Business briefs

AIR EVAC GETS SAFETY AWARD

For the third consecutive year, Air Evac Lifeteam was awarded the Helicopter Association International Operator Safety Award. The annual award is given to regular members whose safety statistics for the previous calendar year demonstrate a helicopter accident rate that is less than half the total of the average accident rate of HAI operator members. Air Evac Lifeteam operates 91 air ambulance bases in 14 states.

LOCAL SCHOOLS HONORED BY STATE

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Sikeston Alternative Education Center and New Madrid County Middle School are among 182 Missouri public schools honored June 14 by state education officials for adoption and implementation of Missouri's Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support, a comprehensive approach to improving students' behavior and academic performance. The schools honored received gold, silver and bronze awards in Columbia, Mo., during the fifth annual Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support Summer Institute, sponsored by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the University of Missouri Center for Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support. The Alternative Education Center earned the bronze award for the second consecutive year. New Madrid County Middle School has received the bronze award each year since it began the program four years ago. West Lane Elementary in Jackson and Southwest Elementary in Dexter, Mo., also received bronze awards.

CAPE MAIN STREET PROGRAM ACCREDITED

Red Cross names board of directors and recognizes volunteers. (Submitted photo)

The Main Street program in Cape Girardeau was accredited by the Missouri Main Street Connection, a designation recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation Main Street Center. The announcement was made at the National Main Street Conference in Oklahoma City in May. Accreditation is awarded after participating programs pass a rigorous annual on-site review process. Local Main Street programs must meet the 10 criteria of program service set by the National Trust's Main Street Center and use all components of the Main Street Four Point Approach to downtown revitalization.

PHOTO STUDIO HOLDS RIBBON CUTTING

DEXTER, Mo. -- The Dexter Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting to mark the grand opening of Pro Image Studio, formerly Kate Sells Photography, 1626 W. Business Highway 60. Business owner and photographer is Kate Sells.

LAZY L SAFARI PARK OPENS

Parakeet Jungle inside Cape Girardeau's West Park Mall closed for the summer, and its owners have opened Lazy L Safari Park. Owner Vicki Lantz said the birds from Parakeet Jungle are now part of a touring exhibit in Michigan. Parakeet Jungle will reopen in the mall from November through March 2011. Lantz's newest venture, Lazy L. Safari Park, opened June 19 at 2763 County Road 618, Cape Girardeau. Visitors can take a walking tour through the park to see more than 25 species of exotic animals. The park also features a petting zoo, picnic area and gift shop.

WHITE OPENS MASSAGE SERVICE

Ashley White opened a mobile massage business serving the Cape Girardeau County area. Ashley's Mobile Massage offers western Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, reflexology, pregnancy and geriatric massage services. In addition to traveling to customers, White offers massages at 1028 N. Kingshighway, No. 2.

RELENTLESS TO PRODUCE CASE IH VIDEO

Relentless Media Productions, Jackson, is creating a high-definition video for Case IH Agriculture, a manufacturing company owned by Case New Holland, one of Fortune magazine's world's most admired companies in 2008. Film production began May 4 in Iowa and will be finished in the fall. The video production will highlight some of Case IH's new equipment, and the videos will be used to promote the new equipment through web, DVD, expos and possibly television.

MUSIC INSTRUCTION STUDIO OPENS IN CAPE

Sound Start Musical Instruction opened at 1213 N. Kingshighway, Suite 101, Cape Girardeau. Owners Chase Wright and Ian Bolton offer guitar lessons and guitar supplies for children and adults. Wright and Bolton have both played in local bands and hope to eventually offer other instrument lessons.

CURVES OPENS NEW LOCATION

Curves International Inc., the world's largest fitness franchiser, opened a new Curves location at 97 N. Kingshighway, No. 11, Cape Girardeau. A grand opening was held on June 21. The owner is Sandy Donley and manager is Jenny Turner.

THRIFT STORE HOLDS GRAND OPENING

PARK HILLS, Mo. -- The Living Water Worship Center's Thrift Store, 521 E. Main St., held a grand opening on June 9.

SEYER'S GARAGE COMPLETES RENOVATIONS

Seyer's Garage made additions to its facility at 2334 Rusmar Ave., Cape Girardeau. The building now has 14 vehicle bays and one additional car wash bay.

LOCAL STATIONS RECOGNIZED FOR BROADCAST EXCELLENCE

KRCU at Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau was recognized in June at the Missouri Broadcasters Association's Annual Convention and Awards Presentation in Lake Ozark, Mo. KRCU took first in the promotions category for "The Elliot Potter Show," KRCU's locally produced independent music program. The station also received a Certificate of Merit in the documentary/public affairs category for "The Ghosts of Cape Girardeau," an hour-long exploration into the city's haunted past, hosted by Southeast Missouri State University history professor Joel Rhodes and produced by KRCU staff.

Two local stations owned by Withers Broadcasting Co. were also recognized at the convention for broadcast excellence. B97.9 took first in the public service announcement or campaign category for the Kenny Rogers Children's Center "Lend a Hand" campaign and first in the promotion category for the New Country Nation Text Club promotion campaign. Mix 96.5 received a Certificate of Merit in the special promotions category for its Fight Night program.

