Business Briefcase 10/05

River Bend Ag LLC increases its storage

NEW MADRID -- River Bend Ag LLC recently announced it will increase its storage of dry fertilizer. The company has signed a contract that will effectively increase storage capacity by approximately 35 percent.

"The additional storage will increase our ability to assist our dealer network in meeting the ever-changing nutrient demands of today's producers," said Eddie Barnhill, general manager.

WIth the world's demand for quality food increasing each year, the producer of tomorrow will need to be able to produce food and fiber that will meet those needs. The expansion will allow River Bend Ag to provide new solutions to help manage those needs, according to a news release.

River Bend Ag LLC is a wholesale fertilizer distributor located on the Mississippi RIver in New Madrid. It is a joint venture between Mosaic Crop Nutrition and Delta Growers Association.

NMCC counselors attend meeting

NEW MADRID -- Lisa Godwin, Emily Carlisle, Jeff Ross, and Julie Victor, counselors from New Madrid County Central Schools, attended the Southeast Missouri School Counselor Association (SEMOSCA) meeting at Southeast Missouri State University including level sharing, an information session by representatives of Southeast Missouri State University, and business meeting.

During the level sharing sessions, counselors were able to meet with other school counselors within their corresponding grade levels to share ideas and strategies as well as learn new ideas.

SEMOSCA President Brenda Etzoid conducted the business meeting during which members heard plans for professional development which will be provided for them as well as committee reports and information concerning the remaining meetings.

SEMOSCA provides a variety of professional development opportunities for the members each year in order to keep them informed and assist them in making a positive difference in the lives of the students with whom they work.

Dressbarn hosts fundreaiser to benefit ACS

MINER -- According to estimates by the American Cancer Society, about 182,460 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the United States and 40,480 women will die from the disease in 2008. Such statistics are a stark reminder of how precious life and good health are, which is why dressbarn is joining in the fight against breast cancer.

This October, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, dressbarn in Miner, part of a leading retailer and authority on women's fashion, will contribute profits from the sale of Chloe -- a plush dog -- to the American Cancer Society's local and national breast cancer initiatives.

Chloe will retail for $5, and dressbarn will donate a minimum of $2.50 from the sale of each dog to the American Cancer Society, targeting breast cancer research. dressbarn will be selling Chloe from Oct. 1 through Dec. 15, or while supplies last. With more than 825 locations nationwide, dressbarn hopes to raise over $100,000 through this year's campaign.

"Cancer, and especially breast cancer in women, is so far reaching that it really touches us all," said Kellie Thiel, district sales manager for dressbarn in Miner. "It is extremely important to the dressbarn family that we help make a difference in the fight against cancer and that we support breast cancer patients and survivors.

According to Thiel, Chloe is a loyal friend who serves as a gentle reminder of how breast cancer can affect so many lives.

For the past six years, dressbarn has been part of a caring community, offering support through fundraising and awareness programs. Together, with customers and Associates, dressbarn, Inc., has proudly contributed over $4.5 million to the American Cancer Society for the fight against cancer.

For more information on dressbarn in Miner and their breast cancer initiative, please contact (573) 471-7788.