OATS News
OATS, Inc. Welcomes New Board Member to Northwest Region
January 27, 2012
OATS, Inc. is pleased to welcome new board member Edna Foster, who was sworn in at the monthly board meeting on January 24, 2012. She is looking forward to serving the people of the Northwest.
Northwest Driver Celebrates 15 Years of Service with OATS, Inc.
January 12, 2012
Charles Yates celebrates his 15-year anniversary as a Northwest Driver for OATS, Inc. this month. It was his wife who suggested that he become an OATS driver for the Northwest region out of Harrison County. “It is a very good company to work for,” Yates says. “I like taking people where they need to go and helping others get around.”
OATS, Inc. Helps 36,500 Missourians Remain Independent
December 13, 2011
The last Board of Directors meeting in 2011 for OATS, Inc. took place on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 in Columbia, Missouri. The progress made in 2011 will certainly lead to greater stability for OATS and continued transportation assistance for the passengers OATS serves. Among the year’s many highlights were OATS’ 40th Anniversary Celebration, the ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Northwest Regional facility in St. Joseph, the beginning of construction on a new Northeast Regional facility in Macon (anticipated completion date of June 2012) and the approval of $15,000 in state tax credits OATS received under the Neighborhood Assistance Program.
West Region Celebrates OATS, Inc. Driver for Exceptional Safety
November 22, 2011
Gene Craft won this years’ Safe Driver Award for OATS in the West Region. Each quarter an OATS driver goes without a preventable accident, they receive a bonus check along with the opportunity to have their name put on a list for a drawing at the end of the year. Drivers from each region receive up to four chances per year to have their name entered in the drawing. The more quarters the drivers stay safe, the more chances they have of winning. Winners are drawn at the Fall Drivers Meetings.
OATS, Inc. Celebrates West Region Employee for 15 Years of Service
November 15, 2011
Fifteen years ago, while Carol Dizney was reading her local newspaper, she came across an ad for employment. Little did Carol know at the time, but the ad, seeking office help for OATS, would have a rewarding impact on her life. Since applying and being hired, Carol has taken on responsibilities such as billing, data entry, new hires, scheduling and anything else her Regional Director, Sara Davis, asks her to do.
OATS, Inc. Announces Safe Driver Award Winner for Northeast Region
November 8, 2011
Cloyce Thrasher won this years’ Safe Driver Award for OATS in the Northeast Region. Each quarter an OATS driver goes without a preventable accident, they receive a bonus check along with the opportunity to have their name put on a list for a drawing at the end of the year. Drivers from each region receive up to four chances per year to have their name entered in the drawing. The more quarters the drivers stay safe, the more chances they have of winning. Winners are drawn at the Fall Drivers Meetings.
OATS, Inc. Celebrates Southwest Region Driver for 30 Years of Service
November 4, 2011
Carole Price celebrated her 30-year anniversary with OATS, Inc. this year. As an OATS driver for the people of McDonald County, she has witnessed many changes over the course of her years with OATS.
OATS, Inc. Celebrates Midwest Region Driver for 25 Years of Service
November 3, 2011
OATS driver, Kathleen Reese, began her career on October 14, 1986. Twenty-five years ago, a close friend of Resse’s informed her that she would be leaving her position at OATS and recommended that Reese look into the opening and take it over for her.
OATS Approved for State Tax Credits
October 25, 2011
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) announced that two Columbia, Missouri not-for-profit organizations have been approved for a total of $265,000 in state tax credits under the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP). The approved projects are a part of approximately $5.5 million approved in the first round of NAP applications for FY 2012.
Midwest Driver Celebrates 15 years with OATS, Inc.
October 18, 2011
“OATS is the best company I’ve ever worked for. I've tried to work well with everyone and always do the best I can. I hope I've helped by providing a good service” says Mel Tabler of his 15-year service with OATS, Inc.
Northwest Driver Celebrates 15 years with OATS, Inc.
October 13, 2011
In the fall of 1996 Reva Carr, who had recently retired from the State of Missouri and working at the Chillicothe prison, found she had gotten all the work around her home done and was in need of a rewarding way to spend her new-found time. A friend mentioned a company called OATS, and after Reva spoke to someone at the organization, she decided that was exactly what she wanted to do.
Daviess County Celebrates OATS Driver for 20 Years of Service
October 12, 2011
Carolyn Toney began working for OATS as a relief driver in 1981 when her husband, who was driving for OATS at the time, developed health problems that prevented him from continuing to drive. At the time, Carolyn drove part-time but soon after became a full-time associate.
