JB’S HEALTHMART, a health food store at 1504 Preacher Roe Blvd., Suite 2, in West Plains, received the 2012 Rising Star of Entrepreneurship Award at the 2012 Missouri Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) Stars of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Showcase Jan. 18 in Jefferson City, Mo. The award is given to SBTDC clients from traditional business sectors who offer forward-thinking products and services or develop new ways of doing business. Since becoming clients of the Missouri State University-West Plains SBTDC office, JB’s Healthmart owners Dan and Jane Thomas have nearly doubled the business’ sales, added employees and developed an educational and e-commerce website. The Thomases also received a proclamation from the Missouri House of Representatives recognizing their efforts to invest in the local economy and honoring them for their award. Front row from left are JB’s employee Lisa Newcomb, owners Jane and Dan Thomas, employee Kara Pilz and IT tech Jason Hartgraves. Back row: Missouri State-West Plains Chancellor Drew Bennett, 151st State Rep. Ward Franz (R-West Plains), and local SBTDC Coordinator Darrell Hampsten. (Missouri State-West Plains Photo)