Russell Rhodes, emeritus faculty member of Missouri State University's biology department, received $7,500 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, through Oklahoma State University, for the project titled Relationship Between Zebra Mussel Infestations and Cyanobacterial Productions in Drinking Water Reservoirs.
MSU biology professor Janice Greene and research specialist Elizabeth Bowles received a $61,101 National Science Foundation grant to add a wet laboratory to the Bull Shoals Field Station on the banks of Bull Shoals Lake.
A $248,350 grant from the National Science Foundation has provided a state-of-the-art confocal microscopy system for MSU students and faculty to use in biology, chemistry and physics research.
Gary Turback, an athletic trainer and assistant professor at College of the Ozarks, was named president-elect of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics-Athletic Trainers Association. Turback has served as chairperson of the organization's scholarship and awards committee.
Rivendale Institute of Learning was selected for the 2009 Best of Springfield Award in the Reading School category by the U.S. Commerce Association. The USCA Best of Local Business award program recognizes companies that have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local communities.
Health Care
Micah Ford of College of the Ozarks and Amber Carpenter of Cox College were named nursing students of the year during the News-Leader Media Group's Salute to Nurses event. Also recognized were Stephanie Bell of College of the Ozarks, Lynnde Houtz of Ozarks Technical Community College and Kayla McIntosh of Cox College.
Insurance
Jeff White was promoted to director of sales with 1st Choice Employee Benefit Solutions, where he's worked since 2007. Michelle Bekemeier joined 1st Choice as a sales consultant. Bekemeier has 10 years of health care industry experience.
Akers & Arney of Branson was named one of the top independent insurance agencies for the 10th time by Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America. Akers & Arney was one of three Missouri agencies, and the only in the Springfield-Branson area, to receive the 2009 Best Practices Agency award and an invitation to participate in the organization's best practices study group.
Thomas M. Roemisch, a commercial property and casualty specialist with The Resource Center Inc., was recognized by the Society of Certified Insurance Counselors for professional leadership and advanced knowledge. Roemisch has more than 15 years as a certified insurance counselor, which requires annual training and education.
Law
John P. Lukachick was appointed to a four-year term as Greene County Family Court commissioner for the 31st Judicial Circuit. Lukachick, who received a bachelor's degree in communications from Missouri State University and a juris doctor from the University of Tulsa College of Law, has been practicing family law since 1996 with Tuck & Lukachick PC.
Stephen Snead was appointed by Gov. Jay Nixon to serve a two-year term as a member of the Missouri Lottery Commission. Snead is an attorney in the Springfield office of Wallace, Saunders, Austin, Brown & Enoch.
Manufacturing
Southwest Area Manufacturers Association Executive Director Rita Needham was selected to represent the small-employer market at the Value-Based Health Employers Meeting, held by the Institute for Health and Productivity.
Retail
Play It Again Sports franchisee Jeff Salyers attended the company's 2009 Summer Conference and Trade Show in Providence, R.I. Franchisees attended workshops on improving cash flow and utilizing operational tools for efficiency.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
