2014 Giving Guide: SBJ Publishing Inc.

Dear Readers,

The staff of Springfield Business Journal is proud to roll out the 2014 edition of the Southwest Missouri Giving Guide. When this annual project was initiated in 2012, our staff perceived a need. We knew that area non-profits were too seldom the central focus of our editorial coverage to truly tell their stories. We were equally convinced that the health and well-being of these service agencies, charities, arts organizations and health resources are at the very heart of our community and create the environment required for local business to thrive. We recognized we needed to be involved but weren’t immediately certain what shape the project would take or how impactful it might be.

Now three years into what has proven to be a very good thing, we could hardly wait to go to press. Beginning with the first edition, we received numerous emails and phone calls of affirmation from the various participating agencies that this was the vehicle they had been looking for to reach an influential audience with their messages. The Giving Guide has become a critical tool for area non-profits to communicate their mission and goals, seek volunteers and donations, and most importantly share their successes.

Recently I received a phone call from a local physician inquiring about the release of the next Giving Guide. He said the last edition had disappeared from his office and he wanted to make sure he could take a copy of the next book home with him. He said he and his wife were looking forward to reading the book to determine where their investments of time and money were most needed in the community and which projects would resonate with them. When I hung up the phone, I knew I had already received my take-away from the day. I couldn’t wait to share with the staff that what we were trying to do really matters.

For those less certain about how to give, what to give or how much, the Southwest Missouri Giving Guide contains valuable “how to” articles written by a number of professional advisors on everything from the steps involved in planning to charitable giving through estate plans, trusts and wills or through life insurance policies. For those already in the spirit and habit of giving, the guide provides some practical information regarding the current legal, financial and/or tax implications of their gifts.

Special thanks go out for the sponsorships provided by Metropolitan National Bank and UMB Bank. Their support makes it possible for more area non-profits to participate at a lower cost. Springfield Business Journal is proud to partner with these organizations for another year of giving. We encourage you to read, learn, act and to repeat often!

Sincerely,

Jennifer Jackson,
Publisher 
Springfield Business Journal