Meet Kathleen McKinney, Second Chance

What drew you to lead Second Chance? I have been involved in animal rescue my entire life. When I moved to Columbia in 2013, I knew I needed to find a place to get involved right away, and our community is lucky to have several fantastic animal organizations. I was drawn to Second Chance in […]
Day in the Life: Trish Norfleet

A day in the life of McDonald’s manager Trish Norfleet. Trish Norfleet has a hard time describing the environment she works in every day, even though it’s at least a little familiar to just about everyone. “That depends on what day it is,” Trish laughs. “Stressful, busy, and high-energy, but very rewarding.” Trish Norfleet has […]
Maximizing the Impact

Local nonprofit directors dedicate their lives to the common good. Cheryl Howard, Nora Stewart Early Learning Center As a former graduate of the Nora Stewart Early Learning Center, Cheryl Howard (pictured above) never thought she’d be running it one day. Then, 10 years ago, her life hit a crossroads. Having worked for a national nonprofit that […]
Mun Choi, President, University of Missouri System

https://www.slideshare.net/ColumbiaBusinessTimes/this-or-that-mun-choi-um-system-president
Getting Creative at COU

As Columbia Regional Airport continues to be one of the bright spots of the local economy, the rush is on to prepare the nearly 50-year-old terminal for additional flights, including the first-ever nonstop service to Denver. Tales are told of accommodations underway to handle the additional flights and passenger loads within the confines of the […]
Couple You Should Know: David and Lee Russell

Local retirees David and Lee Russell just can’t seem to quit. David and Lee share about their favorite Columbia activities, family gatherings, and how they got a second chance at love. How did you meet? David: A mutual friend was convinced we should meet. Having both lost spouses to illness after many years together, Lee […]
Strong Woman: Lindsay Young Lopez

The Food Bank director discovers hope in the future. Lindsay Young Lopez, executive director of the Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri, talks about the rewarding parts of her job and the tragic experience that defined her. WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM? I grew up on a farm outside of Fayette, Missouri. I’ve lived […]
More Maximizing the Impact

Local nonprofit directors dedicate their lives to the common good. Barbie Banks, Citizen Jane Film Festival This October 26 to 29, some 6,500 people will gather at Stephens College and the North Village Arts District to view 70 short and 15 narrative films made by women. The event will mark the 10th anniversary of the […]
Day Dreams Foundation: More Than Scholarships

Most of us remember what is was like to play soccer after school with friends or be a part of a team or club after school — it’s routine for some kids, something that comes without a second thought. But often we don’t realize how important extracurricular activities can be for our youth. After-school programs […]
Women Who Ride – Brenda Chapman

Fat Bottom Girl. That’s the name of Brenda Chapman’s 2014 Harley-Davidson Softail Slim motorcycle. Brenda has been riding for over 10 years, first as a passenger on the back of her husband’s bike. “One day I was just sitting back there, and I was like, ‘You know what? I want to be up front,’” […]
The Future of Boone Hospital

There’s been a lot of area pride during the 95-year existence of what was once known as the Boone County Hospital. Until the late 1980s, the county owned and operated the facility and hired an administrator to manage it. As administrator from 1964 to ’77, James L. Dack oversaw major expansion, modernization, and financial solvency […]
Girls on the Run: More Than a Running Club

Elizabeth, an Alpha Hart Lewis Elementary School student, was different from many girls in her class. Her self-esteem was low; she was hesitant to participate in group discussion. Her teacher thought she might enjoy Girls on the Run Heart of Missouri chapter, an after-school program, and encouraged her to participate. At the first practices, Elizabeth’s […]