MINGO RECEIVES GOLD VALIDATION

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The Conservation Fund, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Environmental Synergy Inc., announced June 9 that its forest-based carbon sequestration project in Southeast Missouri received gold validation, the highest level available, under the standards of the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Alliance. Supported by donations from the fund's voluntary carbon offset program, Go Zero, the group restored 367 acres of walnut, hickory, oak and cypress trees at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge near Puxico, Mo. As the forest matures, it is expected to trap an estimated 100,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which is equivalent to taking approximately 18,000 cars off the road.

DANCE STUDIO OPENS IN CAPE

Gift of Dance Performing Arts Studio opened at 1217 N. Kingshighway, Suite 250, Cape Girardeau. Managing officer NiTika Rowles hopes to make her studio a diverse cultural experience for students age 3 and up. The studio offers instruction in ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance styles. Rowles also plans to incorporate ethnic dance styles like praise dancing, belly dancing and African dance.

LAW FIRM DEDICATES NEW OFFICE

The law firm of Lichtenegger, Weiss & Fetterhoff LLC held a dedication and open house June 21 for its new office, Main Street Station, at 2408 E. Main St., Jackson. U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson was the featured speaker. Other speakers were the Rev. David Johnson, Jackson mayor Barbara Lohr and state Rep. Scott Lipke. Lipke and Thad M. Brady recently joined the law firm.

NORANDA BECOMES PUBLICLY TRADED COMPANY

Noranda Aluminum Holding Corp. executives rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange June 11 in recognition of the Noranda's recently completed initial public offering and listing on the NYSE. Noranda's aluminum smelter near New Madrid, Mo., has an annual production capacity of about 580 million pounds, more than 15 percent of the total 2009 primary aluminum production in the U.S.

ALMA SCHRADER PROGRAM RECEIVES AWARD

Alma Schrader Elementary School in Cape Girardeau received a promising practice award from the Character Education Partnership, a Washington, D.C., not-for-profit organization that advocates for character education. Alma Schrader was one of 196 schools nationwide receiving the award for programming that encourages character growth. The school received the award for its Constitution Day program, a community event in September that honors local heroes.

CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE OPENS IN CAPE girardeau

Lifeway Christian bookstore opened June 26 in the former Hollywood Video location at 127 Siemers Drive, Cape Girardeau. A grand opening and special promotions are planned July 10 through Aug. 7. Store manager is Michael Wilson.

NEW RHODES STORE OPENS IN JACKSON

On June 22, Rhodes 101 opened a new convenience store at 3618 E. Jackson Blvd., Jackson. The new store includes a refrigerated "beer cave," a "101 Cafe" and upgraded restrooms.

PINK SQUIRREL OPENS IN CAPE

The former Ed's Bar, 519 Good Hope St., Cape Girardeau, underwent renovations and reopened as Pink Squirrel on July 4. The building was recently purchased by Scott McClanahan. The new business is a partnership between McClanahan and Eldon Nattier, who also owns Rose Bed Inn on Sprigg Street. The Pink Squirrel restaurant and bar includes a theater area.

GENERAL SIGN CO. CLOSES ITS DOORS

Thirty-one workers employed by General Sign Co., 4857 Nash Road, Cape Girardeau, are looking for new jobs after the company closed June 18. A few staff remain on-site to finalize financial accounts. Employees received two weeks' severance pay. Company spokesman Clay Otto said the decision to close was made by the company's 94-year-old owner, who lives out of state. Otto declined to give the owner's name, but records filed with the Missouri Secretary of State's office identify Lon J. Maxey as the company's registered agent. General Sign opened in 1939 and manufactured custom outdoor illuminated signs. The company also had a sales office in St. Louis.

RED CROSS NAMES BOARD, RECOGNIZES VOLUNTEERS

The American Red Cross Southeast Missouri Chapter held its 93rd annual meeting June 15 in Cape Girardeau to elect the incoming board of directors and present other honors. Chapter recognitions went to Teresa Neeley, Dexter, Disaster Planning and Response Award; Robert Wake, Malden, and Trena Novak, Benton, First Year Outstanding Award; Robert Cox, Cape Girardeau, Support Services Award; ServPro of Cape Girardeau and Scott Counties, Corporate Partnership Award; and Noranda Aluminum Emergency Response Team, Lifesaving Award. Recognized for participation and donations to Heroes for the American Red Cross Campaign 2010 were Regions Bank, Mid America Hotels, Bank of Missouri, ServPro of Cape Girardeau and Scott Counties, Saint Francis Medical Center, Red Cross Board of Directors, Southeast Missouri Hospital, Tetra Pak and BACA/FORR/HOG/War Child.

The 2010-2011 board members serving as officers-elect are Joel Neikirk, chairman; Richard Ennis, vice chairman; and Jeff Long, secretary. Voting board members are Kathy Bertrand, Paul Sander, Sara Gerau, Jon Mackel, Shirlene Hecht, Glenn Smallwood, James Schell, Marcia Ritter, Eric Bohl, Charles Puls, Robert Bramlitt and Dan Berry. The 2009-2010 board of directors was recognized for achieving 100 percent board giving during the Red Cross Board Giving Campaign.

