Retired Landmark Bank board chairman Jeff MacLellan has spent more than 30 years examining the trends of Columbia and Boone County’s economy. He joined 939 the Eagle host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour Saturday morning on the “CEO Round Table.” Mr. MacLellan says the average home sold in Boone County through November went for $326,000, up from $256,000 two years ago. Columbia’s economy traditionally has been led by education, health care and insurance. MacLellan says it’s still led by education and health care but that financial services is third now, led by explosive growth at Veterans United Home Loans. He tells listeners they now have about 3,500 employees in Columbia:
Perfect weather for Jefferson City fly-in event dedicated to veterans
Veterans from across Missouri traveled to Jefferson City on Saturday to take a free ride in a Boeing Stearman World War II-era biplane. It was part of the “Fly into the 40s event” at the Jefferson City Memorial Airport.
The free rides were provided by the non-profit organization Dream Flights. Founder and pilot Darryl Fischer tells 939 the Eagle that Dream Flights is dedicated to giving back to those who gave.
“We’re so lucky, we’re so blessed as American citizens to have veterans that have fought for our freedoms and done what they’ve done for us. And it’s just kind of a little special way to say thank you to them,” Fischer says.
He says the flights put a smile on the faces of veterans, many of whom are in their 80s or older. Weather for Saturday’s fly-in was perfect, and the Missouri National Guard was also on-hand with military vehicles.
The Stearman biplanes are open-canopy planes that were used to train pilots in the second world war. Mr. Fischer is grateful to Columbia-based Veterans United Home Loans (VUHL) for hosting the fly-in.
“Veterans United is a very special company because they don’t have to do this. They’re doing this because they appreciate veterans,” says Fischer.
Saturday’s fly-in also featured a D-C 3, paratroopers and numerous military vehicles. It’s the second straight year Veterans United has hosted the event.
Big turnout projected for Saturday’s fly-in in Jefferson City
Organizers of Saturday’s “Fly into the 40s event” at the Jefferson City Memorial Airport are expecting a big turnout.
Weather should be perfect for the event, which is from 10 am to 7 pm. The fly-in is being hosted by Columbia-based Veterans United Home Loans (VUHL). VU vice president Pam Swan says veterans from all generations will have an opportunity to take a free flight in a Stearman biplane.
“Which is a World War II trainer plane. And these are authentic rebuilt open-canopy trainer planes that they actually used during World War II before sending our pilots over,” Swan says.
Veterans who want a free ride should e-mail militaryrelations@veteransunited.com. Tomorrow’s event is free, and free parking and shuttle transportation will be available at the Hitachi plant across Highway 94.
The event will also include a D-C 3 and lots of military vehicles.
“The (Missouri) National Guard is coming out with vehicles. Some local collectors are coming out with I think 14 other vehicles. So much, much bigger than it was last year,” says Swan.
