Agriculture The Missouri Cattleman’s Association named Jackie Moore, of Mount Vernon, the 2014 Cattleman of the Year. Moore, co-owner of the Joplin Regional Stockyards, is a past MCA and National Cattleman’s Beef Association president.
Education The OTC Foundation received a $1 million land donation of 7.69 acres in Republic from the Bussey, Cox and Lipscomb families. The school is exploring its options for the in-kind donation.
Evangel University chapter of the national college honor society was named a Star Chapter by the Alpha Chi National Honor Society. Based on academic performance and community service, Alpha Chi’s recognition is received by the top 15 percent of its 300 chapters.
Mark Grabowski, Southwest Baptist University’s director of safety and security, was appointed 2015 chairman of Asis International Ozarks chapter. Asis is a professional organization for over 38,000 security professionals. Grabowski has served as director of safety and security at SBU since 1991.
Government Four Springfield-area state senators were selected as 2015 committee chairmen: Sen. Jay Wasson, R-Nixa, Financial and Government Organizations and Elections; Mike Cunningham, Rogersville, Governmental Accountability and Fiscal Oversight; Sen. Mike Parson, R-Bolivar, Small Business, Insurance and Industry; and Sen. Bob Dixon, R-Springfield, Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence.
The University of Missouri Legislative Network selected Sen. Parson for the Henry S. Geyer Award, recognizing the Bolivar Republican’s efforts to improve higher education. Parson also was selected to serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee, which will create the state’s fiscal 2016 spending plan, and the Senate Agriculture, Food Production and Outdoor Resources Committee, which helps guide agriculture, farming and ranching policies.
Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Springfield, was appointed to four committees: budget, general laws, labor and industrial relations, and elementary and secondary education.
The Missouri Senate confirmed Paul Kincaid as a member of the state lottery commission. Kincaid worked for Missouri State University for 28 years and served as chief of staff and assistant to the president.
U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., was selected as chairman of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations subcommittee that oversees funding to 14 related agencies.
TheSpringfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management received a $5,000 grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The funds will help the OEM purchase animal rescue disaster supplies and equipment.
Manufacturing Ted Barbee joined Tuthill Vacuum & Blower as a safety and environmental engineer. Barbee, who worked most recently for Positronic Industries, holds a bachelor’s and master’s in occupational safety and health from Columbia Southern University.
Public affairs The Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame in Springfield inducted George Washington Carver, Eric Greitens and Simone Bernstein. Carver is being honored for his work in agriculture research and development; Greitens was a Navy Seal who earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star; and Bernstein is a co-founder of nonprofit VolunTeen Nation.
Retail Home furnishing store Obelisk Home received the Best of Houzz designation from Houzz, an online website that promotes home remodeling and interior design ideas. Obelisk was selected among others for the second year in a row by the website’s 25 million monthly users.
Sales Decorating Den Interiors appointed Nixa franchisee Nola Shivers to its 2014 Chairman’s Circle, which recognizes the company’s Top 10 sales producers. This is the 12th year in a row Shivers has received the honor.
WeddingWire.com named Celebrated Occasions winner of its 2015 Couples Choice Awards for invitations. The competition recognizes the top 5 percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire network.
Warehousing Springfield Underground Inc. President Louis Griesemer was named the 2014 James M. Christie Safety & Health Professional of the Year by the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association. Griesemer served as chairman of the NSSGA board in 2007.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
