On the Street

A carpenters’ union in Las Vegas protested outside Bass Pro Shops’ newest and most western store in the town’s Silverton Hotel Casino, according to the Las Vegas Sun. About a dozen union representatives marched outside carrying signs at the Nov. 16 grand opening. A union senior representative told the Las Vegas Sun they were protesting Bass Pro’s use of nonunion subcontractors during the store’s construction. In a response, Bass Pro spokesman Larry Whiteley said subcontractors are the decision of the project’s general contractor, but in most cases union companies are hired. Meanwhile, Bass Pro opened its 26th store in Harrisburg, Pa. Nov. 18.

SBA awards

The U.S. Small Business Administration is seeking nominations for its Small Business Person of the Year award. The recipient will be recognized during National Small Business Week ceremonies at the SBA Expo 2005 in Washington, D.C., April 23-25, 2005. SBA district offices across the country are collecting nominations until Dec. 3. Winners of the state awards will compete for the national title. SBA also will recognize financial services, home-based, family owned, minority, exporter and women in business categories. To receive a nomination package contact the SBA in Springfield at 417-890-8501.

Slice of Nice

Local chefs are cooking for charity in the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction, slated for Dec. 5 at Tower Club. The event raises funds for March of Dimes Campaign for Healthier Babies, which supports research, education and advocacy to prevent and cure birth defects. Tickets are $75 per person, or $1,000 for a corporate table – with signage – for up to 10 people. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the culinary reception and silent auction beginning at 6 p.m. The live auction, for dining and entertainment packages, starts at 7 p.m. March of Dimes officials expect more than 300 people and hope to raise more than $25,000. For more information or to purchase tickets call March of Dimes at 417-889-9397.

Twice of Nice

The 10th annual Springfield-Greene County Park Board 5K Turkey Trot will be held 8 a.m. Thanksgiving morning. Participants can register in advance for $15 – either online at www.parkboard.org or by calling 417-864-1049 – through Nov. 24; registration the day of the race is $20. All participants are asked to bring two canned goods for Ozarks Food Harvest. Early registrants should pick up their packets and T-shirts from 8:30-4:30 p.m. Nov. 24 at Jordan Valley Ice Park. Turkey Trot proceeds benefit the park board’s scholarship fund and the Developmental Center of the Ozarks. The event start has moved from the O’Reilly-Taft Center to Springfield Expo Center due to increased participation. Last year, more than 1,600 runners participated.