Business | West Plains Daily Quill

Analysis: Missouri's legislative support for small businesses

In a move indicative of proactive legislative response to economic crises, the Missouri House of Representatives recently passed the "Protecting Missouri's Small Businesses Act" (HB 2874). This legislation comes as a beacon of hope for small businesses across Missouri, offering a substantial package aimed at mitigating the adverse effects caused by emergency shutdown orders, particularly those enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we provide an in-depth analysis of HB 2874, its implications, key provisions, and the broader context of its development and anticipated impact. more

By CHRIS HERBOLSHEIMER CHRISH@WPDAILYQUILL.NET | 4/17/24

NARFE meets Tuesday

The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Chapter 695 of West Plains will meet at noon Tuesday at Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant, 1449 Preacher Roe Blvd. in West Plains. more

4/17/24

Physical Therapy Specialists Clinic (PTSC) made a $250 donation to Cystic Fibrosis of West Plains, as part of the organization’s annual fundraising efforts culminating this year in a concert featuring country artist Sara Evans. Donors contributed to break the event's record with $92,106 raised for cystic fibrosis research. It was the 36th year for the event and only the second time it sold out. From left: PTSC Worksteps Coordinator Shelby Bates, Cystic Fibrosis volunteer Lois Frazier, physical therapy assistant Cyndi Badolian, PTSC owner Mary Schrag, Cystic Fibrosis volunteer Jessica Joice-Frazier holding her dog Olive, and PTSC President and athletic trainer Chris Green, physical therapist and Clinic Manager Brittany Roberts and Vice President of Sports Medicine and athletic trainer Vince Beam.

PTSC donates to cystic fibrosis cause

4/17/24

West Plains Bank and Trust-Houston Branch Manager Amanda Hamilton

Amanda Hamilton celebrates three years with West Plains Bank

Amanda Hamilton, the branch manager for West Plains Bank and Trust Company in Houston, marks a milestone this month, celebrating her third anniversary with the institution. Her time at West Plains Bank highlights a successful journey in the banking industry that began 16 years ago when she first dipped her toes into the financial world, seeking a job that would accommodate her family’s needs. more

4/16/24

MSU-WP Alumni, Friends Picnic is May 2; all invited

Officials with the Missouri State University-West Plains office of advancement and the MSU Foundation invite alumni, friends and community members to the annual Alumni & Friends Picnic May 2 in the exhibit hall at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. more

4/16/24

WP Education Foundation launches fundraiser giveaway with business support

A fundraiser supporting classroom innovation grants from the West Plains Education Foundation has been launched, offering an opportunity to enter for a chance to win $5,000 in cash. more

4/16/24

From left: Ozarks Small Business Incubator Business Development Specialist Autumn Shirley; FNBC representatives Assistant Vice President of Strategic Partnerships Graycen Bigger, West Plains Branch Manager Andrea Crews, Vice President of Business Deposit Solutions Jessica Harper, Missouri Market Community President Zack Lashley and West Plains branch loan officer Brandon Kintner; and OzSBI Chief Financial Officer Ila Sloan.

FNBC joins OzSBI as Champion member

FNBC Bank has joined Ozarks Small Business Incubator as a Champion member. more

4/15/24

OzSBI announces EPIC 2024 with a focus on agriculture in the Ozarks

The Ozarks Small Business Incubator, 408 Washington Ave. in West Plains, will host its ninth annual National Small Business Week celebration May 2. more

4/10/24

Dr. Wesley Davis, West Plains R-7 School District superintendent, was recently celebrated by the Missouri Association of School Administrators (MASA) for 25 years of dedicated service in educational administration. “Over the last 25 years, Dr. Davis has exemplified excellence, serving in various capacities that include 19 years at the district administration level and six years as a building principal,” shared R-7 District Communications Director Lana Snodgras. Davis served as the superintendent of schools in the Greenfield School District and Cabool School District prior to assuming his current role with the West Plains School District. The recognition of Dr. Davis' commitment to education took place at the awards banquet during the MASA Spring Conference, held March 20 at Lake Ozark. “We extend our gratitude to Dr. Davis for his leadership and dedicated service to our students, staff and community,” added Snodgras.

R-7 superintendent recognized for 25 years in education administration

4/10/24

WS Chamber to host Kentucky Derby watch party

Officials with the Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce announce the upcoming Talk Derby to Me Kentucky Derby party, to be held at 4:30 p.m. May 4 in the upstairs meeting room in the Ferguson Building in downtown Willow Springs. more

4/9/24

Fidelity taking applications for Charitable Giving Fund to support local nonprofits

Fidelity Communications has begun accepting spring 2024 applications for the company’s Charitable Giving Fund, which annually awards $250,000 in grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. The application period began April and requests will be accepted through April 30. more

4/9/24

Willow Springs sets up eclipse-viewing locations

While officials have no way of knowing what kind of crowds will be present for the April 8 total solar eclipse in Willow Springs, the local chamber of commerce has made arrangements for some “safe-viewing” areas where eclipse-watchers can bring chairs, have picnics, tailgate andset up cameras to enjoy the event, announces Director Kim McCormick. more

4/3/24

Established Oregon County author Donna Brown, writing under the pseudonym Cygnet Brown, right, has penned a book about the recently designated Wild and Scenic Riverway, a section of the Eleven Point River that runs through Oregon County and the only such designated riverway in Missouri. The book is called "Oregon County, Wild and Scenic," and Brown will be holding book signings this weekend at several events centered around the total solar eclipse in Oregon County. With Brown is Thayer Chamber of Commerce President Scott Cecil.

