Brad Oliver of The Team Inc. may have earned the title of Rush's biggest fan. Oliver, vice president of design services at the Ozark advertising and marketing firm, won first place in "Name That Rush Tune v3.0" on a message board for the Canadian band, www.rushmessageboard.com. In the final round of a competition that started with thousands of fans, Oliver correctly identified a split-second clip of the 1987 song "Second Nature." As winner, Oliver chose to donate $1,000 to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation in Kansas City.
Salute to Travel
The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau is accepting nominations through Dec. 15 for the Salute to Travel & Tourism Awards. Presented Feb. 19 at the Doubletree Hotel, awards are in five categories:
• Pinnacle Award - for travel industry veterans and significant contributors.
• Hospitality Award - for an attraction, lodging facility or restaurant with outstanding hospitality and tourism promotions.
• Diplomat Award - for a government official, organization or employee in supporting the travel industry.
• Spotlight Award - for an individual, business or organization not usually considered part of the travel and tourism industry.
• Ambassador Award - for individuals or organizations that generated significant economic impact via tourism or conventions.
Nominations can be submitted at www.springfieldmo.org/nominations. For more information, call the CVB at (417) 881-5300.
Talk to the President
The Missouri Department of Transportation is encouraging travelers to give President-elect Barack Obama an earful. In partnership with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Missourians have the opportunity to tell Obama and Congress about the transportation issues important to them at www.itoldthepresident.org. Users can submit e-mails or videos, and a compilation of the comments will be presented to key federal officials in January. Organizers aim to build awareness about the importance of America's transportation system and steer the direction of a new transportation bill expected to pass Congress before the current federally funded highway and transit programs expire Sept. 30.
Slice of Nice
Homes for Our Troops and the Missouri Credit Union Association have teamed up to build Specialist Scott West, of Branson, a specially adapted home after he was severely injured in Iraq. An improvised explosive device detonated under the Humvee West was driving. Upon spotting the IED, West jerked the vehicle to the right so it would explode on his side rather than under his fellow soldiers. West lost both legs below the knee, and now walks on prosthetics. He is engaged to be married and plans to enroll in college. The Branson home will be the first specially adapted home built in Missouri by Homes for Our Troops.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
