Open for Business: Crooke Pet Clinic

Crooke Pet Clinic opened Feb. 27 at 3433 S. Campbell, Ste. A, in Savannah Square. The business previously operated at 4137 S. Fremont. "We were not looking to move," said owner Dr. James Crooke (pictured). The move was necessitated by Walgreens' purchase of the corner property where his clinic was located. The 1,900-square-foot veterinary clinic employs four and is a general practice offering surgery, allergy testing, laboratory services, veterinary pharmaceuticals and limited boarding, but no grooming. He rents from John Youngblood, who took care of remodeling costs. His practice, which deals primarily with dogs and cats, has been in operation for about 24 years. Clinic hours are 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and 9 a.m.-noon Wednesday and Saturday.

Peoples Bank of the Ozarks opened March 29 at 305 Mt. Vernon in Nixa. The bank's previous locations at 201 and 204 Village Center will house corporate offices while moving about 22 people from those two locations to staff its new 13,000-square-foot facility, said Barb Johnson, senior vice president of branch operations. General contractor for the project was Morelock-Ross Builders with Slone Architects creating the design. The total cost was about $2 million, said Richard Wilson, CFO. Total holding company assets as of Dec. 31 for the 87-year-old bank were $233.5 million. The bank has 135 employees at branches in Forsyth, Kimberling City, Lake of the Ozarks, Fordland, Rogersville and Clever. Hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday.

USA Furniture & Mattress Outlet opened Nov. 28 at 3335 W. Sunshine in the former Wal-Mart location, said owner Barry Hogan, who opened his first store at 1923 W. Kearney in 2000. The 26,500-square-foot location employs six and sells home furnishings, mattresses and home dcor pieces. The business doesn't deliver, but it will make arrangements to do so on behalf of its customers. Store hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.