Coldwell Banker Hamilton bought

In the next couple of weeks, those of you who watch closely will notice that the signs are about to change at Coldwell Banker Hamilton Realty. That's because real-estate agents Mike Annis and Dana Leming (brother and sister) have bought the business from Martha Hamilton, who is staying on as an agent.

All of the Annises -- including their parents, Herb and Thelma -- have been in the real-estate business for years. They previously worked at Century 21 Ashland, but the family decided to work for themselves. Herb and Thelma Annis also work as agents at the firm, at 1223 N. Kingshighway.

When the signs change, the business will be named Select Real Estate.

"It's no reflection on Martha that we're changing the name," Annis said. "We've all been doing this too long to provide new blood, but we thought we could add some different blood."

Mike really bragged on his sister, saying that she's one of the top agents in the region.

"She's got seven Century awards sitting on her desk that show that," Annis said. "I don't know that anybody else at Century has that many."

In the meantime, Annis has upgraded the offices, including installing a new computer system and updating the building.

Annis said he and his family love their new surroundings: "It's heaven," he said.

* New building on Broadway: We've all noticed that new building going up quickly on Broadway. It turns out that it's going to be a new Creative Trim and Performance. Owner Travis Rowland, who currently rents space next door at 2215 Broadway, wanted to own a building, so he is building a new one at 2217 Broadway.

The new building will be 4,800 square feet and is expected to be done by Dec. 1. Stockade Builders out of Oran, Mo., has been contracted for the work.

The business sells items that upgrade the look and performance of a vehicle, like motors to supercharge a car.

* New plaza in Jackson: Cape Starter and Alternator Service has announced that construction has begun on a new plaza next door to Cape Starter and Alternator, 3276 Old Cape Road in Jackson.

They are building a 3,000-square-foot facility that could house one or two businesses. The building will be available for lease later this year or early next year. This area is zoned commercial and/or industrial, so the possibilities are open. The area has room for up to eight buildings for future phases and is one of the few areas with both commercial and industrial zoning.

* Ratliffs mark 40 years: As of Oct. 1, Carlos and Emmagene Ratliff, owners of Ratliff Care Center, have been in the nursing home business for 40 years.

The Ratliffs began their careers in the industry when they purchased a 17-bed nursing facility at 717 N. Sprigg St. in Cape Girardeau on Oct. 1, 1965.

On Sept. 1, 1992, they opened their present facility, which consists of 46 skilled nursing beds. At that time, the facility went from employing 15 people to an average of 60. The Ratliffs' son, Michael, has been with the nursing home for seven years as assistant administrator. He has a bachelor's degree in nursing as well as a bachelor's degree in business. He is also a registered nurse.

Congratulations to the Ratliffs for their milestone.

Briefly

• Dominion Title has been sold. Owner Ed Radetic has sold the title company to Ryan Holden, who has changed the name to American Title. A ribbon cutting was held Oct. 19.

Scott Moyers is the business editor for the Southeast Missourian. Send comments, business news, information or questions to Biz Buzz, 301 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702-0699, call 335-6611, extension 137 or e-mail smoyers@semissourian.com.