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SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL ·
3
JAN. 28, 2019
2019 BOOK OF LISTS
Many thanks to artist Elisa
Kruger for sharing her work
titled, “The Dream Catch,”
for the cover of the book.
After the SBJ editorial team
selected the piece, done in
alcohol ink on Yupo paper,
Kruger shipped it in from
Texas, with permission by its
owner.
Kruger is a self-taught artist, who worked in
the hospitality industry – most recently the sales
manager at University Plaza Hotel – and began
producing art as a hobby a few years ago. She
recently exited the hospitality industry to work full
time in her art business, Art By Elisa Kruger LLC.
T
he lists compiled each week by Springfield Business
Journal’s editorial team provide a snapshot into the
various industries and business sectors in our market.
Together, in the Book of Lists, these facts, figures
and names tell the story of our business community.
It may seem odd to call the compilation of numbers a story, but
in truth, that’s the building block to any good narrative.
When I flip through these pages, here are some of the stories I see.
The coming impact of future young professionals is evident on
the area’s largest colleges list. There are 42,525 students enrolled
in seated classes among six area institutions.
A picture of the health of our local economy is on display with
the list of the area’s largest banks. The top five banks, ranked by
the amount of local deposits in 2018, together represent $5.3 bil-
lion in local wealth, a 9 percent increase from the prior year.
I see the American dream realized when reading the largest
mortgage lenders list. In 2017, the top 10 lenders approved 7,335
home loans.
A growing and vibrant workforce is reflected on the list of largest employers in the Springfield area.
The 10 largest companies grew their workforces by 11.7 percent year-to-year, with more than 48,000
employees represented in the 2018 list.
The generosity of our local businesses and residents is clear through the largest charitable nonprof-
its list. In 2017, the top five nonprofits by employee count boasted operating budgets in excess of $167
million. That’s a lot of donations, sponsorships and grants.
What stories do you see? I hope many jump out to you, too, as you flip through the next 60 pages.
For 25 years, SBJ’s team has surveyed local businesses and asked them to submit information for in-
clusion on these lists. This is an editorial product through and through, meaning participation is vol-
untary and rankings are strictly based on the criteria established by the newsroom.
Special thanks to the many businesses that took time to submit information. I also want to thank
SBJ researcher Matthew Henderson, who compiled each list in this book, as well as the editorial team
who edited and fact-checked line-by-line. And thanks to the sales team who helps bridge connections
to new and growing businesses.
We hope this collection of data is valuable as you operate your own business, manage your team or
work to make connections as you rise the ladder in your profession.
Each week, we boil down what you need to know as your Business Authority. We’re in the business
of information. And we know you are, too, as data influences your everyday decisions.
Welcome to the 26th Book of Lists.
—Christine Temple
Features Editor and Audience Development Director,
Springfield Business Journal
Numbers, Narrative & Now
The data in this 26th edition
Book of Lists present a true narrative
COVER
ART
Elisa Kruger
Matthew
Henderson,
research