MARCH 11-17, 2024 SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 1 MARCH 11-17, 2024 · VOL. 44, NO. 35 $2.50 · SBJ.NET YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY SINCE 1980 A CONVERSATION WITH Springfield Cardinals GM Dan Reiter casts a vision for the ballpark to become an outdoor amphitheater as the team marks 20 years. PAGE 6 Springfield poised for growth, says eco devo specialist by Karen Craigo · kcraigo@sbj.net The economic outlook for Springfield is a sunny one, especially in the technology sector. That’s the synopsis of Ted Abernathy, the featured speaker at the annual meeting of the Springfield Business Development Corp., which was attended by 480 people on March 6 at the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center and marked the 40th year for the economic development group. Abernathy’s company, North Carolina-based Economic Leadership LLC, has worked on projects in more than 20 states and internationally, and he is an economic adviser to the National Association of State Chambers, according to the SBDC. He also works to help companies with site selection around the country, and his remarks focused in part on what makes a community desirable for a company seeking a location. “If you look just since the beginning of COVID, then Missouri’s right in the middle of states that are doing pretty well,” he said. “If you look at what’s happening by sector, construction in Missouri is higher than the national average. Look at manufacturing. The state has exploded as a manufacturing location. Look at financial activities – they’ve come back strong.” And while Missouri is outpacing about half of the states, Springfield’s performance is even better. “Missouri’s actually on a run lately, and if you look at Springfield compared to Missouri, you guys are doing really good,” he said. He said manufacturing jobs over the last 10 years have favored the Midwest and Southeast. “Missouri has ridden the tide of economic success based on that,” he said. by Geoff Pickle · gpickle@sbj.net The Missouri State University Board of Governors has hired Richard “Biff” Williams as the higher education institution’s next president. Williams is scheduled to become MSU’s 12th president on July 1, the university announced early this month. He was named among three finalists in January as the successor to Clif Smart, the university’s president since 2011, who is set to retire this summer. Williams, who served as president of Utah Tech University for nearly 10 years, was chosen over finalists John Jasinski, MSU provost since 2022, and Roger Thompson, vice president for student services and enrollment management at the University of Oregon. Williams exited Utah Tech in See SBDC on page 22 Erin Danastasio: When we understand our strengths, we can market them to others. SBDC speaker identifies regional identity and workforce as key factors to development Richard “Biff” Williams starts this summer after working a decade at Utah Tech University New MSU president sets sights on aggressive student recruitment provided by MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY See PRESIDENT on page 28 Richard ‘Biff’ Williams addresses a crowd during a forum in the Plaster Student Union auditorium on Feb. 15.
MARCH 11-17, 2024 2 · SBJ.NET LISTEN TO ALL EPISODES NOW! Local women share their journey to the top of their professions and the challenges and triumphs they faced along the way. They’re rewriting the script on success and there’s no ceiling. Interviews by SBJ’s Christine Temple. SBJ.net/NoCeiling Listen at SBJ.net/NoCeiling or wherever you find podcasts. Brandi VanAntwerp | Foster Adopt Connect Inc. Yolanda Lorge | Grupo Latinoamericano Sherry Coker | Coker Consulting LLC Stephanie Stenger | Ron Stenger Cos. Mary Kromrey | Ozark Greenways Inc. Jamie Dopp | White River Valley Electric Cooperative Heather Lyons Burney | My Neighbor’s Charitable Pharmacy Alex Erwin | Susan G. Komen Paula Dougherty | Achieve Private Wealth, Ameriprise Financial Services LLC Christina Ford | The Rebound Foundation SEASON 4 GUESTS PRESENTED BY
MARCH 11-17, 2024 SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 3 NEWS CONTENTS Springfield scores bowling industry points with PBA tournament at Enterprise Park Lanes. page 9 Sports & Business Open for Business New ownership is in place at a Mexican-Thai fusion eatery. page 4 Business Spotlight A grassroots effort strives to create a film industry renaissance throughout the Ozarks. page 6 News Mid-Missouri Bank in Mount Vernon is embarking on a leadership transition. page 7 Opinion Page Guest columnist Don Davis says all eyes are on the Fed: When does it plan to cut interest rates and how will it manage its balance sheet? page 27 New Discovery Center CEO continues ‘upstream workforce development’ SPD takes strategic approach to staffing by Geoff Pickle · gpickle@sbj.net As the newly appointed CEO of Discovery Center of Springfield Inc., Tyler Moles has a vision of continuing the momentum of the nonprofit to inspire kids through science-based education and entertainment. Effective March 4, Moles succeeds Rob Blevins, who last year was named chief operating officer of the national Yass Prize and continued to lead the Discovery Center. “One thing I really want to do is just continue what we’ve been doing over the past three years,” Moles said. “The goal is to inspire kids a generation from now and a