Awards and Achievements

Conservation

Sen. Kit Bond and Rep. Roy Blunt recently announced that the U.S. Forest Service has approved a $415,000 grant for Missouri firefighters combating forest fires and wildfires. The grant will fund the replacement of 400 dry hydrant kits, training for fire departments and an education-prevention program for residents in high-risk urban areas about ways to mitigate wildfire hazards.

Education

Gary Lee, automotive technology instructor at Ozarks Technical Community College, was recently honored during the 2002 Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching ceremony in Jefferson City.

He was one of 65 outstanding faculty from postsecondary schools, colleges and universities in Missouri to receive the award. Recipients are selected by their institutions for effective teaching and advising, service to the community, commitment to high standards of excellence and success in nurturing student achievement.

Dr. Mark Richter, associate professor of chemistry at Southwest Missouri State University, received a $60,000 grant from the Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Awards. The award recognizes individuals who excel in teaching, mentoring and research work with undergraduate students. He is the first SMSU faculty member to receive this award. Richter has been a faculty member at the university for five years. He received a bachelor of arts degree from Gustavus Adolphus College and a doctorate degree in chemistry from Washington State University-Pullman.

Finance

Anita Oplotnik, vice president and customer relations manager with Bank of America's Private Bank, recently earned her master of business administration degree in finance from SMSU. She joined the bank 14 years ago. Her current responsibilities include working with individuals and families on personal wealth solutions. She received her undergraduate degree in business from Missouri Southern State College.

Steven D. Hufham, CPA, CFP, managing shareholder of Kirkpatrick, Phillips & Miller CPAs PC, was elected to the North America Board of Directors of CPA Associates International Inc. He has more than 22 years' experience in accounting and taxes.

Hospitality

Springfield's Holiday Inn North, under the direction of general manager Colleen Viter, has received the Quality of Excellence Award from Six Continents Hotels. The award is to honor a hotel achieving distinction via a 12-month rating system by which guests evaluate the hotel's performance, quality and customer service.

Networking

The Springfield Business Connection, a networking and referral organization, recently welcomed six new members: Michael Ariew of Bizwebpro.com, Michael and Stella Chilton of Chilton Termite and Pest, Dale Barnett of Barnett Business Consulting, Mark Heins of Automated Business Products Inc., and Edward Muller of Interlix.

The Association of Contemporary Executives announced new officers for 2002-2003. Elected were Andy Dunlap, president; Dan Malachowski, vice president; Terri Eftink, secretary; Cinda Rodgers, treasurer; Brian Derenski, Web-site chair; Karen Ross, attendance/performance chair; Ronda Williams, membership chair; Chris Torrisi, social chair; and Floyd Jett, presentation chair.

Youth

The Ozark Empire Fair recently selected 11 area youth to receive grants through the Youth of the Ozarks Program. Grants of $500 each were awarded to Daniel Anderson, Ash Grove; Jamie Bellis, Aurora; Stephen Davis, Monett; Cody Gariss, Lamar; Brittney Knackstedt, Everton; Adam McGee, Purdy; Lyal Strickland, Buffalo; Megan Taylor, Diamond; Ali Underwood, Walnut Grove; Cody Washam, Pierce City; and Jordan Whistance, Halfway. An additional $500 grant, sponsored by the Fair and the Ozark Auto Club for a project with emphasis in agriculture mechanics, was awarded to Stephen Davis, Monett.