Names in the news

FIELDS JOINS MORLAN

SIKESTON, Mo. -- New Madrid, Mo., native Brandon Fields joined the sales team at Morlan Dodge.

GRAHAM EARNS $2 MILLION AWARD

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Sharon Medlin, president of the Sikeston Board of Realtors, presented Harvey Graham of Harvey Graham and Associates Realty of New Madrid, the Summit Level of the Award of Excellence for achieving more than $2 million in volume or 24 transaction sides of real estate listing, sales, and/or leases in Missouri during 2009.

SHIPMAN JOINS AUTRY MORLAN

DEXTER, Mo. -- Shannon Shipman rejoined Autry Morlan Nissan as a sales manager.

RE/MAX NAMES TOP LISTER, PRODUCER

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- RE/MAX Real Estate Group announced Kim King as Top Lister and Julie Spencer as Top Producer for July.

KNODELL TOPS P.B. REALTY

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Kurt Knodell was Top Lister and Top Producer for June at Poplar Bluff Realty Inc.

RICKMAN, TAYLOR, MCCOY TOP C21

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Sandy Rickman was Top Producer and Sandy Taylor was Top Lister for May at Century 21 American Realty. Additionally, Melba Jean McCoy was Top Lister for June, and Taylor was Top Producer.

JAYNES NAMED TO HALL OF FAME

WASHINGTON, Mo. -- Two big-city photographers and two from rural communities will be inducted to the Missouri Photojournalism Hall of Fame Oct. 21 in Washington, Mo. This year's inductees are Scott Dine, retired director of photography, St. Louis Post-Dispatch; Bob Foos, editor and publisher, Webb City Sentinel; Roy Inman, photographer, Kansas City Star; and the late Tim Jaynes, photographer, Sikeston Standard Democrat. Examples of each inductee's work will be displayed during the induction, and inductees or their families will receive plaques. Jaynes died of a heart attack in 2008 at the age of 38. He had been a photographer since 1989 at the Sikeston Standard Democrat and owned Jaynes Photography.

ALAN WIRE HONORS EMPLOYEES

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Alan Wire recently recognized four employees for years of service to the company. They were Chip Hileman, 32 years; Malinda Priggel, 30 years; Tom Austin, 28 years; and Barry Ballard, 26 years.

GERAU JOINS RED CROSS

Sara Gerau joined the the American Red Cross Southeast Missouri Chapter as development director. Her main focus will be on expanding the financial support base of the Red Cross' 11-county service area of Perry, Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Scott, Stoddard, Mississippi, New Madrid, Dunklin, Butler, Wayne and Pemiscot. Gerau has served on the board of directors for the Southeast Missouri Chapter of the American Red Cross for the past three years.

CPA CERTIFIED AS FRAUD EXAMINER

Alan Kridelbaugh, CPA for Schott & Associates PC, Cape Girardeau, earned a Certified Fraud Examiner credential. In order to become a CFE, Kridelbaugh met criteria and passed a rigorous exam administered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the world's largest antifraud organization. CFEs can examine data and records to detect and trace fraudulent transactions, interview suspects to obtain information and confessions, write investigation reports, advise clients on their findings and testify at trial.

HUFF IS BRANCH MANAGER AT US BANK

Shane Huff is now branch manager for US Bank, 325 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau. He previously worked as bank manager for Bank of America and store manager at Wells Fargo. In his new role, Huff will oversee day-to-day operations, work to expand the bank's customer base and direct bank employees to ensure quality customer service.

NORDENIA HONORS EMPLOYEES

Roger Vance, conversion operator of Marble Hill, Mo., was employee of the month for August at NORDENIA USA Inc. He has been with the company since July 2007. NORDENIA also recognizes the following employment anniversaries: Richard Keser and Randall Rellergert, 20 years of service; Dennis Way, 15 years; and Christopher Jordan, John Lawrence and Amanda Amos, five years.

HARTH ATTENDS TRAINING SEMINAR

Rev. John Harth, pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Jackson, was one of 400 chaplains from seven nations to attend the International Conference of Police Chaplains' 37th Annual Training Seminar July 12-16 in Sacramento, Calif. Courses covering a variety of law enforcement-related topics were offered. Harth, a master level chaplain, serves the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Cape Girardeau, Scott and Bollinger County sheriff departments, as well as the Jackson and Kelso police departments, Jackson Fire/Rescue and the Cape Girardeau County Emergency Management Agency.

HAMBLIN WRITES BOOK OF MISSISSIPPI POEMS

Dr. Robert Hamblin, professor of English and director of the Center for Faulkner Studies at Southeast Missouri State University, is the author of "Crossroads: Poems of a Mississippi Childhood," published in August by Time Being Books of St. Louis. The 55 poems in the book describe people and events Hamblin remembers from his boyhood days at Brice's Cross Roads, a northeast Mississippi rural community best known as the site of a famous Civil War battle. This is Hamblin's fifth book of poems.

