YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY

Springfield, MO

Log in Subscribe

Event shines spotlight on companies fighting to win

Posted online
When Springfield Business Journal launched its Dynamic Dozen awards program in 2004, the economic climate was vastly different than what we see today. Recognizing companies for fast revenue and percentage growth is easy when times are good and businesses are raking in customers – and their money.

By late 2008, it was clear that the economic struggles that already had hit other parts of the U.S. were very real here in the Ozarks. When the recession hit, it seemed no industry was spared from the ensuing – and for some, ongoing – struggle to bring in revenues and stay in the black.

When Springfield Business Journal staff was planning the 2009 Dynamic Dozen, the question arose regarding whether we would be able to find enough companies exhibiting three consecutive years of growth to complete the award cycle. The consensus was to stick with the planned schedule, and we did so, adopting a survival guide theme to acknowledge the struggles the market was facing.

Here we are in 2010. I don’t know about you, but for me, the fact that the 12 businesses we’re honoring have pulled off both revenue and percentage growth for the last three years is particularly impressive considering the business landscape of 2009. From a purported lending lockdown that left many businesses without access to vital capital to a consumer base hit hard by job losses, it is clear that businesses bent on succeeding had to do more than roll with the punches. In this booklet, you can find inspiring stories of growth. Here’s just a taste:

• Which company was propelled into a tumultuous time of change by a $28 billion national merger?

• Which company almost doubled its 2009 client orders as a result of U.S. housing market conditions?

• Which company is tapping into the prepaid cellular card industry, to the tune of $8 million in a single recent month?

• Which company achieved growth even after making a conscious choice not to raise prices for its core business?

The people behind the 2010 Dynamic Dozen have ideas and strategies for achieving growth, even as they recognize that the Ozarks economy isn’t out of the woods yet. They, like all businesses, are faced with a choice to keep moving forward or throw in the towel.

Clearly, these businesses aren’t giving up any time soon.

Please join me and the rest of the SBJ staff in congratulating the 2010 Dynamic Dozen.
As you read the stories of their journeys, you may glean some philosophies that can help your company grow.

That’s important, because at the end of the day, for all companies, a key question remains: Are you in it to win it – or down for the count?

Maria Hoover is features editor of Springfield Business Journal. She may be reached at mhoover@sbj.net.[[In-content Ad]]

Comments

No comments on this story |
Please log in to add your comment
Editors' Pick
From the Ground Up: Republic Intermediate School

The Republic School District is on track to open its Intermediate School for fifth- and sixth-grade students for the 2025-26 academic year.

Most Read
Update cookies preferences