Business Notebook: Two prominent retirements; Vinson named to hospital board; dentistry news

This week's Business Notebook is slightly shorter than usual due to a short work week, but I would like to acknowledge the retirements of two well-known individuals that took effect last week, one of which was Maryann Gudermuth whose last day as executive director of the SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence (SADI) was May 31. The Southeast Missourian published a feature about the SADI founder May 17, which you can read here, if you didn't catch it before.

Also retiring May 31 was Mike Jensen, publisher of the Standard Democrat in Sikeston, Missouri. Jensen spent nearly 50 years in the newspaper business and in 1972 helped launch the Bulletin Journal newspaper in Cape Girardeau. My first memories of Mike go back to the mid-'70s when I was a writer and then editor of The Capaha Arrow (now known simply as The Arrow), Southeast Missouri State University's campus newspaper, which, at that time, was published by the Bulletin Journal. On several occasions, Mike gave me valuable tips about copy layout and story content that helped make The Arrow a better publication for which I was grateful.

Best wishes Miki and Mike on your respective retirements.

Vinson appointed to SoutheastHEALTH board

Dennis Vinson

Dennis Vinson has been appointed to the SoutheastHEALTH board of directors, according to an announcement made by board chairman Frank Kinder.

Vinson is president, CEO and founder of Signature Packaging and Paper LLC in Jackson, a full-service manufacturer of corrugated packaging and point-of-purchase displays.

"Vinson's entrepreneurial leadership, along with his extensive track record in understanding and building a successful business, will benefit Southeast's leadership for ongoing success," Ken Bateman, president and CEO of SoutheastHEALTH, said in a news release. "Healthcare reform is turbulent. However, I'm confident that with the current system board we will continue to position viability for Southeast and meet the needs of the communities we serve now and into the future."

Vinson is a 2015 graduate of the Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School for Executive Management. He received an undergraduate business degree from Trenton State College (now College of New Jersey) in Ewing Township, New Jersey. Over the years, he has served on the boards of the Cape Girardeau and Jackson chambers of commerce and currently serves as chairman of the Missouri State Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board of Directors. He is a past member of the Missouri Governors Economic Steering Committee, the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Missouri board and the Missouri Innovation Corporation of Southeast Missouri State University.

"To be selected to serve on the (SoutheastHEALTH) board of directors is an honor," he said in the release. "Over the past few years, SoutheastHEALTH has expanded its regional presence, forged new partnerships that benefit patients, and earned national recognition for the care they provide. I look forward to contributing to their ongoing success."

Dentist has new degree; will soon have new location

Ross Bennett

Dr. Ross A. Bennett of Bennett Family Dentistry in Cape Girardeau recently earned a master's degree in business administration from William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri. The two-year program focused on entrepreneurial leadership and business development.

"My father, and our founder, Dr. Michael Bennett, developed a great foundation for our business with his great personality and exceptional clinical skills," he said in a news release. "We've paired those traits with a great team, high-end technology and the business degree. While the business education will help our operations, the core of our business will always be serving patients in a friendly environment."

Bennett Family Dentistry is at 1200 N. Cape Rock Drive in Cape Girardeau. In 2020, however, the practice will open its new clinic at 989 N. Mount Auburn Road, where site preparation has been underway for some time now.

School district cautions businesses of possible scam

The Jackson School District says it has received word some businesses in the Jackson area have been contacted by an out-of-state company saying it is selling sponsorships for the Jackson football program. According to a social media post from the district, "this is not a sponsorship program for the school or team." The post added "if you are ever contacted for a possible school or athletic sponsorship from a person that you don't personally know, or by someone that is out-of-state, please beware. Always call 573-243-9501 to verify the sponsorship with the Jackson R-2 School District before sending any money or giving any credit card information." Contact the district with any questions.

People on the Move

Billy Puckett

• Billy Puckett of Cape Girardeau is joining Wood & Huston Bank in Cape Girardeau as assistant vice president/commercial banker. Puckett's appointment was announced by Clint Karnes, Wood & Huston Bank's community president. Originally from Sikeston, Missouri, Puckett brings 14 years of business experience to Wood & Huston Bank, including eight years with State Farm Insurance. He is a member of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce and the Cape Noon Lions Club.

Puckett and his wife, Christie, have two children.

Michelle Ramsey

• Michelle Ramsey of Jackson has joined the Community Counseling Center Foundation as the foundation's senior development officer. She is a lifelong resident of Southeast Missouri and brings with her more than 25 years of marketing, sales, public relations and not-for-profit fundraising experience. In her new position, she is responsible for implementing fundraising efforts in support of Community Counseling Center in Cape Girardeau. Her primary focus will be in the area of special events and annual giving activities. Ramsey received a Bachelor of Science in mass communications/public relations from Southeast Missouri State University. She is a member of the Cape Girardeau and Jackson chambers of commerce and has served on numerous boards and committees in the area.

Business licenses

• Laura Mae Schumpert of Cape Girardeau has applied for a business license to operate Trio Restaurant at 1027 Broadway. Schumpert also operates Laura Mae Photography in Cape Girardeau. The application lists Yvonne Randolph of Cape Girardeau as a part-owner of the business, which is projected to open June 25.
• Amanda Kight of Cape Girardeau has applied for a business license for Kight Agency, an insurance office to be at 465 S. Mount Auburn Road, Suite 102, in Cape Girardeau. The application lists June 3 as the opening date for the business.
• Bradley and Leslie Phillips of Cape Girardeau have applied for a business license to open Kith and Kin, a used, vintage clothing store at 208 Independence St. in Cape Girardeau.

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