JERRY FORD PUBLISHES BOOK

Former State Rep. Jerry Ford's book "The Gordonville Grove: Stories of Tombstones, Tambourines & Tammany Hall" was released at a Sept. 3 reception at Southeast Missouri State University's River Campus. Published by Copperdome Press, an imprint of Southeast Missouri State University Press, the book chronicles humorous, behind-the-scenes events Ford has encountered as a funeral director, big-band musician, member of the Missouri Legislature, and on the campaign trail for Missouri's 8th Congressional District seat. Ford's book is illustrated by local artisan Don Greenwood.

TRAVEL AGENTS OBTAIN NEW CERTIFICATION

Carolyn Kempf, president and CEO of Elite Travel, Cape Girardeau, and agent Shannon Thompson completed the Norwegian Cruise Line's University certification degree. The yearlong program provides details on the cruise line's Freestyle Cruising, its fleet and ports.

VOELKER OPENS INSURANCE AGENCY

Carol Voelker recently opened Voelker Insurance Agency at 1749F Independence St., Cape Girardeau. She has 18 years of experience in the insurance industry and also worked in finance. After working as an agent at Acceptance Insurance for the past four and a half years, she has taken over the business and renamed it. Voelker Insurance offers home, mobile home, renters, health and life insurance.

LEADERSHIP CAPE ANNOUNCES GRADUATES

The Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce held a graduation ceremony for the Leadership Cape Class of 2010, hosted by Saint Francis Medical Center. The 2010 graduates were recognized with a plaque and a lapel pin. Graduates are Justin Albright, NAB Automation Inc.; Ashley Beggs, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri; Phil Cantoni, Wood & Huston Bank; Linda Decker and Nicole Dirnberger, Saint Francis Medical Center; Matt Feldt, Cape Girardeau Printing; Chris Foeste, Big River Telephone Co.; Takeshi Fujii, Southeast Missouri State Recreation Services; Lindsey Hecht, Bank of Missouri; Joyce Hunter, Southeast Missouri State University; Rob Johnson, Daniel & Henry Co.; Michelle Jones, Bank of Missouri; Carolyn Kempf, Elite Travel; Alan Kridelbaugh, Schott & Associates, P.C.; Stephanie Lynch, Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau; Kyle McDonald, Sanofi-Aventis; Matthew McDowell, Mid-America Hotels; Bob Miller, Southeast Missourian; Billy Pecord, Alliance Water Resources; Terri Penrod, Realty Executives of Cape County; Brian Rivenburgh, Banterra Bank; Kirk Sandfort, Missouri Outdoor Services LLC; Cindy Seyer, Southeast Missouri Hospital; Darin Stageberg and Dr. Jim Welker, Cape Girardeau Public Schools; Tonya Wells, Southeast Missouri State University; and Erica Wheeler, BOLD Marketing.

MARY KAY AGENTS RECOGNIZED FOR SALES

The Jana Jateff Unit of Mary Kay Cosmetics recently held its year-end picnic to honor top producers for the 2010 sales year. LaDonia Beggs, Jackson, was recognized as most consistent consultant. Cecil Pikey, Scott City, was named husband of the year. Evelyn Pikey, Scott City, was named Miss Go Give. Miss Enthusiasm was Katie Eggimann, Advance, Mo., and Rookie of the Year was Amanda Kirby, Thebes, Ill. Miss Mary Kay Image was Sarah Author, Louisiana, Mo. Queen of Sharing was Kay Waller, Cape Girardeau. Waller was also named sales queen. Sales Court members were Michelle Stoverink, Leopold, Mo., No. 5; Amy Romack, Cape Girardeau, No. 4; Beggs, No. 3; and Sherry Campbell, Sedgewickville, Mo., No. 2. In addition, Jana Jateff, senior sales director, was part of the national court for the 17th year in a row. Jateff, of Cape Girardeau, has been with Mary Kay for 28 years.

GIRARDOT MEMBERS ATTEND CONFERENCE

In July, 10 members of the Girardot Chapter of International Association of Administrative Professionals attended the annual Education Forum and Annual Meeting in Boston. Local members in attendance were Sherri Jenkins, Donna Wills, Debbie McKee, Carol Kitchen, Patty Eck, Frances Wissmiller, Lynn Moore, Wanda Lang, Sharon Hale and Barb Ostrenga. Attendees participated in four days of business meetings and presentations, gaining recertification points for their Certified Professional Secretary and Certified Administrative Professional status.

