January: Movers & Shakers
Ragtag Film Society The board of directors of the Ragtag Film Society and Jeremy Brown, RFS executive director, announced the selection of new managers for both projects under the society’s umbrella: Barbie Banks, as the managing director of Ragtag Cinema, and Camellia Cosgray, as the managing director of True/False Film Fest. “I can’t think of […]
Michelle Baumstark, Community Relations Director, Columbia Public Schools
1. What’s your background? I’ve been the director of community relations for Columbia Public Schools since 2005. I manage the communications, public relations, and community engagement strategies for the school district. From 1999 to 2005, I worked at the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Prior to that, I was a newspaper reporter. I’m […]
Anna Hargis, Director of Advertising, Shelter Insurance
Job description: Responsible for the co-op advertising program for 1,300-plus Shelter Insurance agents in 15 states as well as overall corporate advertising, social media, and brand protection for the companies. Years lived in Mid-Missouri: 35 years. Original hometown: Washington, D.C. Education: Bachelor’s in journalism and master’s in communication from MU. Favorite volunteer/community activity: Insurance Marketing […]
Tom Bradley, The Tom Bradley Show, Jack-FM
Bill Turpin, Interim Associate Chancellor of Economic Development, MU
Dr. Sara L. Cochran, Entrepreneurial Programs Manager & Interim Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, UM System
1. What’s your background? I hold a PhD in higher education with research focused on entrepreneurship education, an MA in integrated marketing communications, and BA degrees in accounting and arts administration. I’ve been in my current role for two and a half years. Before moving to Columbia to pursue my doctorate, I worked as the […]
Collin Bunch, Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator, REDI
Job description: I guide people to become entrepreneurs. My position is a continuous lab on innovation across complex systems, digital marketing, traction channels, and how to execute through an agile process. My work also includes building and managing the REDI HUB program, where 20-plus startups work and grow. Years lived in Columbia/Mid-Missouri: Five years. Original […]
December: Movers & Shakers
Samantha Crane Central Bank of Boone County has promoted Samantha Crane to vice president, controller. Crane manages the accounting functions of Central Bank of Boone County and Central Trust Company. She has worked in financial services for 18 years and joined Central Bank of Boone County in 2012. In 2015, Crane added the duties of […]
Down to a Fine Art
The Columbia Art League celebrates 60 years. In 1983, the Columbia Art League building on Tenth Street was gutted by a devastating fire. The banner headline on Thursday, October 13, expressed the dismal truth: “Columbia Art League Needs Your Assistance.” But this plucky arts organization — thriving on volunteers through thick and thin — survived […]
Through Their Lens
Four local photographers give us a glimpse of the town they love. Photos by Keith Borgmeyer, Aaron Ottis, Anastasia Pottinger, and Anthony Jinson These photos, along with many others, will be on exhibit at the Montminy Gallery through January 27. Heart of the City by Keith Borgmeyer Dawn of a New Day by Keith Borgmeyer […]
December: Briefly in the News
ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF MID-MISSOURI PROVIDES CLOTHING As of November 1, 2018, more than 22,000 elementary students have been provided new winter clothing and coats through the Assistance League of Mid-Missouri’s Operation School Bell program. The program was created in 1997 with the goal of increasing the self esteem of each child and enabling regular school […]
December: Closer Look
Ophelia’s Flowers With winter upon us, many plant lovers are transitioning their outdoor plants into house plants or switching their attention and care to indoor plants completely. Jeni Mae McKenzie, owner of Ophelia’s Flowers, opened the boutique plant and flower shop in July. McKenzie decided on her hometown of Columbia for the shop because of Columbia’s […]