Newsmakers

Accounting
BKD LLP added several staff accountants. They are: C. Sean Adams, Tim L. Chitwood, Jennifer L. Dwyer, Brooke A. Karges, Kristen L. Keeney, Kenny L. Ray and James R. Smithwick. As staff accountants, they will assist with general tax, audit, accounting and consulting work. The firm also added Sherri R. Falk and Victoria A. Smith as staff consultants in medical billing, where they will assist with general consulting services in the health care industry.

Community
John Q. Hammons received 417 Magazine’s 2005 “Most Influential Local Person” award at 417 Magazine’s second annual Best of 417 event. The award is determined by 417 Magazine readers. Hammons also received the award in 2002.
The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau gave Michael London, publisher of Branson Update Magazine, a special achievement award at its 2004 community awards dinner. London was recognized for his volunteer efforts to organize the Branson’s Fun for Everyone public relations campaign. Also receiving awards were: Steve Weyher, operator of Golden Corral restaurant, for service to the community (Mary Award); Jim Thomas, Lodge of the Ozarks owner (Pioneer Award); The Vacation Channel (Ambassador Award); Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks (Beautification Award); and Bert Leman, Artilla Cove Resort owner (Community Spirit Award).

Education
Kerri Duncan was honored in Jefferson City by the Business and Professional Women Association. Duncan, the director of Rivendale Institute of Learning II, received the Women Mean Business Award for outstanding leadership in the area of business and in providing leadership opportunities for women. Rivendale Institute, with locations in Springfield and Joplin, is a private school for children with learning disabilities, language delays and autism.
The National Education Association named Central High School Spanish teacher Alicia Traub national winner of the George I. Sanchez Award for her impact on the education and opportunities of area Hispanic students. Traub will receive the award July 2 in Los Angeles.
Metro Builders Supply presented a donation of $1,500 to Springfield Public Schools during the March PTA Council meeting at Portland Elementary. The contribution will be used to fund literacy efforts in the district, said Marc Maness, director of community development for the schools.
Eight Springfield Public Schools students were selected to attend the Missouri Fine Arts Academy on the campus of Southwest Missouri State University in June. The students are: Lindsy Greig, Vanna Carr, Erin Routh, Shannon Jarvis and Brianna Cassil of Parkview, and Rachel Hoops, Melissa Golding and Olivia Croessmann of Glendale. They will join about 200 students from around the state June 5–25.

Employment
Nikki Sells received the International Franchise Association’s Bonny LeVine Award for her ongoing efforts to mentor women seeking careers in franchising. Sells is the vice president of franchising for Express Personnel Services, an international staffing corporation that helps clients find temporary and full-time help. Prior to joining the Express headquarters team in Oklahoma City, she and her husband, Robert, owned the Express Personnel franchise in Springfield.

Entertainment
Operation Homecoming USA named an advisory council for the planning and execution of Welcome Home ... America’s Tribute To Vietnam Veterans, the weeklong event to be held this June in Branson. Members of the council are: Gen. Richard B. Myers, H. Ross Perot, James H. Amos Jr., Gerard Arpey, Brig. Gen. Robert F. McDermott, Rear Adm. Patrick D. Moneymaker, Gen. Hugh Shelton and Kenneth D. Walker.

Environment
Christopher R. Schwedtmann of Mid-west Environmental Consultants attained the status of certified safety professional from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. The certification is awarded to individuals who meet academic standards, satisfy safety experience requirements and pass two examinations. Schwedtmann serves as a senior project manager for MEC.

Finance
The Springfield office of Morgan Stanley announced the addition of Daniel J. Hemann as vice president, sales manager and financial adviser.

Gardening
Steve Waddell, manager of Wickman’s Garden Village Flower Shop, was invited by Mera Vic, an international floral importing company, to travel to Hong Kong, Japan and China later this month. While abroad, Waddell will gather international design ideas for Wickman’s 2006 spring and Christmas flowers and decorations. Waddell has been with Wickman’s Garden Village for 28 years.

Healthcare
Drs. Paul N. Arnold and Priscilla P. Arnold spoke at the Kansas State Ophthal-mological Society’s annual meeting in Wichita, Kan. Paul Arnold presented “Efficiency in the Ophthalmology Office,” while Priscilla Arnold presented “Govern-mental Changes Affecting Ophthalmolo-gy.” The husband-and-wife physician team operates Arnold Vision, a general eye care clinic and surgical center, specializing in cataract and glaucoma care.
St. John’s Clinic-Hospitalists in Spring-field added inpatient physicians Ravi Vekat Nerella and Rusty Spieler to its staff. Vekat Nerella and Spieler manage the inpatient care of general adult medicine patients referred by primary care physicians.

Hospitality
Gail Myer, a 20-year Branson hotel industry veteran, was re-elected as Best Western International’s brand identity committee chair at a recent Best Western governors’ conference in Las Vegas. The brand identity committee serves as liaison between the company’s executive marketing team, board of directors and more than 2,200 Best Western hotels in North America.

Law
Jay M. Dade joined the Springfield office of Shughart, Thomson & Kilroy PC. Dade handles labor and employment issues for the firm’s regional clients.
The Greene County Commission appointed Perry Epperly administrator of the 31st Judicial Circuit’s Family Court and Juvenile Division.

Technology
K. Chris Griesemer, Whitlock, Selim & Keehn LLP’s director of information technology services, attended the Institute of Internal Auditors’ National Technology Conference for Today’s Internal Auditor in San Francisco. The conference included sessions such as Secrets of Superspies, Computer Crime and Computer Forensics, Top 10 IT Audit Issues, and Wireless Network: Friend or Foe. Experts from the nation’s top CPA and information technology consulting firms led the more than 39 available sessions.

Transportation
Prime Inc. received Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Corp.’s 2004 Carrier of the Year award. It is the first time Sumitomo, whose parent company is 400-year-old Japan-based Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd., has given such an award. Sumitomo used Prime, a refrigerated truckload carrier serving the United States, Canada and Mexico, for most of its telecommunication fiber optic cable transportation needs.
Several area truck drivers were recognized at the Missouri Motor Carriers Association’s 58th annual Safety Awards Banquet at Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City. Among the awards given were drivers of the month for 2004. Area honorees were: Leonard Rexroad, of Fairplay; Jerry Johnson, of West Plains; Richard Ehrsam, of Billings; and Darrell Hand, of Ava. Also,\ Steve Page of Transport Distribution Co. received the Distinguished Safety Professional of the Year award for leadership in safety-related programs designed for the trucking industry.
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