Who’s the chamber’s Champion of Enterprise?

Herschend Family Entertainment was the headliner last night during the state chamber’s annual meeting and awards banquet held at Big Cedar Lodge on Table Rock Lake.

The theme park and attraction company known locally for Silver Dollar City and Showboat Branson Belle was named the 2016 Champion of Enterprise.

“Herschend Family Entertainment is an anchor and in a great way, the author, of southwest Missouri’s tourism economy,” Missouri chamber President and CEO Dan Mehan said in a news release. “Millions of lives have been improved because of the jobs and economic opportunities this family has spurred.” 

HFE has over 10,000 employees and operates 26 attractions in 10 states – including Dollywood, Stone Mountain Park and the Harlem Globetrotters.

Other Springfield-area businesses honored by the chamber were Phoenix Home Care Inc. and The Great Game of Business Inc., both among the eight Fast Track award winners for fast-growth and economic drivers.

Phoenix Home Care, founded in 2011, has grown to roughly 2,900 employees in the last several years. The Great Game of Business Inc. is a consulting firm that helps companies implement open-book management practices outlined in Jack Stack’s book, “The Great Game of Business.” Great Game staff members have trained over 6,000 companies worldwide, including Southwest Airlines Co., Harley Davidson Inc. and Whole Foods Market, according to its website.

“We consider these companies the superheroes of our economy,” Mehan added. “Many have overcome significant obstacles to be where they are today, but through hard work, innovation and perseverance they are thriving and providing thousands of Missourians with good-paying jobs and opportunities.”