Wanted: Readers' picks for top stories of 2009

A little more than three weeks are left until we bid 2009 farewell.

For some it was a joyous time filled with many happy memories while others are hoping 2010 brings better results in this lackluster economy, such as a new job or a home sold.

Building on that, I'm seeking your thoughts on the top business stories that happened in 2009. I'll have a complete list in an upcoming column. E-mail me your top picks from the following list (or even ones that aren't listed) no later than 5 p.m. Dec. 28:

* January's winter storm cripples certain areas for days, including businesses.

* TG Missouri of Perryville, Mo., lays off 900 workers.

* Southeast Missouri Hospital breaks ground on its new cancer center.

* Commercial air service resumes at Cape Girardeau Regional Airport when Cape Air begins flying out of the area Nov. 8.

* Area Chrysler dealerships close.

* Barbershop completes renovations: A Cape Girardeau barbershop is now open at its new location. Hair Styling for Men recently moved from 1735 N. Kingshighway to 835 N. Kingshighway, Suite 102.

Owner Kim McKee said since the move, business has steadily increased.

"It's been a great move for us," McKee said. "We've gotten busier ever since. It's been a blessing."

Features include a pool table, leather couches, flat-screen television and a gourmet coffee maker.

Hair Styling for Men is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The phone number is 335-6670.

* Ebay shop opens: Robert Heyden, a native of Germany, has opened an ebay business. Robert's Nick-Nacks, 117 W. Main St. in Jackson, offers customers the option to bring their items into his shop and he'll sell them. Heyden receives a small percentage of profits from each sale.

This isn't Heyden's first time to operate an online auction business. Before moving from Germany to Southeast Missouri two years ago Heyden ran a similar ebay business.

The business is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

* Lawyer starting own practice: Cape Girardeau lawyer Bryan Greaser is opening his own legal office at 1353 N. Mount Auburn Road, Suite D. Greaser plans to open for business by early January.

Tom Kelsey, a broker with Lorimont Place Ltd., handled the deal.

* Streetscape project complete: About 25 people gathered last week at the site of the recently completed uptown Jackson historic district streetscape project for a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The improvements on a section of High Street between Main and Adams streets include historic lighting, cobblestone sidewalk pavers, bike racks, benches and trash receptacles.

"I'm hoping we'll attract more specialty merchants and fill up the stores," project engineer Tom Strickland said.

* Hi Tech Communications introduces new product: Hi Tech Communications has introduced a single-loop fire alarm panel that is intended for use in schools, strip malls and stores. The MPC-6000 intelligent fire alarm panel supports hundreds of inputs and outputs on a single loop. The company, founded in 1996, has offices in Cape Girardeau and Sikeston, Mo., and serves a five-state area.

Southeast Missourian business reporter Brian Blackwell may be contacted at 388-3628 or bblackwell@semissourian.com.<I>