The Springfield News-Leader from Springfield, Missouri • Page 6

Marfcetolace -Sli NYSE IH3ST ACTIVE MAKE VOLUME CLOSE CHS MercFn 187961 1 FstData 99679 34' -I'i GnMotr 71631 583 51098 39 1 ij i urn i.yH dt, i 1 iiiimui mmiiiui i i i i nnnii i iihiiii iiuiuiii iuiiu ii Li VJJ VJ JJ Li VJ Leaders at an international conference look for ways to empower the world's poor. Rubin told the conference that microcredit involved "helping people help themselves by bringing the poor in our country and around the world into the economic mainstream. It's empowering the disenfranchised," Muhammad Yunus, who founded the movement 20 years ago in Bangladesh when he lent $27 from his pbcket to a woman who made bamboo furniture, said the meeting was a celebration of the "freeing of credit from the bondage of collateral" The microcredit movement to date has helped 8 million people worldwide borrow small amounts of money sometimes as little as $100 for self-employment ventures. said she hopes that commercial banks realize there is a part for them to play in the microcredit movement "If more banks understood the entrepreneurial spirit of the poor, we could go a long way toward eliminating stereotypes about them and freeing them from poverty," she said. Earlier, Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin said helping the poor join mainstream societies is critical to a healthy world economy.

The meeting heard calls for a campaign to raise $21.6 billion for loans to 100 million people in the United States and abroad by 2005. The idea is that even a few dollars can help poor people start businesses. ing the economy." Welcoming participants to the first Microcredit Summit the first lady said many in the audience had broken away from conventional. thinking about the poor by promoting small loans to them to start businesses. She said the government would spend $1 billion over the next five years on community development projects in the United States that include microcredit loans.

Clinton, who has visited lending projects from Bolivia to Bangladesh, The Associated Press WASHINGTON Hillary Rodham Clinton told an international meeting Monday that small loans can transform lives in developing countries and the United States by encouraging "the entrepreneurial spirit of the poor." "Although it is called microcredit this is a big idea with vast potential whether we are talking about a rural area in South Asia or the inner city," Hillary Clinton said. "It's an invaluable tool in alleviating poverty, promoting self-sufficiency and stimulat Nongovernmental organizations, savings and credit cooperatives, foundations, educational and religious institutions make such loans in Latin America, Africa, Asia and increasingly in U.S. inner cities. The conference is the first time many of the lending organizations have been brought together and joined by institutions such as the World Bank and financial giants such as Citibank and Bankers Trust Co. of New York.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, a co-chairman of the conference, welcomed participants, saying they could "take a pivotal next step in creating a poverty-free world." Texas-based group looks to expand with KXUS The media group, owner of other local stations, hopes the plan is approved. By Jason Rima News-Leader Dallas-based Sunburst Media, owner of Springfield radio stations KGBX-FM, KGMY-FM and KGMY-AM, has taken over the programming and sales responsibilities of radio sta sales hit high speed I -car- 5 4 -V? While people examine a high-end RV at a recent boat and sport show (above), Chuck and Glenda Whit-combe of Shell Knob inspect the interior of such an RV more closely. High-end RVs are gaining popularity. INVESTING $10 earns you chance to leam about stocks Want to learn the basics of investing in common stocks, but don't know where to begin? The National Association of Investors Ozarks Regional Council, will be the host of a class "Investing in Common Stocks," from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb.

10 at the Mid-America Cancer Center, 2055 S. Fremont Ave. Fee is $10 and enrollment is limited. For more information or to register, send registration and fee to Ozarks Regional Council, 660 N. Farm Road 65, Bois D'Arc, Mo.

65612; or call 883-6669. SULLIVAN INDUSTRIES Furniture maker reports rise in sales, income O'Sullivan Industries Holdings a leading manufacturer of ready-to-assemble furniture based in Lamar, has reported a net income of $4.6 million, or 27 cents per share, for the second quarter of fiscal 1997. That is compared with a net income of $458,000, or 3 cents per share, for the fiscal 1996 second quarter ended Dec. 31, 1995. Net sales reached $80.6 million for the second quarter of fiscal 1997.

That compares with reported net sales of $79.6 million a year ago. SOFTWARE New program aids with human resource tasks The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has developed software to help small-and mid-sized businesses simplify human resources functions, especially in complying with federal laws. H.R. Task Counselor is a Windows-based software that organizes all key human resources functions, includes an online law library for small- and mid-sized businesses.

For a free demonstration copy, call 1-800-772-4606. The full program starts at $499, but U.S. Chamber members can get a 20 percent discount INTERNET Airlines gain customers through use of the Web Travelers interested in taking cheap weekend trips on the spur of the moment are signing up in droves for special e-mail fare lists put out by several major airlines. American Airlines started its NetSAAvers program last spring and now has about 380,000 subscribers who receive a notice each week listing weekend bargain fares. USAir, Continental, TWA, Northwest and a handful of other airlines have started similar programs.

