Open for Business: BookMarx

BookMarx
Aubrey Prugger and Josh Arnett opened BookMarx on May 16 at 325 E. Walnut St. in space formerly occupied by Good Girl Art. The store sells used and new books, with emphasis in classic, postmodern fiction, science fiction and children’s books. With prices ranging from $2-$10, Prugger said BookMarx buys, sells and trades books. In their first business venture, Prugger and Arnett invested nearly $4,000 for store furnishings and inventory with an aim to make reading affordable. Prugger said BookMarx holds reading events, such as the current End of the World Summer Book Club, where members read post-apocalyptic novels. The business partners, who are the only employees, rent the 1,700-square-foot space from Craig Wagoner for around $1,200 a month. Hours: Noon–7 p.m. Monday and 10:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Phone: (417) 501-1062. Web: Facebook.com/BookMarxBooks

Chic in Pink Boutique & Party Center
Chic in Pink Boutique & Party Center opened June 14 at 4114 S. Lone Pine Ave., Ste. A. Amy Kastner, the owner and only current employee, holds birthday parties for young girls, with event packages in the $200 to $250 range. Utilizing her event-planning experience working for the General Council of Assemblies of God, Kastner said events are based on themes, such as princess tea parties or rock star parties. Investing nearly $18,000 in the startup, Kastner rents the 1,000-square-foot space from Kelly Oosterhuis for $1,000 a month. Chic in Pink also sells dress-up clothes, holiday wear and accessories, such as leg warmers and hair bows. Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday. Phone: (417) 894-9772. Web: Facebook.com/ChicInPinkBoutiqueAndPartyCenter

Penmac Staffing Services Inc.
With 18 locations across Missouri, including two in Springfield, Penmac Staffing Services Inc. opened a Nixa office June 16 at 731 W. Mount Vernon St. The office, run by staffing specialist Margaret Joy, provides staffing mainly for manufacturing and light industry, as well as transportation and clerical positions, Marketing Manager Sara Corman said. Penmac provides temporary and long-term staffing and human resources services. With several clients around Nixa, Corman said the new office provides convenience for job seekers outside of Springfield to find employment. Last year, Penmac employed over 17,000 people and posted revenue of $96.5 million, Corman said. Penmac leases the 900-sqaure-foot office for undisclosed terms. The company also opened a new branch June 2 in McDonough, Ga., with plans for a New Jersey office to open in July. Hours: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Phone: (417) 725-3834. Web: Penmac.com

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