The Nixa School Board this month chose a facilities management partnership with Maryland-based Sodexo to cover the job duties recently vacated by Richard Jones, the district's director of custodial and maintenance services. Under the $2.3 million preliminary contract, Sodexo is in charge of district custodial and maintenance services, grounds care, and energy management and conservation. The board considered hiring another director - and conducted interviews - but under the district's Comprehensive School Improvement Plan and after a financial review by Superintendent Stephen Kleinsmith, it was recommended that the district go with a facility management company. Sodexo, a $7.3 billion company with 110,000 employees and 700 facility management contracts in place, begins work in January in Nixa.
On Board with the CVB
Four board seats with the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau will come available in 2009. The terms of Steve Thompson, John Ford and Greg Walker expire at the end of this year, and there is a current vacant seat. Board members, who are expected to attend monthly meetings, are appointed by the mayor to serve three-year terms, and those interested in applying should contact the city clerk's office at (417) 864-1000.
Meanwhile, businesses outside of Springfield city limits that have recently jumped on board under the CVB's Marketing Partnership Program include Branson Airport, Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce and three Ozark businesses.
SCORE One for Downtown Biz
Downtown Springfield businesses will be able to pick up some tips for success at a series of free courses starting in 2009. Urban Districts Alliance is partnering with SCORE-Counselors to America's Small Business and the city of Springfield to offer small-business education courses, taught by volunteers from SCORE, formerly known as the Service Corps of Retired Executives. The first class - one of two Small Business Basics courses - is 6-9 p.m. Jan. 5 at Ozarks Technical Community College. Topics will include financial basics, developing a business plan and securing financing. The second basics class is scheduled Jan. 12 and will cover marketing, advertising and e-commerce. Three additional classes are scheduled for Feb. 2, March 2 and April 6.
The courses are free to downtown businesses, but advance registration is requested. Register by contacting C-Street Community Development Coordinator Donnie Rodgers Jr. at (417) 880-3435.
Slice of Nice
For the third straight year, employees of Mark Twain Elementary School made the largest contribution per person to Springfield Public Schools' United Way campaign. Twain staff contributed an average of $87.79 per person this year for a total donation of $3,862. Central High and Pipkin Middle schools also earned donation honors. Central staff made the largest contribution among high schools by donating $4,887, and Pipkin donated $4,051, the most among middle schools. SPS employees combined contributed $73,287 to United Way during the campaign, which ran Sept. 15-Oct. 15.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
