Business memo 03/17/03

Newspaper wins several SNA awards

The Southeast Missourian recently was honored with several awards from the Suburban Newspapers of America, including first place for its special-section coverage of "Our World Since Sept. 11."

The paper won second place for best entertainment lifestyle section for its "Arts and Leisure" page and second place for its sports section. Second-place awards were also given for best front page, best breaking news stories for its story on the Marble Hill, Mo., tornado.

The paper captured a third-place award for its story on a shooting spree that ended in a local bar. Awards were given for best graphic artwork, youth coverage and environmental coverage.

Big River Telephone opens office in Paducah

Big River Telephone, based in Cape Girardeau, has announced an expansion by opening an office in Paducah, Ky. Tony Osbron has joined the company as an account executive for the Paducah office.

Osbron is a native of western Kentucky and brings more than 20 years of experience in the high-tech sector. He has worked with customers throughout the region solving business issues with information technology solutions.

-- From staff reports