South KC News

Rep. Mark Alford, currently serving in the U.S. Congress representing Missouri's 4th district since 2023, recently highlighted several local businesses in Centralia and Columbia, Missouri, through a series of tweets on May 9, 2025.

In his first tweet, Rep. Alford directed attention to Allen Street Social, a restaurant located in Centralia, Missouri. He noted their business motto: "to promote friendly companionship," and praised them for creating a space that supports local business groups. Alford expressed gratitude by saying "Thank you for serving our community!"

The second tweet spotlighted Full Bloom, a flower shop situated just off the square in Centralia. Rep. Alford mentioned that it is where "creative design meets the vision of owner Gretchen Squires." He acknowledged her experience as a small business owner for 16 years and commended her efforts to provide both personal growth opportunities for her children and job opportunities for others. The full message can be viewed here.

Lastly, Rep. Alford featured Flow's Pharmacy in Columbia, noting that pharmacy owner Anthony is unique as both a Pharmacy Technician and Pharmacy owner. The pharmacy was initially purchased by Randy Flow in 1974 and has remained operational since then. Anthony enjoys meeting new people daily and finding ways to assist them with their needs at the pharmacy. The original post is available here.

Mark Alford was born in Baytown, Texas in 1963 and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BA in 1988 before moving to Lake Winnebago where he currently resides.