Newsmakers

Guaranty Bank hired Angel Shortt and transferred Chandler Johnston. Shortt is corporate service account manager. She is responsible for developing new business including sales and service of all business deposit products, cash management and Internet banking services. Corporate Service Account Manager Johnston moved to the bank’s Nixa branch on State Highway 14. She is focusing on new business development in Christian County.

Community

Brooke Forrester joined the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce as full-time membership coordinator. Forrester is responsible for recruiting and retaining chamber members, and she provides support for various membership events and programs. Forrester, who has a degree in advertising and public relations from Drury University, was an intern in the chamber’s communications department.

Education

Isabel Eisenhauer joined Missouri State University’s Small Business Development Center as a full-time consultant. Eisenhauer has 19 years of experience in sales and marketing, and she was an account manager with Northrop Grumman before that plant closed. She has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a Master of Business Administration with emphasis in management information systems from Northern Arizona University.

Natalie Murdock joined the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools as development director. She is responsible for fundraising, marketing, public relations, Web site development and volunteer management. She previously worked in marketing for United Way of the Ozarks and fundraising for Ozarks Public Broadcasting and GYN Cancers Alliance.

Missouri Colleges Fund received two grants from local organizations. The Musgrave Foundation donated $15,000, and Harry Cooper Supply Co. gave $12,000. The donations will be used to underwrite scholarships at all 16 member schools; local members are Drury, Evangel and Southwest Baptist universities.

MSU named Anna Brashers and Jim Matthews as recipients of the annual Excellence in Community Service Award. Brashers is secretary for the Center for Business and Economic Development, and Matthews is an educational consultant for the Southwest Regional Professional Development Center. The school also named six winners of the Staff Excellence in University Service Award: Heather Blades, associate director, Center for Dispute Resolution; Ken Boatright, project manager, design and construction; Julie Ebersold, executive director, alumni relations; Mike Jungers, associate dean of students; Rachael Peterson, admissions counselor, West Plains campus; and John Wall, director, photo services.

Madeleine Kernen assumed the position of acting director of MSU’s International Center. Kernen, who continues her role as the modern and classical languages department head, works to strengthen the academic components of international education and partnership initiatives.

Health Care

CoxHealth Foundation received a $15,000 grant from the Jeff Julian ALS Foundation, in honor of its commitment to caring for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Julian, a professional golfer, died of the disease in 2004 at the age of 42.

Interior Design

Lisa Frederick, an interior designer with HomeStyle Ltd., completed the examination conducted by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification. HomeStyle specializes in custom draperies, window treatments, bedding and upholstery.

Insurance

Ben Volner joined Ollis & Co. as an adviser in the commercial risk department. Volner’s experience includes financial planning and capital budgeting for Washington University in St. Louis, national sales and marketing with Trans World Airlines and group sales consulting for Unum in St. Louis. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Drury University and a Master of Business Administration from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.

Printing

Digital Print Ink promoted Laurie McCulley to vice president and general manager. McCulley has more than 25 years of experience in the printing industry and has been with DPI for 19 years.

Technology

Southwest Audio Visual hired John Chambers and Tony Carter. Chambers is responsible for all phases of the production industry, including audio, video and lighting design, with a focus on lighting and event management. Carter oversees the company’s interest in the same fields as production manager.

Utility

Empire District Electric Co. in Joplin received the Edison Electric Institute’s Emergency Recovery Award for its restoration efforts during the January 2007 ice storm.

The award is presented annually to showcase efforts made by electric utilities to restore service breached by severe weather or other natural events. Winners are selected by a panel of former executives of investor-owned utilities nationwide.