How to Prosper BECAUSE of Your Competition

If you’ve been considering your competitors as roadblocks, or hindrances, you’ve been overlooking an important springboard to success.

Sunshine Donut Lady

Executive Director Renee Tillman shares why she loves her job.

Central County Community Outreach Raises $26,000 for MS Society

The Central County Community Outreach Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Walk-A-Thon raised more than $26,000 to help find the cause of, treatment for, and ultimately a cure for MS..

Avoiding Omega 3 Pitfalls

Omega 3 for the whole family...

Dropping Your Alarm Monitoring

There's a growing trend, in today's economy, to drop alarm monitoring from the family budget. But there is a way, to monitor your home security system yourself.

What is The Discount Deck? 52 $10 & $20 gift certificates to your favorite places

$20 for $620 gift certificates to local restaurants, bars, spas and more.

Patch Welcomes Missouri Valley Credit Union

Patch sales staff is excited to welcome Missouri Valley Credit Union to our family of local advertisers.

MO GOP Hypocrisy

GOP state lawmakers want you to think they are reducing spending. Yet, spending is on the rise.

Like Higher State Spending? Thank GOP Lawmakers

If you are a fan of the state spending more of your money, be sure and thank your state lawmakers for a job well done when you spot them out on the campaign trail this summer.

Missouri Labor Market Grinds to Halt

It is going to take more than a little grease to get things going, which means it is probably time for an overhaul.

Economic Signals Flash Yellow: What Lies Ahead?

While the economy across Missouri has shown a few signs of improvement, growth may be starting to slow down again and even preparing to stop.

Lagging Labor Force in St. Louis

While more people across the state are starting to return to work, the number of people in the labor force in St. Louis continues to dwindle.

Jobs: Pick a Number, Politicize

From presidential politics on the national stage to the campaign for governor here in Missouri, the candidates are playing from the same playbook.

How Not to Win Media Friends and Influence the Press

If the goal is to make it look like the state is hiding something every month regarding the latest jobs data, the press office at the Missouri Department of Economic Development is doing great work.

GOP Spending Spree May Help Nixon

State lawmakers may have unwittingly helped the re-election campaign for Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon

Help Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service's Christmas Adopt-a-Program Now

Christmas is All Year Long at Sts. Joachim and Ann Care Service.

Republicans Set to Ramp Up State Spending

Despite plenty of talk about budget cuts once again during this session, state lawmakers are on track to approve an increase in total spending.

Best Teacher: Bonnie Haarmann at St. Joseph School-Cottleville

First-grade teacher Bonnie Haarmann at St. Joseph School-Cottleville earns high marks from a parent.

Jumping Job Numbers or Lagging Labor Force?

The state is starting to get creative when it comes to promoting new job creation numbers, despite a dropping number of workers in the labor force.

Where Did All the Workers Go?

The labor force across Missouri dropped by nearly 40,000 workers during the first quarter of this year, yet nearly 30,000 jobs were created.

Show-Me State Incentives: Big Bucks, Job Cuts

The state has handed out millions of dollars in incentives to at least two large corporations for job training before the companies announced mass layoffs.

Covering Missouri with Show-Me State Skepticism

Whether it is battling big business or policing politicians, a good dose of skepticism is needed to report on the state's economy.

Jobs: Political Spin or Positive Outlook?

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon never mentions the drop in the state's labor force when he is talking about the number of new jobs.

Labor Force Drops, Layoffs Increase

Even though the unemployment rate is lower, layoffs across Missouri are on the rise and the number of workers in the labor force is down.

Let the Sunshine In: How Much Do You Know About the Sunshine Act?

Quiz your freedom of information and sunshine knowledge online.

Labor Force Dwindles in Missouri

The unemployment rate may be at its lowest level since 2008 in Missouri. However, the number of people within the labor force has also dropped.

Mass Layoffs, Foreclosures Hit St. Louis

Daily economic news seems to be hurting more people across the St. Louis region than in other areas of Missouri.

Stolen Winter: Robbed Blind and No One's Noticed

My kid, your kid, everyone of them pilfered in broad daylight of the opportunity to build snowmen, toboggan a hill, angel-ize a space in the snow, and gosh forbid—help shovel a driveway.

Semantics Stir State Spending Spin

Millions of dollars in funds can be restored to programs or departments and millions more can be cut from budgets, but total state spending is more likely to go up than down.

Missouri Needs At Least 161,000 New Jobs

While employment numbers nationally may be improving, Missouri lags behind other states when it comes to putting people back to work.

Economic News Not Promoted in Missouri

The state ranks number one in a category that political and economic development leaders would rather you not know about.

State Spending Increases Amid Budget Cut Talks

While state lawmakers fret about budget cuts again this legislative session, total spending in Missouri is likely to increase this fiscal year. What changed?

Wages Increase, Economy Expands Across St. Louis

What is the average weekly pay for employees in the St. Louis area? Plus, find out what areas of the economy are expanding, while others continue contracting.

Missouri Revenue Numbers Miss Estimates

While state lawmakers will soon be haggling over next year's spending plan, revenue collections for the current fiscal year are not hitting estimates. Plus, where are unemployment trends heading?

You May Have Paid Too Much for Property Taxes

While it seems as if everyone gripes about paying too much in taxes, the complaints may have some truth to them for taxpayers in the St. Louis region. Plus, Missouri spent $1.2 million on 39 elk.

Examining Job Totals Touted By Governor Nixon

Job numbers announced by Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon are not matching with the totals released by the federal government. Plus, the state is looking for ways to make up for less federal funding.

St. Louis Region Gets a Mixed Bag of Economic News

Find out which counties are falling behind and which are getting ahead. Learn how much is being spent on health care. Plus, get tips on how to look up state expenditures.

European Recession Could Hurt St. Louis Region

If Europe dips into a recession, the St. Louis region may feel the impact. Plus, Missouri will save $3.6 million by refinancing debt, and why a comma matters when it comes to budget appropriations.

Refunds Drop, Boosting State Revenue Collections

Revenue collections may be on the rise in Missouri, but not by enough if the state wants to hit its budget estimate for the fiscal year.

St. Louis' Economic Activity Falls as Nation's Climbs

While economic activity increased across the nation, the St. Louis region lagged. What is holding the economy back? Plus, learn how to check online to see if the IRS owes you money.