Business Notebook: ABC of Southeast Missouri awarded a management contract

The management contract for the Jackson License Office was awarded to ABC of Southeast Missouri LLC in Sikeston, Missouri, according to a recent news release from the Missouri Department of Revenue.

The contract was awarded by the Office of Administration in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Revenue. All license office contracts in the state are awarded through a competitive bid process, the release said.

The license office will remain at its location at 125 E. Main St. in Jackson.

ABC of Southeast Missouri's contract includes an annual commitment to return 7.75 percent of future processing fees to the state, which is approximately $15,550, according to the release.

Business roundup

* Candlewood Suites in Cape Girardeau recently announced it received a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence award. The award is given to qualifying businesses worldwide. The honorees are determined using TripAdvisor account review ratings. Businesses that receive the award must have maintained an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four of five, along with volume and recency of reviews.

* Cafe n' Me, a Thai restaurant at 820 N. Sprigg St., Suite 5, in Cape Girardeau, is under new ownership, according to a recently filed business license application at Cape Girardeau's city hall.

* Style Stop Lifestyles, a salon and spa to be at 2031 Cape LaCroix Road, Suite E, in Cape Girardeau, filed a business license application with the city.

* Kaizen Essential Vitality, which offers yoga, message therapy and hula-hoop fitness services at 1625 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau, filed a business license application with the city.

* Blue Sky Community Services, 2354 Rusmar St. in Cape Girardeau, will celebrate its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Thursday. The business offers a program to increase independent living skills for those with varying developmental and intellectual abilities.

* Modern Technology, 425 W. Main St. in Jackson, will celebrate its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. June 27.

* Lawless Harley-Davidson, 2100 East Outer Road in Cape Girardeau, celebrated its new ownership with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday. The business sells motorcycles and gear and includes a service department.

BBB offers tips on donating to charity

Are you wondering whether your charitable donations will be used wisely? The Better Business Bureau offers the following tips to increase donors' confidence:

* If unfamiliar with an organization, ask the charity for written information about its programs and finances.

* Do not succumb to pressure to give money on the spot. A charity that can use money today will welcome it as much tomorrow.

* Before making online donations, determine whether the charity's website is secure and that it has a privacy policy concerning the use of your name, email address or other personal facts.

* When considering support for a cause-related marketing campaign, ask: What portion of the purchase price will benefit the charity? What is the duration of the campaign? What is the maximum or minimum total contribution? If the information is not on the item, check the organization's website.

* Before donating used items, make sure they are in good shape to reuse. Not doing so could put an undue burden on the charity.

ashedd@semissourian.com

388-3632