Member News is a monthly blog post dedicated to sharing Chamber members’ upcoming events or major news. If you have something to share, email the Chamber’s Director of Communications and Marketing, Caitlin Ferguson, at [email protected].
Columbia Farmers Market Launches Sponsorship Program
Columbia Farmers Market looks to expand partnerships with the community, by offering a new
sponsorship program. As a not-for-profit organization, Columbia Farmers Market relies on grants and
membership fees as the main sources of funding. To continue to provide the community with access to
high-quality, locally-produced food, a vibrant community marketplace, and to keep market fees at a
reasonable price for the producers, they are seeking community support. Through a new sponsorship
program, local businesses have an opportunity to connect with over 6,000 weekly market customers
and support the organization. Sponsorships and donations from community members and businesses
will be used to help fund the market, rent, insurance, staffing, and the special programs they offer.
Since 1980, Columbia Farmers Market has supported mid-Missouri farmers and producers, serving as
a small business incubator, working to uplift the local economy, and providing food access programs to
help all mid-Missourians have greater access to fresh, local foods. As they move into their 43rd
summer season, CFM is energized about all that they anticipate accomplishing in the new year ahead.
They are committed to giving back to the community, by expanding programs that empower
vulnerable community members to afford and enjoy fresh, local food – such as the Access to Healthy
Food (SNAP & WIC matching) program and the Produce Prescription Program. Columbia Farmers
Market is one of the most anticipated, recurring events for locals and newcomers alike in Columbia.
Every Saturday throughout the year, the market hums to life and brings together farmers, artisans, and
customers from all walks of life.
With over 196,000 customers served in 2022, CFM is an ideal venue for local businesses to connect
with the community. As many of our customers come to engage, learn, and try new things, brand
visibility at CFM is an excellent way to market a business. By becoming a sponsor, organizations can
show a shared commitment to fostering a community that supports local farmers and producers.
For detailed sponsorship opportunities visit columbiafarmersmarket.org/donate/sponsor/.
For more information, please contact Corrina Smith: at [email protected] or
573-823-6889.
Wally Pfeffer, local Mutual of Omaha representative, earned his 40th Honor Club in 2022. In the company’s 113-year history, only twenty-nine agents have achieved this many honor clubs in their career. Congratulations to Wally on this achievement!
Join the Buckle Up Phone Down Business Showdown
In service of their mission to reduce vehicle crashes and crash fatalities – and work-related crashes and crash deaths – Missouri Employers Mutual has created the Buckle Up Phone Down Business Showdown.
Check out the website: savemolives.com/mcrs/buckle-phone-down-business-showdown
The BUPD Business Showdown was created to take the Buckle Up Phone Down message to employers and employees that drive as part of their work.
It’s a competition, too! Businesses can compete and win $$$ for participating. First place is $7500, second place is $6000, and third place is $5000. Businesses can register on the Buckle Up Phone Down Business Showdown, and encourage employees to take the BUPD pledge. Employees that take the BUPD pledge are committing to driving the speed limit, avoiding distracted driving, wearing seat belts, and avoiding impaired driving. Simple enough!
There’s also a “BUPD Policy Template” in the Employer Toolkit section of the Showdown website.
Missouri companies with fleets/work-related driving are encouraged to participate!
Questions? Contact Mark Woodward at MEM at [email protected] or (573) 289-5990.
Stegemann and Borgmeyer named principals at SOA Architecture
Brad Stegemann and Nick Borgmeyer have been named principals for SOA Architecture. Stegemann has been with SOA for 17 years, taking on projects for the University of Missouri Health Care, Columbia Public Schools, Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA) and Compass Health Network. Borgmeyer has been with SOA for 20 years, helping clients including Capital Region Medical Center and the Special Olympics Missouri.
Both Stegemann and Borgmeyer have an expertise in sustainable design and a deep understanding of the company’s culture and values, which have been instrumental in the firm’s success.
“We are thrilled to have both Brad and Nick as principals of the company,” said Jennifer Hedrick, president of SOA Architecture. “Their dedication and expertise have been invaluable. They bring forward a level of professionalism that helps us grow and evolve to serve even more of our community.”
Borgmeyer and Stegemann are LEED accredited professionals through the U.S. Green Building Council. Their focus on sustainability continues to sets them—and SOA Architecture—apart.
About Borgmeyer
Borgmeyer, a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis and Helias High School in Jefferson City, has LEED accredited professional through the U.S. Green Building Council.
He is also proud of the work he does for the community.
“I am honored to be a part of the team that has helped organizations in the mid-Missouri area grow and succeed,” said Borgmeyer. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue to deliver high-quality, sustainable designs to our clients.”
Outside of his professional life, Borgmeyer is a member of the long-term visioning committee at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and enjoys spending time with his wife of 19 years, Lisa, and his sons, Gabe and Max.
About Stegemann
Stegemann’s connection to the community is apparent as he reflects on the projects that stand out to him in his career with SOA Architecture.
“I was privileged to work on the Boone Hospital post-partum wing, where all three of my children were born,” Stegemann says. “I was also honored to serve as the architect on the Our Lady of Lourdes Interparish School addition, where my children currently attend.” Stegemann, a Columbia native and Hickman High School alumnus, added, “I am proud to be a part of this company and to be able to give back to my community through my work.”
Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture (CCUA) is kicking off their annual “Sponsor a Row” Campaign in the month of March that supports all of their programs that work to help feed and educate our community. Sponsor a partial row, one row or multiple rows! One row is $1,200. Everyone who sponsors a row will also be featured in CCUA’s email newsletter that reaches around 6,000 community members.
Your row sponsorship supports all of CCUA’s programs by:
- Bringing over 47,000 pounds fresh food to families in need.
- Getting over 20,000 children involved in growing and preparing their own food.
- Empowering over 117 families to grow their own food at home.
- Providing therapeutic experiences to people suffering from addiction.
- Providing a healing environment to hundreds of veterans re-entering civilian life.
Visit the website to donate at columbiaurbanag.org or contact [email protected].
Boys and Girls Clubs of Columbia, Burrell partner to provide mental health services for kids
Agreement will create access to on-site behavioral health services at Columbia Clubs
A mid-Missouri agency that provides space for kids and teens during out-of-school hours has entered into a partnership with Burrell Behavioral Health to provide on-site services for youth and families they serve.
Through this new agreement, behavioral health professionals will provide individual and group services to Boys and Girls Clubs of Columbia locations. These services include connecting youth and their families to appropriate community services.
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“Through this collaborative partnership we are building and nurturing young people’s social and emotional skills to prepare them to be positive and contributing members of our community,” said Abigail Anderson, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbia. “By integrating Burrell’s services at our five locations, it helps level the playing field for our youth, especially those who may not have had resources to access behavioral health care,” Anderson said.
Safe and positive environments where social and emotional skill development is a priority for Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbia. This new service supports that goal.
“Burrell is unique in our ability to offer community support services outside of a traditional clinic setting. So, we’re excited to know our experts will be at Club locations to increase access to care, for the youth they serve,” said Megan Steen, Chief Operating Officer, Burrell Central Region.
Burrell works within dozens of school districts and other youth contact points, including Boys & Girls Clubs, across its 18-county coverage area in Missouri to provide on-site services for youth of all ages. This integrated behavioral healthcare approach is a proven way to connect with kids when they need help, in a place where they and their parents are most comfortable.