Stop the Presses: SBJ to launch special products, events in 2000

As we plan to celebrate Springfield Business Journal's 20th anniversary in July, the staff is also preparing to introduce an entirely new group of publications and related special events.

For months, even years, we have held staff meetings, strategic planning retreats and informal brainstorming sessions to figure out ways to build on the strength of the weekly business newspaper that we have developed painstakingly, step by step in partnership with subscribers, advertisers and the southwest Missouri business and professional community.

A new calendar of special publications and events is an opportunity to thank you for your help and support over the years. It is especially fitting that we begin these new projects during this milestone year. Managing Editor Paul Flemming, Advertising Manager Steve Blalock and new staff member, Special Projects Coordinator Keri Franklin, are leaders in carrying out our ambitious plans.

Next week, in the March 6 issue, we'll be inserting the SBJ Golf Guide, a glossy, four-color publication designed to whet your appetite for spring rounds on your favorite local links. Printed in conjunction with the first annual Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Expo, March 10-12, the publication will also include that event's program highlights. We know SBJ readers love golf, and we know you'll enjoy the Golf Guide's pro tips on the toughest 18 holes in southwest Missouri.

In the April 17 issue, we'll insert the special "40 Under 40" magazine designed to recognize top local business and community achievers who are, you guessed it, younger than 40. In addition to reading about these successful young people that you will be hearing about for years to come, you will have a chance to meet them in person at a festive reception.

In July, during our actual anniversary month, we'll be holding the First Annual Economic Impact Awards, recognizing people in diverse economic sectors. To congratulate these achievers, selected by a panel of readers and community leaders, we'll be spotlighting them in our anniversary issue July 17, as well as honoring them in ceremonies and at an elegant banquet.

In October we'll profile 20 of the most influential women in the Ozarks, representing a sampling of different industries and organizations, as well as women at different stages in their careers. The focus of this magazine-style publication will be the challenges these women have faced, and more importantly, how they have achieved their success. We'll also honor them at a luncheon where you will have a chance to meet them face to face.

Dec. 18, a special magazine inserted in the Business Journal will profile the "Top Doctors" in the community, as determined by the medical community itself. How-to articles on the business of medicine will be included, as well as some history of health care in southwest Missouri.

The "SBJ Yearbook" on Dec. 25 is a keepsake of the year in business in Springfield and southwest Missouri. The yearbook magazine will feature month-by-month summaries as they appeared in the pages of the Business Journal, and a compendium of the 52 Ozarks Profiles of the year 2000.

Springfield is growing; the needs of SBJ readers are growing, and the special products are planned to begin to fill these needs.

The events will allow us to get to know our readers and give readers the opportunity to network with fellow businesspeople in the area.

According to Franklin, "our goal with the products and events is to have the community and readers reflect on their businesses, the businesses around them and coworkers. It is also time that SBJ congratulates and commends area businesspeople for their accomplishments with special publications, awards and interesting events."

She adds, and I join her: "And we want to have fun." Getting to know you better will be our pleasure in the months ahead.