Names in the news

BRAND JOINS SOURCE YOGA

The Source Yoga 'n More, Cape Girardeau, hired Stephen M. Brand as an instructor of IntenSati, a workout that fuses aerobics, martial arts, dance, yoga, strength conditioning and spoken affirmations. Brand previously taught IntenSati at the Greenville Aquatics and Fitness Center in Greenville, N.C. He began teaching classes at the Cape Girardeau studio on June 15.

STE. GEN CHAMBER PRESENTS AWARDS

STE. GENEVIEVE, Mo. -- The Ste. Genevieve Chamber of Commerce presented awards at its annual banquet on April 29, reported the Ste. Genevieve Herald. Awards went to Terri Grither, Sweet Things of Ste. Genevieve, Small Business of the Year; Jack Donze, Community Service Award; Sandra Cabot and Mike Stewart, Presidential Awards; and Patti and Bill Naeger, Lifetime Achievement Award. The chamber also announced that Linda Huck, Debra Donze, Matt Trautman and Mike Fallert were elected to the board of directors.

NORDENIA HONORS EMPLOYEES

Randy Mann, process development technician, Cape Girardeau, was employee of the month for May at NORDENIA USA Inc. He has been with the company since July 1991. Nordenia also recognizes the following employment anniversaries: Brian Haas, Ronald Palisch, Brenda West, Jeffry Berhardt and Shawn Vogt, 20 years of service; and Barbara Lewis and Harold Palmer, five years.

CITY HONORS EMPLOYEES

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Jamie Williams, code enforcement officer with the City of Sikeston, was public works employee of the second quarter. Barry McDowell, public safety officer, was employee of the second quarter for the Department of Public Safety.

CHAMBER NAMES EDUCATORS OF THE YEAR

The Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce presented its annual Educator of the Year awards on May 5. Those honored were Julia Unnerstall, counselor, Alma Schrader Elementary; Janet Brase, fourth grade teacher, Blanchard Elementary; Kristin Gill, second grade teacher, Blanchard Elementary; Dennis Wilson, visual arts teacher, Central Junior High School; and Dr. Steven Hoffman, professor, Department of History in the College of Liberal Arts at Southeast Missouri State University. Four kindergarten through 12th-grade teachers and one university faculty member are chosen for the award each year. Nominations are made by the public, and an education committee, made up of chamber volunteers, reviews and scores each application. Finally, they interview nominees to determine the top five.

BEECHAM NAMED OUTSTANDING TEACHER

Malissa Beecham, fourth grade teacher at Franklin Elementary School, Cape Girardeau, was named one of Missouri's Outstanding Beginning Teachers by the Missouri Association for Colleges of Teacher Education on April 27. The award, given to highly effective teachers in their first two years of service, is based on evaluations from their college and recommendations from their school district.

WALLINGFORD HONORED AS FRESHMAN LEGISLATOR

Wayne Wallingford

Rep. Wayne Wallingford, Cape Girardeau, received the Freshman Legislator of the Year Award for his work on higher education. The award was presented by Steven Tilley, Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives. As vice chairman of the House Committee on Higher Education, Wallingford helped promote legislation that increased the coordination of Missouri's public and private collegiate institutions, community and technical colleges, tuition, distance learning and financial aid. He also sponsored House Bill 223 to establish the Nursing Education Incentive Program and authorize a nonrenewable advanced placement grant to any recipient of financial aid under the A+ Schools or Access Missouri programs, and wrote legislation to establish initiatives within the Department of Higher Education.

Cassandra Dameron

DAMERON PROMOTED TO BRANCH MANAGER

Cassandra Dameron was promoted to branch manager/assistant vice president of the Regions Bank on Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau. She began her career with Regions Bank as a teller at this same location in 2008 and advanced to various positions within the bank.

BURKE NAMED LOAN OFFICER

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Steve Burke joined Southern Bank as a senior commercial loan officer. He works at the Vine Street location in Poplar Bluff. He has worked with Southern Bank for nine years, most recently as a community bank president in Doniphan, Mo.

