Chamber Celebrates its Successes from the 2018 Legislative Session

The Chamber worked tirelessly throughout the session talking with representatives and senators about the priorities of the Chamber and the importance of the Columbia business community to the state’s economy. Those relationships and the education that occurred during the session proved to be beneficial because there were several bills passed that strengthened business in Columbia. … Continued


Chamber Endorses SB 900 and HB 2123

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce is encouraged about the support the Missouri Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee has for SB 900. Yesterday the committee heard the bill that will find meaningful work for previously convicted felons. The Columbia Chamber of Commerce fully supports SB 900 and its counterpart HB 2123. Both SB … Continued


Columbia Chamber of Commerce Supports Smarter, More Secure and More Stable Energy Through SB 564 and HB 2265

As the Senate Committee on Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment is conducting a hearing on HB 2265, sponsored by Rep. T.J. Berry (R-38), the Columbia Chamber of Commerce announces its support for the bill. HB 2265 will help advance smart technologies while maintaining strict regulatory oversight and consumer protections. It will focus on … Continued


Columbia Chamber of Commerce Unveils Legislative Priorities to Improve Business Climate in Columbia

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce released its priorities for the current legislative session. The priorities and positions were carefully and strategically chosen based on the feedback from the businesses community, education entities, legislative members and community leaders. The Chamber’s priorities and positions focus on making Columbia more competitive and safer within the region, state and … Continued


Leadership Visit 2017

Tuesday, October 24 Overview of Lexington About 70 individuals left Columbia early Tuesday from Central Missouri Aviation on a chartered flight. Everyone landed in Lexington and hit the ground running. Within an hour of landing, the group was taken directly to downtown Lexington where they heard from the chair of Commerce Lexington, Carla Blanton. Blanton … Continued


Chamber Endorses Prop 1 – County Road and Bridge Tax

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Boone County Proposition 1 on the August 8 special election ballot. Prop 1 renews a half-penny countywide sales tax to provide significant funding for the next decade for good county roads and bridges. Prop 1 also continues county-shared funding for City of Columbia projects more than $18 million … Continued


2017 First Quarter Cost of Living Statistics Released

Numbers released show the cost to live in Columbia is cheaper than the national average. Living costs in Columbia were 7% below the national average according to the ACCRA Cost of Living Index provided by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Columbia received a composite index figure of 93 for the first quarter … Continued


Columbia Chamber of Commerce Supports Smart Grid Improvements and SB 190

As the Missouri State Senate is expected to bring up SB 190, sponsored by Sen. Ed Emery (R-31), the Columbia Chamber of Commerce announces its support for the bill. SB 190 establishes the Missouri Economic Development and Infrastructure Act. It will focus on developing a “smart” electrical grid for the state that is expected to … Continued