Heard on the Street

HELP ON THE WAY

The Board of Public Utilities is considering a program to provide assistance to CU Natural Gas customers this winter when already high prices could go even higher, according to a CU press release. The Heating Expense Leveling Program (HELP) would defer the price of natural gas when it exceeds the designated threshold of 50 cents per therm during four months starting in December. Any costs deferred would then be calculated into the Recovery Adjustment Factor during the April to September 2001, the low-usage time of the year.

The program would have its biggest impact should the price skyrocket above the 60-cent per therm level. For comparison, the September 2000 purchased gas adjustment is 52 cents per therm. The price last September was 33 cents per therm. Even with the plan in place, customers will see significantly higher heating costs this coming winter. If the weather is normal, increases could range from 50 percent to 70 percent above last winter.

HOW D'YA LIKE THEM APPLES

The Missouri Department of Agriculture reminds us that September marks the peak of the Missouri apple harvest. Whether the crispy, tart Jonathan or the juicy Golden or Red Delicious, all varieties of Missouri apples are low in calories and contain no cholesterol or fat, according to Tammy Bruckerhoff, horticulture marketing specialist for the department. To locate the freshest apples, the Department of Agriculture offers a brochure listing more than 50 orchards in Missouri. It is available by calling 888-MO-BRAND or e-mailing agrimo@mail.state.mo.us.

PARTING SHOTS

A survey from OfficeTeam, a specialized administrative staffing company, indicates that the details departing employees reveal as they walk out the door can often be a catalyst for change. Nearly two-thirds of executives polled said they frequently act on information gathered during exit interviews. Another 13 percent said they always respond to this feedback. "Assuming the departing employee has no ax to grind, information gleaned during exit interviews can give companies valuable insight on topics such as office morale," said Diane Domeyer, executive director of OfficeTeam, in a release. For an effective exit interview, Domeyer recommends that you meet in a neutral location; consider bringing in a third party, such as a human resources representative, to conduct the interview; act on serious situations, such as claims of mistreatment or discrimination by referring the matter to your internal legal or human resources department for investigation. Use open-ended questions followed by more specific ones; and take emotions into account.

AND THE WINNER IS ...

Paul Mueller Company of Springfield was named the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Agribusiness of the Year at a luncheon ceremony Sept. 21. The manufacturer of stainless steel milk cooling equipment and other products is known internationally for its stainless steel tanks. The company's dairy product line holds more than 50 percent of the market share. With markets in more than 100 countries worldwide, Mueller is the sole U.S. supplier to the European market. Mueller also has developed several innovative products, including a refrigeration unit with a thermal valve now used by all its competitors.

Mueller competed with Race Brothers Farm Supply Inc. of Springfield for the Agribusiness of the Year honor. Serving area farm operations since 1958 and owned and operated by the DeForest family since 1971, Race Brothers has grown from 12,000 square feet to 41,000 square feet. The company owns a second store in Carthage and is planning another Springfield location, as well as a Web site for equipment orders and information.