A new AT&T-powered open device lab at Cape Girardeau's co-working community, Codefi, will allow testing of websites and applications on various smartphones and tablets.

The new lab's purpose, according to a news release, is supporting local software engineers, coders, web designers and app developers because thorough testing on multiple devices can be difficult because of the "nature of operating systems and the cost of acquiring a comprehensive pool of test devices," the release stated.

The open device lab can be used with a day pass bought at Codefi or is free for regular members.

Codefi also announced a 1,000-square-foot expansion of its office space, bringing the total used by the co-working community in the former federal building at 339 Broadway to 5,000 square feet.

Membership at Codefi has grown to 80 members from more than 30 businesses since the community's opening in November. Recent additions to amenities include 3D printing capability, private offices, a new conference room and a game room.

Jewelrymaker set for 'Battle of the Brands'

Claire Bruce, owner of Sloan + Themis in Cape Girardeau, is competing to be a "champion of Missouri entrepreneurship" with participation in a statewide bracket-style contest called Missouri Battle of the Brands.

The competition is hosted by MOSourceLink, a grant-funded support system for small businesses. The contest includes several voting-based elimination rounds.

Sloan + Themis, which makes and sells handmade jewelry at its store at 31 N. Main St. in Cape Girardeau, was one of 32 businesses still in contention last week, Bruce reported.

More information is available at mosourcelink.com.

Busch Pet Products owners attend expo

Stacy Busch-Heisserer and Chris Heisserer, owners of Busch Pet Products and the Zoomin' Groomer Mobile Dog Salon in Cape Girardeau, recently attended the Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Florida.

According to a news release, the trade show is the pet industry's largest, with over 1,000 exhibitors, 3,000 new product launches and more than 6,000 new pet products.

The owners scouted new products for their store and attended educational sessions on pet-store retailing, power merchandising, going green and social media. They also attended seminars on obesity in pets and cognitive decline in aging pets, according to the release.

U.S. News lauds MBA program by SEMO

Southeast Missouri State University's master's degree program in business administration recently was recognized in the 2016 "Best Graduate Schools" edition of U.S. News & World Report magazine.

The MBA program, based at the Harrison College of Business, includes accounting, entrepreneurship, environmental management, financial management, general management, health administration, international business, industrial management and sport management options.

The annual rankings by U.S. News are based on standardized test scores of new students, employment outcomes for graduates, acceptance rates and other criteria, according to a news release from the university.

Prudential Bridgeport Realtors joins network

Realtors with Prudential Bridgeport in Cape Girardeau are transitioning to the network of Berkshire Hathway Homeservices and will use the name Bridgeport Realtors.

Bridgeport Realtors recently celebrated its brand transition with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, according to a news release. The real estate company has operated under the Prudential name in the area since 1980.

With the transition, agents are expected to gain online tools, applications and services and business consultation, professional education and marketing support, according to a news release. Visit bhhsbridgeportrealtors.com for details.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, based in Irvine, California, is a real-estate brokerage network.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in early 2014 was named "Real Estate Agency Brand of the Year" by consumers in the 26th annual Harris Poll EquiTrend study of the largest real estate networks. More information is available at berkshirehathawayhs.com.

Ferrell Mobile Homes earns award

Ferrell Mobile Homes in Benton, Missouri, was recognized as the No. 1 dealer of all manufactured housing and the No. 1 dealer of single-wides for Missouri in 2014.

The awards were presented in March by Statistical Surveys Inc. of Grand Rapids, Michigan, which tracks Missouri manufactured housing sales. In addition to Missouri, Ferrell sells in Illinois, Tennessee, Kentucky and Arkansas.

Marvin and Florence Ferrell started Ferrell Mobile Homes in the early 1960s, becoming the first manufactured home dealership in Southeast Missouri. The company has spanned three generations and nearly 54 years.

Hair salon and spa to open soon

Roots Spa and Salon is expected to open at 1512 Independence St. in Cape Girardeau in April.

The salon and spa, owned by Megon Rousseau and Sheila Wade, will offer cosmetology services, massage therapy and hair and body products.

Robyn Gautschy contributed to this report.

eragan@semissourian.com

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