SBJ expands with new publication

After years of considering a second publication and months of preparation, the first issue of SBJ’s sister publication, Joplin Tri-State Business, hits newsstands today.

Drawing from 25-year-old SBJ’s established style and readership, the paper goes to press every other week and targets the tri-state area, which includes Joplin, Webb City, Carthage, Neosho, Pittsburg, Kan., and Miami, Okla. It features a number of SBJ’s traditional elements – such as Newsmakers, Business Spotlight and On the Record – as well as a handful of unique sections.

“JTB’s content will focus on the businesses, industries, organizations and people that are making this area one of the fastest growing in the nation,” wrote Dianne Elizabeth Osis, SBJ and JTB owner and publisher, in a column to Joplin readers. “It is no accident that Joplin and the tri-state region boast vibrant small businesses, large corporations, major health care hubs, vigorous retail and manufacturing sectors, and prominent higher learning institution.”

Editor Jeff Wells leads the JTB staff, and SBJ Advertising/Marketing Director Mike Noggle is serving as general manager at the Joplin office, located in the Joseph Newman Innovation Center near the Joplin Chamber of Commerce.

Top stories in this week’s issue of JTB include:

• Extending the Joplin area – Joplin’s population count hardly represents the number of people that live, work and conduct business in the tri-state area. The region’s diversity is inspiring construction projects, new retail and jobs.

• New owners excited about ‘nuts and bolts’ opportunity – A couple from California has acquired Component Packaging in Joplin. Mike and Lori Magoulas say they purchased the fasteners, nuts and bolts packager because of the Joplin area’s growing population and labor pool.

• Zahn, Ridgway renovation plans advance – With building plans submitted and tax credits approved, developers Carlson Gardner Inc. are preparing to seek bids for the renovation of the Zahn and Ridgway apartments in downtown Joplin.

To request a copy of JTB or to subscribe, contact the SBJ office at (417) 831-3238 or the JTB office at (417) 625-6699. E-mail requests may be sent to bellis@joplintsb.com or dweber@sbj.net.

Click here to read more about JTB’s debut in Osis’ column, appearing in this week’s issue of SBJ.