William Barry Aycock (born January 21, 1969) is an American investor, entrepreneur, and political candidate from Parma, Missouri.
Early life and education
Aycock was born in Sikeston, Missouri. One of three siblings, Aycock graduated from Risco High School in Risco, Missouri. Aycock obtained a B.S. from Southeast Missouri State University, a M.Ed. from The University of Missouri and a Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University.
Career
Aycock formed Aycock Agricultural Services, cotton consulting firm, in 1988. He was appointed to numerous state boards by then-Governor Mel Carnahan, and was also named the National Cotton Consultant of the Year by Cotton Farming Magazine. Throughout 1998, Aycock served as a cotton consultant to the Government of Bolivia.
In 1999, Aycock founded AgXplore International in his hometown of Parma, Missouri. The company dealt in surfactants, fertilizers, and fertilizer additives.
In 2005, Aycock was involved in constructing Sandy Ridge Cotton Co. in Malden, Missouri. Aycock divested of his shares in Sandy Ridge Cotton Co. in 2018. In 2019, he purchased two cotton gin operations, the Bernie Farmers Gin located in Malden, Missouri and the Mahan Gin in Parma, Missouri. In 2020, Aycock acquired Portageville Farmers Gin in Portageville, Missouri.
In 2016, Aycock partnered with legendary WWE personality Jerry Lawler to open a bar and grill on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee. In 2017, the pair expanded to open King Jerry Lawler's Memphis BBQ Company, a fast-casual barbecue chain of restaurants. In 2017, Aycock entered into the senior care industry with the construction of a state-of-the-art facility in Sikeston, Missouri. He expanded his footprint with the purchase of an existing skilled care facility in Marshall, Missouri. In 2019, Aycock became a minority owner of the Texas Legends, a G-League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks. The team is based out of Frisco, Texas.
In 1995, he was named National Cotton Consultant of the Year by Cotton Farming Magazine In 2015, he was named to Ingram's Magazine list of 50 Missourians You Should Know
Politics
Aycock has been involved with Democratic politics in the State of Missouri for the majority of his adult life. From 2007 to 2008, he was the largest single fundraiser for Governor Jay Nixon, and was successful in raising over $300,000 from over 100 different donors.
2008 - Named to Governor Jay Nixon's transition team.
2009 - Appointed to Governor Jay Nixon's Economic Stimulus Coordination Council.
2009 - Finalist for the Missouri Director of Agriculture position.
2010 - Appointed to The Commission on Retirement, Removal and Discipline of Judges
2013 - Declined appointment to Missouri Director of Agriculture position.
2016 - He ran in the 2016 Missouri lieutenant gubernatorial election.
Early life and education
Aycock was born in Sikeston, Missouri. One of three siblings, Aycock graduated from Risco High School in Risco, Missouri. Aycock obtained a B.S. from Southeast Missouri State University, a M.Ed. from The University of Missouri and a Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University.
Career
Aycock formed Aycock Agricultural Services, cotton consulting firm, in 1988. He was appointed to numerous state boards by then-Governor Mel Carnahan, and was also named the National Cotton Consultant of the Year by Cotton Farming Magazine. Throughout 1998, Aycock served as a cotton consultant to the Government of Bolivia.
In 1999, Aycock founded AgXplore International in his hometown of Parma, Missouri. The company dealt in surfactants, fertilizers, and fertilizer additives.
In 2005, Aycock was involved in constructing Sandy Ridge Cotton Co. in Malden, Missouri. Aycock divested of his shares in Sandy Ridge Cotton Co. in 2018. In 2019, he purchased two cotton gin operations, the Bernie Farmers Gin located in Malden, Missouri and the Mahan Gin in Parma, Missouri. In 2020, Aycock acquired Portageville Farmers Gin in Portageville, Missouri.
