People on the move 2/13/12

Martin joins the advertising department of the Wright Group

Kristen Martin

Kristen Martin has joined the staff of designers at the Wright Group, a brand development and advertising agency. Before joining the Wright Group in Perryville, Mo., she completed two internships, one with RSVP Marketing of Farmington, Mo., and the second with Cheree Berry Paper in St. Louis. Her focus will be on graphic design and web development. Martin, originally from Desloge, Mo., is a magna cum laude graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a bachelor of fine arts and a minor in mass communication.

Pettet joins First Community Insurance Group in Cape

Jack Pettet

First Community Insurance Group recently announced the addition of Jack Pettet to its Cape Girardeau office. Pettet will serve as senior insurance services representative offering all lines of personal and commercial insurance products. He is the former operator of Arena Golf. Pettet's office is within the First Community Bank building at 17 S. Mount Auburn Road.

Connell joins First Community at management trainee position

Jack Connell

Jack Connell recently joined First Community Bank as management trainee to the Cape Girardeau location. Connell will serve the bank in various operational positions as part of his managerial training program. He graduated from Central High School in 2008 and went on to attend Shawnee College.

Houchins earns Round Table Inner Circle membership

Robert Houchins

Robert I. Houchins of Jackson, a Modern Woodmen of America managing partner, has earned membership in the organization's 2011 Managing Partner Round Table Inner Circle. The Inner Circle includes the top managing partners in Modern Woodmen's Managing Partner Round Table. The Round Table recognizes outstanding leadership and is based on high achievement in life insurance sales.

Burner joins Exit Realty -- Thomas Meyer Associates staff

Shad Burner has joined Exit Realty -- Thomas Meyer Associates as a new real estate agent. Burner also serves as vice president and director of operations at Broadway Esquire Entertainment Group. Burner was director of alumni services at Southeast Missouri State University where he has worked for more than five years. His community involvement includes membership in the Chamber of Commerce, the downtown Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus, Council 1111 and a past member of the Tri-State Advertising and Marketing Professionals. He is also a 2011 graduate of the Dale Carnegie Leadership training course. Burner is a graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication and a master of arts in higher education administration.

Southeast Missourian staff place in contest

Several Southeast Missourian staff members were among the list of winners from the 2012 Missouri Associated Press Media Editors newspaper contest for Division III. M.D. Kittle, Carrie Bartholomew and Shay Alderman placed first in Community Affairs/Public Interest for "County salaries"; M.D. Kittle placed first in the Feature Writing category for "A soldier named Lucky"; Scott Moyers placed second in Feature Writing for "Penalty of Death: The crimes of Russell Bucklew and their aftermath"; Scott Moyers and M.D. Kittle placed second in Spot News for "Breached"; Laura Simon placed second in Feature Photos for "All-Southeast Missourian Girls Track Team: Nicole Hemmann"; Kristen Eberts placed second in sports photos for "Bogged down: Jackson's Law Duncan and DeSmet's Sean Badlock"; and Laura Simon placed third in Spot News Photos for "Clearing out."

Mid America Rehab adds Lumsden to staff

Taylor Lumsden has joined the staff of Mid America Rehab at its Cape Girardeau outpatient center. He received his bachelor's degree in exercise science and master's degree in physical therapy from Saint Louis University. His work experience includes treating patients in nursing homes, acute care, skilled rehab, home health and industrial medicine. Lumsden is a native of Southeast Missouri and a graduate of Notre Dame Regional High School.

Bollinger Chamber elect 2012 officers

The Bollinger County Chamber of Commerce recently elected new officers for 2012. Garry Major was elected president, Charlie Hutchings was elected vice president, Sherrie McCain was elected secretary and Robin Cureton was elected treasurer.

-- From staff reports