FINANCIAL

Collinsville Director of Finance Tamara Ammann received the Financial Reporting Achievement award from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. The award is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.

• Denanne Heil joined the Collinsville branch of Executive Financial Group. She is a 15-year veteran in financial services.

NEW BUSINESS

Merger Conference Center at 13 Schriber Court in Maryville had its grand opening celebration on Jan. 18. The conference center is owned by Steve Jerome, and can hold more than 100 people. The facility has a ceiling-mounted projector, 92-inch screen, computer with Powerpoint, Skype and video conference capabilities.

CONSTRUCTION

Collinsville-based engineering and architecture design firm Oates Associates recently hired Daniel Baker, of Edwardsville, as a junior engineers. Baker is a graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.