Columnist Bennet Bodenstein samples three “California works of art in liquid form.”

Paragon 360 CEO Donnie Brawner: "Focusing on the entire customer experience, rather than just the end product, can be the key to building lasting relationships."

Mark Bennett, store manager for UScellular in Springfield, says “failover” services can save small businesses money.

Simmons Private Wealth's Andy Drennen analyzes the delicate relationship between Fed-set interest rates and the economy.

Missouri Rural Crisis Center's Tim Gibbons: "Monopolistic corporations and centralized and concentrated markets expose consumers to the risks of brittle, unresponsive supply chains, such as shortages of essential goods and increased prices."

Certified financial planner Kenny Gott: "Managing taxes can help you keep more of what’s yours, so some or all of these techniques may make sense for your long-term financial planning."

Executive Editor Christine Temple raises a glass to nonalcoholic drink options.

Statehouse columnist Phill Brooks suggests a new system, perhaps involving the Missouri Ethics Commission.

Columnist Bennet Bodenstein samples a handful of products.

A conversation with a reader is shared with the intention of fostering dialogue and spurring ideas around SBJ’s award processes.

Gabriel Cassady of 2 Oddballs asks readers to take a look in the mirror and ask: Am I a bad client?

Statehouse columnist Phill Brooks compares the response to Donald Trump’s criminal charges with cases in Missouri politics.

Commerce Trust Co.'s Don Davis: "This is an ideal time to talk to a financial adviser. These professionals are available to help you navigate the volatility of the current environment and keep you heading toward your financial goals."

Publisher Jennifer Jackson: "As we look forward to the upcoming year, these two business events will undoubtedly serve as catalysts for positive change in our community."

FORVIS' Dan Prater: "On this National Nonprofit Day, take time to learn about the important work being done by organizations and consider getting involved. All of us have an opportunity and a responsibility to make southwest Missouri a better place for everyone."

Editorial Vice President Eric Olson reviews investor relations documents to discover Great Southern Bank's largest institutional owner: BlackRock Inc.

Columnist Bennet Bodenstein samples three wine products.

Missouri State University's Puneet Prakash: "Will the industry ever be able to disentangle the effects of social inflation from other causes of the underwriting cycle?"

Columnist Mark Holmes: "Finding the right way to persuade a colleague or a customer can be difficult. You can apply these 10 principles to produce better results."

Monica Horton of Springfield City Council discusses the city’s proposed recreational marijuana tax.