Overheard

Missouri State University has selected an architectural firm to help the school narrow its design options for JQH Arena, which, at this point, is hardly more than a “blank piece of paper.” MSU’s Board of Governors approved the hiring of Kansas City-based Ellerbe Becket to take the arena through its initial programming phase and, most likely, create its design, said Greg Burris, chair of the arena’s Architect Selection Committee. University and Ellerbe Becket officials will spend the next month exploring design options and visiting other arenas across the country.

Burris said that although renderings of the arena, created by Springfield-based Pellham Phillips, were presented when the arena was first announced in February, the final project could be “vastly different.” “The actual arena could look like anything at this point,” he said. “It’s a blank piece of paper.” Design work of the arena will begin in June, after the programming phase is complete. Burris said the project is still on track for a November 2008 opening.

Do You Export?

The Missouri Department of Economic Development is accepting applications through May 11 for the 2006 Exporter of the Year award. The award is presented annually to a Missouri firm that has demonstrated outstanding export performance.

This year’s honoree will be recognized at the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development, Sept. 25–27 in St. Louis. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee of business leaders involved in providing assistance to exporters.

Past winners include Central States Industrial, Paul Mueller Co., Flex-O-Lators Inc. and Hagale Industries Inc. To request an application, call (573) 751-6728 or e-mail zatuilla.nara@ded.mo.gov.

More Awards

Also during this fall’s Governor’s Conference on Economic Development, a special development project will be recognized. Missouri’s Business and Community Services is accepting nominations through May 15 for the Community Development Award.

Nominations can include the planning and execution of a successful development or redevelopment of specific properties, activities that have solved community problems or unique collaborative efforts toward community development. Eligible applicants include community development organizations, local governments, developers and individuals, not-for-profits or community development corporations. The nomination form is available online at www.missouridevelopment.org.

Slice of Nice

Restaurateur Joe Sunseri has devised a creative way to help a good cause. During the month of May, Sunseri’s Valentine’s restaurant, 2902 S. Campbell Ave., is offering a special dessert to benefit Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks. The Pink Ribbon Indulgence is a fresh-baked chocolate chip oatmeal cookie served with ice cream.

Sunseri lost his mother to breast cancer 12 years ago, and he wanted to dedicate this month to mothers in the community as well as to the BCFO, a local organization that assists families facing breast cancer.[[In-content Ad]]