Patrick McKeehan was appointed the director of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Small Business Development Center. McKeehan served as executive director of the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois, a member-based economic development organization representing the metro-east area, from 2006 to 2012.

Pekin Life Insurance Co. announced that Jim Pauley, an owner of Pufalt Pauley Insurance Agency Inc. in Belleville, was named Health Agent of the Month for January 2013. Pauley has represents the Pekin Insurance companies for almost 30 years.

Country Financial recently presented financial representatives Steve Eaton, of Sparta, and Cheryl Zanders, of Red Bud, and Waterloo agency manager Mark Luce with All American distinctions. Eaton serves clients from his office at 1701 N. Market Street in Sparta. Zanders serves clients from her office located at 314 S. Main St. in Red Bud. Luce manages his agency from 513 W. Park St. in Waterloo.

David Cisler, of Cisler & Associates Real Estate Inc. in Staunton, was named 2013 Realtor of the Year by the Greater Gateway Association of Realtors. Cisler started his real estate career in 1991 as a licensed broker, and in 1993 became a certified real estate appraiser. He served as a Southwestern Illinois Regional Multiple Listing Service governor for several years and was president in 2012.