Melissa Houston

Selling a business is complex, with many owners unprepared for buyer expectations, according to M&A advisor Lamar Rutherford. A "Silver Tsunami" of aging owners is approaching, yet many lack succession plans. A major hurdle is owner dependency; businesses too reliant on the founder lose significant value. Buyers seek operations with documented processes and management depth that can run independently. Recurring revenue streams, like subscriptions, are highly attractive due to their predictability. Clean, organized financials are crucial, as messy records create doubt. Other deal-breakers include high customer concentration and key employee dependency. Ultimately, businesses commanding premium valuations are those built to operate and grow independently of their founder, ensuring they can thrive post-sale.

The Columbia Fire Department held a Traffic Incident Management training session on Wednesday to review safety protocols for road incidents.

Online traffic crash reports from the Missouri State Highway Patrol show that traffic fatalities in Troop F have nearly doubled so far this year compared to the same time period in 2025.

COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ) One Sunday morning, a fire broke out at a home at the corner of Tara Lane and Hominy Creek Trail in northeast Columbia. Columbia Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer told ABC 17 News there was a temporary delay in finding the home after dispatchers were given incorrect information about its location. The initial

Businesses with recurring revenue models are significantly more appealing to potential buyers, commanding higher valuations due to increased predictability and reduced risk. Buyers prioritize future cash flow stability over past earnings, making subscriptions, retainers, and service contracts powerful value drivers. This predictability assures buyers of continued customer relationships and consistent cash flow post-acquisition, lessening the need for constant new sales. While often associated with software, diverse industries like professional services and trades can adopt recurring models through maintenance agreements or long-term contracts. However, the quality of recurring revenue, including retention and renewal rates, is crucial. Owners can enhance their business's attractiveness by packaging existing services into ongoing agreements, transforming it into a more predictable and transferable asset for sale.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) The Jefferson City Council approved plans for the budget and construction of the new Jefferson City Conference Center during a special meeting Monday. The conference center will be located in the "heart of Jefferson City," according to Mayor Ron Fitzwater, on the corner of Madison Street and East Capitol Avenue. Fitzwater

The City of Columbia collected nearly 110 tons of recycling materials in the first 10 days after curbside pickup resumed.

Entrepreneurship is shifting from traditional startups to acquiring existing businesses, a trend known as Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA). A prominent model, the search fund, enables entrepreneurs to raise capital, then find, acquire, and operate established private companies. This path offers less uncertainty than building from scratch, as buyers inherit proven revenue, customers, and operational history. Search funds are gaining momentum due to the vast small business market needing succession solutions and investor interest in profitable, growth-oriented companies. Buyers seek businesses with predictable revenue, strong fundamentals, and the ability to thrive independently of the original founder, underscoring the importance of early preparation for owners considering an exit. This evolution creates opportunities for both founders and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Jefferson City's Public Works and Planning Committee met on July 9 to discuss research on safety requirements for shelters, including those that house homeless individuals, and to create a draft of the ordinance.

A severe morning storm caused tree damage and a widespread power outage across Morgan County on July 10, and residents spent much of the day preparing for possible storms later at night.