SBJ's Dynamic Dozen honors fastest-growing companies

2004 Book of Lists to be unveiled at March 10 event

by Eric Olson

SBJ Reporter

eolson@sbj.net

Recent economic times have been troubling for many companies across the country. But in the Ozarks, 12 companies have bucked the national trend, posting record growth over the last three years.

Springfield Business Journal has coined the area's fastest-growing companies the 2004 Dynamic Dozen and will recognize them March 10 during an after-hours networking event at Springfield's new Traffic Downtown Club.

Dynamic Dozen, SBJ's newest annual event, will feature a countdown of the 12 honorees, culminating with the announcement of southwest Missouri's No. 1 fastest growing company.

The evening also is the debut party for the 2004 SBJ Book of Lists, and each ticket holder will receive an advance copy. Dynamic Dozen tickets are available at SBJ offices.

Springfield CPA firm Elliott, Robinson |amp| Company LLP reviewed company gross revenues for fiscal years 2001, 2002 and 2003 to determine the fastest-growing companies, based on dollar amounts and percentage increase of gross revenues.

Jan Badgett, Community Hospices of America vice president of community services, said she was surprised to learn the company had cracked the top 12.

|quot|I knew our company had been growing very rapidly, but I didn't know how it compared to other companies in the Springfield area, so naturally, I was very excited and surprised,|quot| Badgett said.

Community Hospices has withstood the recession, she said, because of the nature of the business end-of-life health care. |quot|We're not dependent on the economy like some businesses are,|quot| Badgett said.

Last August Community Hospices' corporate offices relocated to South Eastgate after outgrowing its space on East Primrose.

To Great Southern Bank Vice President of Community Development Brian Fogle, the honor is a reflection of community growth.

|quot|Southwest Missouri is the fastest growing area of the state,|quot| Fogle said. |quot|It's an honor for our owners, and our customers and the communities we serve.|quot|

Fogle points to national commercial lending trends to prove his point. Between 2000 and 2003, commercial loans were down 20 percent nationwide, he said.

During that same time, Great Southern commercial loan volume increased 35 percent. |quot|We're just awfully fortunate to live in such a great place that has been prosperous.|quot|

Sponsors

Dynamic Dozen's presenting sponsor is Reliable Imports. Nixon |amp| Lindstrom Insurance, Springfield's Best and Elliott, Robinson |amp| Company LLP are the event's gold sponsors. Clear Channel Radio is the media sponsor and will provide the event's emcee.