Community Leaders Reflect on Challenges and Accomplishments of 2004

Published by the Columbia Business Times                                                                               December 25, 2004
Volume 11, Issue 11

           

Community Leaders Reflect on Challenges and Accomplishments of 2004

The Columbia Business Times asked some mid-Missouri business and community leaders to reflect on the past year and to share their goals for the coming year. Here's what they had to say:

CBT: When you reflect on 2004, what business developments, challenges or achievements stand out as being most significant?
"The biggest achievement is continued growth in a challenging economic environment. UMB was able to grow significantly in key areas of commercial and consumer loans, deposits and asset management. The economy is showing signs of recovery, but consumer confidence is still inconsistent. Interest rates are slowly rising and that will help the banking industry."
   -Brian Neuner, Community Bank President
    UMB Bank - Columbia

"A known and unwelcome challenge to individuals, employees, employers and for our firm, (as health benefits advisors) is the continual rising costs of health care. The percent of the total economy devoted to health care and affordability of health services on a personal level are increasingly problematic issues we face. We have to continually look at ways to allow health care to remain affordable and find ways for the large number of uninsured in our community to have access to health-care insurance. Positively, we have seen many developments and opportunities in 2004 to shift the cost curve down for area individuals and businesses. These initiatives affect both private and public insurance plans and those who are uninsured. 

The latest trend toward consumer-driven health care requires that the consumer as an individual be part of the health-care decision-making process. We are seeing this advancement with new product offerings with higher deductible, enhanced preventive care and wellness benefits, and establishment of employer/individual health spending accounts."
   -Wendy Wiederhold, Benefits Advisor
    Sunvold Financial

"With a $26.4 million positive bottom line, the most obvious achievement is our financial turnaround. The improvement is critical to our success because it allows us to invest in services and technology to improve patient care and support our School of Medicine. The turnaround is the result of our staff's diligent efforts - last fall we held an event for the staff to celebrate and recognize their role in our success - and by the arrival of new physicians. More than 40 physicians have joined the staff and another 30 are arriving over the coming months."
   -James Ross, Chief Executive Officer
    University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics

"Those 2004 business challenges and ultimate achievements that stand out as being most significant are: successfully meeting the day-to-day, as well as the seasonal office-support staffing needs of our new, as well as long-time clients; retaining our best temporary-placement employees, as well as successfully locating, reference checking, interviewing, skill-testing and criminal background checking our permanent-placement candidates; giving back to the community through Socks & Undies for Kids. For two years, we've successfully coordinated this mammoth appeal, thanks to our employees, clients and the caring people of mid-Missouri."
   -Caroline Maher, Owner/Executive
    Caroline & Company

CBT: What are your goals for your business or organization in 2005?
"Marathon Office Interiors has aggressive growth plans for 2005. We plan to grow our commercial floor-covering business, commercial lighting business, business relocation services, interior design services and asset management services division. We are planning on increasing the size of the sales staff and will be exploring a variety of acquisition opportunities."
   -Greg Wolff, President
    Marathon Office Interiors

"As Visionworks moves toward its 10th anniversary in March, we will continue to serve our clients well in order to help them meet their goals and enjoy ongoing success. The agency will maintain its commitment to serving community organizations with cost-effective marketing services. At the same time, we will persue expanding our base or regional and national clients."
   -Lili Vianello, President
    Visionworks Marketing & Communications

"Our goals are to continue to train and coach our employees. We have just hired a new graduate from UMC in accounting. With this, our team will refine our processes and focus on what we are passionate about, what we can be best at, and what drives our economic engine."
   -Daniel Kliethermes, Owner
    Kliethermes Homes and Remodeling, Inc.