A lot of 'new' appears on local business scene

New businesses, owners and expansion

* Wings Etc. opened Tuesday at 2003 E. Jackson Blvd. It is a sports bar chain with locations in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and North Carolina and has won awards in several markets, including being voted "best wings" for "18 straight years by the rabid, discerning sports fans of South Bend, Ind," according to its Facebook page. Owner Joe Hobbs and his family live in Jackson. For menu and hours information, visit http://www.facebook.com/WingsEtcJackson or call 243-9464.

* Dr. Sarah Hickey purchased Audiology Associates in October from Dr. Linda Hurt, who started the practice in 1997. Hickey has been an audiologist for more than 10 years, following completion of her master's degree from Ole Miss in 2000. She went on to earn a doctorate of audiology from Salus University in 2006. Hickey said she works with people of all ages and provides diagnostic testing for hearing and balance. She also fits patients for hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Her primary office is at 2917 Independence St., Suite 200, and she also sees patients one day per week in Poplar Bluff at 225 Physician's Park Drive. Call 651-4650 for more information.

* Liberty Utilities had a groundbreaking last week at its future site in North Jackson Industrial Park. Liberty purchased seven acres from the city and will build a 22,000-square-foot corporate headquarters to serve approximately 82,500 central region natural gas customers in Missouri, Illinois and Iowa. Penzel Construction of Jackson was chosen to build the $2.8 million facility with completion scheduled for fall 2013. The operation already has created 25 new jobs in Jackson. Atmos announced in May 2011 that it agreed to sell its distribution systems in Missouri, Illinois and Iowa to Liberty, a subsidiary of Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. of Oakville, Ontario, Canada, for about $124 million. For more information, visit www.LibertyUtilities.com.

* Verizon Wireless has expanded the area that can receive 4G LTE service, the fastest available wireless service technology. As of Wednesday, coverage based in Poplar Bluff, Mo., included Advance, Mo., Bloomfield, Mo., and other areas in Stoddard, Ripley and Wayne counties.

Women in business

* Southeast Missouri State University is sponsoring "The Power of Women" from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 13 at the Show Me Center. It's a luncheon to connect women students at Southeast with opportunities, women mentors and resources in the community. Dr. Kala Stroup, the first woman president of the university, will deliver the keynote address. Speakers will highlight philanthropists, entrepreneurs and extraordinary women of Southeast and celebrate 40 years of Title IX, the federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in education. The event is a collaborative effort of the Southeast Missouri University Foundation, Southeast Athletics and the Women Inspiring Entrepreneurship initiative at the Douglas C. Greene Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. An expo featuring local businesses, community groups and various campus organizations begins at 10 a.m. and lunch will be served at noon. Tickets for the public are $25 per person or $150 for a table of six, which includes sponsoring the attendance of two students. Student tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance. Proceeds will benefit scholarships for female athletes at Southeast. Register online by March 6 at www.semo.edu/powerofwomen. For more information, contact the Southeast Missouri University Foundation at 651-2252.

Businesses supporting the community

* Pizza Inn in Sikeston, Mo., is hosting the Sikeston Department of Public Safety Tip-A-Cop for Special Olympics from 4 to 10 p.m. March 4. Uniformed police officers from the area will serve as Pizza Inn wait staff with tips collected going to Special Olympics of Missouri. Pizza Inn also will make a donation from all sales during this event. For details, contact Officer Shane Washburn at 620-1580 or Officer Derick Wheetley at 620-5267.

Health-care education

* Missouri Foundation for Health policy experts today will host a public Medicaid town hall meeting to discuss and provide nonpartisan insight on key issues surrounding Medicaid expansion in Missouri, including its business and economic impact and what expansion means for the overall health of Missourians. MFH is an independent philanthropic organization dedicated to empowering Missourians to achieve equal access to quality health services. The event is at the Osage Centre, with check-in and light refreshments at 6:30 p.m. and the forum at 7 p.m. Those interested may register at http://bit.ly/MoMedicaid or call Chris at (314) 345-5576.

* Workforce Employment Solutions is holding a free seminar -- Health-Care Reform: How will it affect your company? -- from 10 a.m. to noon March 6 at Mineral Area College's North College Center. Joshua Richardson of McMahon Berger PC will present information on employer responsibilities, practical steps to comply with the law and a timeline of Affordable Healthcare Act provisions. Seating is limited to two people per organization. Refreshments will be provided at 9:45 a.m. Contact Jenny Campbell to register at jcampbell@visitworkforce.com.

salderman@semissourian.com

388-3646

Pertinent address:

2003 E Jackson Blvd, Jackson, Missouri

2917 Independence, Suite 200, Cape Girardeau, MO

225 Physician's Park Dr. Poplar Bluff, MO

1333 N Sprigg St, Cape Girardeau, MO

1905 E Malone Ave, Sikeston, MO

1625 N Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO

5270 Flat River Rd. in Park Hills, MO