generation after that.” The Discovery Center serves multiple purposes, including its interactive, handson science center and a private K-8 school focused on science, technology, engineering and math programming. “I call it upstream workforce development,” Moles said of the exhibits that aim to educate and entertain. “If you get them interested young, they will follow that through to adulthood.” Moles previously served as COO of the Discovery Center since 2021 after a seven-year stint as director of development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks Inc, where he previously worked with Blevins. With Blevins and Moles in key leadership roles, the Discovery Center in December 2021 received the $1 million Yass Prize for by Karen Craigo · kcraigo@sbj.net A shortage of officers is a problem that has plagued the Springfield Police Department for years, but new strategies and incentives devised by Chief Paul Williams and City Manager Jason Gage aim to solve the problem. In the Feb. 26 meeting of Springfield City Council, Williams announced the recruiting strategy that had been signed by Gage that morning to fully go into effect next year. The department is operating at a deficit of 57 sworn officer positions – a number that was as high as 70 in 2021 – and the new initiatives aim to restore much of the missing police force. Williams said the department is authorized for 367 sworn officer positions, but only 273 are available for duty. In addition to the 57 vacancies, 14 were in academy training or in the process of lateral or early hire. Another 17 were in a field officer training program and would be released in a month or two, with one on military leave and five injured. Recruitment efforts begin with an updated website, GoSPD.com, which Williams described as a one-stop shop for potential recruits offering increased visibility and access to the department, and it’s already live. Visitors can click on an online comment card and answer a handful of questions, and the information will be sent to a recruiter. Since last year, the city’s human resources staff has included a specialist assigned to the SPD, and that person can provide immediate follow-up, Williams said. See DISCOVERY on page 24 See STAFFING on page 23 Tyler Moles is promoted to succeed Rob Blevins at the Springfield nonprofit City aims to solve vacancy problem with new incentives TAWNIE WILSON Discovery Center CEO Tyler Moles says new exhibits are in the works at the downtown science center. He’s pictured in Jurassic Discovery Unearthed, a project he spearheaded. Chief Paul Williams: SRecruiting for the police department is highly competitive.
MARCH 11-17, 2024 4 · SBJ.NET NEWS By Mike Cullinan, Reporter and Jillian Smith, Editorial Intern New business, new location, new owner? Send your info to newbusiness@sbj.net The Wheelhouse Ozark-based Clear Creek Golf Car and Vehicles LLC acquired local competitor Ozark Golf Cars and Utility Vehicles in a deal that closed Jan. 15. Trey Hathcock, marketing director for Clear Creek, declined to disclose terms of the acquisition, which brings Ozark Golf Cars owner Spencer King and his team on board. King joined Clear Creek in a leadership role, and eight employees from Ozark Golf Cars have combined with the workforce of Clear Creek, which Hathcock said now employs 122. Ozark Golf Cars, which was founded in 2005 and sells E-Z-Go and Yamaha golf cars and the Cushman utility/industrial line, began expanding through acquisitions in 2019 with the purchase of King Karts in Clinton. For Clear Creek, the Ozark Golf Cars deal marked its fourth acquisition since 2021. The company in September purchased Russellville, Arkansas-based Pappy’s Outdoors. That followed recent purchases of Oklahoma City-based Justice Golf Car and a Club Car distributor in Little Rock, Arkansas. This month, the company announced an expansion into Kansas through the acquisition of territory and a retail center from M&M Golf Cars LLC. Hathcock said Clear Creek has 12 stores in four states. Local marijuana company The Farmer’s Wife changed hands in January. Since then, it has been rebranded by its new owner to High Profile. Ann Arbor, Michigan-based C3 Industries took over the state dispensary licenses for The Farmer’s Wife after the deal was approved in November by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ Division of Cannabis Regulation, according to DHSS spokesperson Lisa Cox. She said C3 Industries now owns the licenses via RR Missouri LLC. The ownership transfer comprised one dispensary location apiece in Springfield, Mountain Grove and West Plains, according to DHSS data. Ellen Mellody, senior vice president of public relations for New York Citybased KCSA Strategic Communications, confirmed the acquisition on behalf of C3 Industries. She did not disclose the financial terms of the transaction. The Springfield store announced on Facebook a March 15 grand opening. High Profile has Missouri stores in the cities of Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Mountain Grove, St. Charles, St. Louis, St. Robert and West Plains, according to its website. The Wheelhouse, a Mexican-Thai fusion restaurant, changed ownership on Oct. 16. Lijah Sparlin said he and his wife, Madison, and his brother, Logan, purchased the business from founders Zach and Melissa Smallwood for undisclosed terms. According to Sparlin, the transaction did not include the