AWARDS

Illinois American Water got the American Water Works Association's 2011 Communications Achievement Award for outreach programs on proper pharmaceutical disposal.

Stephanie Grise, a member of Armstrong Teasdale LLP's public finance practice group, got an Outstanding Achievement in Public Service Award from the Black Law Student Association at Washington University.

Oates Associates, an engineering and design firm, received a Merit Award along with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois for improvements at Roy E. Lee Field at SIUE. Oates Associates and the city of Highland also got a Merit Award from that same council for the design of Koepfli Lane in Highland.

GETTING BETTER

John Brandvein, a certified public accountant and owner and founder of Brandvein & Co. PC, earned his Certified Valuation Analyst credentials with the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts.

The Sheet Metal Workers Local 36 facility in St. Louis was designated one of only eight centers in the U.S. qualified to provide Testing Adjusting Balancing Bureau certifications developed by the National Energy Management Institute Committee.

Patty DeForrest, Clayton's parks and recreation director, was designated a Certified Park and Recreation Executive by the National Certification Board and the National Recreation and Park Association.

HELPING OUT

Kraft Foods and Shop 'n Save stores partnered on a consumer promotion that helped raise $25,000 for the St. Louis Area Foodbank.

The St. Louis County Port Authority Community Reinvestment Fund gave a $18,500 grant to Legal Services of Eastern Missouri and the Lemay Housing Partnership.

Whole Foods Market's employees and customers donated a total of $7,378 to Operation Food Search.

MOVING

Swing City Music moved its Collinsville store:

— 1811 Vandalia Avenue

Collinsville, Ill. 62234

618-345-6700

NEW BUSINESS

Holland Construction Services Inc. completed a $615,000 project to renovate and repair part of the Swansea retail center at 2615 North Illinois Street.

OPENING

Great Southern Bank opened another banking center:

— 100 Christina Marie Drive

O'Fallon, Mo. 63368

636-281-0286

Muchnick & Haber LC opened a law firm:

— 8151 Clayton Road

Suite 201

Richmond Heights, Mo. 63117

314-725-5050

RECOGNITION

CSI Leasing Inc. was named an endorsed vendor by MHA Solutions Inc., the Texas Hospital Association and the Oklahoma Hospital Association, representing a total of more than 675 member hospitals.

McCarthy Building Cos. was recognized with a 2012 Training Magazine Top 125 Award.

Mary Dix, a senior vice president in First Bank's Swansea office, got a First Bank Community Reinvestment Act Community First Award for her volunteer service.

Mark Schuchardt, a disability income insurance specialist with Northwestern Mutual in St. Louis, got a Master Achievement Award from that insurance company.

Edward Jones financial services got a No. 15 ranking on Training Magazine's 2012 Training Top 125 list and special recognition on the list for its financial adviser training program.