In 2016, Aycock partnered with legendary WWE personality Jerry Lawler to open a bar and grill on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee. In 2017, the pair expanded to open King Jerry Lawler's Memphis BBQ Company, a fast-casual barbecue chain of restaurants. In 2017, Aycock entered into the senior care industry with the construction of a state-of-the-art facility in Sikeston, Missouri. He expanded his footprint with the purchase of an existing skilled care facility in Marshall, Missouri. In 2019, Aycock became a minority owner of the Texas Legends, a G-League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks. The team is based out of Frisco, Texas.
In 1995, he was named National Cotton Consultant of the Year by Cotton Farming Magazine In 2015, he was named to Ingram's Magazine list of 50 Missourians You Should Know
Politics
Aycock has been involved with Democratic politics in the State of Missouri for the majority of his adult life. From 2007 to 2008, he was the largest single fundraiser for Governor Jay Nixon, and was successful in raising over $300,000 from over 100 different donors.
2008 - Named to Governor Jay Nixon's transition team.
2009 - Appointed to Governor Jay Nixon's Economic Stimulus Coordination Council.
2009 - Finalist for the Missouri Director of Agriculture position.
2010 - Appointed to The Commission on Retirement, Removal and Discipline of Judges
2013 - Declined appointment to Missouri Director of Agriculture position.
2016 - He ran in the 2016 Missouri lieutenant gubernatorial election.
Centra was a bus operator in London and Surrey.
History
In October 2003, Central Parking Systems purchased Thames Bus which operated services in Surrey and around Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
On 27 August 2004, it purchased the assets of Mitcham Belle which included contracts to operate routes 127, 152, 200, 201, 493 and K5 under contract to Transport for London.
In August 2005, the Surrey business was sold to Rotala subsidiary Flights Hallmark. On 19 May 2006, the remaining Transport for London routes ceased and in August 2006 the remaining coach operation was sold to Wiltax.
Operations
London
Centra operated two bus garages: Streatham Road, which operated Mitcham Belle coach operations which also passed into Centra's hands until it closed, and the coach operations moved to a new site on the Willow Lane Industrial Estate, Mitcham which was also going to be used as a bus garage to replace the Beddington garage, and Beddington Mitcham Belle bus operations.
Beddington garage held 53 buses, and ran a number of London Buses routes. It was originally opened by Mitcham Belle; the yard was taken over in 2004 by Central Parking Systems under the Centra name following poor performance and a history of poor public relations. A huge overhaul of buses and other issues was undertaken by Centra; however, despite trying its hardest, it was unable to improve the reliability issues. Some of the drivers that had been taken on from Mitcham Belle were notoriously bad. This led to the loss and subsequent early surrender of route 127 contract to Metrobus.
On 21 April 2006 it also lost route 152, although the handover to new operator Travel London was delayed by problems sourcing enough vehicles.
Centra ceased their London bus operations on 19 May 2006 when its buses ran on routes 200, 201 and 493 routes for the last time, with the routes passing to London General, East Thames Buses and Armchair Passenger Transport respectively. Centra's London based coach operations operated out of the a new on the Willow Lane Industrial Estate, the coach operation operated for a few more months before being sold to Wiltax in August 2006.
Surrey
The Surrey operations operated out of a garage in New Haw. It operated Surrey County Council routes 22 (Dorking to Newdigate only), 28 (Sunday only), 38, 71, 72 (school service Brooklands to Old Woking and return and Saturday afternoons), 81, 218 (Sunday only), 400, 442 (Sunday only), 456 (Sunday only), 472, 516, 547, 548, 549, 690, 698, 801, 803, 833, E303, and Jet Coach.
History
In October 2003, Central Parking Systems purchased Thames Bus which operated services in Surrey and around Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
On 27 August 2004, it purchased the assets of Mitcham Belle which included contracts to operate routes 127, 152, 200, 201, 493 and K5 under contract to Transport for London.
In August 2005, the Surrey business was sold to Rotala subsidiary Flights Hallmark. On 19 May 2006, the remaining Transport for London routes ceased and in August 2006 the remaining coach operation was sold to Wiltax.
Operations
London
Centra operated two bus garages: Streatham Road, which operated Mitcham Belle coach operations which also passed into Centra's hands until it closed, and the coach operations moved to a new site on the Willow Lane Industrial Estate, Mitcham which was also going to be used as a bus garage to replace the Beddington garage, and Beddington Mitcham Belle bus operations.
