By Derek Spellman
dspellman@joplinglobe.com
NEOSHO, Mo. — Local officials and representatives from Scholastic Inc. say they soon hope to have an announcement about whether the company’s Neosho operation will return to its old quarters or move to a new location inside Neosho.
Scholastic’s local customer service call center has been operating out of the Elsie Plaster Community Center at Crowder College’s Neosho campus since flooding in late March drove it from its building, 915 W. Harmony St. The operation was relocated to Crowder over Easter weekend.
Gib Garrow, director of economic development for the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce, said Scholastic has been in talks with a local not-for-profit organization about moving to a new site in Neosho’s Industrial Park. He said he could not yet disclose any details.
Kyle Good, public relations coordinator for Scholastic, said the company’s plans have not yet been completed. Good said much of the local operation’s equipment is still at the Harmony Street address.
“We are definitely looking at what our options are because we are interested in staying in Neosho but we haven’t gotten anything firm yet,” she said.
The Neosho City Council on May 6 voted to apply for a Community Development block grant on behalf of Scholastic to help defray the cost of the damage incurred in the flooding.
Garrow said the grant, if approved, would be for up to $500,000. The city has applied for similar grants in the past after severe flooding, he said.
The number of employees varies seasonally at the Neosho operation, ranging from 100 to 500, according to Good. The chamber’s Department of Economic Development Web site puts the peak total at 478, a figure that makes it the third largest employer in the Neosho area behind the Neosho R-5 School District with 510 and La-Z-Boy Midwest’s Neosho factory with 1,380.
Cindy Brown, director of public information for Crowder College, said that Scholastic has about 150 workstations now set up at the college.
Did you know?
Scholastic Inc. presented a $25,000 check to Crowder College Foundation to establish a “Learning Library” for area teachers at the college’s library. The college has provided space at its Elsie Plaster Community Center for use by Scholastic Inc. free of charge since March.
Business
Scholastic hopes to complete plans for Neosho operation soon
- Business
-
-
Stocks close higher after debt deal in Greece
The stock market finally got a deal from Greece, but it didn’t produce much of a rally.
-
Beef prices expected to climb for next 2 years
The smallest cattle herd since the 1950s likely will mean higher beef prices at the supermarket for the next two years.
-
Poll: Users reject Facebook Timeline
As Facebook continues to roll out Timeline, its boldest layout change, most users — at least those in the United States — made it clear they are not pleased, a new poll by SodaHead shows.
-
Drawn-out foreclosures leave homeowners in limbo
Almost three years after she last paid the mortgage, Linda Ganguzza remains in her New Milford, N.J., home — one of many troubled homeowners caught in a drawn-out foreclosure process.
-
Belden 4Q profit falls, but revenue disappoints
Communications equipment maker Belden Inc. said Thursday that its fourth quarter profit fell 53 percent from a year ago as the company restructured and customers reduced their inventory levels.
-
Markets buoyed by news of Greek debt deal
Markets were shored up by the news that Greece’s party leaders agreed a deal on new cuts that are necessary for the country to get crucial bailout funds.
-
Economy toughest on young adults, study finds
As the nation climbs slowly out of the Great Recession, young adults appear to be having the toughest time of any age group gaining a foothold in the recovering economy.
-
States, Feds to announce mortgage settlement
Federal officials say a deal has been reached between states and the nation’s biggest mortgage lenders over foreclosure abuses.
-
Greece, creditors end talks without full deal
Greece failed to finalize terms for a crucial (euro) 130 billion bailout Thursday, but Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos headed to Brussels to meet top EU officials, hoping to rescue the agreement and stave off bankruptcy.
-
Stock rise as Greek leaders agree to cuts
U.S. stocks are opening higher, after Greek leaders agreed to cost-cutting measures aimed at preventing the country from defaulting on its debt next month.
- More Business Headlines
-
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
