Overheard

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce has qualified for the first Chamber of the Year Award, to be given by the American Chamber of Commerce Executives this summer. Up to four chambers will be recognized for excellence in operations, member services and community leadership. To qualify, chambers had to meet criteria related to net income, current ratios, net assets, annual expenses, net gains in membership dollars, member retention in dollars and member retention in number of accounts. A panel of judges will score each qualifying applicant. Results will be announced Aug. 3 during the American Chamber of Commerce Executives’ annual convention in Sacramento, Calif. The Springfield chamber has nearly 2,000 members, and a full-time staff of about 20.

Former CEOs Remembered

Charles E. Gottas

Charles E. Gottas, who recently retired as president, CEO and chairman of the board of Systematic Savings and Loan Association, died April 14 at age 76. Gottas worked with Systematic Savings, 318 South Ave., for 54 years before retiring Dec. 31. He held every position possible with the residential lender, starting as a part-time teller and moving up to loan officer, bookkeeper and vice president, before being named president in 1984. Gottas graduated from Drury University in 1961 with an undergraduate degree in business administration; he was one of the school’s first two students to earn a degree entirely through evening courses. Gottas was active in several community organizations, including Downtown Springfield Association and Kiwanis. Gottas was buried April 19 at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 3506 N. National Ave.

Jack Henry

John W. “Jack” Henry, co-founder of Jack Henry & Associates Inc., died of natural causes at age 71, the publicly traded company announced April 13. Henry, who also was acting vice chairman and senior vice president, began the financial service technology provider with Jerry Hall in 1976 in Purdy. Today, the Monett-based company boasts more than 8,700 clients and more than 3,500 employees. Henry was no longer involved in the company’s day-to-day operations but maintained an office at its headquarters. “Jack was not only a great businessman and leader, but he’s also been a good friend to many of us,” said company CEO Jack Prim in a news release. “His common-sense approach to business and his single vision of doing what is best for our customers will continue to guide the company he started for years to come.” Henry told Springfield Business Journal in December that he and Hall’s motto was “to hire people who are a lot smarter than we are.”

In the wake of the news, company shares (Nasdaq: JKHY) dipped 2 cents before bouncing to a near 52-week high of $24.91. The high is $24.93.