Springfield companies recognized at governor's conference

During the second day of the 2011 Governor’s Conference on Economic Development Sept. 22, four Springfield organizations were honored by Gov. Jay Nixon for community and economic impact.

Business leaders statewide have come together this week at Springfield's University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center for the conference, which began Sept. 21 and ends today.

Discovery Center of Springfield Inc., Holloway America, Intuitive Web Solutions and SRC Holdings Corp. received accolades, according to a news release.

The Discovery Center was recognized with the governor's Community/Redevelopment Award, which recognizes community and redevelopment projects that have had a significant impact on the community and its citizens. The Discovery Center turned three old buildings and a parking lot - which were in disrepair and in a blighted portion of the city - into the science center. According to the release, the center is an educational tool for students, families and business sectors such as the design and construction industries.

Springfield-based manufacturer Holloway America was given the governor's Exporter of the Year Award, recognizing small- to medium-sized manufacturing or service firms that are new-to-export or new-to-market for exporting expertise and use of the services provided by the Missouri International Trade and Investment Office. Holloway America, which designs and manufactures stainless steel products for myriad industries, exports to 17 countries, the release said.

Chris Reynolds, president of business development, and Phillip Reynolds, president of products, for Intuitive Web Solutions, received the governor's Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Intuitive Web Solutions builds Web-based property and casualty insurance administration software. The award recognizes principals of entrepreneurial companies who have provided significant leadership efforts for a startup company, creating employment opportunities in the private sector, the release said.

SRC Holdings Corp. was honored with the governor's Innovative Industry Training Award, recognizes businesses or groups that have had a positive impact on the community, the work force and/or the company's success through the use of industry training and education. SRC has a partnership with Ozarks Technical Community College, allowing SRC workers to take college courses on the campus of SRC, according to the release.[[In-content Ad]]