Beddington garage held 53 buses, and ran a number of London Buses routes. It was originally opened by Mitcham Belle; the yard was taken over in 2004 by Central Parking Systems under the Centra name following poor performance and a history of poor public relations. A huge overhaul of buses and other issues was undertaken by Centra; however, despite trying its hardest, it was unable to improve the reliability issues. Some of the drivers that had been taken on from Mitcham Belle were notoriously bad. This led to the loss and subsequent early surrender of route 127 contract to Metrobus.
On 21 April 2006 it also lost route 152, although the handover to new operator Travel London was delayed by problems sourcing enough vehicles.
Centra ceased their London bus operations on 19 May 2006 when its buses ran on routes 200, 201 and 493 routes for the last time, with the routes passing to London General, East Thames Buses and Armchair Passenger Transport respectively. Centra's London based coach operations operated out of the a new on the Willow Lane Industrial Estate, the coach operation operated for a few more months before being sold to Wiltax in August 2006.
Surrey
The Surrey operations operated out of a garage in New Haw. It operated Surrey County Council routes 22 (Dorking to Newdigate only), 28 (Sunday only), 38, 71, 72 (school service Brooklands to Old Woking and return and Saturday afternoons), 81, 218 (Sunday only), 400, 442 (Sunday only), 456 (Sunday only), 472, 516, 547, 548, 549, 690, 698, 801, 803, 833, E303, and Jet Coach.
Artan Tushi (born 25 January 1971, in Kavajë) is an Albanian pianist and composer. After graduating from the University of Arts in Tirana, he served as piano professor at the "Jordan Misja" Artistic Lyceum from 1994 to 1998.
During this period, he performed at the annual Festivali i Këngës në Radio Television and Festivali i Pranverës, collaborating with many young singers of that time. One of his students, Ledina Çelo, went on to have national success. Tushi is perhaps best known for having produced the song "Anija Plakë" performed by Aleksandër Gjoka at the 1995 National Song Festival.
During this period, he performed at the annual Festivali i Këngës në Radio Television and Festivali i Pranverës, collaborating with many young singers of that time. One of his students, Ledina Çelo, went on to have national success. Tushi is perhaps best known for having produced the song "Anija Plakë" performed by Aleksandër Gjoka at the 1995 National Song Festival.
Zef Çoba (born 1951 in Shkoder, Albania) is a musical conductor. He completed his studies of choral conducting at the Art Academy in Tirana in 1974. After graduating he was appointed Music Director of Culture Centre in Peshkopi and then in Shkoder. He studied folklore, particularly of the regions where he worked, and in taught himself composition. In 1989 began working as a professional composer. In 1991 began to work at Radio Shkodra as a music redactor/editor, and after that, as a journalist and chief editor.
In 2003, he began working near the Art Academy in Tirana, teaching classes including orchestral conducting, chorus & choral conducting and chamber music. He conducted the Chorus “Dom Mikel Koliqi” of Shkoder Cathedral (1997-2001), the Chorus of Cathedral “Gjon Pali” Tirane (2004), and as of 2011 was the Conductor of Saint Francesco church chorus - Shkoder.
In 1999 he founded the Friends of Music Rozafa Expression. He is the composer of 16 Albanian films, musical, vocal works, instrumentals, theater (music) shows, chorus works, soloists and chorus, songs of Shkoder urban tradition and songs for children.