Most of the airlines put their lists out on Wednesday, departures are Saturday and return flights are usually Monday or Tuesday. Consumers can save as much as 50 percent on some flights. To sign up, visit the airline's Web site, type in your personal e-mail information and wait for the fare bulletins to come in. HOME SALES Ease of buying homes is rising, report says The ability of the typical American family to buy an existing home improved from October through December as prices dropped and mortgage rates remained relatively stable, a trade group reports. The National Association of Realtors said Monday that its Housing Affordability Index rose to 127 in the fourth quarter from 120 during the July-September period.

When the index measures 100, a family earning the median income has exactly the amount needed to purchase a median-priced existing, single-family home, using conventional financing and a 20 percent down payment TREASURY BILLS Interest rates drop to lowest since December Interest rates on short-term T-bflls fell in Monday's auction to the lowest levels since December. The Treasury Department sold $12.5 billion in three-month bills at an average discount rate of 5 percent, down from 5.06 percent last week. Another $12.5 billion was sold in six-month bills at an average rate of 5.08 percent down from 5.12 percent The three-month bill rate was the lowest since 4.92 percent on Dec. 23. The six-month bill rate was the lowest since they averaged 4.99 percent on Dec.

16. tion KXUS-FM, US 97, in anticipation of buying it following FCC approval. "We've been looking to expand," said KGBX General Manager Donna Baker. "It just turned out to be the Baker right station at the (right) time." Sunburst Media won't make any program changes until the purchase -has been approved, but Baker said the media group would only strengthen the station's popular classic rock format "All Indications are that we'll enhance (the station)" Baker said. The purchase of KXUS will make it easier for advertisers to reach their target market because marketing representatives will help advertisers purchase ad slots in the most effective place.

Sunburst Media's purchase of KXUS, US 97 was made possible by the passage of the Telecommunications Act, which Congress approved in 1996. The legislation changed the radio industry, allowing a single ownership group to own several stations in a local market The media group, which also operates three radio stations in southern Texas, recently bought the Tower Theatre in Springfield's Plaza Shopping Center. The group plans to renovate the facility and move the radio stations there by April or May. The popularity of high-end recreational vehicles is soaring. By Jason Rima News-Leader Aging baby boomers with wanderlust and money are fueling sales of high-end, luxury recreational vehicles both in the Ozarks and nationwide.

After two years of strong sales of low-end RVs, sales shifted to the high-end market in 1996, rising about 7 percent say experts at the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association. Sales of RVs overall in 1996 reached 471,000 units, within about 1 percent of 1995's level, industry officials say. Buyers of the biggest RVs: fifty-somethings who want "the works" 40-foot RVs with stereo systems, satellite dishes, microwaves, electric jacks and washerdryers. Prices for these RVs range from $40,000 to the low-end RVs start at about $10,000. There are 9 million RVs on the road today, and a growing number of the 25 million Americans luxuriating in them are baby boomers.

"We're seeing (people) anywhere from 40 to 60 years old (purchasing RVs)," says Rick Mullar, manager of Bass Pro Shops Boat and RV Outlet There's even research: The typical RV owner is 48 years old, says a University of Michigan study. A Louis Harris poll found that 42 percent of prospective buyers are college graduates living in metropolitan areas. "We're seeing a lot of people using them as temporary housing," Mullar says. Many owners live in their RVs until their new home is completed. Others are in construction-related work and travel from job to job.

More conventional owners such as 68-yearold Leon Mullins and his wife, Mary, use their Holiday Rambler travel trailer to visit their daughter in Texas. They took a three- dow 1 iiiuwiiiiiinh Down 693 to 6,806.16 Feb. 3, 1997 6300 Jan. 2 High 6.819.24 Low 6,766.91 TWTFM NYSE Volume 464 million OMR faAHKETS 6900 76800 ff V' 6700 6600 A 6500 I 6400 Dan Dyer News-Leader 1 bly 29 times" to accommodate them. "We've had to take out massive amounts of trees," Simms says.

"We used to have 290 sites, now we have 235." it I w. week trip last year to help build a sister church building in Wyoming. "If it's someone retired, they use it a lot," says Eva Black, who with her husband, Russell, owns Town Country RV in Springfield. "If they're still working, they use it for weekends." While air conditioning, awnings and stereo systems are becoming standard equipment, upscale units come loaded with that and more: from electric jacks to single, double and even triple slideouts, says Drew Thompson, owner of Se well Thompson RV Sales and Service Center, Springfield. Electric slideouts, which push a portion of the wall out from the RV, add more space to the interior.

"Once you're set up," Bass Pro's Mullar says, "you have an additional 30 to 40 inches of space." These bigger RVs have forced unexpected changes in Ozarks IF I ml Awards and Achievers NYSE, AMEX and OTC stocks of local interest Neumeier Beal campgrounds. "I've been here almost 30 years," says Dean Simms, owner of Comp- ton Ridge Campground in Branson, "and I've rebuilt this thing proba- trom Don Radle, First Springfield Securities Inc. Firm Exch. Close Chg. Firm Exch.

