Overheard

Mid-Missouri Bancshares Inc. has bought three plots of land along high-traffic Springfield roads for future bank sites. Ken Schwab of Wilhoit Properties was broker for two purchases: 930 N. Glenstone Ave., the site of a former strip center that burned down in October across from Evangel University, and land without an address yet assigned to it on the northwest corner of the Kansas Expressway and Sunshine Street intersection.

Bob Murray of R.B. Murray Co. was broker for land purchased at 3536 E. Sunshine St., near Sam’s Club. Lee Gilbert, Mid-Missouri Bank CEO, said construction wouldn’t begin this year.

Burrito Battle

Denver-based Chipotle Mexican Grill will open its first Springfield location at South Campbell Avenue and West Walnut Lawn Street later this year. Known for its made-to-order burritos with fresh ingredients, Chipotle will occupy the former Fiesta Ranchera restaurant on the intersection’s northeast corner. A company spokesman said the new eatery doesn’t shy away from competition. There’s a Taco Bell just to the north, and south Springfield already has three Qdoba Mexican Grills, on East Sunshine Street, South Kansas Expressway and West Battlefield Road.

Revenue on the Upswing

Missouri’s fiscal year-to-date net general revenue collections were up 4.8 percent to $4.66 billion at the end of February.

For the month, collections also were up – by 4.7 percent – to $403.7 million. February was the biggest month for individual refunds in Missouri’s history. Though they were down 3.7 percent for the year-to-date at $594.3 million, a record $218 million was refunded for the month, an increase of 1 percent.

Leadership Springfield No. 23

Leadership Springfield is accepting applications through March 30 for its 23rd class, which begins this fall.

The nonprofit organization, an affiliate of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, will select 32 participants for the nine-month leadership development program. The program includes two retreats and intensive, daylong sessions once a month on topics ranging from leadership dynamics to civic awareness to criminal justice and public safety, according to a news release.

Those chosen to participate in the program are emerging business and community leaders who have demonstrated leadership potential and shown concern for Springfield’s future. To learn more about Leadership Springfield or to obtain an application, visit www.leadershipspringfield.com or call Kim Wilcox at (417) 862-5567.