Leadership Springfield, a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing community leaders, is accepting applications for its 25th class, which begins in fall 2009. Thirty-two participants will be selected from applications for the nine-month program, which includes two retreats and intensive daylong, once-a-month sessions on topics such as leadership dynamics, civic awareness, criminal justice and public safety, and the arts and quality of life. Applications by community professionals with leadership desires and a concern for Springfield's future are due March 16. Apply online at www.leadershipspringfield.org, or for more information call Kim Everest at (417) 862-5567.
Good Samaritan Tax Credits
Missouri Department of Economic Development awarded Good Samaritan Boys Ranch $250,000 in Youth Opportunities Program tax credits. The award comes in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the ranch's founding. Tax credits will be awarded to donors who make contributions to a capital campaign to raise funds for the expansion of the Footsteps Transitional Living Program - a project of the Good Samaritan Boys Ranch that helps young men ages 16 to 21 learn to live independently as they age out of the foster care system. The ranch has purchased land in north Springfield and plans to build a transitional living campus that will include a group home and apartments. The credits will be used to raise funds for Phase I - the construction of a 20-bed group home. For information on the tax credits, contact Julie Conway at (417) 376-2238.
Realty to Roads
In an effort to put more money into road and bridge projects, Missouri Department of Transportation is taking an aggressive approach to selling excess property it owns. While the transportation department acquires land to build, improve and maintain the highway system, some land is no longer needed. Under the Realty to Roads initiative, the agency has contracted with two private firms for real estate marketing and consulting services. White & Associates and Richard C. Shepard, Real Estate Strategies will help MoDOT sell selected parcels of excess land that range in size from less than an acre to 160 acres. In fiscal 2008, the agency sold 112 properties at a value of more than $4.4 million, with funds going toward road and bridge projects. An initial list of excess property for sale can be found at www.modot.org.
Concerts for a Cause
The Missouri State University music department this spring is launching Concerts for a Cause, a series of 10 free concerts. Patrons are asked to bring a monetary donation for Ozarks Food Harvest. "The music department thought that in this time of economic difficulty, this is a way that we could be of assistance and give tangible support to the Springfield community," said Dianne Strickland, MSU music department head.
The series starts at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12 with the University Symphony Orchestra playing at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. For more information or a schedule, contact music@missouristate.edu or Strickland at (417) 836-5648.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
