SEMO president talks entrepreneurship at BRPC meeting

Dr. Carlos Vargas-Aburto, president of Southeast Missouri State University, addressed the Bootheel Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission (BRPC) Thursday about the opportunities provided by SEMO campuses in the Bootheel and the entrepreneurial programs being offered by the university to help economic growth.

Vargas said rural economic growth was one of the biggest challenges facing the county, and small businesses provide the biggest opportunity for job growth.

"I am committed to economic development," said Vargas.

Vargas spoke about the SEMO Catapult Creative House located at 612 Broadway in Cape Girardeau. He said the entrepreneurial incubator project would change the way people live, work and learn.

Located in a two-story building in the heart of downtown Cape Girardeau, Southeast has revitalized a vacant storefront.

This student-run venture will give students from all Southeast disciplines the opportunity to spawn ideas and test business models -- leading or participating in creating, developing and selling innovative products and services, said Vargas.

The facility offers specialized work space that supports experiential learning opportunities, taking students from the idea and concept stage, to prototyping and product/service development, to commercialization, according to their website.

Catapult Creative House is the outcome of an interdisciplinary collaboration involving 12 faculty members drawn from eight academic programs from four different colleges.

The multi-functional house features artwork designed and created by students, including painting, prints, sculpture and ceramics Digital media and photography will be sold. There is a retail shop where unique student-made products -- including apparel, fashion accessories, jewelry, paper products, photography services, environmental sustainability artwork and CDs with student produced music are sold. A gourmet beverage and snack bar operated by hospitality management students is located toward the rear of the space.

"It has the best coffee anywhere," stated Vargas. "We are proud of the lab."

Vargas said the SEMO campuses at Sikeston, Malden and Kennett were assets to the university and to the communities they serve. He noted that Kennett is adding a retail sales class and other campuses are working on a business incubator focusing on agriculture-related programs.

Vargas said, "I am working with the directors of our campuses" to help tailor education programs to the needs of the rural communities. He said he has met with Dr. Wes Payne, president of Three Rivers College to discuss a working relationship between the two.

"I am interested in cooperating with TRC to help rural economic development," said Vargas.

Vargas thanked those present for inviting him to attend the meeting. Also present was Ed Gargas who was recently appointed to the SEMO Board of Regents.

August meeting

At the August meeting of the BRPC, Lisa Baker was promoted to economic development director. She replaces Connie Duke, who retired. Baker was the community development grant administrator. BRPC Executive Director David Blalock said the commission is looking for a person to fill the grant administrator position.