Overheard

IDEA in Action

Missouri State University has closed on its purchase of the former Willow Brook Foods property, essentially completing the footprint for the school's IDEA Commons initiative. The parties agreed in October to a $1.98 million purchase price for the 121,224-square-foot facility at 405 N. Jefferson Ave. MSU will cover the expense through one-time reserves, according to an MSU news release. The IDEA Commons initiative - bringing together Innovation, Design, Entrepreneurship and Arts - is MSU's vision for an urban research park blended with residential, retail and entertainment facilities, supported by university programs. The university anticipates that the former Willow Brook facility will house MSU's technology and construction management department and house other academic and administration functions. Urban Districts Alliance will present the IDEA Exposition June 2-5 to educate and engage the community on all aspects of IDEA Commons. Visit sbj.net for a rundown of events; search "idea."

I Heart Springfield Trust

Springfield Trust & Investment Co. is getting behind the cause of women's heart health. The company has signed a three-year, $30,000 agreement to be the presenting sponsor of Go Red for Women in Springfield. That money will be used in the local fight against heart disease - the No. 1 killer of U.S. women. In addition to providing year-round awareness to the Go Red for Women cause, Springfield Trust & Investment Co.'s support also covers sponsorship of the local Go Red for Women Luncheon, slated for Sept. 17 at the Ramada Oasis Hotel and Convention Center, 2550 N. Glenstone Ave. For more information on the national cause, which is sponsored by Macy's and Merck & Co. Inc., visit www.goredforwomen.org.

SEC, CSK Deal Behind O'Reilly

The Securities and Exchange Commission has settled its cease-and-desist order proceedings against Phoenix-based CSK Auto Corp., which was acquired by O'Reilly Automotive Inc. last year. The SEC said in a news release that the auto parts retailer violated federal securities laws when it filed false financial statements in its fiscal 2002, 2003 and 2004 annual reports. CSK materially overstated its pre-tax income for fiscal 2002 by about 47 percent, or $11 million; its fiscal 2003 income by about $24 million, thereby reporting pre-tax income instead of a pre-tax loss; and its fiscal 2004 income by about 65 percent, or $21 million, the SEC said. In O'Reilly's response, officials noted that the events occurred at CSK before O'Reilly bought the company in July 2008 for $1 billion and had no material effect on the acquisition. "We are pleased that we have been able to conclude this legacy matter with the SEC related to historical conduct at CSK on a basis where no financial burden will be incurred," O'Reilly CEO Greg Henslee said in a company statement.

Road Map to Success?

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Spring Hill Press to prepare updated member maps for publishing this summer. Officials will be contacting chamber members for information for the 2009-10 map, which is made available upon request to chamber members, visitors, residents and potential new residents.