Open For Business: Springfield CVB Tourist Information Center

Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau's Tourist Information Center moved into 7,000 square feet of space at 815 E. St. Louis on Feb. 16. The nonprofit entity acts as a city marketing agency to induce groups and organizations to come to Springfield, use its facilities and hotels, while appealing to leisure travelers, said Susan Wade (pictured), public information manager. Staff consolidation, a central location and the need for additional space were reasons behind the new facility, she said. The lease with the city is for five years with a five-year option and monthly rents of $6,275, she said. Infill costs paid by the city were $349,479. The CVB has 14 full-time and five part-time employees. The bureau also operates a recently remodeled office at 3315 E. Battlefield and a kiosk at the Springfield-Branson Regional Airport. Business hours at the St. Louis location are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

New Generation Tutorial Academy opened a 2,400-square-foot facility Feb. 12 at 1701 W. Sunshine, Ste. G, and has seven employees, said Eric Heckman, owner. Education offerings include homework assistance on general subjects for grades one through 12, college-prep and standardized test help, as well as private tutoring, he said. Heckman has a three-year lease with a two-year option and rents for $1,600 a month from S and L Commercial Investments LLC. Remodeling the site ran about $20,000, he added. Forecasted 2004 revenues are about $50,000, he said. Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

NDC Mailing Service moved to 1819 W. Sunset from 438 W. University, where it operated for nearly eight years. Owner Neil Duvall said the 2,000-square-foot shop opened Feb. 1 and has five part-time employees. Business activities include ink-jet addressing, mail metering and presorting of standard mail, as well as mail-merge services that integrate address lists to various papers or publications. Duvall has a five-year lease. Shop hours are 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.