Overheard

Marci Bowling, longtime development/public relations director for Developmental Center of the Ozarks, is leaving the nonprofit world for a job with BKD LLP. Bowling will join the accounting firm – Springfield’s largest – July 21 as a marketing specialist in the Southern Missouri Practice unit. Bowling, who has been with DCO for nearly 11 years, is leaving on a high note. Last year, the nonprofit, which assists developmentally disabled children and adults, raised more than $1 million through various grants and fundraising efforts. Bowling has agreed to help DCO finish planning some larger events during the transition. Bowling was a Springfield Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree in 2001.

Off Target?

Buzz about a Target department store coming to Ozark is just that, according to company spokeswoman Katie Benscoter. Twice in recent months, Benscoter told Springfield Business Journal that the Minneapolis-based chain has no plans to open a new store in Ozark – or Springfield – any time soon, although rumors certainly persist. Target opens new stores in March, July and October each year, Benscoter said. The company’s policy is to only confirm plans for new stores if an inquiry is made within one year of a scheduled opening date. Could that mean a July 2009 opening? Stay tuned.

The Hulshof Bandwagon

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry has endorsed U.S. Rep. Kenny Hulshof for governor of Missouri. Hulshof and chamber President and CEO Dan Mehan were in Springfield June 10 to discuss the chamber political action committee’s selection at Loren Cook Co., 2015 E. Dale St. The stop was part of Hulshof’s weeklong press tour that began in St. Louis and included Jefferson City and Kansas City. “With the nation currently weathering a difficult economy, Missouri needs a governor who recognizes that a thriving business community is the starting point to the state’s overall success,” Mehan said in a news release. “As a farmer and a small-businessman, Kenny Hulshof intimately understands the challenges that companies are facing today.”

Slice of Nice

Ozarks Food Harvest and Alice 95.5 FM collected a record $116,030 during the 10th annual Hungerthon. Through Ozarks Food Harvest’s Food for Thought program, the funds will fill 360 backpacks with weekend food during the school year for less fortunate children. The goal this year was to raise enough to sponsor 334 backpacks.

During the four-day radiothon, deejays Kevin Howard and Liz Delany urged listeners to make donations. Among the donors were Springfield Independent Restaurant Association members who sponsored “power hours” with challenge grants and prizes to the highest donor each hour. In its 25th year, Ozarks Food Harvest distributes more than 4.5 million pounds of food annually to its network of agencies. Learn more at www.ozarksfoodharvest.org.