Business Notebook: WSIU-TV now airs business programming

Business programming recently began airing through WSIU-TV, according to a news release from the public broadcaster.

The network offers three programs that profile American business ingenuity, from local businesses to manufacturing companies, the release said.

"Start Up" shares real-life experiences of Americans who take control of their destiny as entrepreneurs, the release said. The program interviews 40 small business owners across the country.

The two other programs, "NOVA: Making More Stuff" and "Raw to Ready," explore the science behind the transformation of raw materials into new technologies, according to the release. "NOVA: Making More Stuff" focuses on the next wave of technological innovation, and "Raw to Ready" focuses on natural resources and human ingenuity.

To learn more about the programs, visit wsiu.org.

Pioneer Orchard's Market closing

A person reached by phone Oct. 18 at Pioneer Orchard's Market in Jackson confirmed the market is closing Oct. 31.

The owner of the business, Sam Beggs, is retiring, the source said.

Beggs was not present and unavailable to comment, according to the source.

The business has been family owned and operated since the 1960s. It sells local produce and is well known for its pumpkin and apple selection in the fall.

Beggs' Orchards in Jackson will open as normal next fall on harvest day, or the first Saturday in October, the source said.

Banterra Bank to open location in East Prairie

Banterra Bank last week announced the opening of a loan production office in East Prairie, Mo., at 1664 S. Highway 102.

The loan office will primarily focus on agriculture lending, according to a news release from the bank.

"Banterra's foundation was built on agriculture lending, beginning in rural farm communities of Southern Illinois," said Brad Keck, who joined the bank as senior agriculture/commercial lender, according to the release.

Banterra has more than 30 branches throughout Southern Illinois, Southeast Missouri, Southwest Indiana and Western Kentucky.

The bank began its Missouri expansion in Cape Girardeau in 2006, Jennifer Spence, director of marketing, said in an email.

Business roundup

* Yoga East Healing Arts Studio on Oct. 15 opened at 827 Broadway in Cape Girardeau, according to a recently filed business application. The facility will offer yoga classes and education.

* The Discount Tobacco Warehouse at 870 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting Oct. 18, according to an email from the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce. The business is part of a chain of 15 stores.

* Napoli's is open at 1815 E. Jackson Blvd., Suite B, in Jackson. The restaurant is open daily and offers Italian cuisine such as pizzas, baked dishes and sandwiches.

* Yearning for Yarn will open in November at 208 Independence St. in Cape Girardeau, according to a recently filed business application. The fiber studio and yarn shop will sell materials for knitting, crocheting, spinning and felting, as well as offer lessons.

* First Midwest Bank will celebrate the opening of its temporary facility, 1820 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau, with a ribbon-cutting at 3 p.m. Wednesday, according to an email from the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce.

Big River wins award for excellence

Big River Telephone Company was selected for the 2013 Missouri Excellence Award by the Small Business Institute for Excellence in Commerce.

The institute conducts business surveys and industry research each year to identify companies that have achieved demonstrable success in their local business environment and industry category, according to a news release from the telephone company.

"Big River has always maintained that we don't do what we do for awards, but it is nice to know that our day-to-day focus on the customer and their requirements are being recognized for excellence in comparison to our peers," Kevin Cantwell, president of Big River Telephone Company, said in the release.

Perry County hospital cardiovascular rehab program certified

Perry County Memorial Hospital's cardiovascular rehabilitation program was certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, according to a news release from the hospital.

Cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation programs include exercise, education, counseling and support for patients and their families.

The program participated in an application process that required documentation of the its practices, the release said. AACVPR Program Certification is the only peer-reviewed accreditation process designed to review programs for adherence to standards and guidelines developed and published by AACVPR and other professional societies, according to the release. Each program is reviewed by the AACVPR program certification committee and certification is awarded by the AACVPR board of directors, the release said. The certification is valid for three years.

"Certified AACVPR programs are recognized as leaders in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation because they offer the most advanced practices available," the release said.

Elite Travel receives recognition

Elite Travel Inc. was recognized as a consecutive member of the exclusive Funjet Vacations 500 Club.

Elite Travel became a member of club in 1998, according to a news release from the travel agency. The club is a program based on relationships, recognition and rewards for travel agents who have had outstanding sales and service achievements in the last year.

United Way adds blog to website

The United Way of Southeast Missouri recently announced the addition of a blog to its website as part of an initiative to increase the organization's online presence.

The Live United blog "allows us to share information about the complex issues families face and allows us to tell personal stories of how the United Way of Southeast Missouri is making a difference in our communities," Nancy Jernigan, executive director of the United Way of Southeast Missouri, said in a news release.

Along with the blog, the organization's updated website allows visitors to view upcoming news and events, find out how to get involved with the organization and sign up for newsletters, according to the release.

The United Way of Southeast Missouri also uses digital media such as Facebook and Twitter.

Visit unitedwayofsemo.org for more information.

ashedd@semissourian.com

388-3632

Pertinent addresses:

Carbondale, IL

2008 W. Jackson Blvd., Jackson, MO

24 Minnesota St., Cape Girardeau, MO

434 N. West St., Perryville, MO

1815 E. Jackson Blvd., Suite B, Jackson, MO

1820 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO

827 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO

208 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO

354 S. Silver Springs Road, Cape Girardeau, MO

870 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO

1664 S. Highway 102, East Prairie, MO

430A Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO