Seventh-annual Men of the Year announced

An independent panel of judges has spoken and Springfield Business Journal will honor 20 businessmen during the seventh-annual Men of the Year luncheon.

Joining the ranks of 120 already inducted, the award recognizes the professional, philanthropic and civic contributions of men from across southwest Missouri.

The 2017 honorees are: Keith Acuff, Noble Communications Co.; Eric Albers, Insight Design Architects LLC; Jackie Barger, Children’s Smile Center; Tom Barr, Greene County; Bob Belote, Springfield-Greene County Park Board; Mike Brothers, Drury University; Dan Derges, Mid-Missouri Bank; Brent Dunn, Missouri State University; Kirk Elmquist, Bass Pro Shops’ Legends of Golf at Big Cedar; Steve Fox, U.S. Bank; Don Harkey, People Centric Consulting Group LLC; Chris Jarratt, Revel Advertising; Gerald Lee, Employer Service Partners; Brian McDonough, KY3 Inc.; Mark McNay, SMC Packaging Group; Jack Prim, Jack Henry & Associates Inc.; Rob Rector, Ozarks Technical Community College; Edwin “Cookie” Rice, Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co.; Dr. Shachar Tauber, Mercy Clinic Eye Care; and Craig Wescott, Recreational Management Inc.

The Men of the Year luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 18 in the White River Conference Center, 600 W. Sunshine St. Tickets are $38 apiece and can be purchased at SBJ.net/MOTY.

SBJ has again partnered with Brighton-based nonprofit Good Samaritan Boys Ranch for the event in an effort to raise money and help provide a safe and caring home for boys who have come from broken or nonexistent homes.

The awards luncheon will include a silent auction and special donation opportunities.

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