food truck, which Melissa Smallwood said previously was sold to an undisclosed buyer who plans to use it for a new business. The Sparlins continue to lease space on the ground floor of the Vib Hotel, 1845 E. Sunshine St., for undisclosed terms. The Wheelhouse started as a food truck in 2012 before expanding in 2018 to its brick-and-mortar space in the Vib. Sparlin said he discovered his love for cooking after his mom died from pancreatic cancer in 2020. He said he found comfort in creating meals from scratch, and he felt his skills fit those needed to take over The Wheelhouse, which employs 19. Menu options at the restaurant include include tacos, burritos and wok dishes, such as garlic lo mein and kimchi fried rice. Prices range $3-$15. ☎ 417-430-0400 WheelhouseFood.com Clear Creek Golf Car and Vehicles High Profile ☎417-883-9393 ClearCreekGolfCar.com ☎ 417-708-3050 HighProfileCannabis.com/shop/springfield-mo OPEN FOR BUSINESS Madison and Lijah Sparlin KATELYN EGGER Transportation • Roadway, Roundabout, & Signal Design Land Development • Educational Development • Healthcare Development • Community Development • Residential Development Construction Phase Services • Administration, Observation, & Reports Land Surveying & Mapping • Boundary, Topographical, & ALTA’s gocjw.com TRUSTED, EXPERIENCED & CLIENT FOCUSED
MARCH 11-17, 2024 SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 5 Send your company’s new hires, promotions, awards and achievements to newsmakers@sbj.net or click “Talk to SBJ” on our homepage. Please include job titles and relevant career and educational experiences. We’ll publish high-resolution color photos attached as space permits. LET US KNOW by Eric Olson · eolson@sbj.net Accounting KPM CPAs & Advisors hired certified public accountant Mindy Teeter as controller and Shanna Cass as accounting assistant. Teeter holds a bachelor’s in accounting from Missouri State University, and Cass holds a bachelor’s in management and a master’s in administrative studies from MSU. Banking & Finance Fervent Wealth Management added Joe Shearrer as vice president and wealth adviser. He has 10 years of financial industry experience, most recently as a client manager with Spectrum Accounting, as well as stints as an associate adviser for Southern Bank and a financial adviser for LPL Financial. Shearrer holds a bachelor’s in finance from MSU. Andy Stewart, a certified financial planner with Morgan Stanley, earned the credentials as a qualified plan financial consultant from the National Association of Plan Advisors. Through completed coursework, recipients demonstrate expertise to act as a retirement plan fiduciary or help plan fiduciaries manage their roles and responsibilities. Education Ozark Junior High Assistant Principal Amanda Sooter was appointed the school’s principal for the 2024-25 academic year, succeeding Philip Link, who was named the district’s executive director of human resources. With nearly 15 years working in education, she joined the Ozark district in 2013 and served as assistant principal since 2019. She holds a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Evangel University. Health Care Dallas County Family Medical Center and Walk-In Clinic hired certified family nurse practitioner Nicholas Locke. With 14 years of nursing experience, he previously worked at Citizens Memorial Hospital in the medical-surgical unit and emergency services department, and most recently served as a family nurse practitioner at Select Specialty Hospital in Springfield. Locke holds both a bachelor’s in nursing and a master’s as a family nurse practitioner from Cox College. Media Dori Grinder returned to 417 Magazine in the roles of managing editor and business editor. She previously serves as the publication’s director of marketing and promotions 2005-10, and also held stints as executive officer of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield and local chambers of commerce, including executive director of the Ozark Area Chamber of Commerce and vice president of membership development for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Nexstar Media Group Inc. named Chris Pruitt as vice president and general manager of its broadcast and digital operations in Springfield, succeeding Mike Spruill, who was promoted to VP and GM of Nexstar’s broadcast and digital operations in Nashville, Tennessee. Pruitt oversees Fox television affiliate KRBK, MyNet affiliate KOZL and OzarksFirst.com, as well as Nexstar’s operational agreements with Mission Broadcasting Inc. to provide services for CBS affiliate KOLR. He has nearly 30 years of experience in executive broadcast TV management, sales and marketing, most recently for the company’s media operations in Houston, Texas. Recreation Miracle Recreation’s Rube Goldberg Miracle Machines playground equipment won a Good Design Award from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design. The equipment is a collaboration of Miracle Recreation and The Rube Goldberg Institute for Innovation & Creativity, which uses Goldberg’s cartoons as inspiration in science, technology, engineering, arts and math education, particularly in historically underserved youth communities. Presented since 1950, the awards honor innovative industrial, product and graphic designs produced around the world. NEWSMAKERS Send announcements to newsmakers@sbj.net Stewart Locke Pruitt Grinder Shearrer Teeter Sooter Cass CONTACT US TODAY | 417-866-6199 | NESBITTCONSTRUCTION.COM Commercial & Industrial New Construction & Remodeling The experience to meet your needs BUILT TO LAST DELIVERING INNOVATIVE, HIGH-QUALITY SOLUTIONS THAT EXCEED OUR CLIENTS’ EXPECTATIONS. EXPERIENCE THE NEXT GENERATION OF COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION. BUILD BETTER WITH NESBITT CONSTRUCTION. MICHAEL NESBITT
