Volume XX, No. 1 looks to future, celebrates past

With 19 years in the publishing business tucked under our belts, the staff of the Springfield Business Journal is setting out boldly, we think, toward the horizon of the coming millennium.

As we begin Volume 20 of our weekly newspaper, we are already planning our 20th anniversary issue in July 2000.

With this first edition of Volume 20, Managing Editor Paul Flemming inaugurates a series of stories profiling businesses that have existed under continual, local ownership in the Springfield area for 100 years or more.

This week, Kris Ann Hegle tells the story of Rathbone Ace Hardware on Commercial Street. Using vintage photographs and contemporary sources, she focuses on the historic origins of this landmark retailer, as well as providing insight into Springfield as it was when the store opened. Flemming is planning for similar century business profiles to appear monthly throughout the next year.

SBJ's editorial staff has also dedicated additional pages for special articles detailing the changes in key industries, including banking, legal, real estate, health care and telecommunications, during the 19 years of this paper's own history.

We're celebrating our own growth, too, with ambitious plans to build the Business Journal's next level with an expanded presence on the Internet, and well-researched and -developed special products and events.

To mark our commitment, Cheryl Aker Fierke has joined the staff as special projects and events coordinator. Fierke is part of SBJ's past, too. After more than 10 years away, she is back to be a part of the future.

Bryan Smith is another returning staff member. As a senior at Oklahoma Christian University, where he has served as editor of the student newspaper, he is the only intern we've ever had who has worked two summer stints. This year, we are giving him even more responsibility. In addition to weekly reporting, Smith is updating our Web site, and he is playing a key role in the upcoming "Business of Golf" special section, including Nike Ozarks Open coverage, in the issue of Aug. 9.

Eric Bartelsmeyer has recently joined the company as advertising account executive for Springfield Parent & Family, a monthly tabloid publication originating from our downtown offices at 313 Park Central West. A native of Aurora and a graduate of Missouri Southern State College, Bartelsmeyer will provide service to current advertisers, as well as developing new business.

It's a particular pleasure for me, at SBJ's anniversary time, to have the opportunity to look back on SBJ's history with pride and gratitude, and to have future goals to eagerly anticipate. Loyal readers, advertisers, staff members and the business and professional community of the Springfield area are the reasons we exist. Thank you for the chance to show what we can do.

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