Newsmakers

Jack Ball and Associates Architects PC added five interns. Brandon Gamble has a bachelor’s degree in architecture and is responsible for assisting project managers in construction drawings and design development. Drew Fabin has experience as a graphic artist for both professional firms and as a freelance artist. Drafting intern Alicia Weis has a bachelor’s degree in housing and interior design from Missouri State University. Jacob Coburn has six semesters of experience in Drury’s Architectural Design Studio. Matt McLaughlin is studying drafting and architectural design at Drury and Ozarks Technical Community College.

Automotive

Levi Hall, a technician for Creative Car Audio in Springfield, completed the Basic Mobile Electronic Certified Professional certification.

Community

Branson comedian Yakov Smirnoff received the Americanism Award from the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Smirnoff, who came to America in 1977, has been a U.S. citizen for 20 years. The award is presented to naturalized citizens who demonstrate leadership qualities, trustworthiness, service and patriotism.

The League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri elected new officers for 2007-08. They are Lois Detrick, president; Ann Elwell, vice president; Cindy Stephens, secretary; and Bev Reichart, treasurer. Program directors for the new year are Sharon Matti and Grace Hasler, program chairs; Lisa Langley and Ilga Vise, membership; Lee Longman, units chair; Maryann Crosby, historian; Pam Bodine, legislative action; Leslie Carrier, voter service; Jean Elbert, local studies; Teresa Bledsoe, public relations; Elwell, newsletter; Ann Nelms, fund-raising; Randy Hoops, Web master; and Kay Murnan, radio chair.

Construction

Rock Solid Construction was selected as a Big50 firm by Remodeling magazine. Big50 companies are growing companies that have taken the lead in raising industry standards. Rock Solid was chosen in the sales and marketing category for its innovative business-building strategies.

Sean Brownfield, senior design consultant at Sunsational Sunrooms and Windows in Springfield, completed a training program at Four Seasons Sunrooms in Long Island, N.Y. The program included training in computer-aided design, initiating production and scheduling, job estimator programs and education on all product lines.

Education

Six members of the Delta Epsilon Chi, or DECA, team from Parkview High School placed at international competition. Chris Clark, Megan Von Strohe and Heather Ash were in the top 10 in public relations. Hassan Rao and Timothy Brooks were in the top 10 in e-commerce, and Nick Gaddis placed in the top 16 in entrepreneurship promotion. Also at the competition, Glendale student Junior Bombard graduated with honors from the International DECA Leadership Academy with about 400 other students from around the world. DECA students study marketing, management and entrepreneurship in business, finance, hospitality and marketing sales and service.

MSU student Christin Green received the 2006–07 Joseph N. Boyce/Wall Street Journal Award. The award is given to one student who exemplifies MSU’s public affairs mission. Green is the founder and president of the school’s Jane D.O.E. chapter, which is devoted to women’s educational, psychological, financial and social empowerment. She also serves on the planning committee for Women’s History Month and helps organize the annual Take Back the Night event.