CHRISTIAN GETS SENIOR MASTER TRAINING

DEXTER, Mo. -- James Christian III of Bud Shell Ford received his 2011 Senior Master Technician certification. He is one of only 253 technicians to hold the designation in the Memphis, Tenn., region, which runs from St. Louis to Louisiana.

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CASHION HONORED BY CHAMBER

FARMINGTON, Mo. -- Tina Cashion, office manager at Redfield Collision Center, was named "Best Administrative Professional" by the Farmington Chamber of Commerce. The chamber invited business and community leaders to submit nominations for the recognition, and a committee was established to review nominations.

HALTER COMPLETES BUSINESS RETENTION COURSE

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Steve Halter, president of the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce, completed a business retention and recruitment course at Georgia Tech University. The three-day course was offered through the International Economic Development Council.

BIEN JOINS LINCOLN LACY

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MALDEN, Mo. -- Mike Bien joined the sales staff at Lincoln Lacy Motors. He has more than 12 years of experience in the auto industry.

SCHOOLFIELD JOINS CANEDY SIGN

Tyson Schoolfield

Tyson Schoolfield, Jackson, joined Canedy Sign and Graphics, Cape Girardeau, as a regional salesman. He previously worked in sales at Withers Broadcasting. In his new position, Schoolfield represents Canedy Sign throughout Southeast Missouri as well as Paducah, Ky., and Marion, Ill.

FARROW GETS PRESIDENT'S CLUB AWARD

Greg Farrow, sales agent in AAA's Cape Girardeau office, received AAA's President's Club Award. To qualify for the award, Farrow met standards of performance in property and casualty insurance services, as well as goals in auto insurance sales, loss ratios and policyholder services. He has been a AAA sales agent since 2009.

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MODERN WOODMEN EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZED

David Hinkebein

Ken Volkerding, Jackson, financial representative with Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, was New Member Leader in the Missouri East Region for the month of March. He has been with the company since October 2004. Financial representative Kelly Darby, Jackson, was New Member Leader in the Missouri East Region for the month of April. Darby has been with Modern Woodmen since October. Financial representative David Hinkebein, Perryville, Mo., was Rookie of the Month in the Missouri East Region for the month of March. This recognition is given to a full-time representative who has been with Modern Woodmen for less than three years and is leading the region in production. Hinkebein joined Modern Woodmen full-time in December.

SIGMAN GETS CERTIFICATION FROM ENGINEERING INSTITUTE

Kevin Sigman earned the designation of Level II Special Hazards Suppression Systems from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies.

JUDEN JOINS MORLAN DODGE

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Dave Juden joined Sikeston Morlan Dodge as an Internet sales manager. He has more than 20 years of experience in the auto industry.

STEFFENS HONORED FOR SERVICE

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Adam Steffens, service technician with Presley Sales & Service, was Employee of the Year for 2010. He has worked at the business since 2007.

MECHANICS RECOGNIZED IN MASTER PROGRAM

DEXTER, Mo. -- Kyle Enderle and Jeremy C. Wood, service technicians at Bud Shell Ford in Dexter, were recognized for their achievements in the 2011 Masters Program. Enderle achieved the status of Chassis Master and Engine Master from the Ford Customer Service Division. Wood achieved Senior Master, Chassis Master, Drivetrain Master and Engine Master. The Master Program assures that customers' vehicles are repaired by skilled, factory-trained technicians.

DAUER ACCEPTED TO BANKING LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Dawn Dauer

Dawn Dauer was accepted into the Missouri Bankers Association's Banking Leadership Missouri program. She has served on MBA committees and has been involved as a community banking leader throughout her career at The Bank of Missouri. The 18-month program is designed to enhance leadership, organizational and performance skills of mid- to upper-level bankers. It focuses on developing a solid understanding of the industry and the skills necessary for leadership.

RICHLAND NAMES NEW SUPERINTENDENT

ESSEX, Mo. -- Frank Killian, current high school principal in Malden, Mo., will be the new superintendent of Richland Schools in Essex, reported the Daily Dunklin Democrat. He replaces Mike Kiehne, who accepted a new position as principal of Poplar Bluff High School. Killian has worked in education for 18 years, with 11 of those years spent in administration. He begins his duties at Richland on July 1.

