Business

Heart of Missouri United Way announced its new funding recipients Wednesday as part of its Community Impact model, which will shift focus from assisting those living in poverty to targeting causes of poverty.

Eight new agencies will receive funding next year, and some agencies will lose funding as Heart of Missouri United Way seeks to reduce need in poor communities, not just fill it.

Pro Food Systems Inc. is planning to add 43 jobs within the next five years at its operation in Holts Summit.  The new headquarters will have three components: a breading and blending facility, a logistics service center and print companies.  The company said it will invest $6 million dollars into the new headquarters.

Missouri Department of Economic Development Spokesperson John Fougere said the Department used tax credits and other incentives to encourage Pro Food Systems into expansion.

Missouri's Insurance Department says it has recovered $7.7 million so far this year for consumers. The money comes from customers with complaints about their insurance companies or coverage.

The department said through September of this year, it has fielded more than 10,000 written inquiries and complaints – and more than 16,000 phone calls from customers.

Often complaints have to do with denial of claims and processing delays. Most of the problems reported have to do with health insurance, followed by auto and homeowner coverage.

Columbia’s pending move to a roll-cart, trash-collection program is moving forward with a few changes to the original plan.  Currently the city is identifying ideal neighborhoods in which to test the roll cart program.  Public Works’ Solid Waste Utility Manager Richard Wieman says the new system will be cheaper and pick up more trash on a daily basis.

“(The) industry is just moving away from manual collection, due to one, the safety issues I mentioned, the cost issue, and we’re just kind of going, taking a look at that program and see if it will fit for Columbia,” he says.