Ramada Plaza Hotel & Oasis Convention CenterThe Ramada Oasis Hotel and Convention Center changed its name March 1 to Ramada Plaza Hotel & Oasis Convention Center, reflecting a promotion within the Wyndham Worldwide franchise system. The property, 2546 N. Glenstone Ave., is now among 15 percent of the 800 Ramada hotels worldwide to carry the plaza distinction. New signage was installed May 15. Hotel and convention center General Manager
Missy Handyside attributed the promotion to awards – the hotel took Ramada Worldwide’s Best of the Best Award in 2011 and 2012 and Wyndham’s Sales Team of the Year in 2013 – the property’s uniqueness and its customer service. She also pointed to the recent $5.6 million expansion and remodel of the convention center, which connected it to the hotel and Fire & Ice restaurant. The property is owned by Robert Low, president of trucking company Prime Inc. Hours: 24/7. Phone: (417) 866-5253. Web:
RamadaOasis.comEnterprise Home LoansSt. Louis-based Enterprise Bank & Trust on May 20 finalized its purchase of Gorman & Gorman Home Loans, including its Springfield office at 1540 E. Primrose St. Spokesman
Brett O’Daniell said the local office has changed its name to Enterprise Home Loans, and the company plans to add three loan officers to the two on board. Enterprise Bank & Trust, the banking subsidiary of Enterprise Financial Services Corp. (Nasdaq: EFSC), agreed in March to acquire St. Louis-based Gorman & Gorman, a division of F&M Bank and Trust Co. With the deal, the terms of which were undisclosed, Enterprise Bank & Trust gains roughly 30 mortgage producers, underwriters and operations staff across offices in St. Louis, Springfield and Cape Girardeau. Gorman & Gorman, founded in 1994, has originated more than $2.5 billion in mortgage loans, 1,500 of which totaling nearly $200 million originated out of the Springfield office, O’Daniell said. Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Phone: (417) 889-1920. Web:
EnterpriseHomeLoans.comKiss My Gas ScootersLess than two years after opening downtown, Kiss My Gas Scooters moved to larger digs on South Campbell Avenue. Owners
Joe and
Shanna Berrer opened May 13 in 5,600 square feet at 2179 S. Campbell Ave. The couple signed a three-year lease for $3,000 per month with the Robberson family, Joe Berrer said. With about 2,500 square feet more than its 212 S. Campbell Ave. shop, Berrer said Kiss My Gas expanded its service department, which employs three, and has a showroom for 80 scooters. Last year, he sold 400 units, with the most popular being the 49cc scooters. With the move, Berrer said he spent $5,000 on building repairs and updates and another $60,000 on inventory, in part, to become a franchise dealer for Genuine Scooter Co. Kiss My Gas also carries TaoTao, Bintelli and Puma brands, and Berrer said costs range between $900 and $4,000. Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday. Phone: (417) 863-9600. Web:
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