Business memo 03/29/04

Local HVAC dealer distinguished by CarrierDutch Enterprises of Cape Girardeau was recently recognized as a Carrier factory-authorized dealer. Carrier is a national HVAC manufacturer, and it bases this endorsement on national quality standards. Dutch Enterprises was founded in 1961.

Viticulture workshop to be held in CarbondaleOn April 3, a workship will be held in Carbondale, Ill., for area grape growers to help them improve vineyard management skills. The workshop will cover mechanization, mineral nutrition, and pruning and training techniques. Specialists will also be present to discuss disease, insect and weed control; vine pruning; training; and fruit cluster thinning. The workshop will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Floor covering business opening in Scott City

Darren and Tonya McFall are opening a floor covering store at 200 East Outer Road in Scott City. D&T Carpet Inc. will offer a variety of floor covering products. Darren brings 14 years of floor covering installation experience to the endeavor.

A.G. Edwards announces results for FY2004

A.G. Edwards Inc. recently announced that its net earnings for fiscal year 2004 were $159 million, up from $119 million the previous year. Fourth-quarter returns came in at a net of $54 million, more than doubling that of the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2003. A.G. Edwards is a financial services holding company that, with its affiliates, includes 6,980 financial consultants in 708 offices nationwide.

-- From staff reports