Southeast Missouri

Lonnie Lusk, accounting supervisor for Schott & Van de Ven Certified Public Accountants in Cape Girardeau, has attended a workshop on advising and consulting to the small business. Lusk learned effective methods for analyzing client needs and how to serve as an external business consultant.

Lusk is a certified public account and has been with the firm since 1997. He has an extensive background in banking and business management. Lusk is a member of the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Roger Tolliver, president and group manager of Commerce Bank in Cape Girardeau, has been appointed to serve on the Government Relations Committee of the Missouri Bankers Association. The committee develops policy recommendations on state and federal legislation affecting Missouri commercial banks. The Missouri Bankers Association is a statewide trade and professional organization that represents the interest of 389 banks and savings and loans in Missouri. Its members have more than 30,000 employees in 1,880 locations throughout the state.

Bob Greer has been appointed a director to the Advisory Board of Commerce Bank in Poplar Bluff. He is general manager of John M. Greer Construction Co.

Thomas M. Meyer, international property specialist with Thomas L. Meyer Realty Co. in Cape Girardeau, recently attended the 34th annual joint meeting of the Japan-Midwest, U.S.-Midwest, U.S.-Japan Associations in Tokyo. There were 260 delegates from Japan and the United States. The theme of the meeting was "Japan-U.S. Opportunities and Challenges: Achieving Mutual Success in a changing Global Economy." Meyer, who attends the conference each year, met with Japanese industry leaders on investment opportunities available in the Midwest.

Jackson residents Adam and Kelsie Birk, along with Ahrens Farms, are new members of the American Angus Association. The association, with more than 35,000 active adult and junior members, is the largest beef cattle registry association in the world. Its computerized records include detailed information on more than 14 million registered animals. The association records ancestral information and keeps production records on individual animals for its members.

Carlea Lastrapes, fitness instructor at St. Francis Medical Center's Universal Health and Fitness Center, has completed requirements to become a certified New York City Ballet workout instructor. Lastrapes is the only New York City Ballet instructor in Missouri. The exercise program combines elements of ballet training and athletic conditioning with music, exercises and movements that reflect the style of the New York City Ballet. Ballet classes are normally found only in major cities on the east and west coasts and Chicago and Dallas.

Cape Girardeau resident John Caldwell, a senior health care representative with Pfizer Inc., has been awarded the Heartland Advanced Practice Nursing Network Advocate of the Year award. Caldwell received the award at the recent fourth annual Primary Care Conference at Southeast Missouri State University. The award, given each year, is based on continued support of advanced practice nurses in this area.

Aaron Andrews of Jackson has received a doctor of chiropractic degree from Logan College of Chiropractic in Chesterfield, Mo. Andrews was among 86 graduating students honored at the 136th commencement of Logan College. Andrews previously received a bachelor of science degree in human biology from Logan College of Chiropractic and completed pre-chiropractic courses at Southeast Missouri StateUniversity and the University of Missouri-Columbia. Andrews has entered into practice with Jack Ruopp at Ruopp Chiropractic and Associates in Cape Girardeau.

Lori Smith of Kennett has received certification as a BeautiControl Independent Skin Care and Image Consultant after attending the company's BeautiU Skin Care and Image Training. At BeautiU, Smith learned how to conduct five-minute makeovers, do skin condition analysis with patented skin sensors and professional color analysis. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, BeautiControl is an international image and party-plan direct sales company which provides women an opportunity to build home-based businesses. BeautiControl is a subsidiary of Tupperware Inc.

Thomas Tucker, executive director of the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning Commission in Perryville, has been elected to serve as a member of the board of directors of the National Association of Development Organizations for the 2002-2003 term. Tucker will represent associate members on the board and will help determine the association's policies and priorities for the coming year. Founded in 1967, the association is the largest and leading advocate for regional development organizations and focuses on building communities and creating jobs in small metropolitan and rural America.

Bradley Tuschhoff, a certified public accountant with Schott & Van de Ven CPA in Cape Girardeau, recently completed two training classes. A two-day course, AICPA's Annual Accounting and Auditing Workshop, was sponsored by the Missouri Society of CPAs. The course provided Tuschhoff with an update on all the new standards in accounting and auditing as well as other professional standards. Tuschhoff also completed a course which covered tax implementations of investment and developer real estate transactions. He is a member of the Missouri Society of CPAs and the AICPA.

Two area breeders have been recognized for owning bulls in the 2002 Fall Sire Evaluation Report. Paul Meier of Jackson has five bulls listed in the 2002 Fall Sire Evaluation Report published by the American Angus Association, which has headquarters in St. Joseph, Mo. The report provides angus breeders and commecial cattle producers with tools for improving their herd. Mike Kasten of Millersville owns 10 bulls listed in the report.

Southern Missouri Truck School has announced the graduation of Terrance McGlothlin of Cape Girardeau from its four-week tractor trailer driving course. McGlothlin graduated with a 91 percent grade point average on Sept. 23.

Paul and Eileen Meier, both of Jackson, and Richard Eggers, also of Jackson, have been elected as delegates to the 119th annual meeting of the American Angus Association. The meeting will be Nov. 18 in Louisville, Ky. The Meiers and Eggers are members of the American Angus Association, which has its headquarters in St. Joseph, Mo. The annual meeting is held in conjunction with the annual banquet, and the Super Point Roll of Victory Angus Show, held Nov. 16 through 19 during the North American International Livestock Exposition.

Sandra Elliott of Poplar Bluff was among more than 3,000 consultants who attended BeautiControl's Celebration 2002 Convention in Dallas. Elliott participated in workshops, attended a fashion show and an award presentation. She also viewed the company's new fashion and makeup products for the fall.