Overheard

Hundreds of clowns will invade Springfield April 24–29 for the 22nd annual Clowns of America International Convention. The convention, held at the Clarion Hotel on South Glenstone Avenue, is open to amateur and professional clowns interested in learning more about clowning through seminars, competitions and vendors. A clown parade is open to the public. Early registration – at $155 – runs through Dec. 31. For more information about the convention or Clowns of America, visit www.coai.org or call (888) 522-5696.

High-flying IPO

Las Vegas-based Allegiant Travel Co., the parent company of Springfield-Branson National Airport carrier Allegiant Air, raised $94,855,000 in an initial public offering this month. The 5.75 million-share IPO represents about a 26 percent stake in the company. Shares closed the first day of trading (Nasdaq: ALGT) 39 percent above the IPO price of $18. Underwriters set a range of $15 to $17 per share. The stock has since peaked at $27.83 a share; shares closed Dec. 13 at $26.85. It appears the regional carrier has fully recovered from its 2001 bankruptcy. Meanwhile, Allegiant added Tuesday flights to Las Vegas through April 3 out of Springfield, where the airline is gaining market share.

Small-business Award

The National Small Business Association is seeking nominations through Dec. 22 for Missouri entries for its 2007 Small Business Advocate of the Year. The winner will be named during NSBA’s Washington Presentation May 8–10 in the nation’s capital. The event also will commemorate NSBA’s 70th anniversary of and the small-business movement. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to small-business advocacy; a proven history of volunteer efforts and endeavors to advance small business and improve the conditions for small-business owners; success and growth as a small-business owner; and any other accomplishments demonstrating merit as an effective advocate for small-business interests. Submit nominations to: Rob Yunich, Small Business Advocate of the Year Award, National Small Business Association, 1156 15th St. NW, Ste. 1100, Washington, D.C., 20005-1755. An application form is at www.nsba.biz/award.

Slice of Nice

Ozarks Area Community Action Corp. is soliciting year-end contributions. Specifically, it is raising funds for its Head Start program, which provides dental and medical care to more than 1,500 children of low-income families each year. OACAC officials say a $25 tax-deductible donation provides a dental cleaning for a child. A $75 donation provides X-rays for a child; a $115 donation provides a filling for a tooth; a $150 donation pays for an exam, cleaning, X-rays and fluoride; a $175 donation provides a stainless steel crown for a tooth; and a $250 donation provides a cap with coloring for a needy child. Donations can be mailed to Holiday Smiles for Head Start, 215 S. Barnes, Springfield, MO 65802. For more information, call (417) 864-3448.[[In-content Ad]]