Franklin County Celebrates OATS Driver for 20 Years of Service
October 12, 2011
Judy Mendenhall began her career with OATS in 1991 and says “It is such a joy to provide a much needed service to the ones that need it.”
Northwest Driver Celebrates 15 years with OATS, Inc.
September 21, 2011
When Gary Hughes retired from Wire Rope Corporation of America after 32 years of machinery maintenance, he soon realized that his wife had new plans for his time – including helping with the housework. So Gary decided he needed a part-time job.
New Facility Stimulates Local Economy, Provides Cost Savings to Organization
September 13, 2011
OATS, Inc. has begun construction of a new Northeast Regional facility in Macon, Missouri. The new facility, which has an anticipated completion date of June 2012, is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and will not only stimulate the local economy but will also result in cost savings for the not-for-profit organization.
40 Years of Service to Rural Missourians
September 7, 2011
This year marks the 40th anniversary of OATS, Inc. and a journey filled with assisting hundreds of thousands of rural Missourians meet their transportation needs and maintain their independence.
Associate Excellence Continues - OATS, Inc.
August 18, 2011
If you or someone you know has had the OATS experience, it’ll come as no surprise that the associates strive for a high level of excellence in the quality of service they provide. In this vein, OATS, Inc. is pleased to announce the certification of two more Area Managers by the CTAA (Community Transportation Association of America).
OATS, Inc. Welcomes New Board Member
August 10, 2011
OATS, Inc. is pleased to welcome new board member Rebecca Coffman, from Holliday, Missouri, who was sworn in at the monthly board meeting on July 28, 2011.
MPTA Recognizes OATS Executive Director as Transportation Leader
August 4, 2011
On August 1, 2011, at the annual banquet held at the Lodge of the Four Season in Lake Ozark, Missouri, the Missouri Public Transportation Association (MPTA) recognized several individuals as leaders in the transportation industry.
Community Celebrates OATS, Inc. New Facility with Ribbon Cutting and Ceremony
July 12, 2011
The new OATS Northwest Regional office facility, located at 1306 South 58th Street in St. Joseph, Missouri, has had its official ribbon cutting ceremony with the Chamber of Commerce along with distinguished guests from MODOT, the Federal Transit Administration as well as OATS Board of Directors and administrative staff in attendance.
OATS, INC. Celebrates 20 Years of Service from Versatile Employee
June 29, 2011
It was 20 years ago this month when Pat Stanley began working for OATS. “Looking back at all the changes made over the years is amazing,” she recalls.
Community Celebrates New Facility for OATS, Inc.
June 20, 2011
On Wednesday, June 22, OATS, Inc. invites the public and members of the press to a ribbon cutting and celebration at the new facility for the OATS Northwest Regional office, located at 1306 South 58th Street in St. Joseph, Missouri. The festivities will begin at 10:30am.
OATS, Inc. Driver Retires after 35 Years of Service
June 17, 2011
As Jan Wagner retires from 35 years at OATS, she recounts the changes that have taken place within the company, as well as the transitions in her own life.
Community Celebrates New Facility for OATS, Inc.
June 15, 2011
On Wednesday, June 22, OATS, Inc. invites the public and members of the press to a ribbon cutting and celebration at the new facility for the OATS Northwest Regional office, located at 1306 South 58th Street in St. Joseph, Missouri. The festivities will begin at 10:30am.
Former Assistant Fire Marshall Continues to Serve as Mid-Mo Driver for 15 years with OATS, Inc.
May 31, 2011
When Ray Hiatt retired as Assistant Marshall from the Columbia Fire Department, he decided he was not yet ready to retire from service to his community. He saw an ad in the paper for a position with OATS, Inc. and applied. He was hired that very day, and has continued to serve the Mid-Mo region for the past 15 years.
Northwest Driver Celebrates 15 years with OATS, Inc.
May 26, 2011
It was 15 years ago this month when Sonya Hill was working in Cameron, MO and getting ready to retire. An old friend and driver for OATS, Inc. suggested Sonya might enjoy working for the company, and in fact, Sonya has now for the past 15 years.
OATS, Inc. Celebrates Midwest Driver for 15 Years of Service
April 26, 2011
It was April of 1996 when Jewell Vanfossen started a career with OATS, Inc. Fifteen years later Jewell says it’s the people she helps every day that has kept her there.
OATS, Inc. Celebrates Holt County Driver for 15 Years of Service
February 10, 2011
Billy Golden, a Northwest Region driver for OATS, Inc. is celebrating his 15-year anniversary with the not-for-profit transportation provider. Billy says his 15 years of service is due to being able to work “for the best people you could possibly work for.”
