Nelson Lively has been hired by FNBC Bank, the $800 million asset community bank headquartered in Ash Flat, Ark., as business development officer for its U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Lending Division. more

The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce will hold its next luncheon meeting at noon March 5 at Pizza Americana, 210 E. Main St., Willow Springs. more

The Ozarks Small Business Incubator has two workshops planned with Kim Worlow in February and March: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and Creating Influence Through Communication Styles. more

The Missouri Department of Revenue has announced a request for proposals (RFP) for the license office located at 301 S. Spurlock St., Suite B, in Ava.Bids will be accepted starting March 6, and must be submitted by March 19.  more

Fate, and perhaps some divine intervention, combined on Wednesday with goodwill and volunteerism in the nick of time to facilitate the delivery of balloons and chocolates to nursing home residents for Valentine's Day. more

Members of the Thayer High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Chapter attended the 2024 District 14 FBLA Leadership Conference held Jan. 29 in Hartville. more

Senior Age Area Agency on Aging and the West Plains Senior Center offer free income tax assistance for seniors. more

In an effort to protect consumers as tax season is underway, Attorney General Andrew Bailey warns Missourians to be aware of scammers and to take steps to protect themselves from anyone attempting to get their personal information. more

The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce presented nine awards during its annual banquet held Feb. 3 at Pine Meadows Venue on Highway 76 in Willow Springs. more

Finding funding is a hurdle for many small businesses. Officials with the Missouri Small Business Development Center in West Plains and the Ozarks Small Business Incubator will host a free workshop designed to demystify the borrowing process and unlock a world of financial possibilities for both new and existing businesses. more

Would-be entrepreneurs dreaming of starting a new business of their own and current business owners looking for ways to be more successful are invited to sign up for a nine-week hands-on course, starting Saturday and offered by Ozarks Small Business Incubator. more

Dollar General announces this week its recently remodeled store at 4314 N Highway in Pomona now offers produce in addition to the familiar products customers have become accustomed to purchasing from the company.  more

Leonardo DRS has made a $1,500 donation to The Chaos Closet in West Plain. Allison Garrison, marketing representative from the Charitable Contributions Committee with Leonardo DRS, says the committee accepts nominations from employees for donations or program sponsorships to a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that they are passionate about supporting. Nominations are reviewed and then approved by the Senior Leadership Team for distribution.  more

Missouri’s nonfarm payroll employment increased by 5,600 jobs in December, and the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point, report officials with the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development Economic Research and Information Center, which provided all of the data presented here in its Monthly Jobs Report. more

FNBC Bank has announced the hire of Zack Lashley as community president for its Missouri market, which has offices in West Plains and Mtn. Grove. Lashley brings almost two decades of banking and branch leadership experience, say bank officials. more

The Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards ceremony Thursday at the West Plains Civic Center, a night of socializing and celebrating the achievements of educators, volunteers, businesses, charities and individuals and their efforts in making West Plains a great place to live. more

Ozarks Healthcare recently announced it has opened its newest pharmacy, Ozarks Healthcare Pharmacy Mtn. Grove, at 500 E. 19th St. Suite D. more

Artwork by local artist Janey Hale’s will be featured on the first floor of Ozarks Small Business Incubator, 408 Washington Ave., through the end of March. more