Open for Business

Amberg Entertainment on July 1 relocated to a 9,000-square-foot office at 2025 E. Chestnut. Amberg Entertainment, established in 1996, specializes in corporate and private parties, setting up everything from an inflatable moon bounce for children to casino nights for adults. “We literally take an empty parking lot or a field and turn it into an exciting event for the day,” President and CEO Ted Amberg said. “You provide the people, and we’ll provide the fun.” Amberg’s company organizes music and catering as well. Prices for events range from $150 to $50,000. Formerly at 1925 E. Bennett, Amberg Entertainment spent about $20,000 on the move. Amberg also opened a 3,000-square-foot The Party Place in the new space, where children can have birthday parties with food and games. Amberg leases from Davis Properties. Amberg Entertainment, which Amberg said has experienced 350 percent revenue growth in the past three years, employs nine full-time and around 35 part-time staff. Amberg Entertainment is open 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with parties often scheduled on weekends. The Party Place offers seven event time slots each day.

Ceiling Pro of the Ozarks, a division of Klean-Rite Maintenance, opened shop May 1. The 12-employee operation, at 1281 E. Briar, is one of 300 Ceiling Pro locations nationwide, with headquarters in Minneapolis. David Gertz owns the Springfield franchise location. According to General Manager Steve Bumgardner, Ceiling Pro removes grease, smoke residue, odors and dust from acoustic or vinyl ceiling tiles for less money than replacement. Bumgardner said many of Ceiling Pro’s clients are restaurants, some with as much as 5,000 square feet of ceiling. Ceiling Pro doesn’t have set hours.

Six former Convoy of Hope workers formed Compassion Alliance in March. The nonprofit, headed by Bob Houlihan, has a 3,000-square-foot headquarters at 1609 N. Highway CC in Nixa, along with an office in Ocala, Fla. The group provides food, clothing and school supplies, among other items, to people in economic need or suffering from natural disaster. Vice President of Disaster Relief Chad Holgerson said the organization has sent 300 tons of food, clothing and other supplies to Asian tsunami victims since December 2004. The group also owns a semi-truck that it uses to transport relief items across the United States. Compassion Alliance is open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday.