Influential women leave lasting impressions

It is remarkable to me that nominations for the 2008 recognition publication and event already have begun to pour in from SBJ readers. I cannot help pausing to reflect that when the SBJ staff launched the celebration of accomplished women in Springfield and southwest Missouri, we worried that 20 was too great of a number to honor each year. Maybe, we feared, we wouldn’t receive enough nominations to make the recognition truly significant, or that there was not a great enough number of women leaders in our area to sustain the event through the years ahead.

I believed, as well, that as women continued to break through the “glass ceiling” to take their places in all professions and in top management of local businesses and community service organizations, the demand for special recognition publications and events specifically for women would disappear.

I’ve been wrong about many things in business over the years. And I was wrong about the sustainability of the 20 Most Influential Women event. Each year, more great women are nominated, more great women apply for their rightful places among the honorees and the judging panel picks another stellar group.

It’s ironic that our sister publication, Joplin Tri-State Business, has decided to begin its own special events by celebrating the 10 Most Influential Women. JTB received more than 170 nominations shortly after the announcement of the Oct. 19 event. I’m campaigning now for a name change in the 2008 schedule.

The 20 women profiled in the following pages have distinguished themselves in the workplace, in their professions and in the community. I have been fortunate to have so many women in my own life who have helped me along the way. They still help me, and you would not be reading this now if it weren’t for their constant support.

This year, SBJ staff decided to underscore our gratitude by assisting the efforts of Women In Need, a nonprofit organization that makes one-time grants to working women who need critical support at a crucial time. WIN helps one woman at a time to continue to support herself and her family financially when some unforeseen event (like a sick child or a failed car transmission) interferes with the delicate balance that keeps her paychecks coming in. I remember what it feels like to walk that tightrope. I still remember the people that helped me when I needed it the most, and I am proud to join with the SBJ staff to lend a hand with the fundraising.

Finally, I’d like to point out that the location for the photographs of SBJ’s 20 Most Influential Women for 2007 was the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden. This beautiful garden was established with the assistance of a remarkable woman who moved to Springfield with her serviceman husband after World War II. Yuriko Scott was far from home, but her determination and good will toward her adopted country led to the creation of a precious legacy for Springfield. Visitors to the Japanese Stroll Garden, located in the heart of Nathanael Greene Park in southwest Springfield, are moved by the serenity of the garden. Through the efforts and inspiration of this unique woman, the idea for the garden was nurtured and implemented by talented designers and gardeners from our Sister City, Isesaki, Japan, whose citizens also sent about $17,000 to help repair ice-storm damage at the garden.

One of the great pleasures of my job is when I have the opportunity to continue to greet and interact with these women who continue to make a difference.

Congratulations to all the women who are making a difference.