Liberty-based B&B Theatres has signed on to be the first tenant of the Ozark River District, formerly called the Finley River Neighborhood Development. The company plans to build an eight-screen movie theater at the intersection of Third and Church streets, according to a city news release.
Construction will begin as soon as modifications to the area's tax-increment financing district have been finalized and should be complete by December, according to the release. The city expects the theater, which will use digital projection and show 3-D movies and hold live events, will employ between 20 and 25. The Ozark River District developer is PlazaCorp Realty Advisors Inc.
All-time Great
"The Great Game of Business," written by open-book management visionary and SRC Holdings Corp. CEO Jack Stack, was selected as one of best business books of all time in a book released in February.
The book details the turnaround of the near-bankrupt SRC in the early 1980s using Stack's open-book management style. "The Great Game of Business" has been translated into eight languages and cited in more than 100 business books.
"The 100 Best Business Books of All Time," co-authored by Jack Covert and Todd Satterson, puts each featured book in context so readers can research solutions to the problems they face.
Freedom in the Black
Springfield-based Freedom Financial Group Inc. wrapped up 2008 with a $303,000 profit, marking its first annual gains since emerging from bankruptcy in 2003.
The profits were due to the company's liquidation of its Canadian subsidiary in May 2008, according to the consumer finance company, which acquires and services subprime auto loans. Revenue was up 11 percent and operating expenses were up 8 percent compared to 2007.
Delinquencies ended the year at 4.9 percent, compared to 14.1 percent in 2007, and net charge-offs were at 6 percent, compared to 12.9 percent in 2007.
Freedom Financial Group was formed in 2003 out of a bankruptcy reorganization plan involving its predecessor, Stevens Financial Group. In 2001, the state ordered Stevens Financial to stop selling securities, owner Clarence Stevens filed for bankruptcy, and he and several employees were later charged with securities fraud and related offenses.
Shares (OTC: FFGR.OB) last closed at 8 cents, compared to a 52-week range of 7 cents to 15 cents.
A Good Start
After a disappointing end to the 2008 travel season, Springfield's Fantastic Caverns is optimistic about the approaching vacation months. January attendance was 23 percent ahead of January 2008, while February also ended well, showing a 12 percent increase in visitation to the cave compared to the previous year, General Manager Steve Thompson said in a company news release.
Also, ticket sales increased in every category of tickets sold; the company says winter is typically its slowest season.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