Close Chg. 8 NYSE 39 Kroger NYSE 48' Alltel NYSE 32'! LeggPlatt NYSE 32Vj Ambanc Nasdaq 31' Litton NYSE 44 -3 AmExp NYSE 61 7A -1A LneSStk Nasdaq 27 ANtlnt Nasdaq 75Va Lowes NYSE 33 -'k Amoco NYSE 8714 1 Lucent NYSE 54V -'s Anheutt NYSE 42 -V MCI Nasdaq 35Vw AppieC Nasdaq 165e -Vn Manpwt NYSE 31 Apptebee Nasdaq 267 MarklV NYSE 23 -V BestBuy NYSE 97k MayDS NYSE 45'4 BIckHR NYSE 29 McDnlds NYSE 45V -'A BrwnFr NYSE 32V McDnDgs NYSE 671 Buffets Nasdaq 7 -V MercBcp NYSE 53 BurlNSF NYSE 88 Vi Microsfts Nasdaq 102 Caseya Nasdaq 18 4 MMM NYSE 84 Chryslrt NYSE 34 -Vi MuellerP Nasdaq 40 Citra Mexican 1.31 unchg. NatnsBk NYSE 110 17A CocaQs NYSE 59Vj 1 OReilyAu Nasdaq 33 CmcBMO Nasdaq Th OSuMnd NYSE 13 CnsFrt NYSE 25 OffcDpt NYSE 20 Coots Nasdaq 18Vis PhilMr NYSE 122 CrkrBrl Nasdaq 27 Rawing Nasdaq 11 -'ft DTIndt Nasdaq 37 RexStore NYSE 6V DMard NYSE 29V RoadwyEx Nasdaq 20'4 EmpDtst NYSE 18' RsvttFn 'Nasdaq 21 Vie -Vie Exxon NYSE 102V4 -1 Rubrmd NYSE 23 V4 FedExps NYSE 51 -d SBC Com NYSE 54 FordM NYSE 32'A SUude NYSE 37 -V GTE NYSE 46 -1 SvcMer NYSE 3 -V Gannett NYSE 76'4 Sho-Me Nasdaq 27ie -3 GaylEnt NYSE 25 StoneC NYSE 131A -Ve GenDyn NYSE 70' TCBY NYSE 4' -1 GenElec NYSE 105'A 1 TelefMex Nasdaq I27 GnMotr NYSE 58 TelMex NYSE 3T1 -W GrtSoBs Nasdaq 171 Texaco NYSE 104 GuarFS Nasdaq 11 ToyRU NYSE 25' HenryJk Nasdaq 39'ft 3 Vie Tyson Nasdaq 33 HudsFd NYSE UMBFn Nasdaq 38 Humana NYSE 18 UPlntr NYSE 41V Hunlco NYSE 137 WalMart NYSE 23 Intel Nasdaq 163 1 Wendy NYSE 22 IBM NYSE 154 -2 Whitmo NYSE 23' Ve JOHamm NYSE 7 ZenithE NYSE 11 Justin Nasdaq 10 Kmart NYSE 11 Finance Shareen Deal has been named regional investment specialist for Commerce Brokerage Service which -is a subsidiary of Commerce Bank. She is a licensed Series 7 and 63 General Securities representative and is registered with the OCC, SEC and NASD. In her new position, Beal is responsible for customer service as well as the sale of investment products.

Some of these products include stocks, bonds, annuities and mutual funds. Beal has 10 years of banking experience in the business. Prior to her promotion she was a financial services representative at Commerce's Battlefield Banking Center. Beal is a board member and past president of the Summit Optimist Club. Insurance Bill Wagner of Metlife Property and Casualty Insurance has been appointed manager of the Springfield market Wagner currently manages offices located in the Springfield and Joplin areas.

Wagner has had several years of experience in the insurance business and has been with MetLife for four years. Cl Up 0i7 Down 3.80 10 736.73 to 1.376.05 Law enforcement Darren Neal, probation and parole officer in Branson District 21, has been selected by a panel of his peers as the outstanding employee for the quarter in the southwest region. Religion Mark Neumeier was recently named the District Representative of the Yearfor Aid Association for Lutherans. This is the second consecutive year he has won the award. Neumeier ranked first nationwide among 2,055 field staff members in overall sales in 1996.

Neumeier serves Lutherans in Ava, Buffalo, Conway, Diggins, Isabella, Marshfield and parts of Springfield. Awards Achievers appears in News-Leader Tuesday through Saturday. Submit items and photos to Awards Achievers, the News-Leader, 651 Boonville MPO Box 798, Springfield, 65801; or fax 8371381. KYSE Advancas 1,335 Declines 1.142 Unchanged 791 Issues traded 3,328 Up 0.50 to 412.48 Our business editor is Kathleen ODen, 836-1 188; fax, 837-1381; page edited by Tracy Spurlock, 836-1199. Cifra quote.