Dynamic Dozen focuses on local company growth

The next several pages of this paper are dedicated to recognizing Springfield Business Journal’s 2005 Dynamic Dozen. All companies are selected for this honor based on their growth.
The judging is over, thanks to the hard work of the folks at Elliott, Robinson & Co. We don’t pick the honorees, but it is our job to publish the success stories of the Dynamic Dozen and to put on a first-class event to help the honorees celebrate their achievements. This year, we met March 10 at The Oasis Inn and Convention Center for an awards presentation and networking with members of the business community and representatives of the honored companies.
As a member of the SBJ editorial team, my job was to orchestrate the news coverage of the 12 featured companies. It’s a big job, but an interesting one, because growth – at least in southwest Missouri – isn’t limited to any particular industry. Only two entities – Skaggs Community Health Center and Integrity Home Care – also received the Dynamic Dozen in 2004. From health care to publishing to retail to staffing services, it seems business is good in the Springfield area.
That’s good news for us, because it keeps us busy!
One of the things I like most about the people behind Dynamic Dozen companies is that they all seem to love what they’re doing. They’re excited about their business – past, present and future.
We asked each company what led to their growth, and we got several different answers – acquisitions, an evolving market, diversification and sales strategy among them.
When I interviewed Penmac’s Patti Penny, which is No. 1 among the 2005 Dynamic Dozen, she was both humble and thankful. Just as I was ready to gather my things and head back to the office, she stopped me with, “I just can’t thank this community enough. They gave me opportunity after opportunity to supply their people, and you just don’t find that everywhere. They do support home-grown businesses.”
Home-grown businesses are what Dynamic Dozen is all about. One of the stipulations is that nominated companies must have headquarters in Springfield or within a 50-mile radius.
Another is that the companies must provide revenues for the last three years for the judging process. Some have allowed us to use those numbers in our coverage, and others did not, but I think you’ll see plenty of evidence of growth with all 12.
Congratulations to all 2005 Dynamic Dozen honorees. We’ll be keeping an eye on you!
[[In-content Ad]]