representation in several recent efforts. Multiple dispensaries and cultivation facilities now operate under union contracts.
Jefferson City Brewery Connects Business to Historic Prison
A Jefferson City brewery leverages its proximity to the city's historic prison as a central theme for its business operations and a draw for visitors. This approach has allowed the establishment to develop a successful tourism-focused enterprise.
Federal Reserve Report Examines Wealth Distribution Trends
A recent Federal Reserve study indicates that the wealthiest one percent of Americans increased their net worth during the past year. The report attributes this growth to rising stock market values and specific economic policies.
Kansas City Sees Rise in Minority-Owned Businesses
Recent data indicates an increase in the number of businesses owned by minorities in Kansas City. This growth occurs despite various economic challenges.
Bayer Modifies Seed Contracts, Removing Certain Legal Clauses
Bayer Crop Science announced it will temporarily remove specific clauses from its seed purchase agreements. The company stated this change addresses concerns raised by the Department of Justice regarding contract fairness.
State cannabis regulators finalize lottery to award new dispensary licenses
Missouri's cannabis division will hold a final lottery on June 10, distributing 48 new dispensary licenses statewide. Regulators developed new rules to prevent predatory lending practices often seen in previous licensing rounds.
State Track and Field Generates Economic Activity in Jefferson City
The Missouri State High School Activities Association's (MSHSAA) recent track and field championship significantly contributed to Jefferson City's economy. The event brought revenue to local businesses through increased visitor spending.
Google Plans $15 Billion Data Center in Buchanan County
Google will construct a new $15 billion data center in Northwest Missouri's Buchanan County. This significant investment is generating both optimism about economic growth and some community questions regarding its local impact.
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