Last night, we partied.
The smell of popcorn lingered in the air as more than 475 people gathered under the “big top” for the circus-themed 18th annual 40 Under 40 celebration at the Ramada Plaza Hotel & Oasis Convention Center.
The sold-out crowd was there to honor the achievements of co-workers, clients, family and friends. The 40 individuals who make up this year’s class come from different walks of life, with professions ranging from real estate to associate professor, but all share one common goal – to make the Springfield area the best it can be.
The list of charities and nonprofits these men and women donate time to can fill a page. So, it was no surprise the group raised at least $3,700 online for 40 Under 40 charity partner March of Dimes before the event even started. By night’s end, thanks to the 40 and audience donations, the event helped generate more than $12,500 to help prevent premature birth.
Their ambition drives not only their lives, but also the lives of those around them. We all are privileged to have such go-getters among us always striving to make the place we call home just a little bit better each day.
From everyone at Springfield Business Journal, congratulations to the 2016 class of 40 Under 40. You guys already are doing great things; I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Reporter’s Notebook
It wouldn’t be an event recap blog without some of my zany photos. I’ve upgraded to the iPhone 6 this event season, so prepare yourselves. I hope you followed along on Twitter under the hashtag #SBJ4040, but if not, here’s a taste of what you missed.
Events coordinator Diana Weber sent me this pic early yesterday morning. Things were starting to take shape.
By the time I arrived at 3:30 p.m., 18 years of 40 Under 40 class posters lined the entry.
Here she is in her full glory, lights and all.
Not to be outdone, the stage was pretty great, too. Check out this 30-foot banner.
Once again, mega props to Springfield Hot Glass for the unique and stunning awards. You guys makes something new every year, and your creativity never ceases to amaze.
By 6 p.m., the room was hoppin’. Kudos to SBJ Editor Eric Olson for this shot.
Recognize this purple bucket? You may have seen the honorees carrying them around town as they raised funds for March of Dimes.
The night’s circus theme carried over to the food. Guests enjoyed a nacho bar, soft pretzels, sliders and a crowd favorite, mini corndogs.
This may be the largest bowl of corn chips I have ever seen. Crazy part? There was a second bowl on the other side of the room.
Publisher Jennifer Jackson kicked off the evening. From my seat in the front row, I was ready to start live tweeting the fun.
TSI Global Cos. Springfield General Manager Doug Pitt – the evening’s presenting sponsor – took a few moments to remind the crowd how important it is to be a leader and inspire others to do good.
I would be remiss if I didn’t include a photo of the night’s emcees, Kevin Howard and Liz Delany from KGBX 105.9 FM. They’ve been with the event for more than a decade and we couldn’t do it without them.
Another shoutout goes to SBJ tech guru Geoff Pickle, left, who runs the show from behind the scenes. Reporter Brian Brown looks on.
Decked out in a bow tie and suit jacket, I couldn’t help but smile when seeing honoree Jonathan Garard’s young son. He was all about the mini corn dogs. Parental estimates put total consumption in the 40 range. SBJ photographer Wes Hamilton found this photo of the young Garard – mini corn dogs in hand – as his dad prepared to take the group photo. Too cute.
As is my custom, #letstakeaselfie. Brian and Geoff pretend like they don’t like it, but I can see the smile in their eyes.
Others opted for a more professional version. SBJ photographer Heather Mosley snaps a pic of Jennifer and Judge Becky Borthwick.
For more professional photos from the night, check
Wes’ gallery on our website and
Heather's pics on Facebook.
