People in the News

Richard Burlison has been promoted to the position of risk manager for the

local headquarters of Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. Burlison has more than two decades of experience with the company, having joined the cooperative

in 1978 as senior accountant. His position prior to his promotion was senior administrator of property and debt accounting.

Robert Drake has been named vice president specializing in commercial lending for Union Planters Bank. Drake has 13 years of banking experience. Prior to joining Union Planters, Drake was senior vice president at another local bank where he worked with several types of lending. As a commercial loan officer with Union Planters, Drake will work with businesses to provide financing through commercial loan programs. Drake will work at the 2927 S. Campbell location of Union Planters.

Rick Gutman has joined the Commerce Bank investment management group as senior vice president. He has more than 17 years' experience in trust and investment management, most recently serving as vice president and trust investment officer of Commerce Bank in Wichita, Kan. Gutman is a certified financial planner, a member of the Institute of Financial Planners, and a candidate for the chartered financial analyst designation.

Lisa M. Middlebrooks has joined the staff at Samek Fritz & Company PC, certified public accountants. She is a 1990 graduate of Central Missouri State University and holds a bachelor's degree in accounting. Previously, Middlebrooks worked in various areas of public accounting. At Samek Fritz, she will focus on accounting, auditing, and tax planning and preparation services.

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