OATS, Inc. Celebrates Southwest Regional Driver for 15 Years of Service
December 28, 2010
John Davis, Southwest Region driver, began working for OATS, Inc. fifteen years ago, and refers to his career as “extremely rewarding”. John feels that driving for OATS allows him to do what he likes to do best – give back to people in need.
2010 Ends with OATS Laying the Foundation for a More Stable Tomorrow
December 14, 2010
The 39th Annual Board of Directors meeting of OATS, Inc. took place on Tuesday, November 30, 2010 in Columbia, Missouri. 2010 progress was reviewed, and noted as leading to greater stability for OATS and the passengers OATS serves going forward.
OATS, Inc. Celebrates East Region Driver for 25 Years of Service
November 24, 2010
Brenda Merseal, an East Region driver, began working for OATS, Inc. twenty-five years ago. What has kept her with OATS so long are the people, who she says are “just like family”.
OATS, Inc. Celebrates East Region Driver for 15 Years of Service
November 17, 2010
John Smith, a driver for St. Louis county, began working for OATS, Inc. fifteen years ago. Upon reflection of his employment anniversary, John says, “It doesn’t seem like that long.”
OATS, Inc. Celebrates Southwest Region Coordinator for 25 Years of Service
November 17, 2010
Donna Short began working for OATS as a driver in November 1985. Now, after twenty-five years of service, Donna works inside the office as an administrator.
Mid-Missourians to Benefit from OATS Golf Tournament
October 19, 2010
OATS, Inc. will be holding their fifth annual golf tournament on August 9, 2010 at Columbia Country Club in Columbia. The event, a four-person scramble, will raise funds to help OATS replace worn vehicles that provide transportation services to Mid-Missourians in need.
New Building, New Address for OATS Northwest Office
October 18, 2010
OATS’ Northwest Regional office has moved into a larger building. The all-new facility, similar in design to the home office in Columbia, includes features such as a large training room, a bus wash, covered parking for the fleet of vehicles and a garage for light vehicle maintenance. Located in St. Joseph, the free-standing facility is to be entirely utilized and maintained by OATS.
OATS, Inc. Pleased to Announce Another Certified Manager
August 3, 2010
It’s not something that happens everyday, because it takes a 40-hour week’s worth of training to get this notch on your belt. But that is exactly what Jeff Robinson, Area Manager for OATS’ Southwest Region, has done.
OATS Drivers Get New Director in Northwest Region
July 12, 2010
OATS drivers in the Northwest Region have a new leader at the helm. Beth Langley, an OATS veteran for the past 17 years and previous Area Manager, is now officially the new Northwest Regional Director. Not entirely new to the position, Beth has been filling the role as interim director since November 2009. “I’m pleased to be in the position,” says Beth. “And I’m ready to help the organization move forward.”
OATS Celebrates Couple's Service to Knox and Lewis Counties for Last 20 Years
June 24, 2010
After having lived in the Knox and Lewis area all their lives, Norman and Frances Adams began working for OATS when Norman’s brother, Walter, needed a relief driver. Norman, a lifelong farmer, and Frances, an employee and owner at Canton Auto Supply, evidently found something they liked. After 20 years of working with OATS, the couple still can’t get enough of the job. “We like meeting the people. We like helping people,” says Norman. For Norman and Frances, what they like hasn’t changed for over 20 years, even while the paper work, rules and regulations, training and Medicaid have. Frances agrees, “What matters is just being with old friends everyday.”
OATS, Inc. Celebrates Linn County Driver for 15 Years of Service
June 3, 2010
In June of 1995 Gayla Ross decided she was ready for a change. After 17 years of working in a pharmaceutical department, she was in search of something that would offer some variety and get her out amongst people. She answered a newspaper ad for drivers with OATS, Inc. and has never regretted the decision.
OATS, Inc. Celebrates Northeast Regional Administrative Coordinator for 15 Years of Service
May 26, 2010
“I am proud of the services we provide that allow people to live independently in their homes,” says Marsha Crowley about her 15-year career with OATS, Inc.
Land Purchase in Macon to House New OATS Transportation Facility
May 6, 2010
OATS, Inc. is pleased to announce the purchase of land in Macon, Missouri, to be the site of the new Northeast Regional facility. The approximately 4.5 acres is located in Heartland Enterprise Park, near the intersection of Highways 63 and 36, making it an excellent location with easy access to both major highways serving the northeast region.
OATS, Inc. Celebrates Lincoln County Driver for 15 Years of Service
March 31, 2010
Fifteen years ago Roxana Heidbrier sent her children off to kindergarten and decided she wanted something to keep her busy while they were in school. She also knew that she needed a job that would understand and work around her commitment as a mother. OATS was the perfect solution.