MARCH 11-17, 2024 6 · SBJ.NET BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT by Eric Olson · eolson@sbj.net Beyond the hustle and bustle at Chestnut and Kansas expressways, a film renaissance is underway from a nondescript office warehouse. It’s grassroots: Two organizers are walking out their vision to advocate for the local and state film industry, train filmmaking professionals and develop a community for video production right in their backyard. It’s called The Ozarks Film Foundry. In their vernacular, it’s a filmmaker incubator and a filmmaking accelerator. “We’re trying to incubate local talent and we’re trying to accelerate to build an industry. It’s like a three-legged stool: talent, industry, community,” says co-organizer John Farmer de la Torre. “The goal is to develop a regional production hub.” It’s been a two-year labor of love that David Carr established on paper in May 2022. Last year, the organization began to pick up steam, with the addition of Farmer de la Torre as volunteer executive director and initial programming in place. “The foundry was established to fill a gap,” Farmer de la Torre says, citing institutional representation for the opera, theater and fine arts. “There is nothing for movies.” The year finished on a high note when Community Foundation of the Ozarks Inc. approved the foundry as an agency partner. Then, in January, Hotel Vandivort came on as the first sponsor, a $3,500 executive producer level, and now there’s a film industry social each month at the downtown boutique hotel. Last year’s slate of programming tallied 71 events in six target areas, such as free film school screenings, a creator series, community events for filmmakers and film industry socials. This year, Farmer de la Torre says 129 events are scheduled, and there’s a podcast running called Outland Filmmakers. “That’s how the business works,” he says of the programming strategy. “Everybody’s dealing with pretty much the same issues – how to connect to L.A., to distributors, how to navigate the business and build a career.” But there’s more to it for Ozarks Film Foundry – something akin to industry self-preservation. “We’re trying to provide a robust enough industry so people don’t have to leave. We’re trying to deal with brain drain,” Farmer de la Torre says, noting the harsh reality that film program students usually leave the area for film jobs. Rebecca Holopter is a case in point. The Rogersville native and Missouri State University theater graduate has been acting, writing and making art in Los Angeles for over 10 years. Her career arc is dotted with playwriting, artworks and commercial roles – see ads for Ring home camera systems and Blue Bunny ice cream. “I’ve hit my mom era, so I’m playing a lot of moms,” she says. Holopter’s upcoming project is to produce a feature film co-written with creative partner Verity Butler. They’ve has chosen the Ozarks for filming of “Big Mike’s Cabin.” “It felt supportive to bring my first feature directing film back home. It’s a place where my creativity was very nurtured and supported,” Holopter says. “I’ve just been grinding and working out here for a very long time.” The work is well underway for her homecoming project. The team is scheduled to be in Springfield on March 23-27 for location scouts and production meetings, with filming planned in May. Though Holopter wasn’t aware of The Ozarks Film Foundry, she and Farmer de la Torre are beating the same drum when it comes to film industry tax credits. Last summer, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signed the Show MO Act to reinstate filming tax credits that were in limbo for 10 years. “The tax incentives were a big bonus for shooting in Missouri,” Holopter says of her $1.5 million low-budget indie film. “Talking with other filmmaking friends, you go where there is a tax incentive.” The state program, which sunsets in 2029, has a $16 million annual cap and generally can issue credits of 20%-42% of qualifying expenses, according to the bill language and the Missouri Film Office. “For us, it’s about $600,000,” Holopter says, noting the project also will have a local economic impact, pointing to a production and cast crew of 25. “I’m excited to give back to where I’m from in the sense of hiring a local production crew and also catering and location and equipment. It’s awesome we get to be able to give back monetarily.” Holopter is looking at an Airbnb on Table Rock Lake for the film’s home base, and local viewers might recognize a Springfield pizza shop when the film releases. She’s hoping to shoot a scene at McSalty’s. “I worked there all through college and I loved it, and I love their pizza,” she says. In his role, Farmer de la Torre sees the big economic picture. He’s jazzed about results of a Tennessee tax credit program that over a decade generated $656 million in economic output statewide, according to a 2019 analysis by the Center for Economic Research in Tennessee. Through nearly 70 incentivized