Dynamic Dozen companies showcase Ozarks’ spirit

Walking away from last night’s Springfield Business Journal Dynamic Dozen event, I left with a sense of pride in our community and the feeling everything was going to be OK.

Honoring six individuals and the 12 fastest-growing companies in the Ozarks, the event aims to salute business progress and spurs on healthy competition as we count down to the No. 1 company. But more than the awards, it was the words of the honorees that struck me.

In a recession, growth is rare, but it’s not unheard of. The men and women who took the stage at the DoubleTree Hotel last night know that. They know you can achieve anything if you set your mind to it and they know how hard they worked to achieve their goals.

40 Under 40: We came, we honored, we partied

Any event that includes a macaroni and cheese martini bar is a success.

Last nights’ 15th annual Springfield Business Journal 40 Under 40 awards program was a success.

The first lady in the Queen City

When the official hashtag for the day is #FLOTUSsgf, you know it’s going to be a long day in the office.

I first “met” Michelle Obama when she introduced then presidential candidate Barack Obama before a crowd of more than 10,000 supporters at Parkview High School during his 2008 campaign stop.

CMYK: SBJ staff gets behind-the-scenes look at printing plant

Journalists bleed CMYK.

The basic building blocks of all printed products – cyan, magenta, yellow and black ink – can’t be replaced by a collection of pixels on a screen.

I’m no stranger to mobile devices. In fact, I consume more news each morning via my iPad than during the remaining hours of the day combined, but the format is out of necessity, not desire.

2013 Book of Lists fresh off the press

Another year and another wrap-up of business news covered. One of the facets of our newsroom production is the annual Book of Lists, a compilation of the weekly lists researched and published each week in Springfield Business Journal and at SBJ.net/lists.

The 2013 edition is unveiled tonight at SBJ’s annual Top of the List celebration with some 250 businesspeople at the Tower Club on the 21st floor of Hammons Tower.

SBJ announces 12 People You Need to Know in 2013

Springfield Business Journal has locked in its 2013 class of 12 People You Need to Know.

2013 marks the sixth year for SBJ’s monthly breakfast series, and with the newest class, we bring our count of featured guests up to 72.

Here comes the sun: Freedom of Information Act forum serves as eye-opening event

Ever wonder what not-so-appetizing items have been reported about hotdogs during the years? I wasn’t sure I wanted to know and after hearing the report, I’m not sure I’ll ever eat hotdogs again.

40 Under 40 raffle fights community hunger

For more than a decade, Springfield Business Journal has presented annual awards, starting off in 1999 with our inaugural class of 40 Under 40, recognizing up-and-comers younger than 40 for their professional and civic accomplishments. Now, we’re adding to that event with a charitable component.

Happy birthday, Mr. Hammons and farewell, Mr. Wessel

Interviewing businesspeople from all walks of business is just part of the grind that comes with my job, so it’s a good thing I enjoy it. There are, of course, the interview subjects who are unforgettable, but there are also interviews I wish I’d done but missed my chances during the last 12 years. This month, two businessmen – one in each category – are on my mind.

Rod Jetton talks candidly about charges

It’s old news, really. But in the context of awarding a sales and marketing honor, I had to ask Rod Jetton about allegations that he battered a woman during a sexual encounter in 2009 and how the process has affected his career – one that was in the public eye for eight years as a state representative and four years as House speaker.