SIEC board member, worker receive training

Two local men associated with the Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative received different types of training recognition in September.

Board member Richard D. Moss of Tamms, Ill., received the Credential Cooperative Director certificate from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. The certificate signifies completion of courses on business and financial planning, director duties and liabilities, understanding the electric business and board roles and relationships.

Also, apprentice lineman Allen Plott of Anna, Ill., received special training on pole climbing during a two-week training program on electrical theory and safety techniques held by the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives.

Congresswoman Emerson receives industry award

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson of Cape Girardeau recently received the food distribution industry's Thomas Jefferson Award. The award honors Emerson for her commitment to free enterprise. At the end of each Congress, the Food Marketing Institute and the International Foodservice Distributors Association present the awards to legislators who demonstrate their commitment through votes on issues such as taxes, free trade, labor policy and other economic matters.

SEMO professor named dean at Texas school

Keith Russell has been appointed as dean of the School of Business and Administration at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas. Russell is currently a tenured professor in the Department of Accounting and Management Information Systems at Southeast Missouri State University. The new appointment will take effect Jan. 3.

Dobbins is new general manager at Westfield

Paul Dobbins has been named the new general manager of Westfield Shoppingtown West Park. A longtime Cape Girardeau resident and graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Dobbins has returned to the area after starting his career with Westfield Corp. in St. Louis.

-- From staff reports