Oregon Co. author to hold books signings during eclipse activities

Area author Donna Brown, writing under the pen name Cygnet Brown, has written a new book focused on the newly created Wild and Scenic Riverway in Oregon County, called "Oregon County, Wild and Scenic." more

BY KIMBERLY LANGSTON, KIMBERLYL@WPDAILYQUILL.NET | 4/3/24

Austin Roofing Solutions, based in Ava, is now serving Howell County, announces owner Andy Austin. Austin notes he was born “here in the heart of the Ozarks and grew up to know the area very well.” He spent over a decade traveling throughout the Midwest and Southwest as a senior technical representative for one of the largest roofing manufacturers in the country, he shared, adding that being in that role gave him a unique opportunity to see a side of the roofing industry that not many roofing professionals get to experience. Among his duties in that role, he was responsible for quality control inspections, training construction professionals, problem-solving on guaranteed roof systems. Austin has a Registered Roof Observers Certification through the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, and said he has been involved on numerous projects associated with high level government and military projects, hospitals, schools, big box warehouses, cold storage, Arrowhead Stadium and Tesla manufacturing facilities. There is not much on a roof system that he hasn’t been exposed to, he said, noting, “I would love to put my experience to work on your next project.” Austin Roofing Solutions specializes in flat and low-slope roofing. Learn more at austinroofing417.com, email austinroofing417@gmail.com or call 417-686-1292.

Austin Roofing Solutions is now serving Howell County

4/2/24

February jobs report published by state

Missouri’s nonfarm payroll employment increased by 7,800 jobs in February, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged from January’s 3.3%, report officials with the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development Economic Research and Information Center, which provided all of the data presented here in its Monthly Jobs Report. more

3/27/24

Local businesses donate to support cystic fibrosis research

3/26/24

Eighteen West Plains High School Future Teachers of America (FTA) students recently learned about the world of teaching, hearing from the superintendent of schools, Dr. Wesley Davis, standing, and teachers who once roamed the halls as students. From exploring education programs at Missouri State University-West Plains to uncovering diverse career paths, students learned many valuable insights, shared school district Communications Director Lana Snodgras. FTA seeks to pave the way for aspiring teachers, offering hands-on experiences and a supportive community, she added.

FTA students get up-close look at teaching

3/20/24

The West Plains Farmers and Artisans Market is now open for business, offering locally-sourced meats, grab-and-go meals, honey, vanilla extracts, breads, seasoning mixes, teas, kombucha and kraut, and candies and snacks. The store also stocks health and beauty items like soaps, bath salts, tinctures and salves, plus handcrafted items like candles, pottery, T-shirts and yarn. Products will be provided by about 30 vendors by April 1, owner Amber Stanley said, including Angry Sheepdog Studio, BackPost Crochet, Crystal Infusions, Dirt Road Diva Leather, Ellen Martin Pottery, Emerald Honey, Falling Spring Farm, Foodie's Fare, Heritage Coffee Roasters, Garden Worx, Get To the Point, Grateful Acres Farmstead, Just Bloom Boutique, Legler Stained Glass, Lit Candle Company, Morrison Family Farms, Naked Chicks Pasture, Our Daily Bread Baking Company, Ozark Donuts, Persimmon Ridge, Poulette Farms, Pure Beth, Ron's Microgreens and More, Rustic Waters Homestead, Sarah's Kitchen, Secret Springs Farm, Split Maple Homestead, Sullana Farm, The Fragrance Apothecary, and Wilmac Sweets. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at 222 W. Main St. in West Main Plaza. Stanley said she plans to host outdoor vendor events in the near future. Call 417-257-8679 or find the business on Facebook at “West Plains Farmers &amp; Artisans Market.”

WP Farmers and Artisans Market now open

3/20/24

OzSBI releases annual Economic Impact Report

“2023 was a great year for the Ozarks Small Business Incubator — our team spent nearly 600 hours working one-on-one with 143 unique business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs,” OzSBI officials announced. “We helped start 15 new businesses in our service area ranging from consulting to coffee shops to dog boarding.” more

3/19/24

Simmons Bank of West Plains donated $250 to Cystic Fibrosis of West Plains, contributing to the group’s annual fundraising event which included Saturday’s concert with headliner Sara Evans. This year’s fundraiser raised a record-breaking $92,000, more than $13,000 over the previous record, according to organizers. From left: Simmons Bank Community President John Plummer, Cystic Fibrosis volunteers Lois Frazier and Jessica Joice-Frazier, Community Banker Tramond Day, Cystic Fibrosis volunteer Nevaeh Johnson, Financial Center Manager Elizabeth Sanders, Cystic Fibrosis volunteer Bella Johnson, supporter Jessica Collins, and volunteers Kaigan Barker and Katlyn Johnson.

Simmons Bank contributes to record-breaking fundraising efforts

3/19/24