SBJ honors those making an impact

A July 27 banquet honored four companies, one nonprofit and one individual for their impact on southwest Missouri, dubbed the state’s economic engine in recent years.

Honors in the services category went to St. John’s Health System, which last year posted net revenues of $1.2 billion and a payroll of $567 million.

St. John’s President and CEO Kim Day said the award means a lot to his organization.

“We’re here to serve, and we love the amount of community support that we continue to get,” Day said. “It’s truly an honor that the Business Journal acknowledged us with the award.”

O’Reilly Automotive was honored in the retail/wholesale category, in part for its southwest Missouri revenue topping $100 million, but also for its aid to local charities including Ozark Greenways, Missouri State Council of the Arts and Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks.

Entrepreneur of the Year kudos went to Cruisin’ 66, the motorcycle shop opened by Colorado natives Nan and Tim Woodsome in 2003.

Oxford HealthCare was named Innovator of the Year for its telehealth technology, which allows clients to report their health status by telephone, cutting back on unneeded home visits.

Springfield Victory Mission won the award for Nonprofit of the Year. The organization provided programs and services in 2005 worth more than $3 million, and it continues to grow; dormitory-style hotel Victory Lodge will open later this year.

The Rev. Jim Harriger, executive director of the Victory Mission, was slightly awestruck by the honor.

“Standing there with St. John’s (and) O’Reilly Automotive was just so very humbling,” he said. “Here we are, a Christian ministry in town. To be recognized as having the economic impact on the community – not just that we touch lives and help people, but that we really go far beyond that – was amazing for me. What a thrill to be recognized by others, that what we do every day really does make a difference in the community.”

The final award of the evening went to the man who gave the keynote speech: former City Manager Tom Finnie.

Finnie served as Springfield’s city manager for more than 15 years, overseeing the creation of the Vision 20/20 long-range plan; the development of two industrial centers; and the opening of Jordan Valley Park, including the car park, Springfield Exposition Center and Hammons Field.

In his address, Finnie recounted those achievements and pointed out how the lessons the city has learned can be applied to business.

“You have to take risks,” Finnie told the crowd of approximately 275 at Bass Pro Shops’ White River Room.

“He’s done a lot of good things for this community,” St. John’s Day said about Finnie. “And I believe we’re truly indebted to him for everything he’s done to provide leadership and direction for this community.”

SBJ has made a $1,000 contribution to the charity of Finnie’s choice: Community Foundation of the Ozarks. Finnie said he’d like to help fund the Springfield Symphony’s free concert in Jordan Valley Park next year.

“It’s such a pleasure to be able to make this donation,” said SBJ Publisher Dianne Elizabeth Osis. “This is just one of the things that make all our efforts very worthwhile.”

This was the first year that EIA was not held at The Tower Club; the seven-year-old event had outgrown that space.

The reaction was positive. “I’ve actually attended the banquet the last several years, and this year’s was probably one of the nicest I’ve been to,” Day added.

Joe Jenkins of Jenkins Diesel served as emcee. Jenkins was keynote speaker in 2005.

Next Up: Twenty Most Influential Women

SBJ’s fourth and final special event in 2006 is Twenty Most Influential Women.

What: Seventh annual luncheon recognizing women

When: 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Sept. 22

Where: University Plaza Convention Center

Who: (in alphabetical order) Marci Bowling, Developmental Center of the Ozarks; Dolores Brooks, Ozarks Technical Community College; Andrea Croley, Croley Insurance & Financial; Liz Delany, Alice 95.5 FM; Susie Dollar, certified public accountant; Judy Doverspike, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Southwest Missouri; Melissa Haddow, Community Partnership of the Ozarks; Robin House, City Utilities; Camille Lockhart, BKD LLP; Ann Meese, Springfield Catholic Schools; Bev Miller, American Red Cross Greater Ozarks Chapter; Rita Needham, Southwest Area Manufacturers Association; Barby Pohl, Great Southern Bank; Pat Reiser, Family Violence Center Inc.; Peggy Riggs, Springfield Public Schools; Deanna Scott, Legal Services of Southern Missouri; Debra Shantz, Hammons Hotels; Krystal Simon, Interactive Hotel Solutions; Mary Lilly Smith, City of Springfield; and Angela Wessell, Burrell Behavioral Health.

Cost: $29 per ticket

Contact: SBJ Circulation Director Diana Weber, (417) 831-3238 or online at sbj.net