Guaranty Bank on July 24 celebrated the reopening of its 2109 N. Glenstone Ave. branch, which recently underwent a renovation. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with bank officials, a cookout and a prize drawing. The newly remodeled branch is a full-service bank with three drive-through lanes, an automated teller machine and a safe deposit box vault. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturday for the lobby, and 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8:30 a.m.-noon Saturday for the drive-through.
Cutting Energy Costs
Springfield nonprofit The Kitchen Inc. is receiving a lighting upgrade to improve energy efficiency from Drury University's Students in Free Enterprise team. The $9,500 project is funded by the team's Ozarks Carbon Exchange Fund project, which is supported by a $20,000 grant from Community Foundation of the Ozarks.
The Kitchen will repay the project expense to SIFE, while also saving an estimated $4,500 annually on energy costs, according to Drury SIFE Director Jeff Jones. The nonprofit also expects to receive a $3,000 rebate from City Utilities to help cover the expense.
The Kitchen is the third nonprofit organization to receive lighting upgrades from SIFE through the OCEF project. The Arc of the Ozarks and Victory Mission are expected to save $4,000 annually in utility costs.
SMC Packaging Founder Dies
Charles "Chuck" Bachus, co-founder of SMC Packaging Group, died July 28 at age 77.
Bachus had battled pancreatic cancer, according to his obituary on the SMC Web site.
He was a veteran of the Korean War and in the early 1970s founded Southern Missouri Containers Inc. with friend Ross Ausburn. The company later changed its name to SMC Packaging Group.
Springfield-based SMC, 3131 E. Division St., manufactures corrugated packaging, point of purchase displays, protective shipping cartons and ancillary packaging supplies, according to www.smcpackaging.com. The company has satellite operations in Kansas City; Conway, Ark.; and Tulsa, Okla. SMC is a past winner of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce's Manufacturer of the Year award.
Outside of his work, Bachus was known for his community involvement, according to the obituary. He simultaneously participated on as many as 11 civic boards at a time, and he was named Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser by the Association of Fundraising Professionals' local chapter in 1999. He also was a recipient of the Boys and Girls Club Man and Youth Award.
Slice of Nice
The Child Advocacy Center has kicked off its second annual fundraising campaign. Donations greater than $1,000 qualify for Youth Opportunities Program tax credits. CAC this summer received $214,604 in YOP credits, which provide donors a 50 percent tax credit on their state income taxes. Donors may use up to $200,000 in YOP credit coupons per year. CAC last year served a record 836 abused children with forensic interviews and medical exams. At midyear, 483 children were served.[[In-content Ad]]
A relocation to Nixa from Republic and a rebranding occurred for Aspen Elevated Health; Kuick Noodles LLC opened; and Phelps County Bank launched a new southwest Springfield branch.
