Newsmakers

Katherine Vetter joined the staff of Ireland and Associates as project manager. She is responsible for coordinating with clients, engineers, contractors and vendors, as well as researching code requirements. She also visits job sites and approves construction changes.

Bruce Adib-Yazdi, vice president of the retail/entertainment studio at Butler, Rosenbury & Partners Inc., passed an exam to become a certified design professional through the International Council of Shopping Centers. He has been with the firm for 18 years.

Automotive

Robert Beine, president of Republic Ford, is a nominee for the 2008 Time Magazine Dealer of the Year Award. Fifty-one dealers nationwide are nominated for the award, which is given to dealerships with a focus on community service. Beine has been with Republic Ford for nearly 25 years.

Communications

Scott Lanken joined KWBM-TV, Springfield’s MyNetwork affiliate, as the station’s general manager. Lanken has 15 years of TV sales and management experience, having most recently served as general manager for METV International.

Jeff Helder joined Wannenmacher Advertising Co. as art director. Helder has 15 years of art industry experience, including work for Silver Dollar City and Tracker Marine. He is a graduate of Drury University.

Community

Jackie Barger joined Make-A-Wish Foundation of Missouri as Springfield Program Center director. Barger has a bachelor’s degree in communication and a Master of Business Administration from Drury University. He has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit administration and fundraising.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield installed new officers to its board of directors. Board President Arch Watson owns Royal Screen Printing. President-elect Lisa Blumenstock is an attorney with Lowther Johnson, Attorneys at Law LLC. Vice President Mark Gordon is vice president and general manager of Springfield Fox-TV affiliate KSFX. Secretary/treasurer Gil Trout is chairman and CEO of the south central region of UMB Bank.

Engineering

Jonathan Robison joined GeoEngineers’ Springfield office as an associate and office manager. He has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Missouri University of Science and Technology and more than 10 years of experience in Springfield-area construction and transportation projects. He previously was regional manager for SCI Engineering, specializing in transportation, commercial development and geotechnical engineering projects.

Steve Bolin came out of retirement to join Scott Consulting Engineers PC as construction administrator. Bolin spent 30 years with the Missouri Division of Facilities Management, Design and Construction.

Finance

Guaranty Bank internal auditor Krystal Eaton received certified internal auditor designation from the Institute of Internal Auditors. CIA designation is awarded to internal audit professionals who have met IIA requirements.

Government

The city of Branson finance department received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States for fiscal 2006. It’s the third consecutive year Branson has received the award, which is the highest recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.