JVIC seeks projects for grant-funded Advanced Manufacturing Node
After investing in seven projects to enhance Missouri’s semiconductor industry, the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC) at Missouri State University has opened a second Call for Projects for its Advanced Manufacturing Node.
The competitive grants on offer are funded by $5.4 million from the Missouri Department of Economic Development appropriated by the Missouri General Assembly. They will be awarded to private sector projects that focus on technology, infrastructure or workforce development to support and grow the semiconductor industry sector in Missouri.
Proposals will be accepted through Jan. 10, 2025. For more information and to apply online, go to https://jvic.missouristate.edu.
Brett Foster named assistant director of Springfield Public Works
Springfield’s Department of Public Works has named Brett Foster assistant director over engineering effective Nov. 17. Foster replaces Martin Gugel, who was promoted to director of Building and Development Services this fall.
Foster brings 23 years of experience in the transportation industry, including 13 years with the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Southwest District. He has served the past 10 years with Springfield Public Works in roles including principal engineer of construction inspection and most recently city traffic engineer. A lifelong resident of southwest Missouri, Foster is a graduate of Missouri S&T with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. He is a registered professional engineer.
As assistant director over engineering, Foster will oversee the Transportation, Stormwater and Traffic Engineering divisions as well as Construction Inspection.
Brown joins CoxHealth as VP of marketing, communications
CoxHealth announced the addition of Kyle Brown to the health system’s leadership team as vice president of marketing and communications.
Brown, who started the role Nov. 8, will oversee the health care system’s marketing and corporate communications efforts. With past leadership roles at companies including Merck, PerkinElmer, Cue Health, and Dell Technologies, he brings more than two decades of experience in global business strategy, reputation management, strategic storytelling, digital and brand transformation, customer and employee engagement, and community-building strategies.
Brown holds multiple advanced qualifications, including undergraduate and master’s degrees from Boston University and executive programs at MIT. He is also an active speaker and panel moderator, sharing insights on digital health, AI, and customer experience. He will overlap for a few months with CoxHealth’s previous vice president of marketing and communications, Jann Holland, who plans to retire in spring 2025.
Springfield CVB rebrands as ‘Visit Springfield’
The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau has rebranded as “Visit Springfield, Missouri.”
The rebranding effort, the work of brand research firm Heart + Mind Strategies, incorporated feedback from community members and visitors and includes a new logo designed by Revel Advertising. The nonprofit organization, which began as an arm of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, markets Springfield and the surrounding area as a tourism destination.
For more information about the rebranding effort, go online to https://www.springfieldmo.org/visit-springfield-mo/.
OMB Bank promotes Baxter in Ash Grove, Hursman in Springfield
OMB Bank announced the recent promotions of John Baxter to community bank president in Ash Grove and Adam Hursman to senior vice president and director of information technology.
Baxter joined OMB as vice president and loan officer in May 2024 and has more than two decades of retail and commercial banking experience. As community bank president, he is tasked with fostering local business growth through OMB’s tailored financial solutions, strengthening the bank’s community connections and advocating for rural prosperity by championing Ash Grove and Walnut Grove’s unique needs within the bank.
Hursman joined OMB in 2017 as network administrator, but quickly demonstrated the ability to grow in his role as the bank’s needs expanded with its growth. In 2019 he was promoted to assistant vice president and information technology manager, and then again to vice president in 2020. As the bank’s IT director, Hursman is responsible for overseeing the implementation and security of technology systems, ensuring seamless operations, protecting customer data and driving innovation to enhance banking services.
Green for Greene program provides job training for inmates
Nineteen residents of Fordland’s Ozark Correctional Center have the opportunity for a fresh start, thanks to the Green for Greene job training program. At a Nov. 20 graduation ceremony, EPA Region 7 Administrator Meg McCollister awarded those who went through the program with the 12 certifications they earned, which will help them find jobs in construction, manufacturing and transportation upon their release over the next few months.
To date, 170 individuals have graduated from Green for Greene at OCC since the program began in October 2022. Approximately 73% gained employment with the help of Green for Greene.
The program, funded by grants from the Environmental Protection Agency, is a partnership between the City of Springfield Department of Workforce & Economic Vitality, EPA, Mid-America Safety & Environmental and Ozark Correctional Center.
The program is tuition-free for accepted students and targets Springfield residents who are unemployed or underemployed, veterans, and individuals with justice-system involvement. Ozark Correctional Center is the only state prison to offer the program.
