United Way of Central Missouri is pleased to announce Lee Knernschield as its new president, following Ann Bax, who served as president of the organization for 13 years. Lee has devoted her professional career to nonprofit management. Upon completing a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Missouri, Lee served for seven years as the vice president of the United Way of Central Missouri.
205 Alameda Dr. | (573) 636-4100 | unitedwaycemo.org

Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiary Hawthorn Bank has announced that Brent Giles assumed the role of CEO of both entities. Also, Gregg Bexten, the current regional president of the bank’s central region, has assumed the role of president of Hawthorn Bancshares and Bank, while current chairman, president, and CEO David Turner remains on as executive chairman.
132 E. High St. | (573) 761-6100 | hawthornbank.com

The Special Learning Center would like to announce that Abbey Twehous, PT, DPT, received the University of Missouri Department of Physical Therapy Clinical Instructor of the Year Award2023. Abby received this award for her exceptional teaching effectiveness in the clinical setting, excellence as a role model in clinical teaching, and expertise in the field of pediatric physical therapy.
1115 Fairgrounds Rd. | (573) 634-3070 | speciallearningcenter.com

Central Bank is delighted to announce Tom Shimmens has joined the bank as senior vice president, business development officer. He brings more than 40 years of experience in the banking industry. His new role gives him the opportunity to serve Central Bank customers strictly in the business arena. Tom is a graduate of Missouri State University and theMissouri School of Banking. He and his wife have three sons and six grandchildren and reside in Jefferson City.
238 Madison St. | (573) 634-1302 | centralbank.net

Cinco de Mayo Mexican Restaurant is now open for business offering Spanish-American favorites, such as sizzling fajitas, birria tacos, deep fried burritos, and specialty margaritas. Located in the old Arris Bistro building,Cinco de Mayo Restaurant is open every day starting at 11 a.m.
409 W. Miller St., Ste. A | (573) 635-0656 | cincodemayomexrest.com

Rural Missouri Inc. has a newly renovated facility. RMI is an SBA-certified development company that delivers the SBA504 Loan Program in three states. The 504 Loan Program provides fixed-asset, long-term financing at a fixed interest rate. RMI has leveraged over $1.7 billion in financing.
3324 Emerald Ln. | (573) 635-0136 | rmiinc.org

Highlighting National Nurses Day, followed by Nurses Week, the 2023 Excellence in Nursing Awards were presented to six deserving nurses at Capital Region Medical Center. A selection committee reviewed, evaluated, and chose six nurses who reflect attributes that are necessary to be great in their profession: teamwork, compassion, respect, integrity, and a strong desire to heal, just to name a few. Congratulations to this year’s winners: David Bailey, cardiology; Kristina Golden, progressive care unit; Anita McGrath, primary care clinic; Jessie Mosley, Missouri Orthopedic Institute at CRMC; Ashley Thomas, quality; Jessica Thomas, radiology. CRMCis also pleased to welcome Nikki Clatt, FNP-BC to urgent care, Taran Murphy to the primary care clinic, and Angie Stonner to pediatrics. Nikki began working as an RN in 2012 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois, after which she began employment in Missouri with Hannibal Regional Hospital in 2017. Taran received her doctor of nursing practice and family nurse practitioner degrees from MU’s Sinclair School of Nursing. Angie began her nursing career as an ICU nurse, followed by years of experience as a lactation consultant, school nurse, obstetrics charge nurse, and pediatric nurse practitioner.
1125 Madison St. | (573) 632-5000 | crmc.org

SSM Heath St. Mary’s Hospital is pleased to announce Rachel O’Dell, RN, charge nurse, stepdown/critical care, was presented with the DAISY Award. Rachel is considered an absolute treasure, and her actions asa leader made her the ideal winner as she leads with vision, courage, integrity, humility, and focus.
2505 Mission Dr. | (573) 681-3000 | ssmhealth.com

C&S Business Services, Inc.recently announced are branding to C&S Employment Solutions. The purpose behind the rebrand was to more clearly define its mission of connecting employees with employers. A full-service provider of employment solutions, C&S was the first company to introduce and develop the staffing industry in Mid-Missouri. The goal of C&S remains to serve the needs of applicants, employees, and business partners.
1731 Southridge Dr. | (573) 635-9295 | csemployment.com

Edward Jones is pleased to announce Robin Leach has received the Chartered Financial Consultant Designation. To obtain this designation studies include: planning for retirement needs, sensitive investment strategies, risk management and insurance, estate and gift-tax strategies, and contemporary applications for financial strategies.
603 Dix Rd. | (573) 634-6557 | edwardjones.com

Mid America Bank’s Regina Meyer, SVP, has completed the 22nd annual Human Resource Management School. Regina also holds a bachelor’s in business administration with triple majors in marketing, human resources, and business management from Columbia College and is a graduate of the Missouri Bankers Association’s School of Bank Management.
1511 Friendship Rd. | (573) 635-0019 | midambk.com

River Region Credit Union welcomes Brandon Barnes as director of market sales-real estate. Brandon has been in sales for 18 years with a brief two-year stint as a MU football coach. A long-time member of RiverRegion, Brandon informed clients about auto loans and HELOC products. Now, he’s perfectly positioned to tout their attractive home lending options.
3124 W. Edgewood Dr. | (573) 636-9198 | rrcu.org

RJ’s Real Italian Ice is pleased to announce new owners Doug and Pam Starr. The couple values all that RJ’s stands for: community, family, and delicious all-natural flavors and ingredients. They plan to keep the same name and recipes.
(573) 619-0268 | rjsrealitalianice.com

Helias Catholic High School is pleased to announce Ron Vossen as interim president. Ron is currently the Helias director of alumni relations, a role he assumed following a 43-year teaching career at the school. Ron is a 1974 graduate of Helias and holds a master’s degree from Lincoln University in secondary school ad ministration and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia in industrial arts education.
1305 Swifts Hwy. | (573) 635-6139 | heliascatholic.com

The Jefferson City East Side Business Association (JCESBA) awarded five $1,000 scholarships to area students: Madilyn Buschjost, Blair Oaks; Emmarie Graham, Jefferson City; Myles Hamacher, Blair Oaks; Brianna Wilbers, Blair Oaks; and Emma Wolken, Blair Oaks.

JCESBA also announces officers: Stephanie Lehmen, C&S Business Solutions; President Peter Grefrath, First Mid Bank & Trust; Vice President Brad Shimmens, Clean Fuels Alliance America; Treasurer Brittany Schlup, Premium Pets; Secretary Joey O’Connor, Mid Rivers Insurance. Board members include: Sarah Alsager, Communique; Dan Basel, Home Helpers; Mark Mueller, Jefferson Bank; Joe Klebba, Legends Bank; Chris Duren, residential member; Kim Slaughter, Riverbend Dentistry.
PO Box 106001 | info@jcesba.org | jcesba.org