productions, including “Nashville” and “Still the King,” cited in the report, over 7,300 full-time equivalent jobs were created, providing an estimated $420 million in new income. “These incentive programs are a massive engine,” Farmer de la Torre says. “Other states have been eating our lunch. That’s going to end.” For Carr, who also runs multimedia agency Creative Endeavors LLC, the incentive program is all about leveraging opportunity. “There’s a lot of talent here, but people don’t necessarily think there’s opportunity,” he says. The duo’s next goals are to open a media production lab in April on the second-floor warehouse and to create a regional database of set locations to be accessible in August. Externally, they’re working to gain Greene County Commission approval for a countywide film commission to funnel interest by studios to film in the area. “We want to provide more opportunity,” says Farmer de la Torre, who has experience working for the California Film Commission, as well as stints with Miramax and National Geographic. “To do that, we’ve got to build all this stuff.” • The Ozarks Film Foundry Owner: 501(c)(3) nonprofit Founded: May 2022 Address: 1300 W. Poplar St. Phone: 417-739-0777 Web: OzarksFilmFoundry.org Email: info@ozarksfilmfoundry.org Services/Products: Advocacy, training and events for the filmmaking industry and professionals 2023 operating budget: $58,020 Employees: 1 volunteer John Farmer de la Torre, left, and David Carr of Ozarks Film Foundry stand in the second floor of the Poplar Street warehouse that’s being converted into a media production lab. Plans call for training around set building, prop production and video/lighting rigs. TAWNIE WILSON Rebecca Holopter is returning from L.A. to film her first feature in the Ozarks. Organizers call upstart Ozarks Film Foundry a filmmaker incubator and film industry accelerator Showtime at the Foundry
MARCH 11-17, 2024 SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 7 NEWS Mid-Missouri Bank in Mount Vernon gets new leadership by Karen Craigo · kcraigo@sbj.net A leadership transition is in the works at Mid-Missouri Bank in Mount Vernon. Community President David Burnett is retiring from his post after 31 years at the financial institution. Burnett joined the bank as assistant vice president in 1993, when it was known as First National Bank of Mount Vernon, chartered in 1927. In 2006, First National Bank’s holding company merged with Mid-Missouri Bank, and Burnett became president the next year. On April 1, Ashley Wells, senior vice president and lender and a 23-year veteran of the bank, will succeed Burnett. Though she started in the role of assistant to the president, she earned a degree in accounting and finance at Missouri State University and completed the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado before rising to the top spot. Wells said her experience with the institution began when she was in high school and took an internship in the proof department for what was then First National Bank. She started her formal career with First Savings Bank before working in the courthouse at the circuit clerk’s office for two years. Wells was in her early 20s when she got the call inviting her to work for First National, and she never left. “It’s a good company to work for,” she said. “We have a lot of people who have been here for a long time.” She added chances are good that customers who come in to do their banking know at least half of the staff. Burnett agreed, noting Mid-Missouri Bank is built on relationships. “We’ve been here long enough to where we’ve banked the grandparents, the parents and now the kids,” he said. Burnett said his succession plan has been in the works for a few years as he worked with Wells to ensure the process was smooth. “I probably looked at retirement three years out, and I shared that with our REBECCA GREEN David Burnett is retiring and Ashley Wells is taking over as president of Mid-Missouri Bank in Mount Vernon. Ashley Wells takes the helm as David Burnett retires See BANK on page 21 $138M Current loans originating at Mid-Missouri Bank’s Mount Vernon location
MARCH 11-17, 2024 8 · SBJ.NET NEWS New health care alliance appoints executive director by Geoff Pickle· gpickle@sbj.net The Alliance for Healthcare Education, formed last year by CoxHealth, Missouri State University, Ozarks Technical Community College and Springfield Public Schools, has appointed its first executive director. Shallina Goodnight has been named to the leadership role effective immediately, according to a news release issued March 1. She brings experience to the role as administrative director for CoxHealth at Home. Her selection followed an “exhaustive search” yielded dozens of candidates, said CoxHealth Vice President of Human Resources Andy Hedgpeth, in an interview after the announcement. “I have had the pleasure of working with Shallina for the past 15 years that I’ve been working at CoxHealth,” said Hedgpeth, noting she’s an “outstanding candidate” with a “wonderful personality.” He added, “I know she’s going to do a fantastic job for the Alliance.” Goodnight’s appointment as executive director was approved in a unanimous vote on Feb. 29 by the Alliance of Healthcare Education board that comprises board President Lathan, Max Buetow of CoxHealth, Hal Higdon of OTC, Clif Smart of MSU and Rob Fulp of Great Southern Bank and the