EDGAR JOINS REALTY EXECUTIVES

Elaine Edgar recently joined Realty Executives of Cape County. She has been in the real estate business for nearly two years. As an agent with Realty Executives, Edgar will handle all real estate needs. 

STAPLETON ATTENDS ENTREPRENEURSHIP SEMINAR

Dr. James Stapleton, executive director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and assistant professor of management at Southeast Missouri State University, attended the Global Entrepreneurship Week USA Partners Forum held June 8-9 in Kansas City, Mo. The forum consisted of more than 100 partner organizations that gathered to begin planning Global Entrepreneurship Week/USA, scheduled for Nov. 15-21. As regional director of the event for Missouri, Stapleton helped develop suggestions for sponsored activities designed to raise awareness for the importance of entrepreneurship and inspire people to embrace innovation, imagination and creativity.

SMITH JOINS COLDWELL

Tracie Smith is a new agent at Coldwell Banker Abernathy Realty in Jackson.

LOCAL LAWYERS ELECTED TO BAR BOARDS

John Grimm was elected to The Missouri Bar Board of Governors. Grimm practices with The Limbaugh Firm. Michael Gardner, who practices with the firm of Osbourn, Hine, Yates & Murphy LLC, was elected to the Young Lawyers Section Council.

AYCOCK APPOINTED TO STATE COMMISSION

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Jay Nixon appointed Parma, Mo., business owner Barry Aycock to the Commission on Retirement, Removal and Discipline of Judges. The commission makes recommendations to the Missouri Supreme Court for the retirement of any state or municipal judge who is found to be physically or mentally disabled and for the removal or discipline of a judge for misconduct. Aycock is owner and creator of AgXplore International, a developer and supplier of fertilizers and other agricultural products. He has been appointed for a term ending Dec. 31, 2015.

TURNER JOINS BLACKWELL BALDWIN

DEXTER, Mo. -- Ronnie Turner rejoined the sales staff at Blackwell Baldwin Dodge.

UNITED WAY NAMES CAMPAIGN CABINET

The United Way of Southeast Missouri kicked off its 2010-2011 campaign with the help of several local business representatives who will work to raise more than $1 million this year. This year's campaign is chaired by Wayne Wallingford of McDonald's and Kevin Greaser of Alliance Bank. Marketing chair is Dana Hukel of BOLD Marketing. The Top 20 campaign chair is John Mehner of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce. Loaned executives are Jeanne Churchill, Capaha Bank; Linda Horrell, Montgomery Bank; Dom Mastropierro, Regions Bank; Benji Ferguson, Bank of Missouri; Cathi Schlosser, Alliance Bank; Lee Ann Tally, Banterra Bank; Ryan Wiley, U.S. Bank; Ellen Carlson, Mississippi River Radio; John Brey, Capaha Bank; Erica Wheeler, BOLD Marketing; Rhett Hendrickson, Hendrickson Business Advisors; Tara Conner, First State Community Bank; and Rob Stephens, ServPro. Small Business Blitz co-chairs are Lisa Rodman, Bank of Missouri; and Angie Umfleet, Chap Arnold Insurance.

SABRELINER APPOINTS PORTER TO PARTS SUPERVISOR

Aviation services provider Sabreliner Corp. appointed Kristi Porter as parts support supervisor for Sabreliner aircraft operators. Porter has an extensive background in parts support and previously served as a member of the Sabreliner aircraft parts team. She now manages the team.

RUST PUBLISHERS NAMED REGIONAL VPS

Rust Communications elevated three of its group publishers to roles as regional vice presidents, working with Rust newspaper publishers in different regions of the country. Ron Kemp, based in Arkansas, has added the responsibilities of papers in southwest Missouri, central Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Idaho. Bud Hunt, based in Southeast Missouri, has added responsibilities there as well as in western Tennessee. Randy List, based in Indiana, has added responsibilities in central Tennessee and Iowa. The announcement was made Aug. 31 by Rust Communications copresidents Rex Rust and Jon K. Rust. The new positions of regional vice president will report directly to the copresidents. Gary W. Rust is chairman of the board.

FIRST STATE ANNOUNCES NEW ROLES

PARK HILLS, Mo. -- First State Community Bank named Greg Allen, former vice chairman, as chairman of the board of First State Bancshares and First State Community Bank. Allen has been with the organization for over 26 years, serving in a variety of roles under the instruction of the late Bill Cooper, former chairman. Allen will continue to be CEO of both First State Community Bank and First State Bancshares. In addition, FSCB named Terri Grindstaff, daughter of Cooper, as vice chairman of First State Bancshares and First State Community Bank. John Denkler, current chief lending officer and FSCB employee for over 18 years, was named president of First State Bancshares. The bank also named Richard "Rick" Cash of Leadbelt Materials to the board of directors. Cash, a longtime customer of the bank, began serving on the board in June 2010.