CU’s Gibson, Alexander honored by utility alliance
A multi-state organization of municipal utilities honored City Utilities President/CEO Gary Gibson as well as Joel Alexander, CU’s manager of media relations during its annual Alliance Awards.
Gibson, who has served as CU’s top leader since 2019 as part of more than three decades at the utility, received the John “Tom” Tinsley Distinguished Service Award from the Missouri Public Utility Alliance. In a news release, the alliance noted Gibson has overseen the $120 million expansion of fiber internet, helped secure more than $60 million in grant funding for infrastructure improvements and saw the utility retire the James River Power Station, among other accomplishments.
Alexander, who has worked at CU more than 22 years, received the Duncan Kincheloe Value of Hometown Utilities Award, which is presented to a utility employee who has exemplified the benefits of local utility ownership to better their community. In addition to serving as the utility’s primary media contact on both routine matters and during a crisis, Alexander helps to coordinate the utility’s special projects, videos, news releases and reports, and communication with customers.
Dierks added to ownership of Pitt Technology Group
Pitt Technology Group announced the expansion of its ownership group with the addition of Chief Operating Officer Andy Dierks, who joins existing owners Doug Pitt and Kevin Waterland.
Dierks joined Pitt Technology Group’s predecessor, TSI, in May 2016 as a client lead and technician. With a master’s degree in information systems from Missouri State University, which he earned in 2012, Dierks quickly demonstrated his expertise and leadership. In 2017, as the company evolved into Pitt Technology Group, he transitioned to the role of VP of Operations for the IT division and was promoted to COO in July 2023.
As a partner, Dierks will retain his title as COO, overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations whilecontributing to the strategic direction of Pitt Technology Group. His extensive experience and proven trackrecord make him an invaluable asset to the ownership team, the company said in a release.
BBB Torch Awards for Ethics set for Oct. 23
Better Business Bureau will present Torch Awards for Ethics to five businesses and a Student of Ethics Award to one student at a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at the Old Glass Place.
Christine Morton, social media strategist, will be the keynote speaker. Blake Haynes, co-host and producer of Ozarks Live, will emcee the event, during which five companies will be recognized for their commitment to exceptional ethics and service. They are:
- Branson/Springfield Roof Co., a family-owned business providing roofing installation and repairs, as well as other exterior needs like gutters and siding, to consumers and businesses in southwest Missouri.
- Dale’s Roofing Inc., which has served customers in the Ozarks for over 30 years with residential and commercial roofing repair, replacement and maintenance.
- Friga Construction Co. Inc., in business over 39 years providing quality commercial building construction in southwest Missouri.
- Julian’s Heating and Air LLC, a locally- and family-owned HVAC business serving Rogersville and surrounding communities.
- Top Tier Kitchens & Baths, which helps customers in southwest Missouri achieve the kitchen or bath remodel of their dreams with design, installation and more.
Anna Claire Ross, a student at Glendale High School, will be honored with the Student of Ethics Award and receive a $2,500 scholarship.
For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, go to https://www.bbb.org/local/0734/bbb-education-and-ethics-resource-center/torch_awards_stl/torch_awards_sponsorships_springfield.
Vaccaro hired as director of sales at University Plaza, other Atrium hotels
Atrium Hospitality announced that Lori Vaccaro has joined the company as area director of sales and marketing responsible for three hotels in Springfield.
The three Atrium-managed hotels in the Queen City — University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, Courtyard by Marriott Springfield Airport, and Residence Inn by Marriott Springfield — represent 545 guest rooms/suites and more than 154,000 square feet of event space.
Vaccaro brings 20 years of hospitality experience with an emphasis on sales and marketing with well-known hotel brands in Florida and Georgia to her new role with Atrium Hospitality. She will lead a local onsite team in amplifying revenue and maximizing profitability for the hotels, part of Atrium’s portfolio of 77 hotels in 27 states.