He has several honorary titles:
* Member of Choral Music of Balkan Forum Board
* Honor of Dibra Culture - awarded by Peshkopi Municipal Council
* Honor member of Artistic association “Besa” of Montenegro
* Honor member of Artistic association “Madonna di S. Giovanni” of Ripatransone - Italia
* “Madre Teresa” - Istituto Italiano di Cultura a Tirana
* Honor member of Association “Rrok Jakaj" - Shkoder
* Member in UNION OF ALBANIA WRITERS AND ARTISTS since 1978
* Chairman of Association Friends of Music “Rozafa Expression” - Shkoder
Friends of Music "Rozafa Expression”
The Friends of Music Rozafa Expression initiates and participates in artistic activity at national and international levels. The denomination synthesizes members’ civic and artistic duty. “Rozafa” is the castle, a testimony of the 2400 years civilized history - the myth of Shkoder, a legend that symbolizes the Sacrifice, which is an expression of civic duty. The music tradition in Shkoder is the basis of this movement. A practice that serves the consolidation and integration of good musical values is the space created after the 90s. This repertoire is expanded with Albanian traditional songs, arrangements, and selected works from choral music of several styles, epochs and countries.
Çoba was part of many activities in Albania and abroad, including the International festival of chorus in Tirana (2000), Andros (Greece-2000), Cetinje (Montenegro-2007), Karditsa (Greece-2000) Avola (Italy 2000), Vibo Valentia (Italy - 2001), Shkodra Jazz (2007) Tuz (Montenegro-2007), Tetove (Macedonia-2007,2009,2011) Ripatransone (Italy-2007), Tirana (2009), Cuneo Saluzzo, Svilgiano (Italy 2009), and various tours in Naples (2007). These activity are possible thanks to the members’ passionate work, to donators valuable contributions and to the revitalization of cultural and artistic life.
Xhamadani song
In 1993 Çoba composed Xhamadani vija vija, a song that has become the theme of the supporters of Albania national football team.
In 2003, he began working near the Art Academy in Tirana, teaching classes including orchestral conducting, chorus & choral conducting and chamber music. He conducted the Chorus “Dom Mikel Koliqi” of Shkoder Cathedral (1997-2001), the Chorus of Cathedral “Gjon Pali” Tirane (2004), and as of 2011 was the Conductor of Saint Francesco church chorus - Shkoder.
In 1999 he founded the Friends of Music Rozafa Expression. He is the composer of 16 Albanian films, musical, vocal works, instrumentals, theater (music) shows, chorus works, soloists and chorus, songs of Shkoder urban tradition and songs for children.
He has several honorary titles:
* Member of Choral Music of Balkan Forum Board
* Honor of Dibra Culture - awarded by Peshkopi Municipal Council
* Honor member of Artistic association “Besa” of Montenegro
* Honor member of Artistic association “Madonna di S. Giovanni” of Ripatransone - Italia
* “Madre Teresa” - Istituto Italiano di Cultura a Tirana
* Honor member of Association “Rrok Jakaj" - Shkoder
* Member in UNION OF ALBANIA WRITERS AND ARTISTS since 1978
* Chairman of Association Friends of Music “Rozafa Expression” - Shkoder
Friends of Music "Rozafa Expression”
The Friends of Music Rozafa Expression initiates and participates in artistic activity at national and international levels. The denomination synthesizes members’ civic and artistic duty. “Rozafa” is the castle, a testimony of the 2400 years civilized history - the myth of Shkoder, a legend that symbolizes the Sacrifice, which is an expression of civic duty. The music tradition in Shkoder is the basis of this movement. A practice that serves the consolidation and integration of good musical values is the space created after the 90s. This repertoire is expanded with Albanian traditional songs, arrangements, and selected works from choral music of several styles, epochs and countries.
Çoba was part of many activities in Albania and abroad, including the International festival of chorus in Tirana (2000), Andros (Greece-2000), Cetinje (Montenegro-2007), Karditsa (Greece-2000) Avola (Italy 2000), Vibo Valentia (Italy - 2001), Shkodra Jazz (2007) Tuz (Montenegro-2007), Tetove (Macedonia-2007,2009,2011) Ripatransone (Italy-2007), Tirana (2009), Cuneo Saluzzo, Svilgiano (Italy 2009), and various tours in Naples (2007). These activity are possible thanks to the members’ passionate work, to donators valuable contributions and to the revitalization of cultural and artistic life.
Xhamadani song
In 1993 Çoba composed Xhamadani vija vija, a song that has become the theme of the supporters of Albania national football team.