A key Missouri asset: MU Extension generated $1.2 billion economic impact in FY21
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension generated an estimated $1.2 billion economic impact throughout Missouri in fiscal year 2021, according to a recent impact analysis. That amount contributed to the University of Missouri System’s overall $6.5 billion economic impact statewide.
Residents Exceed Documentation Goal for Acts of Kindness Challenge; Kindness is Perfect Antidote for the Selfishness Virus
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Participants in this year's 100 Acts of Kindness Challenge helped the University of Missouri Extension document 873 kindness actions between March 20 and March 26, according to David Burton, a community development specialist with MU Extension.
Lawn Art With Neighbors (LAWN) Strengthens Social Bonds Through Art April 23 – May 8 in Greene County
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Along with the invigorating energy of Spring, Lawn Art With Neighbors (LAWN) is popping up near you from April 23 to May 8, 2022, with front lawn art created by your neighbors throughout Greene County.Think of it as a museum without walls says Deidre Argyle, an art professor at Missouri State and founder of LAWN.“LAWN is a city-wide public art exhibition made for front lawns by community members located in and…
Hog Wild
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Having grown up on a farm in the foothills of the Missouri Ozarks, Jerry Richards was prepared for droughts, snowstorms and torrential rains. He wasn’t prepared for feral hogs.
Author Chris Rodell Shares About Mr. Rogers Real Neighborhood in Neighboring 101 Class March 17
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Chris Rodell, author of "Growing Up in Mr. Rogers' REAL Neighborhood: Life Lessons from the Heart of Latrobe, PA," will be the live guest in University of Missouri Extension's free monthly zoom class, Neighboring 101, starting at noon (CST) on Thursday, March 17.
Try These 100 Acts of Kindness To Celebrate Mister Rogers' Birthday on March 20
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - It only takes a small act of kindness to make a big difference in the life of someone in your community, like a service provider, a community leader, a lonely person or a neighbor.
Helping to Create Healthy, Engaged Neighbor Relationships is an Essential Part of Community Betterment
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Nearly 150 communities in Missouri have a "community betterment association" of some type. The goal of the community betterment association can vary from town to town.
Watercolor Notecards Provide a Personal Touch to Neighboring, Can be Relaxing
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- When a neighbor receives a kind note from us, especially if it is handwritten, they feel like the writer has a deeper desire to serve them or connect.“Isolated and lonely people desire a personal touch. This has always been true. But it is especially true during this period in our social history,” said David Burton, community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
Discover Assets in Urban Neighborhood the Story of "Having Nothing, Possessing Everything" Says Author Mike Mather
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Michael Mather, author of "Having Nothing, Possessing Everything," was a guest in University of Missouri Extension's Neighboring 101 class on Dec. 16, 2021.He advocates for asset-based community development and never doing something for someone in a community that they can do for themselves.
Mental Health & Self-Care
It is important to take care of our mental health through daily and weekly self-care. There are times in life when we are going to feel overwhelmed whether it’s impending deadlines, a long to-do list, tension with a family member or friend, everyone experiences stress. The response to that stress is what impacts our mental health.
Hundreds of Different Choices Define Neighboring Relationships
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Developing positive and loving relationships with your neighbors does not happen in one day or even one week. Instead, the relationship takes time and depends on hundreds of different choices, said David Burton, county engagement specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
Before Flying Your New Aerial Drone, Learn the Rules
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Dynamic Remotely Operated Navigation Equipment (DRONE) is at the top of many gift wish lists this year. But it is best to get acquainted with the rules for aerial drones before using one, according to Willa Williams, 4-H youth development specialist in Greene County with University of Missouri Extension.
Properly Fitted Bike Helmet Key to Reducing Injuries
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Bicycles remain a popular holiday gift purchase but the gift would be incomplete without a bicycle helmet according to Willa Williams, 4-H youth specialist in Greene County with University of Missouri Extension and a League Cycling Instructor. “When people are thinking about buying bicycles this holiday, remember to include a bicycle helmet,” said Williams. “All bike riders should wear bicycle helmets.”
Garden strengthens community across differences
NOEL, Mo. – Food is a bridge that brings people together. That conviction was the seed for a garden that now flourishes on what was once a rocky hillside plot in Noel, a town of 1,800 in the southwest corner of Missouri.
Humility is Key Attribute for Best Leaders According to Current Research
OZARK, Mo. – Superheroes may not be powered by humility, but great leaders are, according to Dr. Pam Duitsman, a county engagement specialist with University of Missouri Extension.“Many would not readily associate the quality of humility with strong leadership. We usually think of attributes like being strong, bold, confident, and decisive,” said Duitsman. “But a growing body of research is showing that humility is a key attribute for…
Tigers United: Mascots set aside rivalries to help save relatives in the wild
Missouri families and educators! Truman has something important to share with you. As any loyal fan knows, Mizzou’s mascot, Truman, is a Bengal tiger. Sadly, the number of tigers in the wild has declined sharply over the last century. Today, there are fewer than 4,000 tigers left worldwide!
Why we no longer neighbor
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Many Americans recognize that relationships with neighbors are different today than 20 or 30 years ago.One study from the Harvard Medical School shows that 50 years ago, neighboring was talked about in terms of social relationships, but today it is spoken of in terms of etiquette. Specifically, things like "be quiet and leave me alone."
Missouri SBDC receives grant to help underserved communities succeed with the Small Business Innovation Research Program
MISSOURI – The Missouri SBDC (Small Business Development Centers) was awarded $125,000 for specialized training, business counseling, and technical assistance for research and development (R&D)-focused small businesses under the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program.
Branson Airport, Hollister, MO
The Branson Airport started working with the Missouri SBDC at Missouri State University in 2020 to learn more about various programs to help them navigate the pandemic impacts on travel. Check out this latest video and hear how working with the SBDC helped them.
Good News Brewing, Defiance, MO
Good News Brewery has grown amidst the pandemic. They find opportunities and reach out to the Missouri SBDC at EDC of St. Charles County. Check out this latest video and hear how working with the SBDC helped them.
The Cherry Company, Kansas City, MO
Thalia Cherry started working with the Missouri SBDC at UMKC in 2016 and continues to work with her business coach to help her business grow. Check out our latest client highlight video to learn more about Thalia's entrepreneurial journey.
Lone Star Physiques, Kirkville, MO
Stephanie McGrew is the owner of Lone Star Physiques in Kirksville, MO. Check out our latest client highlight video to learn about Stephanie's relationship with the Missouri SBDC in Northeast Region and more about her rural, personal fitness business.
“Sowing and Growing Hope” Topic of Neighboring 101 Session Nov. 18
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – “Sowing and Growing Hope” will be the topic for the next Neighboring 101 session on Thursday, Nov. 18 at noon (CST).Amber Allen, University of Missouri Extension Human Development Specialist, will present on the topic of hope and how it can impact your neighborhood. Part of her presentation is based on the book “Hope Rising: How the Science of Hope Can Change Your Life,” by by Casey Gwinn and Dr. Chan Hellman.
Creating an Emergency Kit
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- Greene County 4-H is partnering with the Greene County Office of Emergency Management to help youth and families get prepared for emergencies, and to get more youth interested in public safety careers. Teaching youth about emergency preparedness is important for several reasons according to Willa Williams, the new 4-H youth specialist in Greene County and also the Missouri 4-H youth preparedness program manager.
Neighboring 101 Sessions Open for Registration, Free, and Attracting Nationally Known Speakers
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- University of Missouri Extension continues a series of free programs known as "Neighboring 101." These are free classes that are taught live via zoom once a month during the noon hour.You must register online at https://extension.missouri.edu to access the live class and get videos from past classes.