Heard on the Street

FORTY UNDER FORTY

What do Venus Harry, Chuck Foster, Stephanie Stenger Montgomery and Chris Noble have in common? They all are former honorees among the Springfield Business Journal's 40 Under 40. Time is short to nominate for the third annual event. No more nominations will be accepted as of close of business Feb. 5. If you know an outstanding young up-and-comer, please call Stacy Forbis at 831-3238 to get your nomination form. If you already have one filled out, please fax it to 831-5478 or e-mail us at sbj.net.

YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY, MADAM LEGISLATOR

Forty women are serving in Missouri's House of Representatives this year, a historic high. Even the new minority leader of the House is a woman Catherine Hanaway, of Warson Woods. Hanaway's election in November by the house Republican caucus made her the highest ranking woman in the history of the Missouri House, according to the National Council of State Legislatures. She is one of only 18 woman in leadership positions in houses of representatives around the country. Five women serve in Missouri's Senate, including Springfield's Roseann Bentley, who joins the Republican party's members to hold a majority in the Senate for the first time in 52 years.

AVIATION FIRM FLIES HIGH

The parent company of a local aircraft firm has been named one of the "Top 100 Companies to Work For" in America by Fortune magazine. A business aircraft maintenance, modification and completions provider, Duncan Aviation Inc. has a local operation at 2501 N. Lester Jones Ave. in Springfield. It is one of 39 locations nationwide. Duncan Aviation appears as No. 62 on the list that appeared a January issue of Fortune. "We have always recognized that our employees are our best competitive edge," said Aaron Hilkemann, president of the company, in a release. Some of the programs offered to employees focus on employee empowering events and incentives, training and education, scholarships for employee children, private pilot license reimbursement, and a wellness program.

READY, SET, WRITE!

What do Missouri high schoolers think about the First Amendment? They are invited to submit 300- to 500-word essays titled "What a Free Media Means to America" by Feb. 22. The region's Society of Professional Journalists chapter and the Ozark Press Association sponsor the event. First-, second- and third-place winners will receive $100, $50 and $25, respectively. Three essays will be entered in the national contest where winners will receive scholarships of $1,000, $500 and $300. Students should turn in their essays to teachers or local media.

FAT ALERT!

Believe it or not, Mardi Gras is just around the corner. Put on your strangest costume, make a float with your friends and prepare to parade down the streets of downtown Springfield on Feb. 27. The Fat Tuesday Parade Committee is taking applications for the second annual Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday parade. No commercial entries are allowed, just the general public. Application deadline is Feb. 15. Contact DDEC.net, 306 W. McDaniel, or fax the organization at 869-8558 to get your form.