"Battling Workers' Compensation Costs" is the topic of hour-long seminars to be presented by the Edward D. Jones & Co. Professional Education Network Wednesday.

The seminars will be conducted from noon to 1 p.m. and again from 5 to 6 p.m. at various Edward D. Jones & Co. offices, including one office in Cape Girardeau, at 215 N. Sprigg, and the Jackson office, 515 W. Main.

"The live satellite broadcast is designed for business owners," said Bob Etherton, investment representative.

A panel of experts from Johnson & HIggins Insurance Co. and the Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. will discuss rising workers' compensation costs and what can be done to reduce those costs.

"Time will be allotted for the speakers to address questions from the audience," added Etherton.

There is no fee for the program, but seating is limited. Interested persons are urged to make reservations by calling the Edward D. Jones & Co. offices.

Dates have already been established for additional seminars in February and March. The Feb. 10 topic will "Americans with Disabilities Act: Compliance Strategies for Small Business." A March 7 seminar is entitled "Revitalizing Main Street: A Conference for Leaders in Business."

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The second annual "Call for Coats" program sponsored by Seiferts Inc., produced more than 3,300 coats for the needy, between Nov. 1 and 14. Seiferts, Seiferts Plus, and La Vogue by Seiferts, women's specialty chain stores affiliated with Seiferts Inc., promoted the event in each local store.

The goal of the event was to allow people in the community, who may not otherwise be able to afford a winter coat, the opportunity to have one.

Customers were encouraged to bring in coats they no longer wanted. Each store then donated the coats to a local charity, which distributed the coats.

"Call for Coats" has become an annual event in communities where a Seiferts, Seiferts Plus or La Vogue by Seiferts store is located. A total of 160 stores in 20 states participated in the 1992 event, including Seiferts in West Park Mall.

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DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. - Catalog retailer Spiegel Inc. announced a jolly Christmas season, with fourth quarter sales up 24 percent from the same period a year ago.

The company, which operates the Spiegel catalog and Eddie Bauer stores and catalogs, said Tuesday its sales totaled $812.3 million, up from $652.9 million a year earlier.

For the year ended Dec. 31, Spiegel reported sales of $1.97 billion, up 14 percent from $1.73 billion. The company did not release profit figures.

Officials said business surged at Eddie Bauer stores, where sales from outlets open at least a year - the most widely used yardstick of a retailer's strength - were up 26 percent for the quarter and 17 percent for the year.

Spiegel joined other retailers who have reported strong sales during Christmas. Overall this holiday season was the best in the retail industry since 1988, retailers and industry analysts have said.

Most major retailers will announce December results Thursday.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - An Illinois official says state sales tax revenues jumped nearly 12 percent in December from the same month in 1991, due to a surge in holiday purchases.

But officials are holding back on their optimism until January's numbers are released.

"We're still a little bit cautious in our enthusiasm," said Rick Davis, a spokesman for the state comptroller's office. "We hope December is the beginning of a trend. We certainly need a trend at this point."

Last month's sales tax receipts increased 11.7 percent from $359 million in 1991 to $401 million in 1992, Davis said.

December income tax receipts rose about 18 percent, from $323 million in 1991 to $382 million last month.

If the trends continue into January, the state's budget will be considered on track with projections, Davis said.