SBA HUBZone Program
In 1997, Missouri Senator Christopher Bond created legislation authorizing businesses in low income and/or high unemployment areas to compete more effectively for government contracts.
When stress is not normal
Everyone has stress, and a moderate amount of stress is normal. A stressor is any demand on your body or your mind. Stressors can be unpleasant or pleasant experiences, like a family reunion, the holidays or exercise. Situations that are considered stressful for one person may have little effect on another person.
Bonding basics
What are bonds and when are they required? According to the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), a bond is a written document between a bidder or contractor (the principal) and a second party (the surety) to ensure fulfillment of the principal’s obligations to a third party (the obligee or government) identified in the bond. If the principal’s obligations are not met, the bond ensures payment, to the extent stipulated, of any loss…
Farmers seek help from MU agronomists on dry weather impact on crops, forages
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Newly made spring hay finally being baled in June may be toxic for cattle. Hold off on feeding new hay, says Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist.The longer the hay can be stored after baling, the less toxic it becomes.
Doing business with the government
When considering target markets for their products and services, many business owners often overlook one with vast potential — local, state and federal governments. Agencies and organizations at all three levels of government buy nearly everything imaginable from food, flowers and fighter jet components to janitorial services, construction and heavy equipment.
Species spotlight: Persimmon
Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) goes by many common names; American persimmon, common persimmon, eastern persimmon, simmon, possumwood, and even sugar-plum. It ranges from southern Connecticut/Long Island to Florida, and west to Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas and Iowa.On the local landscape, its range is just as variable; occurring in rocky, dry, open woods; edges of woods, glades, prairies and wetlands, old fields, fencerows,…
Chancellor announces new vision for MU Extension and Engagement
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – University of Missouri Chancellor Alexander Cartwright announced a new vision for MU Extension and Engagement to fulfill what he referred to as an “all things Missouri” mission.
The power of protein
Everywhere we look we see new, great protein-boosted drinks and foods. But how much protein is really needed, and do Americans get enough or too much?
Be wary of energy drinks
Despite their popularity, energy drinks are not the best option nutritionally, said Tammy Roberts, former University of Missouri Extension nutrition and health education specialist.“Unfortunately, the energy in these drinks comes from sugar and stimulants like caffeine, guarana, ginseng and green tea,” Roberts said.
Pills, powders can't replace training and diet for young athletes
Young athletes, eager to be a starting player or earn a scholarship, may be tempted to follow the lead of pros and use performance enhancers to gain a competitive edge.Dale Brigham, University of Missouri nutrition and fitness specialist, said high school and college athletes are better off focusing on their diet and training, rather than relying on performance-enhancing supplements.
Active aging — Stay strong and stay healthy
When people talk about being physically active, many think of aerobic activities, but it is also about being strong. Getting the heart and lungs working to full capacity has great health benefits. Walking is perhaps the most common form of this type of exercise. When the weather permits, the walkers abound. But as a person ages, fear of falling may prevent him/her from getting out and moving.
Sports nutrition for better performance
You train hard, learn about the latest techniques and make sure your equipment is top-notch. You work hard to be good at your sport. But have you fueled your body for the demands you place on it?
New physical activity recommendations
The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association have released their 2007 recommendations for physical activity. These guidelines have been revised since the last update in 1995. Their goal is to help people live more active and healthy lives.
First MU Master Pollinator Steward classes begin in May
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The first series of University of Missouri Extension Master Pollinator Steward classes begins mid-May in Jefferson City.Pollinators play a crucial role in the production of fruits, vegetables, honey and field crops, said MU Extension horticulturist James Quinn. Declining populations of bees, birds, butterflies, bats and insects led MU Extension to develop a curriculum to help the public learn about pollinators and…
Pigs can’t sweat to cool off; give them help on hot days
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Pigs can’t cool themselves through sweating and need special attention during heat waves, says University of Missouri Extension swine nutrition specialist Marcia Shannon.Pigs take priority over any other animals on the farm when temperatures rise, Shannon says. Pigs have few working sweat glands to remove body heat.Shannon offers these tips:Provide an adequate, constant supply of fresh drinking water cooled to room…
Osher at Mizzou helps Columbia make Kiplinger’s top 10 list of great places to retire
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute makes Columbia one of the top 10 places to retire, according to the August 2015 edition of Kiplinger’s, a Washington, D.C.-based magazine of business forecasts and personal finance advice. Osher, part of University of Missouri Extension, complements Columbia’s institutions of higher learning with its noncredit programs for adults 50 and over.
Different distillers grains may change feed rations
COLUMBIA, Mo.– Ethanol plants are getting more efficient at extracting fuel from corn, and that can affect the quality of distillers grains, a byproduct of ethanol production often used as an economical feed alternative for hogs and poultry.“They are doing some further extraction to get more of the corn oil out of distillers grains,” says Marcia Shannon, University of Missouri Extension swine specialist. “So we’re getting a little bit…
Location, timing critical for double-crop success
COLUMBIA, Mo.–Double-cropping soybeans after wheat provides the opportunity to harvest two crops in the same year from the same piece of land. But there are challenges and concerns with double-cropping, and a University of Missouri Extension agronomist says location is a big factor.
MU Extension teaches kids that cooking matters
MONTGOMERY CITY, Mo. – In a crowded kitchen in a church basement, nine elementary school kids are cooking lunch. You might think it’s a recipe for disaster—kids are using knives, handling raw meat, working at a big gas range, and there’s not much elbow room—but they know their jobs and the turkey tacos and fruit smoothies turn out fine, with no injuries and not too much of a mess in the kitchen.
Mercury Communications, Inc.
The challenge Mercury Communications, Inc., a cellular tower manufacturer in Fenton, Mo., has been receiving assistance from the Mid-America Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC) since June 2013 to improve training, marketing and advertising.
McCormick Armstrong Co. Inc.
The challenge McCormick Armstrong Co. Inc., a Kansas manufacturer, offers a world of printing solutions from domestic commercial sheet-fed and web printing, digital printing, bindery, mailing and fulfillment to a vast array of international production solutions.
PWI, Inc.
The challenge PWI, Inc., a Kansas manufacturer, pioneered aviation interior lighting in 1972 with custom-made fluorescent lights and more recently has become the resident expert in LED lighting.
Major Custom Cable Inc.
The challenge Major Custom Cable Inc., one of the largest manufacturers of data and communication cables in the U.S., started receiving assistance from the
KC Tent & Awning Company
The challenge KC Tent & Awning Company, a tent and awning manufacturer in Kansas City, Mo., began receiving assistance from the Mid-America Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC) in May 2011 to grow the capacity of the sales team, develop and implement a marketing strategy, complete a lead based process review or custom production system to develop more efficie
Express Scale Parts, Inc.
The challenge Express Scale Parts, Inc., a scale and bagging equipment manufacturer, has been receiving assistance from the Mid-America Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC) since 2010.