Kohlman Systems Research Inc., Lawrence, has received a contract from Frasca International Inc., Urbana, Ill., to support its development of a Beech King Air 200 full flight simulator. The support will include the provision of King Air 200 ground and flight test data plus simulation modeling data developed and validated against the aircraft test data. The validation and simulation modeling data will meet the requirements for Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular 120-40B for Level C full flight simulators.

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State conservationist Harold Klaege, of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Ray Aslin, state forester with the Kansas Forest Service, recently signed a contribution agreement for technical services. Through the agreement, KFS foresters will provide technical assistance to landowners who want to install forestry practice. For more information, click on www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov.

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Bill Martin recently joined Central National Bank, Lawrence, as vice president of trust operations. Martin has 20 years of experience in trust and estate planning. He is a school director and faculty member for the Trust Schools of the Schools of Banking, which is sponsored by the Kansas Bankers Assn. Martin received a bachelor’s degree at Kansas University.

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Keystone Automotive Industries Inc. has acquired Kansas Bumper and Body Parts, Topeka, and Mo-Kan Auto Body Supply, Kansas City, Mo., two privately held companies with combined sales of about $8 million for the most recent fiscal year.

Kansas Bumper operates two aftermarket parts distribution centers in Topeka and Wichita and three automotive paint stores in Lawrence, Manhattan and Liberal. Mo-Kan Auto Body Supply operates one automotive aftermarket parts distribution center in Kansas City, Mo.

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Sandy Brown, Lawrence, recently completed the CCRPCertified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner program from the University of Tennessee. She is one of thirty-one clinicians in the country who have earned the designation. Brown owns Therapet, a private, full-service rehabilitation clinic for pets in Overland Park at the Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Pet Trust at Kansas State University and Treasurer of the animal physical therapy special interest group in the Orthopedic Section of the American Physical Therapy.

Honors and awards

John Oberzan, a registered representative with Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. in Lawrence, has earned Planco’s highest honor which is membership in the 2003 Captain’s Club. Planco, a wholesaler of investment and insurance products, distinguishes those representatives who produce more than $1 million in sales in a year. Oberzan has assisted clients with their investment and retirement planning by strategically matching their needs with corresponding investment products offered by The Hartford. The Hartford’s investment products and programs are marketed through Planco.

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Aquila Lawrence employees Gary Stanwix and John Downes recently were recognized for their years of service.

Stanwix, a storekeeper, has been with the company for 25 years. The Lawrence High School graduate is responsible for inventory and materials management of the gas distribution company.

Downes, service technician, has served five years with the firm. He is responsible for natural gas related customer services and appliance repairs.

Aquila provides natural gas service in Lawrence.

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Jennifer Turpin, group consultant in the marketing division of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, was recognized for her sales performance during the second quarter of 2003.

Turpin, who works from the company’s district office in Lawrence, was honored for obtaining 108 percent of her quarterly health enrollment goal.

This is her second quarterly sales achievement award from the company. She markets BCBSKS products and services in Douglas, Franklin, Leavenworth and Miami counties. Turpin has worked with BCBSKS for more than 11 years, and has served as a group consultant for two years.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Assn. BCBSKS is the state’s largest health insurer, serving all Kansas counties except Johnson and Wyandotte.

Coming events

Consumer Credit Counseling will present “Discover More Dollars” from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday at the United Way Building, 2518 Ridge Court. The class will cover: developing a budget, cutting costs, evaluating spending habits and starting a savings plan. The workshop is free, but reservations are urged. To make reservations, call 749-4224, ext. 369 or (800) 383-0217, ext. 369. The class is sponsored by the United Way of Douglas County.

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The KU Small Business Development Center will present a new startup seminar “The Right Start” from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the center, 734 Vt., Suite 104.

The seminar is designed for the prospective or new business owner and is provided in an interactive group counseling session format. The session aims to teach participants the tools needed to start a business and mistakes to avoid. Individual questions and concerns also will be addressed.

The seminar is free of charge, however, pre-registration is encouraged by calling 843-8844.

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The Kansas Women’s Business Center is sponsoring “Fast Forward Strategic Planning / Orientation” from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the center, 8527 Bluejacket St., Lenexa.

The workshop is designed to show participants how the center can help entrepreneurs expand their companies and align business goals with personal vision. It will address the following strategic planning issues: identifying issues for your organization; commonly-held assumptions; commonly-held values; shared vision; benefits to customers and challenges to overcome.

The cost is $25. For more information, click on www.KansasWBC.com.

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The Kansas Women’s Business Center is sponsoring an 11-part series “FastTrac Planning for Women” at the center, 8527 Bluejacket St., Lenexa. The series begins at 8:30 a.m. Friday.

The course, geared toward the female business owner, focuses on expanding business operations. A certified instructor teaches the program for entrepreneurs. FastTrac is a framework for entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs. It provides a structured time to focus on the business. Experienced business counselors complement the course instructor by facilitating small group and individual learning as well as providing advice on class assignments.

The cost is $600. Scholarships are available. To register or for more information, click on www.KansasWBC.com or call (913) 492-5922.