MEMO

Missouri receives career center grant

Gov. Mel Carnahan and U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert B. Reich announced that the state was awarded a $2 million grant for implementing one-stop career centers.

Missouri is one of only seven states to receive the career center implementation grant. The one-stop career centers are a collaborative effort between the Ecomomic Development, Labor and Industrial Relations, Elementary and Secondary Education, Social Services and Higher Education departments. The departments work as a team to create a statewide workforce development plan.

HUD and Census Bureau to conduct housing survey

The U.S. Census Bureau and Department of Housing and Urban Development will begin their 1995 housing survey. The survey will obtain data about housing costs, types of housing available and utilities services. Results of the survye will be released in 1996.

A sample of 62,000 housing units across the country will be surveyed. The survey is updated every other year to represent new construction, additions and losses.

Production Credit Association sets annual meeting date

The Production Credit Association of Southeast Missouri will hold its annual meeting at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Sikeston High School Fieldhouse. All PCA stockholders are invited to attend.

Ralph Hood, a speaker and humorist from Huntsville, Ala., will provide entertainment. Door prizes will also be awarded.

The Production Credit Association of Southeast Missouri serves 1,200 stockholders in nine counties.

Lady Luck announces second quarter revenues

Lady Luck Gaming Corp., headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., announced a net increase of more than 70 percent for the last three months.

The corporation reported a net revenue of $37.7 million for the quarter ending June 30. Net income for the second quarter was reported at $734,000.

The company posted a revenue of $72.4 million for the first six months of 1995, compared with 1994's $50.9 million for the same period.

The gaming company develops, operates and owns casinos in Iowa, Mississippi and Colorado. A casion location in Scott City is pending on approval of the state's gaming commission.

Computer reservation service available at agency

Travelers can now make arrangements via computer. Gulliver's Travel Agency announced that it will offer its customers a new service through CompuServe. CompuServe subscribers will now have the opportunity to book flights and send travel itineraries to Gulliver's Travel for ticketing. The service is offered through ascess to GOWORLDSPAN.

The service will offer step-by-step instructions to allow subscribers to choose seat assignments, flight schedules and other services. After making the arrangements, subscribers can send it to Gulliver's Travel. For more information about this service, contact Gulliver's Travel at 334-7191.

Boatmen's Bancshares raises dividend

Boatmen's Bancshares, Inc. reported a nine percent increase in its quarterly dividend. The board of directors announced the dividend increase of $O.37 from $0.34 per share. Shareholders will receive payment October 1.

Boatmen's Bancshares is one of the 30 largest bank holding companies in the U.S. With assets totaling about $33 billion, the company operates 500 banks in nine states.

Spartech Plastics receives quality standard certification

Spartech Corporation announced that its Cape Girardeau-based Spartech Plastics and Kansas-based Spartech Compounding companies received globally-recognized certification.

The International Organization for Standardization certification marks the completion of extensive audits within the company's departments. ISO 9000 is a set of globally recognized quality standards.

Spartech Corporation is a processor of thermoplastics which develops and converts resins into semifinished products for manufacturing customers. The company operates 14 facilities nationwide.

Air Evac announces contest

As part of its 10th anniversary, Air Evac has announced a drawing contest for children between the ages of 4 and 12.

Contestants are eligible for a $50 savings bond and many other prizes.

All drawings must be received by Wednesday. Pens, pencils or crayons may be used. All drawings must be submitted on an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper. Only one entry will be allowed per person.

Submit drawings to the Air Evac Lifeteam; St. Francis Medical Center; 211 St. Francis Drive; Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63703.

Census Bureau to collect veteran, employment data here

Employees of the U.S. Census Bureau will visit area residents this week (Aug. 13-19) to collect data about employment and veterans for a population survey.

The data will be added to national employment figures for a survey to be released Sept. 1. The data on veterans will be used to measure the trends in veteran employment and unemployment.

Information supplied by survey participants is confidential. Only statistical totals are published.

Drury Inns Inc. changes name of Texas hotels

The Drury Inn hotel in San Antonio changed its name. The hotel will be called Pear Tree Inn by Drury.

A pear tree will be planted in front of the hotel as a symbol for the new name.

Drury Suites hotel will also change names. The hotels will now be known as Drury Inn & Suites.

Both hotels are owned by Drury Inns Inc., which operates 70 hotels in 12 states. There are eight Drury-operated hotels in San Antonio.