Keynote speaker Nancy O’Reilly reminds the crowd of nearly 700 about the need for women to continue to take a stand.

Springfield Business Journal honored its 2008 class of Twenty Most Influential Women during a Sept. 26 luncheon at University Plaza. The 2008 class, in alphabetical order, is: Paula Adams, Bonnie Bell, Judy Bilyeu, Kathy Clancy, Paula Dougherty, Cheryl L. Fitch, Jan Harper, Vickie Hicks, Tamera S. Jahnke, Jennifer Kennally, Kristin Kubitschek, Angie Mullings, Jill Patterson, Jami Peebles, Kathie Peterie, Theresa L. Pollard, JaDonna Rice, Vickie Shaffer, Joan Whitaker and Cindy Whitten.

Realtor Carol Jones receives a $5,000 donation to the Carol Jones Recovery Center for Women from Howard Cavner on behalf of the Cavner family.

Dayna and Larry Salsman, brother of honoree Cheryl Fitch.

Tricia Ronk of U.S. Bank and Jane McElvaine of Maxon’s Diamond Merchants.

Lauren O’Reilly and Phyllis Tisdale, supporting Nancy O’Reilly.

Tonya Eddington of Select Specialty Hospital and Pam Randles of Penmac.

Maggie McDowell of Springfield Police Department and Tabitha Hendricks of PC Net.

Jerry and Loretta Rolland of Cake Emporium.

Claudia Saul and Teresa Schwab, supporting 417 Publishing co-owner Joan Whitaker.

Debbie Boulware of Penmac Personnel Services and Cinda Bauer of Branson Ridge Winery.