Heard on the Street

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|bold_on|CRAPPIE ON PARADE? The Springfield Area Arts Council, Ozark Greenways and the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau have begun informal discussions about the possibility of emulating the Chicago Parade of Cows right here in our own burg. The Illinois metropolis sponsored a public art exhibit of life-size cows turned into objets d'art by hundreds of different artists, including Springfield's own Bob Noble. |ret||ret||tab|

More than 300 cows were exhibited in public spaces around Chicago and about half were then sold in charity auctions. The above-mentioned groups wonder if what's good for the Windy City might not be just dandy for the Queen City. Carolyn Gerdes, director of the arts council, said input from the business community is vital to consideration of such a project. The first question is what image to use as the basis for the project. Should Springfield be represented by a mule, a fish, or the always-popular other? Would businesses be willing to have a piece displayed at their locations? Would businesses sponsor an artwork, and if so, how much would you be willing to pony up for doing so? Would you go $200, $1,000 or somewhere in between to have a Missouri Mule (at least an artistic representation of one) in your lobby? The Chicago Parade of Cows is estimated to have had a $200 million economic impact, attracting more than 1 million visitors to see the exhibit. If you have an opinion, give the folks at the arts council a call at 869-8380.|ret||ret||tab|

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|bold_on|SMBA. Attorney Gary Cunningham, of Daniel, Clampett, Powell and Cunningham, has been installed as the president of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association. He formerly served two terms on the SMBA Board of Directors. Cunningham practices primarily in civil litigation with an emphasis in insurance law and product liability. |ret||ret||tab|

Other officers elected were: Rod Loomer, vice president; Marion Ann Adams, secretary; and John Housley, treasurer. Grant Haden, Kim Lowry, Amy Buchli Squibb, Debbie Dodge, Jerry A. Harmison Jr., Bob Lynch, Michelle Nahon Leonard, Patrick Platter and David Wieland were all elected to the board of directors.|ret||ret||tab|

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|bold_on|SLATE. The list of candidates for positions on the Springfield Public School Board is final. The Greene County Clerk's office closed filing for candidacy Jan. 18. The following names will appear on the April 4 ballot in the following order: |ret||ret||tab|

Bruce Renner, Dianne Schelmbauer, Bruce Chrisope, Don Thomson, Jerry A. Harmison Jr. (a busy fellow, see above), Farris Robertson and Larry Russell. Renner is the only candidate who is currently a member of the school board. In addition to his seat, there will be two other positions available. Dr. Betty Israel and Gary Kellner will not be up for re-election.|ret||ret||tab|

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|bold_on|STRUBE AWARD. The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for the 2000 W. Curtis Strube Small Business of the Year award. Businesses with 50 or fewer employees, who are chamber members, are eligible for consideration. The award is given based on staying power, business philosophy, response to adversity, innovative products and community contributions. This year's award will be bestowed at a May 25 banquet in conjunction with Small Business Week. Nomination forms are now available from the chamber, and are due back by Feb. 25. Call 862-5567 for a form or more information.|ret||ret||tab|

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|bold_on|ERGO-EDUCATION. Ollis & Company Insurors is sponsoring a seminar on workers' compensation and workplace ergonomics 8 a.m.-noon on Feb. 15 at the University Plaza Hotel. The event will feature representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Missouri Employers Mutual Insurance and a local attorney specializing in employer defense of ergonomics suits. Discussion of OSHA's proposed ergonomics standard, compliance, implementation and its possible effects will be included. |ret||ret||tab|

To register and get more information, call Katie McCroskey at Ollis, 881-8339, ext. 131.|ret||ret||tab|

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|bold_on|SLICE OF NICE. Ozarks Technical Community College is sponsoring a Volunteer Clearinghouse, helping to connect volunteer workers with organizations needing their services. The clearinghouse has been developed through the joint efforts of the Community Partnership of the Ozarks, ORION, The Good Community and OTC. Volunteers and organizations seeking volunteers are invited to complete registration forms available through OTC's public information office. As volunteers become available, organizations requiring their help will be contacted so arrangements can be made between volunteer and organization. For more information, call 895-7583 or come to the OTC Learning Resources Center in the Information Commons building on the OTC campus at the corner of National Avenue and Chestnut Expressway.|ret||ret||tab|

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