Opinion: These honorees are walking the walk

Janet Dankert

In 2000, Springfield Business Journal founder Dianne Elizabeth Osis created the Economic Impact Awards to honor those dedicated to improving our community in a big way. I was humbled to be honored as SBJ’s 2023 Community Involvement Champion for my volunteerism and work as president/CEO of Community Partnership of the Ozarks. People who know me understand that this work is the second love of my life behind my family and something that I am blessed to do every day.

This year, SBJ is recognizing 14 stellar organizations that range from new businesses to those who have served our community for more than 75 years. If there is one word that exemplifies this year’s honorees, it is impact. We are incredibly lucky to live in a community where businesses, institutions and nonprofit organizations not only talk the talk but walk the walk by investing in their people, their clients and those they serve, and our community at large. I have lived and worked in many different places and have never seen the level of impact and collaboration we have here anywhere else. 

When I think of impact and someone who truly walks the walk, this year’s Lifetime Achievement in Business honoree, Clif Smart, is someone that comes to the top of my mind – not only through his successful legal career, but also his long tenure as president of Missouri State University, where his achievements are amazing. From new records for student enrollment and the largest fundraising campaign in the university’s history, to the development of the Efactory, IDEA Commons Research Park and Brick City and the renovation of Glass Hall, Clif has been a game-changer and a trendsetter for our community.

He’s also led the way by championing inclusive excellence so that MSU is a diverse and welcoming place for all students and through his commitment to leadership by serving on many local, statewide and national boards and committees over the years. I am proud to call him a friend and excited to see him honored by SBJ.

Congratulations to all of this year’s Economic Impact Award winners! As economic powerhouses and role models who walk the walk every day, you are making a positive difference in the lives of the people who live in our communities, and that is something to celebrate.

Janet Dankert is the president and CEO of Community Partnership of the Ozarks Inc. and the 2023 Economic Impact Awards Community Involvement Champion. She can be reached at jdankert@cpozarks.org.