Newsmakers: May 13-19, 2019

Accounting
BKD LLP promoted Megan Chester, Morgan Crews, Derek Lee, Corey Stone and Julie Thompson to managers. Chester provides audit and consulting services for financial institutions and other entities. Crews does audits and consulting for home care, hospice, long-term care and other health care providers nationwide. Lee handles audit services and assistance with other operational issues to health care providers nationwide. Stone is a member of BKD’s manufacturing and distribution group, along with the firm’s construction, real estate and business service teams. Thompson provides tax services to for-profit health care organizations, retail and manufacturing.

Health Care
CoxHealth earned its ISO 9001 certification, becoming Missouri’s first hospital system to earn the distinction. The ISO 9001 quality management standard used in a variety of businesses is valid for three years and includes all Cox hospitals and outpatient services, with the exception of Cox Barton County.

Municipal
Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. honored seven employees with 2018 Excel awards during its 25th annual employee recognition awards ceremony. Rod Dubree was recognized as Mentor of the Year, Cameron Eoff was named Community Advocate and Luke Riddle was Employee of the Year in a vocational field. Jennifer Burns, Melissa Coy, Kelly Harrell and Steven White were honored for innovative action. The awards are peer-nominated.

Taney County was one of six area counties selected for a grant from the Missouri Job Center. The $4,118 grant will be used for the Money Smart in Small Business training program, which seeks to empower aspiring and existing small-business owners in collaboration with the Missouri Small Business and Technology Development Center and the Efactory.

Nonprofit
The United Way of the Ozarks honored two entities and two individuals with Pillar Awards at its annual meeting. John Deere Reman was named Corporate Humanitarian of the Year, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness was selected for Outstanding Service to the Community. Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams and Bill Kristek, community volunteer, were named volunteers of the year. The Pillar Awards recognize an individual, company or agency that represents the United Way culture of giving, caring and community engagement.

Catholic Charities USA named Jana Hukriede as its 2019 Volunteer of the Year. She volunteers at Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri and was recognized for her long-term dedication and innovation, especially in gardening. The award, given annually since 1998, is granted to an individual who embodies Catholic Charities’ mission of providing services to those in need and advocating for justice in social structures.

Real Estate
Williams & Kramer LLC hired Andrea Flores as vice president of community development. She coordinates with city, county and state officials for new developments in the Midwest. Flores previously worked with Andy B’s Entertainment and Bowling Centers.

Technology
Paperwise Inc. named Eric Wubbena as vice president. He had previously collaborated with the software development company in 2012 to launch its sister company, Rhooster. Wubbena also is the owner and operator of Goats and Yoga with his wife Stephanie.