Guest columnist Ron Bogart: "Most leaders believe silence means one of two things: Employees agree, or employees are afraid to speak. My doctoral research suggested a more complicated and more useful answer."

Guest columnist Matt Morrow writes about affordability in the Queen City.

Guest columnist Rusty Worley: "Springfield’s greatest competitive advantage may already be here: a higher education ecosystem that connects universities, employers, health systems and public institutions in ways many similarly sized communities struggle to replicate."

Guest columnist Richard Baker: "I know this sounds a lot like walking to school uphill both ways, but rates have been a lot higher than they are right now."

Guest columnist Paula Dougherty: "Living that single life? Managing finances independently can be both empowering and complex."

Guest columnist Summer Massey: "As Missouri’s small-business community continues to grow and change, shopping at and supporting local companies remains key to ensuring their long-term success."

Guest columnist Ross Murray: "When a major commercial real estate transaction closes, we often measure its significance in square feet, investment value and immediate economic activity. But some transactions create an impact that extends far beyond the property itself."

Guest columnist Richard Baker: "At this point in my career, it takes a lot to rattle or surprise me. The current yields don’t do either."

Guest columnist Brittany K. Hopp: "In these uncertain times, it is vitally important to stay fraud-aware and protect yourself and your employees."

Kevin Mueller, Springfield resident, writes, "Springfield voters should take a hard look at Question 3 before giving City Council broader control over the rules governing public purchasing."

Guest columnist Andrea Battaglia: "I’ve learned that remarkable people aren’t rare. They’re all around us. The challenge is creating enough opportunities to discover them."

Guest columnist Joe Shearrer: "What has caught my attention is the growing number of companies outside the technology sector reporting results that point to a broader and more resilient economy."

Guest columnist John Taylor: "Technological advances tend not to retreat in the face of stubbornness."

Guest columnist Lance Coffman: "Take a deep breath. There is a decent chance you might be anxious right now."

Majority Leader Alex Riley writes in support of Amendment 5 on your Aug. 4 ballot.

Guest columnist Andy Drennen: "The World Cup showed us that peace through people is not merely an ideal, it is possible."

Guest columnist Andrea Battaglia: "In my life, the moments that mattered the most weren’t others celebrating me; it was when I was pulling others into the light. Helping them see the best of themselves, even if they didn’t see it fully yet."

Guest columnist Gabriel Cassady: "I can easily imagine a better world in which AI is used to help humans do more and better things together rather than deepening divides and doing harm."

Guest columnist Paula Dougherty: "Sending a child to college marks an important milestone for families, bringing both new opportunities and natural questions."