Overheard

Arvest Bank and the Branson Landing have spun out a marketing idea in the form of plastic.

The groups have partnered to offer a Branson Landing Visa Gift Card. Available at Arvest Bank locations in Branson and Harrison, Yellville and Mountain Home, Ark., the cards can be used anywhere Visa is accepted and are available in any monetary amount. “With more than 100 specialty stores and restaurants at the Landing … consumers have plenty of selections on where to shop and eat with their gift cards,” said Roger Potter, Arvest Bank corporate services officer, in a news release.

City Audit Update

Representatives from State Auditor Susan Montee’s office met with Springfield City Council and city staff in a closed session during council’s Oct. 30 luncheon. Auditors presented the findings of their look at city finances, which began in September 2006 after a petition of more than 5,800 signatures was sent to the auditor’s office in June. The city has an opportunity to present its response, which will then be included in the final report. State law prohibits both the auditor and the audited party from discussing the results until the final report is released; that report is expected in early December.

Minority Opportunity

Drury University and Edward Jones will offer scholarships to minority students starting next fall. The Edward Jones Minority Scholarship Program will provide annually renewable awards of $10,000 to U.S. citizens who are minorities, the St. Louis-based firm announced at Drury last week. Scholarship winners are eligible to receive an additional $7,500 each year in Drury merit-based aid. Ten awards will be granted annually, and priority will be given to applicants from southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas, officials said. The Edward Jones scholars will have opportunities to interact with business leaders at the national and local levels through Drury’s Edward Jones Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, which was established a year ago. The scholars also will participate in Edward Jones sales training and internships, as well as interviews with corporate senior staff upon degree completion. The application deadline for fall 2008 awards is Jan. 15. Interested candidates should contact Drury’s admission office at (417) 873-7205 or (800) 922-2274.

Wildfire Donations

Great Southern Bank is pairing with Convoy of Hope to collect cash donations to help victims of the Southern California wildfires. Donations to the Convoy of Hope U.S. Disaster Relief Fund can be made at any of Great Southern’s 38 banking centers. Cash donations help the organization work with corporate partners on the West Coast to obtain supplies there, cutting transportation time, officials said. Springfield-based Convoy of Hope has had a team in California, providing about 240,000 pounds – or seven 18-wheelers full – of disaster relief supplies. Supplies include snacks, water, juice, Powerade, cleaning supplies, paper products, personal hygiene items and face masks to filter the smoky air for breathing.[[In-content Ad]]