COLDWELL AGENTS RECEIVE AWARDS

FARMINGTON, Mo. -- Several associates with Coldwell Banker Hulsey received International President's Circle Awards for 2010, placing them in the top 4 percent of all sales associates in the United States and Canada. Those honored from Farmington were Mary Gilliam, Kim Hutson, Mary Dunn, Alma Lorch, Richard Deason and broker/owner Cecil M. Hulsey.

LACY NAMED PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

FARMINGTON, Mo. -- Larry Lacy, a certified professional engineer, was hired as public works director for the City of Farmington. He began his new duties on May 23 and replaces Alan Welshon, who died several months ago.

ABERNATHY IS NO. 1 SALES ASSOCIATE

Liz Abernathy of Jackson, sales associate with Coldwell Banker Abernathy Realty, was the No. 1 sales associate in closed adjusted gross commission income among more than 720 Coldwell associates and representatives in Missouri for independently owned and operated companies affiliated with Coldwell.

FISCHER, SPENCER TOP RE/MAX

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Donna Fischer was Top Lister for April at RE/MAX Real Estate Group, and Julie Spencer was Top Producer.

KRISHNA JOINS US BANK

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Patrick Krishna, Poplar Bluff, was named a universal banker at US Bank's branch on North Westwood Boulevard. He has 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry and three years in financial service.

KNODELL, SANDERSON LEAD P.B. REALTY

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

PAYNE, LAPE ATTEND STATE CONFERENCE

Sharron Payne, Butler County public administrator, and Pam Lape, Stoddard County public administrator, were among 115 public administrators to attend the annual convention of the Missouri Association of Public Administrators April 25-28 in Osage Beach, Mo. Payne and Lape were certified for completing 20 hours of training as required in Senate Bill 601.

SCHULTZ HONORS TOP EMPLOYEES

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Schultz and Summers Engineering announced that its first quarter employees of the month were Cory Brown for January, Dan Koehler for February and Nick Smith for March.

Cole Burton

DEING, BURTON JOIN HAHS GROUP

Stephanie Deing

Stephanie Deing joined Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, The Hahs Group, Cape Girardeau, as director of development. A native of Cincinnati, Deing graduated from Xavier University and participated in the Northwestern Mutual internship program in Cincinnati. Additionally, Cole Burton joined The Hahs Group as director of recruiting. Burton previously worked at Major Brands in Cape Girardeau.

KELLEY JOINS FIRST COMMUNITY INSURANCE

Eric Kelley joined First Community Insurance Group, Cape Girardeau, as an insurance representative, effective May 23. He has been in the insurance services field since 2005, most recently as owner/agent for American Family Insurance, Chaffee, Mo. Kelley works in the insurance office at 17 S. Mount Auburn Road, inside First Community Bank.

THREE RIVERS HONORS EMPLOYEES

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Three Rivers College honored several employees May 20 at its first Achievement, Contribution and Excellence Awards event, reported the Daily American Republic. Those honored were Stacey Ward, Distinguished Support Staff Member; DeAndre Prater, Distinguished Faculty Member; Cole Allen, Distinguished Professional Staff Member; Gregory Snell, Innovative Educator-Full-Time Faculty; Donald Martin, Innovative Educator-Adjunct Faculty; Kevin Crawford, Outstanding Student Support Award; Julie Becker, Student Engagement Award; Terri Smith, Community Impact Award; and Matthew Thomas, Newbie Award. The President's Impact Award went to the Computer and Technology Services Team, which includes Steve Atwood, Cole Allen, Doug Houston, Mike Wilcut, Ben Gordon, Donna Bullington, Kathy Richardson and Melanie Hamman.

The college also recognized service anniversaries. Those honored were Debra Avery, Gabe Thompson, Rebecca Hutson, Lisa Clark, Gina Bubanovich, Lisa Bliss, Chris Adams, Tracy McCain and Dr. Amy Kopf, five years of service; Dr. Martha Kirkman, Justin Hoggard, Marsha Eaton, Cindy Clark, Robert Abney, Steve Lewis, Kristina McDaniel, Regina Morris, Bud Pinner, Andrew Rivetti, Mark Sanders, Christa Childress, Michelle Young and David Palmer, 10 years; Julie Becker, Edie Dilbeck, Bud Joyner, David Fielding and Dionne Thompson, 15 years; and William "Buddy" White, 20 years. Davine Conover, Michelle Madsen and Krystal Williams were recognized for completing additional degrees, and three retiring employees were also honored: Kathern Harris, Rhonda Meloy and Stanley Cunningham.

