IN RECOGNITION of Manufacturing Day in America on Oct. 2, West Plains Mayor Jack Pahlmann presented a signed proclamation designating the day as “Manufacturing Day in Howell County” to organizers of local activities celebrating manufacturers and their vital importance to the economy. The Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) hosted by Missouri State University-West Plains presented a day-long program touting the benefits of manufacturing through presentations and tours of area manufacturing facilities. Fifty-seven area residents participated in the event. From left are Cathy Proffitt-Boys, assistant professor of agriculture and entrepreneurship at Missouri State-West Plains; West Plains City Councilman Michael Topliff; SBTDC Coordinator Bronwen Madden; Pahlmann; Russell Humphrey, southeast Missouri area business manager for Missouri Enterprise; West Plains City Councilman and West Plains R-7 Assistant Director/Coordinator of Adult Education Josh Cotter; and West Plains Economic Development Director Robert Case. (Missouri State-West Plains Photo)