Five in running for the Chamber’s 2011 Small Business Award

Five area businesses are finalists for the W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award to be presented by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce May 4 during its annual awards luncheon.

The award, presented by the Chamber’s Small Business Council, is determined by written applications scored by an independent panel of judges. 

The application consists of written essays covering the topics of company history, business or management philosophy, response to challenges, innovative products or services offered and community-oriented contributions.

Finalists are:

Intuitive Web Solutions, LLC, develops and markets web-based software solutions for insurance companies across the United States. With 34 employees, co-owners are Chris Reynolds and Phil Reynolds.

J. Howard Fisk Limousines, Inc., provides a variety of destination management services for local and regional firms.  With 30 employees, president is J. Howard Fisk.

Ozarks Food Harvest, Inc., a food bank in southwest Missouri, serves more than 300 hunger-relief organizations across 28 counties. With 29 employees, president and CEO is Bart Brown.

Pension Consultants, Inc., manages and evaluates all areas of employer-sponsored retirement plans. With 15 employees, president and founder is Brian D. Allen, CFP, QPA.

Pinnacle Sign Group, Inc., full service sign manufacturing company specializing in custom design, fabrication, installation and service.  With 26 employees, owner and president is Darren Pearce.

Russell Cellular, Inc., is the presenting sponsor for the award luncheon. Register now for the luncheon!

Economic growth is in the air!

In March, the Springfield area had three significant expansion and jobs announcements.

Businesses and manufacturers are regaining confidence which is a good indication that our economy is indeed recovering and will continue moving upward over the coming months.

Check out the good news via our local media outlets!

• Performance Food Group - Roma of Springfield expands local facility, adds jobs
Audio via KSMU

• New orthopedics hospital will help patients, spur growth in southeast Springfield
Video via KY3

• John Deere Reman to create jobs and bring investment to the area
Video via KY3

Last chance to attend a Legislative Breakfast this session

The Springfield Metro Partnership's Legislative Breakfast Series is quickly coming to an end. The last breakfast is 7 a.m., April 27, at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City. RSVP now.

These events provide networking opportunities with state legislators over breakfast in Jefferson City. The Chamber is a member of the Springfield Metro Partnership.