Overheard

A special Springfield Business Journal feature last year that examined the demographics of Springfield residential ZIP codes scored the publication a gold award for Best Feature Layout at the June 19–21 Alliance of Area Business Publications annual conference.

SBJ Features Editor Maria Hoover, Reporter Jeremy Elwood and Editorial Designer Aaron Scott were the main players behind the May 14, 2007, feature, called “Cracking the Codes,” which gave insight into the people and economies of each ZIP code. The report is available here.

The first place award recognized the feature’s visual and informative elements: “There are exactly two paragraphs of narrative to introduce this package, yet overall it has more information than 50 inches of text,” the judges wrote. “It’s clever, reader-friendly and easy to navigate. Readers can quickly gauge the value of their homes, their neighbors and other neighborhoods in their community. The color-coded graphics help readers zero in on any area of town. The consistency in color and design, the multiple points of entry and the packed but easy-to-read graphics make this entry a winner.”

Duck, Duck, Stamp

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Bass Pro Shops partnered to unveil this year’s Federal Duck Stamp on June 27. The $15 stamp has been in production by the U.S. Postal Service since 1934 as a revenue generator for wetland habitat in the National Wildlife Refuge System. The stamp is a required purchase for anyone 16 years or older who wants to hunt waterfowl in the United States, and it serves as an entrance pass to National Wildlife Refuges. Bass Pro stores around the country are selling the stamps, and more information is at www.fws.gov/duckstamps.

Looking for a Library Leader

The Springfield-Greene County Library District is now accepting applications for its executive director position, which will open in December just prior to current Director Annie Busch’s last day Jan. 6. Chicago-based John Keister & Associates is heading up the search process and is taking all applications and inquiries. The deadline to apply is Aug. 15 or until the position is filled. The position’s annual salary is based on experience with a minimum of $105,000, plus benefits, according to the job description posted to http://thelibrary.org/director. The director is “responsible for identifying, planning, organizing, executing and evaluating an effective program of library service to the citizens of Greene County,” according to the description.

Electric Sticker Shock

The Consumer Price Index for the Midwest climbed nearly 1 percent in May – a gain attributed almost entirely to soaring energy prices. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the index grew 0.9 percent in May, following a 0.8 percent increase in April and 4 percent higher than May 2007. Energy prices, which include motor and household fuels, skyrocketed 7.7 percent for the month, after a 5.2 percent increase in April. Energy prices have grown 15.4 percent since May 2007, led by rising motor fuel costs. The Midwest CPI for All Urban Consumers was 207.17 in May, which means a typical market basket of goods that cost $100 in 1982–84 cost $207.17 in May.[[In-content Ad]]