Codefi to Lead Panel on AI and Entrepreneurship at 2025 SEED Symposium

Announcement includes unveiling of major new initiative for Southeast Missouri

November 13, 2025

We're honored to announce that Codefi has been invited to moderate and lead a distinguished panel discussion at the 2025 Southeast Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (SEED) Symposium on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

The SEED Symposium, hosted by the Cape Chamber and Southeast Missouri State University's Harrison College of Business & Computing, brings together prominent business and community leaders to examine current and future trends shaping the Southeast Missouri economy. This year's symposium represents a critical moment for our region as we navigate the intersection of technological advancement and economic development.

Leading the Conversation

Codefi has been invited to lead the conversation on AI and entrepreneurship alongside national thought leaders—recognition of our organization's expertise in rural innovation. Our Founder and CEO, Dr. James Stapleton, will moderate a panel discussion examining how artificial intelligence is transforming entrepreneurship and creating new economic opportunities in rural and regional markets.

The symposium will feature presentations and insights from:

Tom Sullivan - Senior Vice President of Small Business Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Charles Gascon - Economist and Research Officer, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Patrick Westhoff, PhD - Director, Food & Agriculture Policy Research Institute (FAPRI)

These leaders represent some of the most influential voices in small business policy, economic analysis, and agricultural innovation in the United States. Their presence at the SEED Symposium reflects the increasing national attention being paid to economic development strategies in regional markets like Southeast Missouri.

Infographic illustrating the workflow of idea to prompt to product

Codefi Founder and CEO, Dr. James Stapleton, will moderate the panel discussion.

Real Founders, Real Impact

Theory and policy matter, but at Codefi, we believe the most compelling insights come from entrepreneurs building businesses in the real world. That's why we're bringing three founders we've worked with to share their firsthand experiences leveraging AI to scale their ventures and create jobs.

Panel Participants

Tim Goree | Co-Founder & CEO, CityCenter.Ai¹

Tim Goree is a Missouri-based technology leader and AI strategist leading the development of voice AI assistants that help small businesses grow. His career began as a K–12 tech leader in California, and he remains committed to supporting the next generation of technology leaders while building accessible AI solutions for Main Street businesses.

Adam Davis | Co-Founder and CTO, Vendoor²

Adam Davis transformed his own experience as a commercial subcontractor—including getting locked in a commercial attic overnight—into a call to action. Today, he's building digital tools designed to get people in the construction trades, demonstrating how technology can solve critical safety challenges in essential industries.

Aaron Smothers | COO, Valiify³

Aaron Smothers provides technical solutions to financial institutions through core integrations while supporting product and operations development. Drawing on more than a decade in technical roles and learning from leaders with decades of financial industry experience, Aaron is doing work that matters to communities across the nation.

These founders represent the future of entrepreneurship in regional economies—technology-enabled, mission-driven, and deeply committed to creating opportunity in the communities where they live and work.

A Major Announcement

In addition to our panel discussion, Codefi will unveil a significant announcement at the SEED Symposium—one that will create new pathways for entrepreneurs and strengthen Southeast Missouri's position as an emerging hub for innovation.

We've been working on something important, and we're excited to share it with the Southeast Missouri business community first. This announcement represents our continued commitment to fostering economic opportunity and supporting job-creating businesses in southern Missouri.

We'll share full details on November 20th, but we can say this: if you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or economic development professional in the region, you'll want to hear what's coming.

Join Us at the SEED Symposium

📅 Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
🕘 Time: 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM CST

8:30 AM | Registration and doors open
9:00 AM | Program begins
2:30 PM | Program ends

📍 Location:
Drury Plaza Conference Center
3351 Percy Drive
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

The SEED Symposium offers a unique opportunity to hear from national experts, connect with regional business leaders, and gain insights into the economic forces shaping Southeast Missouri's future. Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, economic development professional, or community leader, this event will provide valuable perspectives on the trends and opportunities ahead.

Relevant Links

¹CityCenter.Ai
²Vendoor
³Valiify
⁴Register for the 2025 SEED Symposium