NATURAL PET FOOD STORE OPENS IN CAPE

Busch Pet Products opened July 1 at 121 S. Broadview St., No. 5, Cape Girardeau. Busch Pet Products has operated an online store for the past two years. Owner Stacy Busch-Heisserer also operates a pet-sitting service. The new store features the entire line of NutriSource products, as well as Pure Vita, Natural Planet Organics, Primal Pet Foods and other pet supplies.

TEACHER SUPPLY STORE OPENS IN CAPE

Classroom Connect opened July 10 at 2136 William St., Suite 140, Cape Girardeau. The new store, owned by Jane and Larry Schnurbusch, carries teaching supplies.

ST. JUDE RECOGNIZES WINDOW WORLD

Window World, the nation's largest replacement window company, was selected by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to receive the hospital's New Corporate Partner of the Year award, given annually to a new partner who demonstrates excellence and dedication in fundraising. A St. Jude corporate partner since 2008, Window World has raised more than $1 million for the hospital. Window World raises money for St. Jude through its charitable foundation, Window World Cares, and is close to meeting its first fundraising goal -- to raise $1.5 million, the hospital's daily operating cost.

P.B. AMERICORPS PROGRAM RECEIVES FUNDING

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri Community Service Commission announced that the Corporation for National and Community Service approved funding for three Missouri AmeriCorps programs, including the Butler County Community Resource Council in Poplar Bluff, Mo., which will receive $234,909. A division of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the MCSC administers the AmeriCorps program in Missouri, awarding monetary grants and providing technical assistance and support.

MOBILE DOG SALON OPENS

Ashley Hahs opened Zoomin' Groomer Mobile Dog Salon on July 5. It is the area's only fully self-contained dog salon on wheels, offering complete dog grooming services at your doorstep, Hahs said.

TANNING SALON UPGRADES EQUIPMENT

Tans R Us, 91 N. Plaza Way, Cape Girardeau, added the Versaspa sunless skin care system. In addition to a bronzing spray, the sunless tanning system includes an anti-aging, skin-firming hydration spray and a blow-dry session, said owner Patti Davis.

HACKETT SECURITY ACQUIRES CAPE COMPANY

Hackett Security, the St. Louis area's premier security systems company, announced June 16 that it has acquired Reli Security Alarms in Cape Girardeau. The purchase of Reli, coupled with the acquisition of Secure Tech of Jackson in 2009, enables Hackett to conduct business as the premier security services and products company in Southern Missouri.

NEW OWNER FOR MOLLIE'S CAFE

Mollie's Cafe & Bar was purchased by Scott Nagel with Just Scott LLC, Cape Girardeau. Nagel began operating the business June 30, according to a business license filed with the city. The business was previously operated by Mollies LLC, a company organized by John Wyman.

GIRL SCOUTS TO CONSOLIDATE OPERATIONS

DEXTER, Mo. -- Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland will consolidate operations and sell its Dexter and Cape Girardeau service centers. Girl Scout offices in the eastern half of the council will then be based in a new facility in the Cape Girardeau area. According to Anne Soots, chief operating officer for the council, based in Springfield, Mo., operations of the Dexter and Cape Girardeau offices will be combined. The council website currently lists eight staff members in Cape Girardeau, one who splits her time between Dexter and Cape Girardeau, and another eight staff members in Dexter. Soots said the organization is not making any changes in its staff pattern, but may reconsider staffing in upcoming months.

NEW OFFICE FOR BOWEN ENGINEERING

In late May, Bowen Engineering and Surveying Inc. broke ground on a new 7,100-square-foot facility on lot four of the Boulder Crest Subdivision off Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau. The land is adjacent to Cape County Park South. Bowen Engineering, which provides land surveying and civil engineering services, is the first company to build in the developing commercial subdivision. The company was founded in 1979 by the late Richard I. Bowen and is now under the leadership of his son, Chris Bowen. The new building is scheduled for completion in late October or early November.

NEW BANKING CENTER PLANNED IN PERRYVILLE

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- The Bank of Missouri held a groundbreaking ceremony June 4 for construction on a new operations center at 916 N. Kingshighway, Perryville. The center will be adjacent to the current branch at the same address. The new building will be three stories tall, with each floor measuring about 17,000 square feet. Fifty to 60 employees will occupy the top two floors. The building contractor is Zoellner Construction Co. of Perryville. Bank of Missouri's other Perryville branch, 18 W. Ste. Maries St., will continue to serve as an office building for bank staff and the drive-through will remain open to customers.

ABC HEARING RELOCATES

America's Best Center for Hearing Aids moved to 353 Christine St., Cape Girardeau. The business was previously at 65 S. Plaza Way.

BAG CITY OPENS CAPE STORE

Bag City opened at 21 S. Plaza Way, Cape Girardeau. Owner Roger Birk also owns Bag City in East Cape Girardeau, Ill. The stores feature general merchandise, gifts and furniture.