Business Briefcase 3/7

SIKESTON - Bill Roberts is the Bootheel Counseling Services' Employee of the Quarter.

A children's targeted case manager at the center, Roberts was cited for his "dedication to client care, his positive attitude, excellent work ethic, flexibility and willingness to give more than minimal expectations to his position."

Bootheel Counseling Services is located at 760 Plantation Blvd. in Sikeston with a branch office at 25 N. Walnut St. in Dexter.

SIKESTON - Brad Smith, a designer/inspector/surveyor with the engineering/surveying firm of Waters Engineers in Sikeston, was recently notified by the Missouri Board of Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors that he has met the testing and experience requirements to become a land surveyor in training.

After working the field for two years, Smith was eligible to take the first part of the professional land surveying exam in October 2003. After successfully passing that exam he received his new certification.

Smith has been a designer/inspector/surveyor with Waters Engineering since March 2001. Also he worked for Waters Engineering for eight years prior to that before moving to Columbia for a short time.

A 1981 graduate of Linn High School, Smith obtained an associate of technology degree in design drafting from Linn State Technical College. He is the son of Perry and Janice Smith of Linn.

Smith is married to the former Donna Turnbo of East Prairie and they have two children, Brittney and Austin. The Smiths reside in the East Prairie area.

Waters Engineering is an engineering consulting firm which provides engineering design and construction inspection of water and wastewater systems, bridges, airports, drainage, streets, river ports and industrial parks. The firm also provides land surveying services. It has approximately 11 employees.

ORAN - Eric Hutson is the new branch sales manager for the Union Planters Bank in Oran.

Hutson has 10 years of experience in the banking industry, most recently serving as loan and security officer for Security Bank and Trust.

He is a 1993 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University with a bachelor of science degree in finance. He and his wife, Amy, and their children, Hayley and McKenzie, reside in Benton.

Union Planters Corporation of Memphis, Tenn., with total assets of over $32 billion at Sept. 30, 2003, is the largest bank holding company in Tennessee and among the 25 largest bank holding companies in the United States. Union Planters Bank, National Association, the principal banking subsidiary, was founded in 1869 and operates branches in 12 states.

SIKESTON - Jeff Beeson has joined the sales staff of Bening Motor Company of Sikeston.

A resident of Sikeston, Beeson joined the staff earlier this year. "I would like to invite my friends to come by and see all the great deals," said Beeson.

Bening Motor Company of Sikeston is located at 2317 E. Malone Ave.

SIKESTON - Britt McConnell, community bank president of First Security State Bank's Sikeston branch, is a recently elected member of the YMCA of Southeast Missouri Board of Directors.

McConnell will serve a three-year term on the YMCA Board.

The 27-member board of directors for the YMCA of Southeast Missouri determines agency policy, approves the annual budget and sets the annual goals of the agency. Board members work with volunteers to determine program offerings and membership and assist in reaching the annual goals of the organization.

The YMCA is a national organization and is the largest non-profit community service organization in the world. The YMCA of Southeast Missouri is one of over 2,000 chartered YMCAs in the United States.

ORAN - Linda Patterson has joined the staff of Alliance Bank as the assistant vice president and assistant branch manager of the facility located at 1100 Highway W in Oran.

"I am so excited to add Linda to the staff here at Oran. She and I have worked together for the past 11 years to service the folks in this area and the surrounding communities," said Jim Gosche, vice president and branch manager. "Linda has over 40 years of banking experience and has served in every capacity possible in the industry. She knows how to make banking an enjoyable event."

Patterson began her banking career in 1962 as teller/secretary of the Oran State Bank. She continued with the bank through its acquisition by First Financial Bank/Union Planters Bank as assistant vice president and assistant branch manager. She is an Oran High School graduate and has attended numerous banking, insurance and marketing schools and seminars.

"I look forward to continue servicing my customers as I have in the past. With local ownership and control, community banking will return to the Oran area," said Patterson. "I want to welcome everyone to come see Jim and I at our new home, Alliance Bank."

Alliance Bank was established in 1997. The bank services Scott, Cape, Perry Stoddard, New Madrid and Mississippi counties in Southeast Missouri.

SIKESTON - Teri Applewhite is the February Employee of the Month for Hunter Acres Caring Center.

A dietary aide, she has been employed at Hunter Acres Caring Center since May 2000.

"Teri is always pleasant to be around and she is eager to please the residents," said her nominator. "She is an asset to the dietary staff.

Hunter Acres Caring Center is located at 628 Northwest St.