Business briefs (June 14)

Congressman Smith tours Steward Steel in Sikeston

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Jason Smith toured Steward Steel on Friday in Sikeston. The family-owned business first opened in 1950 to supply steel building materials to the construction industry in southeast Missouri and has since expanded to ship steel products throughout the United States. Steward Steel has been a family-owned business for four generations.

"Steward Steel has been part of the fabric of our community for more than 60 years, generation after generation," said Congressman Smith. "Local companies that manufacture goods for folks across the country are the backbone of American industry."

Today, Steward Steel employs 110 people across three different locations and specializes in custom doors and door framing.

Class on human resource issues will be offered

JACKSON -- Many small business owners take human resource issues and either put them on the back burner or hand them off to someone who is not really qualified to deal with the complexity of the issues. This lack of attention can result in the business owner being in a difficult position with an employee(s).

A class being offered by the University of Missouri Extension Small Business Technology & Development Center of Cape Girardeau County is addressing this business need on July 1. It will be held at the MU Extension Center at 684 W Jackson Trail in Jackson at 6 p.m.

Topics covered in the class are at-will employment, Federal and state regulations, areas you can check on a prospective employee, tips to stay on top of the topic and places to go for additional information. The class is led by Sarah Elfrink of The Webb Law Firm, LLC. She holds law degree from St. Louis University's School of Law with a concentration in employment law.

To register, please call (573) 243-3581 before June 24 to reserve a seat. A paid registration fee is required to be counted for the attendance and to ensure the enrollees receive all the materials for the class. Group discounts are available by sending more than one person from the same business. A minimum number of paid registrants are required to hold this class.

MU Extension business programming is funded in part by the Small Business Administration and the University of Missouri and are open to all interested residents. Requests for special accommodations will be considered if communicated to Richard Proffer by calling 573-243-3581.

Class will be offered to help potential small business owners

JACKSON -- At the heart of the America's small business sector are self-employed and non-employer businesses, which comprise approximately half of America's businesses. These small businesses, employing 50 people or fewer, fill niche markets, innovate, and contribute to the competition in free markets. These small businesses also give individuals the chance to achieve their own versions of the American Dream, and allow entry into employment by women and minorities, as well as other individuals who might otherwise be shut out of the labor market.

To help potential entrepreneurs reach their goal of small business ownership The University of Missouri Extension Small Business Technology Development Center is offering, "Starting a Small Business: The First Steps." The class is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23rd at the MU Cape Girardeau County Extension Center, 684 West Jackson Trail, in Jackson. The class starts at 6 p.m.

Class instructor, Richard Proffer, University of Missouri Extension business development specialist said, "'Starting a Small Business: The First Steps' is vital to anyone considering opening a business of any kind. In one evening we cover a lot of material, including business ownership and planning, government regulations, marketing, and financing, just to name a few subjects. We help participants identify resources that will help them get started in Missouri, and also help them identify areas where they may need special assistance."