Open for Business

Shawn Askinosie opened Askinosie Chocolate LLC on May 4 at 514 E. Commercial St., where he produces and sells premium dark chocolate. Askinosie, a longtime Springfield defense attorney, has been working to open his factory for about two years, during which time he’s studied chocolate production techniques, acquired equipment, purchased and renovated the 4,000-square-foot building, and traveled for business to Amazon rainforests, where he buys his cacao beans. Askinosie sells 3-ounce chocolate bars for $7.50. He’s also developed wholesale accounts in Iowa and Vermont. Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Phone: (417) 862-9900.

Bill’s Electric

Dale Wilson moved Bill’s Electric Inc. on May 1. The commercial electrical contractor relocated to 732 N. Miller Ave. in Springfield after spending 12 years at 163 E. Highway CC in Nixa, according to branch manager Brandon Wilson, Dale Wilson’s son. Bill’s Electric, established in the 1950s, has headquarters in Joplin and also has an office in Lowell, Ark. The Springfield office employs 55 of the company’s 240 employees. Hours: 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Phone: (417) 865-2455.

Downtown Beat Magazine

Jesse Witham and Dylan Collins launched Downtown Beat Magazine on April 2. The magazine, under the banner Downtown Beat LLC, focuses on nightlife, dining, art, real estate and other aspects of downtown Springfield, said President and Editor Witham. It generates revenue solely from advertising and is distributed to free pick-up locations throughout Springfield. Downtown Beat has a monthly circulation of 5,000, and Witham said they aim to double that by the end of the first year. Witham, Collins and Art Director Ryan Strong are the magazine’s three full-time employees. They plan to sponsor events periodically, beginning with Downtown Beat Summer Kick-Off, a live music event June 8 at Jordan Creek Bar & Grill. Downtown Beat has offices at 509 W. Olive, Ste. 207, but Witham said employees don’t keep regular hours. Phone: (417) 225-8822.

Reporter Cory Smith brings you new businesses each week. He may be reached by e-mail at csmith@sbj.net, by fax at (417) 799-0603 or by phone at (417) 831-3238.[[In-content Ad]]