Wednesday, April 16, 2025

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Want to sponsor your business in JOMO Jive? Send your inquiry to [email protected]

Good Morning, Joplin. This email newsletter costs nothing and brings joy. Unlike taxes.

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• April Third Thursday - Be a Hero

• MSSU Pitch Palooza

• Arvest Bank - Million Meals

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who still hasn’t been to Third Thursday.

SPONSORED BY ARVEST BANK

Did you know nearly 1 in 5 children in our region don’t have consistent access to food? That’s why Arvest Bank is back with its 15th annual Million Meals campaign, aiming to provide at least one million meals to those in need—and they’re asking Joplin to join in.

Now through May 31, you can make a real difference right here at home.

Here’s how to help:

• 🥫 Drop off nonperishable food at any Arvest branch

• 💵 Donate online — every dollar provides up to 5 meals

• 📦 Support stays local — donations in Joplin benefit local food partners

100% of your support goes to fighting hunger in our own community.

👉 Learn more or donate at arvest.com/millionmeals

Let’s show what Joplin generosity can do—because no one in our town should go to bed hungry.

THE DIGEST

April Third Thursday - Be A Hero 🦸 

Suit up, Joplin—because this month’s Third Thursday is calling all heroes! On April 17 from 5:30–8:30 PM, Downtown Joplin transforms into a celebration of community, creativity, and capes for the themed night: Be a Hero.

Here’s what to expect:

• 🌭 Free Hot Dogs & Giveaways – Millwood Construction is serving the first 500 guests with hot dogs and chips, plus games and prizes

• 🐾 Adoptable Pets & Cornhole – Swing by Vert’s Neighborhood Dispensary’s area in the 400 block for fun and furry friends

• 🎶 Live Music – From the 200 to 600 blocks, including Analog Frog at 610 S. Main

• 🎨 Art Walk, Car Cruise & More – Vintage cars, bounce house for kids, patio dining, and over 140 vendors and food trucks

• 👕 Youth Volunteer Corps Booth – Grab a Third Thursday tee or sign up to give back

Costumes are encouraged—so don your cape, channel your inner hero, and head downtown for a night of fun. More info at downtownjoplin.com/thirdthursday.

Pitch Palooza at MSSU 💼 

Entrepreneurs, students, and innovators—get ready to take the mic. Pitch Palooza is back at Missouri Southern State University on Thursday, April 17, and it's your chance to turn your boldest ideas into real momentum. The event runs from 8 AM to 4 PM at MSSU’s Plaster School of Business and is completely free to attend.

Here’s what’s going on:

• 🎤 Live business pitches in three tracks: Collegiate, Start-Up, and Scalability

• 🧠 Expert feedback from judges on market strategy, team strength, and innovation

• 🎯 Networking & exposure to potential partners, mentors, and supporters

• 💼 Real-world coaching on how to pitch, plan, and launch your next big thing

Pitch Palooza is open to both presenters and spectators—and registration is still open. Whether you're sharing your vision or cheering from the crowd, this is where Joplin’s next big ideas take flight.

👉 Learn more or register at mssutraining.com/pitch-palooza

SPONSORED BY NATHAN EDDY - AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE

Is it worth it to bundle your insurance policies? Nathan says, “Bundling home and auto insurance with American Family can save an average of 20-30% on both policies.” Not only can moving all your insurance coverages under one roof save you money on your premiums, it also simplifies the insurance process.

What’s even greater is that it’s no problem if your homeowners insurance is paid through escrow. American Family can still switch everything over for you!

To see how much Nathan and American Family can save you, get a quote now or stop by 2020 E 7th Street, Joplin, MO 64801.

WEATHER

Wednesday: 🌡️ 42 | 75 ☀️

Thursday: 🌡️ 62 | 83 💨 

Friday: 🌡️ 62 | 78 🌧️ 45%

Upcoming:

⚾️ Baseball (22-18)
4/17 at HOME vs University of Central Missouri | 5:00 PM
4/18 at HOME vs University of Central Missouri | 5:00 PM
4/19 at HOME vs University of Central Missouri | 1:00 PM

🥎 Softball (30-16)
4/17 at HOME vs Fort Hays State University | 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM (DH)
4/18 at HOME vs University of Nebraska - Kearney | 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM (DH)

🏃 Men’s and Women’s Track & Field
4/17 at Pitt State University Tune-Up | 11:00 AM

What’s Happening

Wednesday:

Wine Down Wednesday - Free Wine Tasting | 3:00 PM
Location: Jugz Liquor and Wine

Trivia Night | 6:45 PM
Location: Chaos Brewing Company

Thursday:

DIY Bread in a Bag | 11:00 AM
Location: Joplin Public Library

Joplin BrandKamp | 11:30 AM
Location: The Main Event

Let’s Dish Book Discussion | 1:00 PM
Location: Joplin Public Library

April Third Thursday - Be A Hero |
Location: Downtown Joplin

1000 Words Poetry Event | 6:00 PM
Location: Freeman Health System Main Gallery

Friday:

Instructed Painting “Spring Showers” | 6:00 PM
Location: Nexus

Nature Explorers: Native Pollinator Plants | 6:00 PM
Location: Wildcat Glades Education Cottage