CoxHealth Board of Directors. In the near term, Goodnight will work with the Alliance for Healthcare Education board to determine priority needs and next steps. The partnership announced in August calls for Cox College to transition into an educational hub for its four partners, according to past reporting. “Health care as an industry directly impacts the health and well-being of our entire community,” Goodnight said. She’s scheduled to start in her new role no later than June 1, which would give CoxHealth time to find a successor for her role at CoxHealth at Home. At CoxHealth at Home, Goodnight led the organization’s name-change transition as Oxford HealthCare integrated into CoxHealth. She has more than 20 years’ experience in health care. [Editor’s note: Shallina Goodnight is married to Marty Goodnight, publisher of Springfield Business Journal. ]• OWNER/DEVELOPER FOR LEASE RETAIL • 1,000 sq ft 2755-A W. Chestnut Expressway • 3,200 sq ft 2811 W. Chestnut Expressway • 5,600 sq ft 2845 C W. Chestnut Expressway OFFICE/WAREHOUSE • 2,000 sq ft 2335 E. Chestnut Expressway A100 1630-H E. Bradford Parkway Springfield, MO 65804 417.831.3885 teri@wehrjohnson.com www.wehrjohnson.com Shallina Goodnight has been named executive director of the Alliance for Healthcare Education. by SBJ Staff · sbj@sbj.net Abacus CPAs LLC, FORVIS LLP and KPM CPAs & Advisors are among the nation’s top revenue-producing accounting firms, according to Accounting Today. Accounting Today recently released its annual lists of the top 100 U.S. firms, along with regional leaders and fast-growing companies. FORVIS, which has its roots in Springfield and operates locally at 910 St. Louis St., is No. 9 on the list of the top 100 firms, the same rank from last year. The list is based on revenue, with FORVIS coming in at $1.7 billion. New York City-based Deloitte is No. 1 with $32.7 billion in revenue. KPM CPAs is No. 21 on the Midwest regionals list, followed by Abacus CPAs at No. 22. The companies’ annual revenues are $18.7 million and $17.8 million, respectively, according to Accounting Today. Abacus additionally ranked No. 16 among Accounting Today’s fastest-growing firms. The company’s revenue growth rate is nearly 30%, according to the report. • Local companies named among top US accounting firms Revenue Leaders GREAT PLACES TO WORK SHOWCASE YOUR WORKPLACE EXCELLENCE It’s more important than EVER to differentiate your workplace from others. Email advertising@sbj.net to request details and reserve your space. Deadline: 3/22/24. Publish Date: 4/22/24.
MARCH 11-17, 2024 SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 9 SPORTS & BUSINESS PBA tourney puts spotlight on Springfield by Nicole Chilton · Contributing Writer On a late Saturday night in February, a team of more than 40 individuals converged on Enterprise Park Lanes, embarking on an overnight transformation. They meticulously removed bowling ball returns, dismantled lanes and erected massive screen panels, working tirelessly into the early hours. Such intense preparations set the stage for the Professional Bowlers Association Pete Weber Missouri Classic, which was slated for broadcast live Feb. 18 on Fox Sports 1. “It was quite an undertaking to set up,” said Danny Hogan, a lifelong bowler and tournament attendee. “I got my tickets online about a month before the event, and we were front and center, sitting right on the lanes.” Hogan said his $25 ticket got him a front-row seat, mere feet away from the professional bowlers competing for a spot at the PBA Delaware Classic, with a $25,000 first-place prize. Anthony Simonsen from Las Vegas placed first, taking home the trophy and prize money. “The atmosphere was electric,” Hogan said. “We had to be quiet and still and respect the bowler. But after the throw, everyone gets so excited.” Hogan said Springfield is a great bowling town with a family-like community. He credits Enterprise Park Lanes co-owner Steve Wiemer for bringing such large-scale tournaments to town. “It’s hard to believe we were sitting here at Enterprise, in Springfield, watching an FS1 tournament,” Hogan said. Hogan was one of about 300 watching the event live on location. According to 11Frame.com, a digital bowling news site, approximately 368,000 people tuned in to watch on television, giving it the highest viewership for a PBA event on FS1 since 2021. The competition also had nearly 100,000 views on its YouTube telecast. Though this was the first time a PBA bowling tournament had been televised in the region, it wasn’t the first PBA tournament held in Springfield. The PBA held a Springfield Classic in February 2023. “The big thing about it being televised is that it put Springfield bowling on the map,” Wiemer said. Wiemer, who co-owns Enterprise Park Lanes with his wife, Carla, has been connected to the bowling industry most of his life and was recently awarded the Bowling Proprietor of the Year by the Bowling Proprietors Association of America. Bowling has been in Wiemer’s family since his par-ents in 1971 purchased Cherokee Lanes, where Bass Pro Shops outlets provided by ENTERPRISE PARK LANES PBA bowler AJ Johnson finishes his arm swing during the Pete Weber Missouri Classic last month at Enterprise Park Lanes. Tournament hosts say nationally televised PBA event puts area bowling on the map See PBA on page 14 Steve Wiemer: Enterprise Park Lanes is now a two-time PBA tourney host.