OATS, Inc. Celebrates Monroe County Driver for 15 Years of Service
March 29, 2010
It was 1995 when Shirley Ensor began her career as a driver for OATS, Inc. One day while talking with a neighbor about their children getting older, the neighbor mentioned that she recently started working for OATS. To Shirley, driving for OATS sounded like something she would enjoy.
OATS, Inc. Celebrates Saline County Driver for 15 Years of Service
March 1, 2010
It was 1995 when Corrine Wallace began her career with OATS. Her children were grown and had moved out on their own, and Corrine wanted something to do full time. She spoke to a friend who was working for OATS, and he convinced her it was a place she would enjoy.
OATS, Inc. Welcomes New Board Members
February 4, 2010
OATS, Inc. is pleased to welcome new board members Mary Bishop and Nancy Sipes, who were sworn in at the monthly board meeting on January 26, 2010. Both are looking forward to serving the people of their regions.
OATS, Inc. Celebrates Saline County Driver for 15 Years of Service
January 29, 2010
Terry Heilman of Marshall, Missouri began her career with OATS, Inc. fifteen years ago when she realized that her recent divorce would necessitate going back to work. Terry had not been formally employed for the previous 10 years, but spent a good portion of her time shuttling her mom and aunts to and from the places they needed to go. For Terry, driving for OATS seemed like a natural fit.
2009 Brought 2 Million More Miles Traveled and More than 100,000 Additional One-Way Trips
December 8, 2009
The 38th Annual Board of Directors meeting of OATS, Inc. took place on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 in Columbia, Missouri. A review of the annual statistical and operating reports showed that during Fiscal Year 2009, OATS drivers provided 1,628,076 one-way trips to nearly 32,000 Missourians. The OATS buses traveled 15,008,123 miles to provide service in the 87 counties that OATS, Inc. serves. In addition, OATS volunteers gave 61,045 hours of their time.
OATS, Inc. Celebrates Sullivan County Driver for 15 Years of Service
November 19, 2009
It was a chilly day in November of 1994 when Jerry Todd began his career with OATS, Inc. At the time, Jerry was working part-time for the Pony Express courier service in the Kansas City area, where he had been for 22 years. His wife, Marlene, had already been driving for OATS for six years. When her manager called the house one day he mentioned he was short on drivers and asked Jerry if he knew anyone. It was then that Jerry decided to apply, and not long after, quit his job with Pony Express to devote his time fully to OATS. “I used to deliver papers and now I deliver people,” Jerry says.
Wright County celebrates OATS, Inc. Driver for 30 Years of Service
November 5, 2009
In November of 1979, Janet Chapin applied for a position as a relief driver for OATS, Inc. With a small child at home, Janet was looking for something part-time. A year later, partly due to a need by OATS and Janet’s love of the job, she became a full-time driver. That love has stuck with her for 30 years.
OATS, Inc. Celebrates Marion County Driver for 20 Years of Service
October 5, 2009
Twenty years ago, after both of her girls were in school, Judy Richardson decided she wanted to go back to work. That’s when she began her career with OATS, Inc.
OATS, Inc. Celebrates Cedar County Driver for 15 Years of Service
September 15, 2009
Shirley Wimsatt began driving for OATS, Inc, in September of 1994 and is proud to celebrate her fifteen year anniversary with the company. Before joining the OATS team, Shirley was a school bus driver. When a couple of her co-workers told Shirley about their other jobs driving for OATS, she decided to apply. Since then she’s been very pleased with the decision.
OATS, Inc. Celebrates Northeast Regional Director for 30 Years of Service
August 18, 2009
Sheree Webb began her career with OATS, Inc. in 1979 when the Northeast office was first established in Shelbina, Missouri. For thirty years, Sheree’s dedication to OATS and the services OATS provides has been appreciated by her superiors, peers and all of those OATS serves.
Golf Tournament Will Aid in Funding of New OATS Vehicles for Passengers
August 12, 2009
Participants of OATS, Inc. 4th Annual Golf Tournament raised $4,000 in profit that will help with the purchase of new OATS vehicles. OATS receives its vehicles through federal grants administered by the Missouri Department of Transportation. These grants pay 80% of the cost for new vehicles, and OATS must raise the other 20% themselves.
Historical Building Renovated to House Modern Transportation
January 1, 1970
OATS, Inc. is pleased to announce the relocation of their Midwest Regional offices to the historical, newly renovated Amtrak depot. The transportation center, made possible in part through partnership and coordination with the Downtown Sedalia group, has been in progress for more than eight years.