On the Edges

Nixa

Micro Innovations makes changes

Micro Innovations has purchased a 16,000-square-foot building at 2180 Fox Hollow Blvd., off Christian County AA, just west of the company's existing buildings at 2160 N. Fox Hollow. Torrey Barnhouse, vice president of sales and marketing, said the year-old building will provide a dedicated facility for long-term records storage. Barnhouse said he expects to be using the new facility by mid-April.

In addition, the company is remodeling its existing facilities and adding on 10,000 square feet of space on three sides. "Total capacity will be somewhere around 57,000 square feet," he said.

The 10,000-square-foot addition will provide more space for Micro Innovations' electronic imaging service bureau; a larger employee conference area and break room; and additional warehouse space.

Recent cross-training of employees has allowed for greater efficiency; many employees are now trained to work in both the microfilm department and in digital imaging. The consolidation of warehouse space will also increase productivity, according to Barnhouse.

In addition, several management changes have been made this year.

Rick Barnhouse became past president and chief financial officer Jan. 1. The new president is Diana Stokes, who has been with Micro Innovations since 1989. Debbie Boothe is office manager and Jason Barnhouse is vice president of operations.

Ron Beaman has been hired for a new position, director of imaging services. Another new position, director of client services, will soon be named, according to Torrey Barnhouse.

"We've been extremely aggressive in our new business development, so we've really needed someone to coordinate services between pre-sales technical support and post-sales implementation of the product. The director of client services will help facilitate that," Barnhouse said.

Greg McCord and Bart Williams have been named district territory managers.

"Our goal is a 15 to 20 percent increase in sales this year. All of our efforts are directed to make that happen," he said.

Ozark

Springfield may manage Ozark Airport

The city of Ozark is joining forces with the Missouri Department of Transportation-Aviation Section and the Springfield Airport Board to develop a new and improved airport to serve general aviation and business users in Ozark.

Ozark Alderman Dan Earnest has begun discussions with representatives of the Springfield/Branson Regional Airport "regarding the potential to pick up the city of Ozark's financial obligation on an 80-acre tract of ground south of the existing airport," according to a news release from the city of Ozark.

"In turn, the city of Ozark, would, in concept, turn over the operation and oversight of the airport to the Springfield/Branson Regional Airport Board," the release stated.

Being able to develop a city of Ozark Airport site that would be acceptable to MoDOT and the FAA could in turn help address unmet aviation needs in the Springfield area.

At the same time, a good public use airport could help maintain the economic viability of the growing region around Ozark, according to the release.

"The Airport Board is always willing to explore ways to enhance aviation facilities, and we have been pleased to see the actions being taken by the city of Ozark to meet the needs of general aviation in this area," said Rob Hancik, director of the Springfield/Branson Regional Airport.

The Ozark City Council met March 6 to formally accept a site area for future consideration as an airport.