Morning Minutes: Lobbyist meal ban hurts catering businesses, MU athletics boasts operating surplus
Here are this morning’s top business headlines from across Missouri:
Despite House OK, leaders doubt ‘right to work’ bill’s chances
Despite the Missouri House of Representatives giving final approval to a so-called “right-to-work” bill Thursday, Republican backers of the legislation expressed doubts about the likelihood that the bill will become law this year.
MU athletics posts $3.5 million operating surplus for 2013-14
The University of Missouri athletic department posted an operating surplus of $3.5 million for the 2013-2014 school year, its third as a member of the Southeastern Conference.
Chevron sues Clayton’s Apex Oil over leaky pipeline
Oil giant Chevron Corp. is suing Clayton-based Apex Oil Corp. over a faulty oil pipeline that leaked thousands of gallons of petroleum products into the Baltimore Harbor and cost Chevron $30 million to clean up.
Ban on lobbyist meals takes bite out of Capitol catering business
Many applauded house House Speaker John Diehl earlier this legislative session when the Town and Country Republican unofficially banned state representatives from accepting meals — often paid for by lobbyists — during committee hearings. Caterers in Jefferson City were not among the crowd cheering the decision.
Valentine’s Day brings big boost to restaurant bookings
Restaurants across the St. Louis area are booked up or quickly nearing capacity as owners and managers prepare for a Saturday Valentine’s Day that many expect to beat last year.
