Heard on the Street

Manufacturer of the Year

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting nominations for its ninth annual Manufacturer of the Year award. The Manufacturers Council of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes the accomplishments of local manufacturing firms with this honor. The award ceremony will be held Dec. 10 at the Sheraton Hawthorn Park Hotel. To nominate a manufacturer for this award, visit www.springfield chamber.com for a nomination form or contact Allen Kunkel at 417-862-5567. Nominations must be received at the chamber by Sept. 1. Nominees must be chamber members with 25 or more employees.

SMSU physical therapy accreditation

Southwest Missouri State University recently received full accreditation from the Commission of Accreditation in physical therapy education. SMSU received five years of accreditation, the longest accreditation possible for new programs. The 27-month physical therapy program includes 30 weeks of clinical instruction, leading to a Master of Physical Therapy degree.

FY 04 Community development grants

Community development corporations across the state are invited to apply for special opportunity grants to fund specific projects designed to promote revitalization, housing and job creation. These special opportunity grants are awarded under the community development corporations on an annual basis. Last year, the department awarded more than $660,000 in grants. Deadline for applications is Sept. 30. Applications are available on the department's Web site by selecting FY 04 Applications at www.missouri development.org/communities/community development/cdc/grants.

Slice of Nice

The Ozarks Ice Cream Scoop-Off benefiting New Hope will be held 1-4 p.m. Sept. 6. at Jordan Valley Park. New Hope is a not-for-profit organization that assists and supports women with gynecological cancer and their families in the Ozarks. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children and a family pass is $15. For more information on booth space and sponsorship, contact Tammy Mast at 417-869-2220.

Twice of Nice

The city of Ozark has adopted the 459th Transportation Unit Department of the United States Army. The 160-member unit is currently serving active duty in Iraq. Donations for the unit are being accepted at the Ozark city hall office and must be received by Aug. 29 for shipment on Sept. 1. For more information on donation needs, call Donna McQuay or Iciminda Snook at 417-581-2407.