Private Hammons funeral stood out in 2013

As 2013 draws to a close, it seems only natural to reflect on the year’s highlights.

This year, challenging stories were common, but one stands out above the rest from my reporter’s desk: the May 29 private funeral of John Q. Hammons.

Hotel icon waxes philosophical on service

BKD Wealth Advisors paid $10,000 per hour to get advice from the former president of Ritz-Carlton Hotels. This week, I got 10 minutes from him for free.

USA Today is on to us

An article posted this morning on USAToday.com cites Springfield Business Journal reporter Chris Wrinkle’s cover story on the convention center hotel debate waging in downtown Springfield.

Anatomy of a News Scoop: The Day SBJ Broke Bass Pro’s Hotel Plans

Last Friday was one of those days we live for in the newsroom.