Need to Know

Springfield Business Journal’s 12 People You Need To Know monthly series kicked off Jan. 15 at the Clarion Hotel’s Newsroom Café. At right, featured guest Mark McFatridge, left, talks with SBJ Editor Eric Olson about his work as area executive for Regions Bank’s Central/Southern Missouri Banking Group. McFatridge, who moved to Springfield from Indianapolis to take the newly created position in September 2006, said his first job has been to spread the word about Regions’ renewed focus on commercial and private banking.

At left, Scott Tarwater, senior vice president of development for John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts, asks McFatridge for his regional economic outlook. Tarwater, another of SBJ’s 12 People You Need To Know, will be the featured guest March 11. Above right, Michal Moss Early, bank manager and assistant vice president at Arvest Bank, welcomes the crowd of more than 60 guests. Arvest Bank is the presenting sponsor of the entire 12 People series. For more information, go to www.sbj.net/event.asp.

At right, after the event, Springfield Cardinals Vice President of Sales and Marketing Kirk Elmquist and Regions Bank Vice President of Private Banking Tony Shalloup chat with SBJ Publisher Dianne Elizabeth Osis and her husband, Andis Osis.