Heard on the Street

YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY, BABY

Ozarks Technical Community College's Board of Trustees Dec. 11 approved the ballot language for a 5-cent tax levy election in April 2001, which would assist in the funding of construction of the Information Commons West and the Busianess and Industry Center. These two buildings would complete OTC's main campus at the corner of National and Chestnut Expressway. The 5-cent increase, if approved by voters, would involve a property tax increase of approximately 1 percent or less, depending on which of OTC's 14 school districts the individual lives in and would translate to the owner of a $100,000 home paying an additional $9.50 per year in property taxes. Just a few years ago, OTC comprised a few rented classrooms in the North Town Mall and the old Eastwood Junior High School building.

BRAVING THE ELEMENTS

Last week's record-breaking snowfall prompted the American Red Cross to offer the following winter driving tips to people who must venture out in the snow and ice to trek to their jobs (to put out a newspaper, perhaps?) or other commitments.

If you have a cellular phone or two-way radio, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling in winter weather.

Keep a windshield scraper and small broom in your car for ice and snow removal.

Let someone know your destination, route and when you expect to arrive.

Put together a separate disaster supplies kit for the trunk of each car. Supplies should include blankets or sleeping bags, rain gear and extra clothing, extra newspapers for insulation, plastic bags for sanitation, canned fruit, nuts and energy bars, water, a small shovel, a pocketknife and other small tools, sand, kitty litter, tire chains or traction mats for generating traction under the wheels of your car, jumper cables, a first-aid kit and medications, a flashlight and a brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna of your car.

If you get stuck, stay with your car and display a sign or cloth to indicate you need help.

HALL OF FAME

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Dec. 11 announced its 2001 enshrinement class. Fourteen will be inducted into the Hall of Fame Feb. 11, 2001. Bob Broeg will be honored at the event as a Missouri Sports Legend. Inductees to the hall include KY3 sportscaster Ned Reynolds as well as retired Kansas City Chief Marcus Allen and Olympian setter Lori Endicott-Vandersnick.

LOGISTICS

The United States Chamber of Commerce announced in a Dec. 8 release that customer service is the No. 1 issue facing logistics managers in the new century, according to its 2000 logistics survey, titled "Managing the Supply Chain: A Survey of Logistics Leaders." E-commerce, supply-chain technology and recruiting were also mentioned as key logistics issues. While Internet and technology issues topped the list of concerns for larger firms, companies of all sizes indicated carrier selection and rate negotiation, productivity and quality, and work force recruiting and development were important issues. The most challenging aspect of the logistics manager's job, according to the survey, is hiring and retaining qualified staff. Staff positions allocated to logistics increased 4.5 percent from 1999 to 2000, with another 3 percent increase projected for 2001. Companies in the logistics industries showed the highest average increase 8 percent and also anticipate the highest increase for 2001 at 11.7 percent.

SLICE OF NICE

For the person who can't decide what to get that one individual on your Christmas list who seems to already have everything, the gift of art is a much better choice than that hideous tie or the dreaded fruitcake. An arts sampler pass is available for $45 from the Springfield Area Arts Council. A $150 value, the pass contains nine admission tickets for events and performances from the Springfield Symphony, Springfield Regional Opera, Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, Springfield Little Theatre, Springfield Ballet, Vandivort Center Theatre and Springfield Mid-America Singers. Admission to First Night Springfield and Artsfest on Walnut Street is also included in the pass, which is good for performances through June 2001. The passes can be purchased at the location of any of the participating arts organizations. For more information, call the Springfield Area Arts Council at 869-8380.