Attorney General's News Release

June 27, 2007

Nixon recognizes one of the many southwest Missouri businesses that went the extra distance after ice storms

Jefferson City, Mo. — While the stories of a few southwest Missouri businesses that raised prices in the wake of the January ice storms may be well known, Attorney General Jay Nixon says it is important to recognize the many business owners who did whatever possible to help their neighbors - even if it meant taking a financial loss.

As Nixon’s office wraps up the remaining cases that alleged price gouging, he also has received letters and e-mails praising other businesses for their actions after the storms. One such recent letter from a Springfield couple thanked Nixon for pursuing the gouging cases, but also asked him to recognize examples of “Missouri hospitality.”

Jerry and Donna Powell said the staff at the Residence Inn in Branson was worthy of such recognition in accommodating those who had to leave their homes in Springfield and the surrounding area because of power outages. Even though the hotel was working with reduced winter staff and was in the middle of remodeling, “the fine staff worked hard to see to our comfort,” the Powells said in their letter.

Nixon said it is businesses like these that should be getting more attention for their efforts during the ice storm.

“When you consider that tens of thousands of people were without power for lengthy periods of time, the number of actual price-gouging cases is quite small,” Nixon said. “This speaks volumes about how most Missourians tend to pull together in a time of crisis. I commend the owners and staff of this business and others that acted in a similar way for their examples as good neighbors and citizens.”

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to the Press Secretary.

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