Business Notebook (Sept. 1)

Cowsert new administrative assistant at Raymond James

SIKESTON — Eric Wooden, branch manager at Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. announced the hiring of Teresa Cowsert as an administrative assistant.

Cowsert grew up in Cape Girardeau, Mo., and now lives in Wickliffe Ky. with her husband Gary. Between them they have eight kids and eight grandkids.

SEMO Food Bank CEO to participate in Feeding America Advisory Committee

SIKESTON — Joey Keys, Chief Executive Officer at Southeast Missouri Food Bank, has been selected to participate in a new Feeding America Advisory Committee to help bridge the gap between our clients and voter engagement. The goal of the new Voter Engagement Advisory Committee is to share best practices and help develop new opportunities for the network to participate in voter engagement activities.

“We know that the network has deep experience working on voter engagement work. Our hope is that this committee will be able to bring this experience – either from their previous professional work or from doing voter engagement work at their food bank to help us build opportunities for our diverse network to participate in this work,” said Advocacy Specialist for Feeding America Danny Navarro.

Keys has several years of experience in voter engagement and political work having served as the director of elections for Cape Girardeau County.

“Our goal is to make it easier for our clients to register to vote and understand their voices are important on election day,” Keys said.

During his two years at Southeast Missouri Food Bank, Keys has developed an advocacy program and participated in multiple training opportunities with Feeding America to learn how to best amplify the voices of network clients and partners. Keys is one of 15 people from Feeding America’s 200-member network to be chosen as a community convener.

Advisory Committee Members, in partnership with Feeding America national staff, will work to increase subject matter expertise on voter engagement and registration throughout the United States for the 2020 election year. Southeast Missouri Food Bank and Feeding America will kick off their Voter Engagement efforts with activities on National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 24.

Sikeston Tractor Supply to host pet treat tasting event

SIKESTON — Tractor Supply Company is hosting a pet treat tasting event in Sikeston from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 21.

This event will give pets the chance to sample a variety of pet treats available at Tractor Supply Company.

“At Tractor Supply, we believe in giving your pets a choice,” said Rick Lands, manager of the Sikeston Tractor Supply store. “From our exclusive 4health® brand to Purina, Blue Buffalo and Pedigree, we carry a wide variety of pet food and treat options to ensure your four-legged family members stay nourished and satisfied all year long. We hope you will join us on Sep 21, 2019 to let your pet find its treat of choice.”

In addition to the tasting, attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy and 4health Resource Center.

This event is open to the public and will take place at 1100 S Main St. For more information, please contact the Sikeston Tractor Supply at 573-471-2638.

DeZalia to help landowners manage for wildlife in Southeast Missouri

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Quail Forever, and its partners are pleased to announce the hiring of Kelsey DeZalia as our Farm Bill Biologist covering Scott and Stoddard counties in Missouri. DeZalia will assist landowners in designing, developing, and funding habitat improvements on private lands through a unique partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

DaZalia grew up in upstate New York and graduated with a B.T. in Wildlife Management from SUNY Cobleskill. Her career path has brought her to work for various (state and federal) organizations and a wide array of wildlife species and habitats. From the natural wetlands of upstate New York, to the old growth forests of Connecticut, and the grasslands of North Dakota; DeZalia has worked with Ruffed and Sharp-tailed grouse, wild turkey, various waterfowl species, as well as some work with Eastern box turtles.

Her passion began in her youth as her parents repeatedly exposed her to the wonders of the outdoors. Beginning at bobber fishing with night crawlers, growing into and sharing her dad’s passion for hunting, to learning the value of simple quiet enjoyment - DaZalia quickly understood the importance of conserving and preserving habitat.

Although she is still learning the tricks and trade in Southeast Missouri, this “out-of-stater” has a wealth of experience working with private landowners from different parts of the country. She is very excited to be a part of a rapidly growing and motivated organization working to put good habitat on the ground benefitting a diverse collection of species.

DaZalia will be based out of the Benton, Mo., USDA office and began her new role on Aug. 19. If you would like to know more about how DaZalia can help you manage for wildlife on your Scott or Stoddard County farm, contact her at kdeZalia@quailforever.org or 518-637-9611 .

Govero new chair of Saint Francis Healthcare System Board of Directors

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – Kevin A. Govero is the new chair of the Saint Francis Healthcare System Board of Directors. Govero has served on the Board since 2003, most recently serving as vice chair for the past three years. Prior to his service on the Healthcare System Board, Govero served as a board member and chair of the Saint Francis Foundation Board. He will continue to serve on the Saint Francis Health Development Board.

He has served on numerous Board committees at Saint Francis Healthcare System including Executive, Investment (Chair), Governance (Chair), Compliance and Risk, Quality (current Chair) and Finance, as well as the Black River Medical Center Reorganization Task Force.

“Kevin is passionate about healthcare and making sure Saint Francis Healthcare System provides exceptional quality at an affordable price,” said Maryann Reese, president and chief executive officer of Saint Francis Healthcare System. “I look forward to continued success under his leadership.”

Govero is highly involved in the community serving in leadership roles in the Cape Girardeau Lions Club, Notre Dame Boosters Club, Area Wide United Way and Southeast Missouri Crime Stoppers. He is also owner and President of BP Financial Services, Inc.