Willard Branch Library
A more spacious Willard library opened June 29. The new building, 304 E. Jackson near U.S. Highway 160, is roughly 5,000 square feet, up from 3,200 square feet. The branch features a larger book collection, double the number of computers, a drive-up window and a meeting room that can seat 50. The space was paid for with donations by individuals and Friends of the Library, in addition to library operating funds generated by property taxes. The recently erected building in the East Shopping Center is leased from Morris Loan and Investment Co. Branch Manager Beth Snow and seven employees serve Willard's 3,300 residents. Hours: 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Drive-up service is available for two hours before opening. Phone: (417) 742-4258.
Sam's Club
A second Sam's Club opened in Springfield on July 23. Located at 745 W. El Camino Alto, near the intersection of Campbell Avenue and James River Freeway, the store aims to serve south Springfield residents and suburbs such as Ozark and Nixa. Manager Jordan Adkins, who began as an hourly cart attendant in Joplin, oversees 250 employees in the 135,000-square-foot building. In addition to the standard merchandise, the store has a gas station, pharmacy, one-hour photo lab, bakery, tire and battery service, floral department, vision/hearing centers and café. This Sam's Club also has a car wash and environmental features, such as 192 skylights and light-emitting diode lighting for jewelry cases and freezers. Hours: 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m Sunday. Phone: (417) 881-9676.
Law Office of James McNabb
The Law Office of James McNabb opened April 1 downtown at 202 E. Olive St. James McNabb worked as a public defender in Springfield 1980-85, after graduating from law school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He then worked on his own in Marshfield and took an "early retirement," sailing around the U.S. coasts, before returning to Springfield earlier this year. McNabb plans to primarily handle employment and bankruptcy cases, though he'll also practice criminal and domestic law. McNabb estimates that startup costs for his business, located in a building leased from the owners of Rosenbaum's Jewelry, were between $8,000 and $10,000. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment. Phone: (417) 862-7400.
Springfield Business Journal brings you new businesses each week. Send business info by fax to (417) 799-0603 or by e-mail to sbj@sbj.net.
