The tornado as a kiln

Was it one year ago or 10?

May 22, 2011, in Joplin – when a hazy, humid Sunday afternoon in spring became the spawning ground for a killer tornado and a community’s transformation.

SBJ researches employee screening firms

Springfield Business Journal will publish a new list of employee screening firms in the March 12 issue. We are looking to find area businesses that offer stand-alone screening services.

The first step was to define employee screening services. We have determined that these services include background checks, drug testing, pre-screening employment, finger printing, etc., for a fee. Next, we had to decide what type of questions we should  consider, what companies would offer this service and what our readers would want to know about employee screening. Some staffing firms offer screening services for candidates they place, but to be included on this list, companies must offer fee-based screening services for any employers. Our goal is a list of companies that give employers another layer of information before hiring the employees right for the job.

The business of love

Cupid’s back. And the arrows he slings are pricey for his targets.

The Census Bureau recently released a host of facts and figures it compiled tied to the lovers’ holiday, which, in case you were wondering, was first recognized in Rome in A.D. 496 by Pope Gelasius I. More than 1,500 years later, the holiday means big business.

Joplin business community: Best is yet to come

I’m in Joplin today, my first visit since the May 22 tornado.

With morning business meetings and press conferences on the agenda, I’ve
only had a quick glimpse of the physical damage on Range Line Road.

Mother’s brings the love

Let me preface this blog by stating what readers of my posts probably already know: I’m a bit of a beer fan.

Beer on the brain

Recent data released by the Brewers Association has me thirsty.

SBJ: An intern’s perspective

Editor’s Note: This piece was originally posted online at Ozarks News Journal, a student blog and podcast Web site under the direction of Missouri State University journalism professor Andrew Cline.

My experience as an editorial intern at Springfield Business Journal has improved my writing, and it has taught me how to better frame my thoughts.

Be thankful for what’s on the Ozarks business scene horizon

Journalists are trained to ask questions – and lots of them – but we get plenty of questions, too.

Chamber Expo a refreshing behind-the-scenes affair

I was overwhelmed yesterday upon entering the 2010 Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Business and Technology Expo.

Small Giants hosts Great Game webinar

Springfield-based Great Game of Business is introducing its open book management style to a group of small giants via a free webinar July 28.