Stop the Presses: SBJ seeks 2002 Economic Impact nominees

Close on the dorsal fins of power exhibited April 25 at the Wonders of Wildlife Museum by Springfield Business Journal's awesome 40 Under 40 Class of 02, the nomination deadline for Economic Impact and Lifetime Achievement in Business awards rapidly approaches.

Drop-dead deadline to receive applications is 5 p.m. Friday, May 17. This will only give the judges' panel a single week to consider the candidates and return their decisions.

For this year's third-annual event, each winner will represent one of the following five sectors: commercial real estate, education, food service industry, recreation and transportation/shipping.

A sixth and separate designation of particular distinction is the Lifetime Achievement in Business Award, set aside for an individual who has demonstrated a career of service, achievement and ethical practice in his or her business or profession.

The recipient of the Lifetime Achievement designation, as well as the three finalists in all of the five categories are profiled in a glossy, full-color magazine-style publication which will be presented at the July 25 ceremonial banquet event and then in the following issue of SBJ. Please put the banquet on your summer calendar. It is the Business Journal's premier event and is scheduled to coincide with the staff's 22nd anniversary celebration. We promise a memorable occasion.

The nugget of what I'm working to convey here is this: Please do not delay any longer in contacting us with 2002 Economic Impact nomination information.

The parameters are simple. This is SBJ's way of recognizing companies (and an individual) that distinguish themselves through their business practices, commitment to staff, dedication to clients, leadership and community service.

All of you know of organizations and leaders worthy of congratulation, adulation and emulation. You may wish to nominate yourself or your organization. We won't tell. It's a win-win proposition. So, take action right now.

You can call us please ask for Special Products/Events Coordinator Debra Fickbohm or for me and we'll guide you through the process. You may send us a facsimile or e-mail with the following facts: your name, address and phone; the name of the company you are nominating and the category for which you are making the nomination (see paragraph three, above); address and phone number of the nominated company or individual; and the principal contact or company chief executive officer.

The SBJ staff will gather the remainder of the information required by the judges.

The Springfield Business Journal telephone is 417-831-3238. The main fax number is 417-831-5478. Debra's e-mail is dfickbohm@sbj.net.

Mine is delizabeth@sbj.net.

Act now. You won't regret taking one moment to make a proud event for an individual and a whole group of people and that can last forever.

Thanks.