10 · SBJ.NET MARCH 11-17, 2024 FOCUS SPORTS & BUSINESS What changes have you seen in the past year since the Springfield Cardinals team was sold to Diamond Baseball Holdings and the city of Springfield purchased Hammons Field? The biggest change is the excitement level. We kind of had a dark cloud of mystery in front of us and a dark cloud of expensive parking. What’s happened instead is an excitement of what the stadium can become – for baseball but also how to transform it into a year-round entertainment venue in downtown Springfield. As part of the city’s $16 million purchase of the ballpark, they agreed to $4 million in renovations required by the league, which was later recouped through an allocation in the state budget. Give us an update on that progress. Last year, we kind of broke the mold on lighting by getting it installed midseason. But this offseason, a lot of it’s been in the player areas, which is what the (Professional Development League) wants. So, that’s where we’re working on the visiting clubhouse, the indoor training facility, netting inside of the dugouts, inside of the bullpens, and then some slight changes to the field. These are all required. They’re critical in order for us to maintain our PDL license. We will still have a few more improvements that we’ll have to work on so that we can be ready by 2025. I would describe that as the hard line. What about the fan-facing upgrades? Fan facing is really what we’re starting to work on next. We are starting the process on engaging an architect on trying to add bathrooms for the indoor facility and how to renovate our press level. Short term, we are window tinting the suite level to try to further the life of some of the HVAC equipment. We’re also really excited to be able to really go more into local and craft beer. We have an entire stand that we’re wanting to dedicate to help the experience of fans. But all of these things are very tip of the iceberg. Will funding for the wanted but not required changes come from the city? No. That initial nest egg definitely will not cover it. The lease agreement that we have with the city of Springfield is really great – both of us want to make sure that there’s a continual plan for improvement. So, every year as the Cardinals’ rent goes up, those increases in rent go to those future capital projects. As a team, we’re invested. We’re taking our money and putting it into it. What’s your vision for this organization? If you gave me the dream scenario, you start having an additional level on top of our offices, which can actually turn into convention space. [Also, the] entire stadium becomes 360 degrees; left field and right field are connected. We’ll have bathrooms in our indoor facility so it can become a year-round rental for both youth teams and other private events. I’d love to build a new version of a hydro-slide on our back hill, a kid’s splash pad, kids’ playground area, a better picnic area, adding suites because suites have become extremely high capacity for us. If you gave me five new suites right now, I think we could have them sold by opening day. A bigger key is that our stadium should be more than baseball. I’m very hopeful that we’re going to have our first concert announcement pretty soon. As we can turn ourselves into an outdoor amphitheater, I really feel that for us that’ll be one of those significant changes is that we’re not just baseball, we’re an entire entertainment complex. One of our biggest growth opportunities is in our special events, not just concerts but private events and companies renting out the stadium for a huge picnic. Will these efforts drive attendance to games, which I presume is still your focus? At the core of everything we do is we’re a baseball team. We exist to help the St. Louis Cardinals win their world championship and we exist to make our community better. The two are intertwined. The higher the attendance goes, that means there’s more people coming to downtown Springfield; there’s more people more likely to stay for overnights for weekends. I think the bars and restaurants around this area would attest that when there’s the vibrancy of a Cardinals home stand, it helps their businesses. April marks the start of the 20th season of the Springfield Cardinals. Do you have any attendance goals? Every year we want attendance to go up. We have been going up since COVID, but even more importantly what we’re seeing is that spending inside the ballpark has gone up. Last year, our merchandising went up 58%. We took a customer-centric approach and we tried to create the right price points and the right simple way of ordering, and we saw amazing results in our hospitality last year. I think the pitch clock that Major League Baseball implemented, we were kind of a trial area in Minor League Baseball, but I think it’s been really good for fans. The average game time (came) down to about two hours and 37 minutes. When we launched our membership program a few years ago, it was one of if not the most innovative membership programs in Minor League Baseball. People are seeing the benefits to that. As far as actual members, I would estimate 2,300 to 2,500. We’re very bullish on the number of people that are going to come to Hammons Field this year. What’s the latest on the idea of selling the naming rights to the ballpark? We will have a new stadium naming rights sponsor. We’ve had some interest and the dialogue keeps going, but we’re definitely taking a very methodical approach to make sure that we get the right partner. That might be a tough process. It will. I’ve worked here from day one and I can remember handing Mr. [John Q] Hammons a certificate for our first-ever game and kind of laughing because I remember saying to him, “Welcome to your stadium.” To have it called anything else, it’s going to be tough, but I also know that it’s going to be right. Ultimately, a part of that naming rights is going to go into other capital improvements to keep the stadium going. But then my job is to figure out another way to make sure that Hammons’ legacy stays in this facility. dan reiter Vice President and General Manager, Springfield Cardinals A CONVERSATION WITH ... REBECCA GREEN Excerpts from an interview by Executive Editor Christine Temple, ctemple@sbj.net 417-831-1700 • pcnetinc.com Our IT isn’t about technology, it’s about you. CONTACT US TODAY
SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 11 MARCH 11-17, 2024 FOCUS SPORTS & BUSINESS LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED BY DOUG & ANDREA WINDSOR © 2023 Five Star Painting SPV LLC. All rights Reserved. Commercial & Residential Painting 417.720.2376 FiveStarPainting.com Missouri broadens name, image and likeness law – here’s what it means We’ve entered the Wild West of recruiting in college athletics. Changes to NCAA rules regarding the athlete transfer portal and the ability of college students to monetize their public image have given way to a true arms race between colleges and states vying for athletic dominance. This rapidly shifting landscape presents both opportunities and risks. The term name, image and likeness broadly refers to the bundle of rights individuals possess to use their public persona to earn income by marketing or promoting certain businesses, products or causes. This collection of rights, often referred to as the right of publicity, finds its origins in the right of individuals to control how their personal name and image are used in commerce – think the Gerber Baby or the George Foreman Grill. A person’s name, image and similar personal information have long been recognized as valuable assets. In 2021, the NCAA changed its rules by adopting an interim policy allowing college athletes, for the first time, to use their NIL rights in commercial contexts to earn money while still enrolled in school. Think endorsement deals and personal appearances. However, the NCAA did not specify the precise rules governing the use of NIL rights. This shift opened the floodgates for individual states and universities to adopt their own policies. Missouri was an early adopter of expansive NIL laws in 2021. And beginning last year, the Missouri legislature reinforced its aggressive stance by amending the state’s statutes to significantly expand the ability of business and student athletes alike to capitalize on the opportunities originally afforded to student athletes by the NCAA. Recent developments Under the 2023 amendment, high school students who have signed letters of intent to play for a college inside the state of Missouri may participate in NIL opportunities for the first time. This change provides a key tool for recruiting by in-state colleges. Arkansas and other neighboring states recently adopted similar laws, deepening the NIL arms race. While the expansion of NIL opportunities to certain high school students garnered headlines, other, less splashy, changes contained in the 2023 NIL law are equally notable. The new law permits colleges to have a more hands-on role in educating and facilitating NIL opportunities for its student-athletes, including offering educational workshops on topics such as financial literacy and time management. Student athletes are also granted a private right of action to sue those who interfere with their ability to monetize NIL rights. And perhaps most impactfully, the Missouri law directly challenges the authority of the NCAA, and to a lesser extent the IRS, to regulate in-state NIL activities. However, the Missouri legislature is not the only catalyst affecting the student athlete compensation rules. Last month, a federal judge in Tennessee barred the NCAA from enforcing its rules prohibiting high school recruits from receiving NIL compensation. In granting an injunction against the NCAA, the judge ruled that portions of the NCAA’s NIL rules were anticompetitive and deprived athletes from obtaining full, fair-market value for their NIL rights. In response to individual states’ NIL laws and the recent court ruling, the NCAA renewed its call for Congress to step in and pass federal NIL legislation. NIL rules are far from settled and we can expect further developments in the coming years. NIL in practice Missouri’s new law brings exciting new opportunities for businesses and student athletes to take advantage of the expanded access to NIL deals. However, it’s important to keep in mind that NIL deals are, at their core, licensing contracts that are governed by both state and federal laws. As with all contracts, it is critical for parties to understand their respective rights and responsibilities before signing. With NIL contracts specifically, businesses need to ensure that they clearly understand what provisions can and cannot be included in an NIL agreement. For instance, Missouri’s law says a student athlete’s NIL compensation may not depend on a student’s athletic performance. Additionally, there may be tax consequences for both businesses and student athletes who participate in NIL deals. Certain tax-exempt organizations should think carefully about whether and how to participate so as to not invite scrutiny. Similarly, most NIL deals involve payments to student athletes, and this may have personal income tax consequences. New developments in Missouri law regarding NIL deals present powerful opportunities to student-athletes and businesses alike. However, business owners must be certain that they protect themselves through good contract drafting and stay informed about changes in Missouri law, NCAA policy and school policies while keeping their focus where it belongs: achieving success both on and off the field. Ben Shantz is an attorney with Spencer Fane LLP in Springfield. He can be reached at bshantz@spencerfane.com INDUSTRY INSIGHT Ben Shantz
12 · SBJ.NET MARCH 11-17, 2024 FOCUS SPORTS & BUSINESS AREA'S GOLF COURSES Name Address Telephone • Website Email Par Men's Ladies' