The risk of cybersecurity incidents, like data breaches, continues to grow as the use of internet-connected technology expands. Data breaches can affect companies of all sizes and industries, from Fortune 500 tech companies to local manufacturers. In 2023, about 2,200 data breaches occurred per day, costing about $4.45 million per breach.
The best way to protect your company from a data breach is to implement a solid cybersecurity program that reduces the likelihood of an attack and reduces the…
In an increasingly digital world, it’s easier than ever for scammers to take advantage of consumers and target their bank accounts.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losing more than $10 billion to fraud in 2023, a new high and 14% increase over reported losses in 2022.
What are the common financial schemes that consumers fall victim to, and what measures can you take to safeguard your finances and prevent yourself from fraud attempts?
Read more about some of these…
Missouri American Water customers are encouraged to visit the company website to learn more about the source and quality of their drinking water. The 2023 Water Quality Reports, also referred to as Consumer Confidence Reports, are now available for all of Missouri American Water’s operations throughout the state at missouriamwater.com.
“Our team of highly skilled professionals are committed to delivering safe, clean, reliable water service to our customers, and we’re proud to meet or surpass…
In 2021, First Bank launched its Center for Family-Owned Businesses to provide family businesses the insights, solutions and networking opportunities they need to be successful, as well as the solid framework necessary for building upon their family business legacy.
To stay apprised of the specific needs and challenges of family businesses, we again commissioned the expert assistance of market research firm MacKenzie Corporation, a second-generation family business in Orange County, California,…
Those of us who live in St. Louis know our region has a remarkable story to tell. Yet too often, the story we want to share doesn’t reach its audience or — worse — someone else tells our story with a negative focus that doesn’t accurately reflect what our region has to offer.Â
When it comes to helping improve St. Louis’ brand for a global audience, there are several initiatives we could seize upon: continuing efforts to revitalize downtown, developing new businesses and better promoting…
After a historic 18-month regional advocacy campaign, the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis (RACSTL) received $10.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from the city of St. Louis last summer.
More than 100 arts organizations and countless artists and residents across St. Louis united to press local elected officials to allocate funds to RACSTL to support the sector’s recovery from the negative financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. A trusted, long-term public funder of…
This May, Purina is working with Duo Dogs, a St. Louis-based nonprofit that trains and connects dogs with people to cultivate positive change, to position touch therapy teams on local high school campuses in support of youth mental health.
The teams, many of them Purina employee volunteers with their trained and certified therapy dogs, will interact with teenage students to educate them on the mental and physical benefits of pets and help ease their stress during final exam week. The event is part…
In the ever-changing market of commercial construction, selecting the right general contractor is pivotal for project success. Engaging a construction partner is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and it’s important to seek out an experienced general contractor that is detail-oriented and able to support your business needs when you’re ready to enter the market.
Navigating the current commercial construction market can be daunting, but considering these key factors when selecting a trusted construction…
Ben Molina understands that when people think of the support early-stage entrepreneurs need to bring their visions into focus, they tend to concentrate on things like identifying target markets, finding access to capital or proving concepts. These are important, Molina says, but they don’t give the full picture of the entrepreneur as a whole person — one who might be facing barriers that make it difficult for them to even begin thinking of their prospective business.
“We want to learn not…
Two Missouri social-equity licensees connected to a Michigan company that used Craigslist to recruit applicants have appealed the state’s decision to revoke their dispensary licenses.
The Michigan company, Canna Zoned, was behind two of the 16 microbusiness dispensary licenses issued by lottery in October — Frankenstein Enemy LLC in Columbia and Seashore Rhythm LLC in Arnold. Both licenses were revoked on March 27.
Their appeals will be argued before the Administrative Hearing Commission on…
A campaign to ask voters in Missouri to approve sports wagering says it has collected more than 300,000 signatures from residents, well above the threshold needed to place its initiative petition on the November ballot.
Key members of Congress announced an agreement Monday on a $105 billion bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration for five years ahead of a May 10 deadline.
The 1,000-page bill would raise hiring targets for air traffic control and would codify in law a rule the Biden administration introduced this month requiring airlines to offer refunds for canceled or significantly delayed flights, among other consumer-focused provisions.
The legislation also would add flights to Ronald Reagan…
A federal jury has convicted two St. Louis attorneys and a North Carolina insurance agent of conspiring to defraud the U.S. government of about $4 million total by operating a fraudulent tax shelter.
By lowering logistical and financial barriers, St. Louis is poised to become a melting pot for innovation in a key growth category in which the region is quickly becoming a leader, writes Keith Masback.
The company is “working with advisers to explore strategic options and gauge buyer interest,” Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar with the company’s thinking.
The Monarch Fire Protection District serves several different municipalities in west St. Louis County, and right now, it's facing challenges. Among them is not having enough equipment or equipment that's too old. So the district formed a community-led effort is called "Monarch NEXT" and is holding public meetings this week on a possible property tax increase.
The district says some residents have to wait more than 10 minutes when they call 911.
Monarch serves 80,000 residents in a nearly 63-mile…
The 39 North Agtech Innovation District organization this week will move into a new “Collaboration Hub” that will serve as its headquarters and aims to be a focal point for events and coworking within the district.
An investigation into accusations of misconduct by Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher was dismissed Monday at the end of a tense hearing where members of the ethics committee blocked the chair from reading an email about how Plocher’s office had allegedly intimidated possible witnesses.
The email, obtained by The Independent through an open records request, was from Lori Hughes, director of administration for the Missouri House. In it, Hughes detailed events over several months that she said…
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