Memo 8/6/07

Program acts as early warning system

A new program available in Southeast Missouri will combine business retention efforts and work force development, U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson announced. The Early Warning Network will cooperate with the Workforce Investment Board to identify at-risk companies and marshal state and local resources to prevent business closings and layoffs. Emerson, a Cape Girardeau Republican, said the program will support the region's economy by seeking to meet the needs of businesses in 12 counties. The program will be managed by Missouri Enterprise, funded through the Missouri Division of Workforce Development and available to companies in Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Perry, Scott, Iron, St. Francois, Madison, Stoddard, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot and Dunklin counties.

Hospital magazine wins two awards

Southeast Missouri Hospital's quarterly magazine Vim & Vigor earned two awards at the 19th annual McEdit Conference in Phoenix. "Making Fitness Fun," published in the spring 2006 issue, won recognition as best feature story among 49 hospitals in the United States and Canada, The feature, written by Sally Owen of the marketing and communication department, highlighted the hospital's personal training program for children to give them an early start toward a healthy lifestyle. The magazine's "Ask the Doctor" feature received an award for best department in a magazine. Vim & Vigor is produced in partnership with McMurry Inc. of Phoenix.

Ameren profits up in second quarter

AmerenUE on Friday announced a 15 percent increase in profits during the second quarter of 2007. The utility company, which provides electric and gas service in Cape Girardeau, reported profits of $143 million, or 69 cents a share compared to $123 million, or 60 cents a share, in the same quarter of 2006. Profits for the year are up as well, the company said, with the first half of the year producing net income of $266 million compared to $193 million in the same period of 2006. Profits were down in the portion of AmerenUE's business that is regulated by Illinois and Missouri, but higher prices for sales from the non-regulated wholesale power market pushed profits up, the company reported. AmerenUE was granted a rate increase in May by the Missouri Public Service Commission that will add about 3.3 percent to the average bill for residential customers.

-- From staff reports