COMO Business Times

12/23/2025

Despite free fares and millions in subsidies, bus ridership remains low — and for many, the system just isn’t convenient.

As of this writing, our municipal government has pending yet another report on the transit system. It would be great to have a functioning bus system around COMO, but let’s be honest: We don’t. A lot of residents might use the bus to get to work, but they don’t — or rather, they often can’...

12/22/2025

Editor Jodie Jackson Jr. reflects on childhood holidays, embarrassing presents, and the moments that shape who we become. Sometimes it’s not the biggest gift under the tree — but the one that sets your future in motion.

A few years ago, I won a radio talk show contest with my answer to “What is the most embarrassing Christmas gift you’ve ever received?” It’s still a contest-winning answer. But first … I was the youngest of four siblings, and I’m not sure whether my brother and two sisters were ever Sant...

12/19/2025

Building continues in Boone County and Columbia. Single-family homes made up more than 60% of the value of building permits issued in October, with 52 new homes approved and total permit valuations topping $40.6 million across the city and county.

Single-family homes accounted for more than 60 percent of the value of building permits issued by Boone County and the city of Columbia in October, and one-fourth of all permits were for home construction. The city’s Building and Site Development office in October issued 114 building permits with ...

12/18/2025

Coming to you this morning from Regional Airport for a news conference. The mayor and your CBT editor will now take your questions.

12/18/2025

Is your property tax check in the mail?

Plus, a lot is happening around town: Nourish Café is staying open under new ownership, Woof’s Play and Stay has rebranded as Digs Dog Care, and several new food, retail, and hospitality spots are on the way.

Is Your Property Tax Payment Check in the Mail? OH GOODY. It’s end-of-the-year property tax time. Boone County taxpayers should have received their 2025 property tax statements, licenses, and special assessments by December 1. (Spoiler alert: If you did NOT receive an assessment/tax bill, you don....

12/17/2025

Generative AI was supposed to make work faster, smarter, and easier — but for many businesses, the reality has been mixed.

The past few years have been filled with predictions of extraordinary productivity gains businesses will receive by investing in generative AI (GenAI). We’ve heard that GenAI will produce “10x programmers” and “fully automated” marketing departments or that it would have reached human-leve...

12/16/2025

A seasoned leader in innovation and startups, Charlie Bolton brings decades of experience in biotech, agtech, and venture investing to his role at the Missouri Innovation Center.

Job description: In the innovation and startup space, if you need a job description as CEO, you’re not the right person for the job. I haven’t had a job description since I left the corporate world decades ago. My job is to deliver the board’s objectives. Describe your professional journey and...

12/15/2025

Columbia is full of businesses and institutions that have both defined and stood the test of time.

Birthdays and anniversaries occupy sentimental and historic meaning in our lives. While we typically associate those milestones with people, the places around us and the impact they have on our lives are also significant. Columbia has an enviable entrepreneurial ecosystem that fosters, challenges, a...

12/12/2025

On Friday mornings, you can find Matt Moore catching the first flight out of Columbia, heading to SEC headquarters, where he’ll help make some of the biggest calls in college football. But his path to that replay booth began decades earlier in a Boys Club gym, with a coach who saw promise and a community that shaped him.

Matt Moore's humble life journey led to the C-suite at Shelter Insurance Company and, ultimately, to a role in college football officiating.  

12/11/2025

Ever wondered what a day in the life of Santa looks like? 🎅

Meet Jeff Hickam, Columbia College’s resident Santa for over a decade and a campus safety officer who keeps students safe and holiday magic alive.

Help us get to know Jeff Hickam. How long have you been with Columbia College, and how did that journey begin? I am working on 16 years here at Columbia College. I started in housekeeping but wanted to get into campus safety, and there was an opening within six months. Tell us about your role […]

12/10/2025

12/10/2025

Most investing progress happens in the “uneventful middle” — not during market swings or big headlines.

Some years, investing feels exciting — markets swing, headlines blare, and everyone suddenly seems to have an opinion. But most years? It’s just steady contributions, quiet growth, and not much drama. In a world that rewards instant results, that can feel … well, boring. The truth is, the real...