People on the move 03/10/03

Area woman visits with Labor Department chief

Local small-business leader and NFIB member Kathy Swan, co-owner of JCS Tel-Link in Cape Girardeau, recently met with U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao in St. Charles, Mo., to discuss how President Bush's tax-relief plan will affect Missouri's Main Street businesses.

"I am so encouraged that the Bush administration continues to realize what a crucial role small-business owners play in the economy," Swan said. "Secretary Chao clearly understands that in order to improve the economy the issues concerning my small business and my employees must be addressed."

The roundtable discussion, which took place at Wiliker's Restaurant, included approximately 20 other NFIB members.

The discussion focused on President Bush's new-tax relief plan, which will accelerate the income tax rate reduction from 2001 and increase small-business expensing limits by $50,000.

NFIB members also spoke with Chao about the formation of associated health plans, which would allow small businesses to join together through existing trade and professional organizations to purchase health insurance as a group. AHPs would allow small-business owners to find affordable coverage for their employees, which they have named their No. 1 concern for more than a decade.

Jackson grad finishes broadcast training

Joseph Myers, a 1998 graduate of Jackson High School, recently completed an intense training program at the Illinois Center for Broadcasting in Lombard, Ill. While there, he participated in a range of studies in the field of radio and television broadcasting.

Following graduation, Myers returned to Southeast Missouri and works as an on-air music host for Withers Broadcasting at KBXB in Sikeston, Mo. He is the son of William and Charla Myers of Jackson.

Wilson takes position at Coldwell Banker

Jerry Wilson has recently joined Coldwell Banker/ Hamilton Realty. He retired from the Southeast Missourian after 40 years in advertising sales, most which was working with real estate companies. Wilson said having been around real estate for years and having a real estate license seemed to make the job a good fit.

Parker joins First Missouri State Bank

Geoffrey Parker of Jackson has joined First Missouri State Bank as vice president, commercial lender. He has been in the banking industry as a commercial banker for the past 10 years.

Parker is a member of the Rotary Club, National Wild Turkey Federation, Chapter Advisory Board Sigma Chi, Greek Alumni Advisory Board and First Baptist Church.

Wild Wings promotes Scott City woman

Scott City resident Crystal Uhrhan has been named to Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar's management team, local franchise owner Bill Zellmer has announced.

With more than a decade of restaurant experience under her belt, Uhrhan switched gears for a few years to hone management skills as the front-end manager for Albertson's grocery, where she supervised the staff of cashiers and other personnel.

To prepare for the Buffalo Wild Wings post, she completed an extensive corporate-level training program in Overland Park, Kan. At Buffalo Wild Wings, she will focus on customer service, customer relations and food quality.

Cope named Southeast medical affairs director

Dr. David H. Cope has joined the Southeast Missouri Hospital administrative staff as director of medical affairs, a move that was effective March 3.

Cope is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a distinguished fellow of the American College of Medical Quality and a member of the American College of Physician Executives.

Cope comes to Southeast Missouri Hospital from Hilo Medical Center (HMC), a 276-bed acute, extended care and psychiatric facility in Hilo, Hawaii. HMC is the largest of 12 Hawaii Health Systems Corporation facilities.

From 1975 to 1993, Cope served as chief of pediatrics at Grove General Hospital in Grove, Okla. He also has served as a clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma Medical College in Tulsa.

Cope completed undergraduate studies at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. He received his M.D. degree from the University of Illinois Medical School in Chicago.

Kelso native receives award in St. Louis area

David Robert, formerly of Kelso, Mo., has been named Business Person of the Year by the South County Chamber of Commerce of St. Louis.

Robert is the director of operations for HMA Hotels, seven properties and 300 employees. He earned his degree from Southeast Missouri State University. He is also president elect of the chamber.

Robert is the son of Theon and Germaine Robert of Kelso.

Wood and Huston Bank announces changes

DeVonne Glastetter of Jackson has recently been promoted to vice president of secondary market lending for Wood and Huston Bank. Glastetter has been with the Cape Girardeau bank for five years. She moved here in 1993 with her husband and two children.

-- From staff reports