Applications available for advertising grant

Tri-State Advertising and Marketing Professionals (AMP) is accepting applications from not-for-profit organizations in Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois and western Kentucky for the 2011 Advertising for a Cause grant. The grant will provide advertising assistance, production and media placement valued at $90,000 for one regional public service organization.

Nine regional media companies -- Fox Radio, River Radio, Withers Broadcasting, KBSI, WSIL, Charter Media-Southeast Missouri, Poplar Bluff City Cable, DSW Signs and Red Letter Communications -- have donated their production and placement services to fund the grant, which will be coordinated by Tri-State AMP. Once a recipient is selected, a multimedia public service campaign will be developed and implemented, covering a five-state service area. Eligible organizations must service Tri-State AMP's membership area. Applications are available online at www.tristateamp.com and must be submitted by April 20. For more information, please call Boyce Holt at 573-429-8820 or email allmediaservices@tcmax.net.

* Newspaper receives awards: The Southeast Missourian received several awards in the Suburban Newspapers of America 2010 Editorial Contest including first place for best local election coverage in its circulation class. Other awards included: first place for best sports section among all circulation classes; third place for best photojournalism in its circulation class for "Saddling Up for Sonic"; third place for best young people's coverage in its class for the neXt section; third place for best arts and entertainment writing in its class for SE Live, and honorable mention for best continuing coverage in its class for "Casino Proposed for Cape Girardeau." In the 2011 Missouri Associated Press Managing Editors contest, reporters Scott Moyers and Melissa Miller received first place in the spot news category among similar-sized daily newspapers in the state for their coverage of the Missouri Gaming Commission's decision to grant the state's final gambling license to Cape Girardeau.

* New building supply store opens: MARCO Construction Products is now open at 824 S. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau. The company, which caters to contractors but also serves the general public, carries a variety of commercial and industrial construction products, said owner Todd Marchi, who previously worked as a sales representative for Goedecke Co. MARCO's lease transaction for its 12,200 square-foot site was handled by Lorimont Place Ltd.

* Flight training company to locate at airport: Skybound Aviation, operated by Glenn McAllister and Beverly Cleair, intends to lease hangar and office space at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport to offer a light sport airplane flight training program. The lease will be reviewed by the city council tonight. The one-year lease with five additional one-year terms would generate $22,605 over the course of the contract.

* New bar to cater to pool, dart leagues: Long Shots Bar and Billiards owner Reed Edmundson of Cape Girardeau is seeking a liquor license at today's city council meeting. The bar will be located at 470 S. Kingshighway, the former Cue and Brew. Emerson said his business will be starting pool and dart leagues in April.

* NASV receives accreditation: The Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence has been awarded reaccreditation by National Children's Alliance following an extensive application and site review process. As the accrediting agency for Children's Advocacy Centers (CAC) across the country, National Children's Alliance awards various levels of accreditation and membership to centers responding to allegations of child abuse in ways that are effective and efficient, and put the needs of child victims of abuse first. Accreditation is the highest level of membership with National Children's Alliance and denotes excellence in service provision. Accredited CACs must undergo a reaccreditation process every five years to ensure that best practices are continually being applied. SEMO-NASV has served as a single point of entry for child abuse victims and their families in Southeast Missouri since 1997. SEMO-NASV offers forensic interviews and medical exams as well as advocacy and counseling for victims of abuse. These services were provided to more than 600 children in 2010. SEMO-NASV also educates professionals, parents and children through its Green Bear Program; educating more than 10,000 children in Southeast Missouri a year on ways to stay safe.

Southeast Missourian business reporter Melissa Miller may be contacted at 388-3646 or mmiller@semissourian.com.