On the Street

The board of directors of Carthage-based Leggett & Platt Inc. declared a second-quarter dividend of 16 cents per share. That’s a 14 percent increase over last year’s second-quarter dividend and a 6.7 percent increase over the dividend from the first quarter. The dividend will be paid on July 15 to shareholders of record on June 15. The company’s dividends have increased annually 34 consecutive years at an average annual compound growth rate of 14 percent. One share of stock purchased in 1971 would now receive $34.56 in annual dividends. Shares of Leggett & Platt (NYSE: LEG) closed May 11 at $27.37.

Jack Henry buyback

Jack Henry & Associates Inc. announced May 2 that its board of directors increased its existing stock repurchase authorization by 2 million shares, bringing the total to 5 million. The board approved the original 3 million-share buyback in October 2002. The company also announced a regular quarterly dividend of 4.5 cents per share, payable on May 24 to stockholders of record as of May 9. Shares of Jack Henry & Associates (Nasdaq: JKHY) closed May 11 at $17.65.

Tourist campaign

A local campaign promoting Springfield as a tourist destination kicked off May 3, ahead of National Tourism Week May 7-15. Advertisements on Clear Channel radio stations direct people to www.cheapgasvaca

tion.com, which offers local attraction coupons. The campaign also includes on-air giveaways for area attractions. The Attractions Council, Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau representatives and a group of local attractions, including Battlefield Mall, Bass Pro, Fantastic Caverns and Wonders of Wildlife, organized the campaign.

April employment picture

Employment rose nationwide in April, and the unemployment rate went unchanged at 5.2 percent, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported May 6. Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 274,000 over the month. Job growth was widespread, with gains in construction, mining, and several service-providing industries. While the number of unemployed persons remained at 7.7 million, the civilian labor force increased by 605,000 in April to 148.8 million.

Slice of nice

The Mabee Foundation of Tulsa, Okla., issued the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield a $500,000 challenge grant at a May 10 ceremony. In order to receive the gift, the Boys & Girls Clubs needs to raise approximately $800,000 through pledges and gifts by Aug. 1. These funds will be used to build a new Henderson Unit in Grant Beach and support major renovations of the Musgrave Unit, 720 S. Park. Missouri natives John E. and Lottie E. Mabee formed the foundation, a Delaware nonprofit corporation, in 1948, with the purpose of aiding religious or charitable organizations, higher learning institutions and hospitals. The Mabees died in the 1960s and a board of trustees guides their foundation.