People on the move 4/22/02

Williamson named bank employee of the year

Sherri Williamson has been named the 2001 employee of the year for Commerce Bank in Cape Girardeau. Williamson began her banking career in 1985 at First Exchange Bank in Cape Girardeau.

She worked as a teller for five years before transferring to the financial services department of the bank. She joined Commerce Bank in May 1992 as a financial services representative in the Cape Girardeau on South Broadview and transferred to the Jackson branch in October 1996.

Williamson was promoted to a senior financial services representative position in January 1997.

Ad-Tek hires former Chamber worker Minner

Linda Minner has joined the crew at Ad-Tek as a promotional consultant. Minner has 32 years of experience with the business community. Minner's specialties are planning and coordinating special events like golf tournaments, employee picnics and fund raisers.

Minner had been a longtime special projects coordinator for the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce before retiring from that job earlier this year.

Bjelich named to Commerce Bank board

Steven C. Bjelich, president and CEO of St. Francis Medical Center, has been named to Commerce Bank's advisory board of directors, community bank president Roger L. Tolliver announced last week.

Bjelich graduated from Indiana University with a business administration degree in 1976 and received his master's in health administration in 1978 at Mercy Hospital, Miami, Fla. He is also heavily involved in the community, Tolliver said.

"Steve brings a strong blend of the leadership and business skills that are required for the position, and he is very well regarded for his leadership and proven track record," Tolliver said.

The appointment is effective immediately.

Teri Wilson joins Red Letter Communication

Red Letter Communications Inc. has announced the addition of Teri Wilson as an account executive. Wilson will be the key client agency contact on agency accounts such as BBL of Biehle, Mo.; Wilbert Inc., based in Chicago; and on portions of the Red Letter STIHL business.

Wilson was formerly a sales representative with the Southeast Missourian newspaper for over 25 years. She is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia, where she earned a degree in advertising.

Big River Telephone announces new hires

Big River Telephone, a Cape Girardeau telephone and Internet company, has announced that it has hired Koji Kawakita and Emily Woodrome.

Woodrome has joined the Cape Girardeau-based company as an account executive. Woodrome comes to Big River Telephone with many years of sales and telecommunications experience in the wireless industry. She has worked with customers throughout the region solving business issues with information technology tools. Woodrome will work extensively with Big River Telephone's affinity marketing programs.

-- From staff reports