On the Street

The Greater Ozarks International Trade Association is holding its first meeting of 2005 Jan. 19 at the Tower Club to discuss the business of exporting. GOITA provides a venue for regional businesses to come together and learn about international trade from each other and from industry experts. Joe Hall, president of Strategic Orient Sourcing, will discuss his business and its relationship with China, as well as information about international manufacturing. There will be a time for questions and discussion. For reservations, call the Small Business Development Center at (417) 836-5685.

Speak now

The Ozarks Transportation Organization has opened a public comment period to review and comment on proposed amendments to the 2005-2007 Transportation Improvement Program. The TIP is a schedule of transportation improvements planned by various agencies in the Springfield Area Metropolitan Planning Organization boundaries over the next three years. To be eligible for federal funds, a project must be included in the TIP. Among the amendments are aerial photography to assist with preliminary engineering and preliminary engineering of a new north/south corridor in Christian County near Nicholas Road. The amendments will be available for review at Ozarks Transportation Organization offices on the third floor of the Busch Building. Comments may be submitted in writing to the Ozarks Transportation Organization, 840 Boonville Ave., Springfield, MO 65801. The public comment period will end on Feb. 17, when the MPO Board of Directors meets noon-1 p.m. to review the amendments. The public may comment at the meeting. For more information, contact Sara Edwards, Ozarks Transportation Organization acting executive director, at (417) 864-1453.

Slice of Nice

The search is on for Missouri’s outstanding older worker. Buffalo-based Experience Works Inc., in conjunction with the Missouri Senior Employment Coordinating Committee, is sponsoring the 15th annual Outstanding Older Worker Contest. Nomination forms must be postmarked by March 11. The MSECC is a statewide committee that promotes the hiring of older workers and consists of members involved in training and employment services for older workers. The contest is designed to recognize the unique contributions older workers bring to the work force and to encourage employers to hire older workers. The eligible nominee must be 55 years of age or older, a Missouri resident, employed within the state and complete a nomination form. Fourteen regional winners will be selected, and state recognition events are planned for April in Jefferson City. Entry forms are available from the Missouri Division of Health and Senior Services, PO Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570 or by phone at (573) 751-3082.

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