Newsroom Notes: Events showcase business success stories

Having been a business journalist for nine years, I've written, assigned and edited stories about all facets of business - the good, the bad and the ugly. Journalistic ethics dictate that my colleagues and I don't twist the facts to give news coverage a slant; we simply report what is, taking care to show all sides of an issue.

Revenues go up and down; jobs are added and taken away; and construction projects take shape or sometimes stall as lenders pull back on financing.

There are, of course, readers who would like us to spend more time on the positive side of the news radar, but when it comes to news, that's not a request we can objectively - or ethically - honor.

The news is what it is, and it's our job to share it with you.

Recognizing achievements

That said, one aspect of our business model - the five groups of awards we present each year - gives us a platform to share a brighter side of business, honoring companies and individuals who are forging ahead to myriad accomplishments.

SBJ's awards - Dynamic Dozen, 40 Under 40, Economic Impact Awards, Most Influential Women and Choice Employers - put the spotlight on management philosophies, growth strategies and innovations that are making a difference in southwest Missouri.

Significant impact

Our most recent honors, the 2009 Economic Impact Awards, were no exception, as the event honored front-runners in private education, home health care, manufacturing, innovation and entrepreneurship.

The honorees were chosen by an independent panel of judges, but all had interesting perspectives to share. (See photos of the July 23 event and other coverage at sbj.net/eia.)

The signature honor of the Economic Impact Awards is the Lifetime Achievement in Business Award, presented this year to Patti Penny, founder of Springfield-based Penmac Personnel Services Inc. Penny is the first woman to receive this honor, joining the ranks of John Q. Hammons, Jack Stack, Ralph Manley, Charlie O'Reilly, Larry Wallis, Edwin C. Rice Jr., Tom Finnie, Jim Anderson and Jim D. Morris.

Penny, a consummate businesswoman and longtime philanthropist, has something in common with others who have been recognized with one or more of our awards: She isn't afraid to dig in her heels and work hard - and it shows in her successes.

In September, we'll celebrate our newest class of Most Influential Women, a group of 20 ladies who are making their marks in everything from education to health care to charitable endeavors. And we're taking nominations through Aug. 17 for our Choice Employers awards, which recognize the best workplaces in the Ozarks. Those nominations, as well as those for the 2010 awards cycle, can be made online at sbj.net/events.

Take a look around. Maybe you, or someone you work with, should be considered for an individual award. Or maybe your company is a great place to work, and others need to hear about it.

Secrets to success

There are common themes among leading southwest Missouri companies and businesspeople who are recognized with our awards. These include a willingness to be flexible and adapt to changing business conditions and having the courage to try new things to achieve growth. And if you think about it, that's good news for all of us.Maria Hoover is features editor of Springfield Business Journal.