http://syndicatemizzou.org/articles Fri, 12 May 2006 15:28:16 GMT Connecting you with the University of Missouri’s innovative research and creative activity http://syndicatemizzou.org/articles/show/19 There are some people in the online world who prove to be more influential than others in terms of the information they provide to the public. For example, exclusive and time-sensitive price data or reviews of new products are the types of information that these third-party individuals seem motivated, even compelled, to offer to as many people as possible. Much to the initial annoyance of companies, such information bears importantly on influencing actual purchasing behavior. Fri, 12 May 2006 15:28:16 GMT http://syndicatemizzou.org/articles/show/19 (LuAnne Roth) http://syndicatemizzou.org/articles/show/40 For two decades Robert E. Weems, Jr. has been studying interrelated aspects of African-American business and economic history at levels both local and national. The MU professor of History observes that the history of black economic development in Columbia, Missouri, with its once-thriving black business district, stands as a microcosm of national trends. “For a variety of social and economic reasons,” he notes, “we literally see black businesses disappearing from the landscape of America.” Weems’ first book, _Black Business in Black Metropolis: The Chicago Metropolitan Assurance Company, 1925-1985_ (1996), based on his dissertation research, explored the factors underlying this change. The history of this now-defunct black insurance company in Chicago has implications for the economics of race in America in general. Thu, 05 Oct 2006 18:06:38 GMT http://syndicatemizzou.org/articles/show/40 (LuAnne Roth)