MATHEWS RESIGNS FROM COLISEUM

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Randy Matthews, director of the Black River Coliseum for 22 months, has resigned the position and taken a new role as executive director of the Fox Theatre in Hutchinson, Kan. He said he is making the move to be closer to his family, reported the Daily American Republic.

KNOPF JOINS RED CROSS

Ann Knopf joined the American Red Cross Southeast Missouri Chapter as a volunteer services manager. She will work with volunteers in the 11-county service area of Perry, Cape Girardeau, Bollinger, Scott, Stoddard, Mississippi, New Madrid, Dunklin, Butler, Wayne and Pemiscot counties. Knopf previously completed a public relations internship at the local chapter.

ALBERTSON IS ADMIN PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Martha Albertson of Adkins Chiropractic and Wellness was named 2011 Administrative Professional of the Year at the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce's Administrative Professionals Day luncheon. She was chosen by a committee of area business leaders selected by chamber president Steve Halter. Albertson was nominated by Dr. Ben Adkins, owner of the clinic. Finalists were Viola Brooks of Blackwell-Baldwin Chevrolet-Cadillac; Ruth Nations of Denver Kennedy's State Farm Insurance office; and Stacy Tucker, administrative assistant for the CEO and COO at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

HICKS IS TOP HONDA SELLER

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Jan Hicks, salesperson at Bluff Honda/Polaris, won the 2011 Polaris XP Extreme Salesperson contest. He sold 46 units in three months, more than any other salesperson in the region.

COLDWELL HONORS DARNELL

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Shirley Darnell was Top Producer for April at Coldwell Banker.

PARK SERVICE RECOGNIZES DETRING

VAN BUREN, Mo. -- Ozark National Scenic Riverways recognized Reed E. Detring, superintendent, for 35 years of federal service.

JENNINGS IS FINALIST FOR CFO AWARD

John Jennings

John Jennings, vice president and chief financial officer of Big River Telephone Co., Cape Girardeau, was a finalist for St. Louis Business Journal's 2011 CFO of the Year. Finalists were chosen by a panel that included previous winners, CFOs and key business leaders. Awards were given to private and not-for-profit companies based on 2009 revenue data. Jennings has worked in the telecom industry since the mid-1990s, and has worked with multiple companies. He helped grow Big River from a three-state local telephone provider to a national carrier.

EFTINK JOINS ELEMENT 74

Toni Eftink

Toni Eftink joined Element74 as project manager and social media specialist. She will oversee the production of custom websites built for clients of Element74, and will coach clients with their social media presence. Eftink previously worked for two years as project manager at Old Town Cape.

HINKEBEIN COMPLETES TRAINING PROGRAM

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- David Hinkebein, Perryville, a Modern Woodmen of America representative, completed a five-day educational program at the company's home office in Rock Island, Ill. The program focused on Modern Woodmen's life insurance plans, annuities and fraternal member benefits. Hinkebein joined Modern Woodmen in December.

LOCALS GRADUATE FROM BUSINESS COURSE

Hendrickson Business Advisors of Cape Girardeau recently announced the first group to graduate from the Dale Carnegie Course since forming its partnership with Dale Carnegie Training of St. Louis. Course participants focused on self-confidence, building relationships, motivation, effective communication, stress and worry management, and leadership skills. The nine graduates are Brandon Blattel, Marco Construction Products; Craig Bohnsack, Murphy Business of Cape Girardeau; Shad Burner, Brian Holdman and Bruce Skinner, all of Southeast Missouri State University; Ashley Kassel, Financial Planning Advisors Inc.; Cheryl Klueppel, American Red Cross, Southeast Missouri Chapter; Todd Marchi, Marco Construction Products; and James Witt, Unimin Specialty Minerals.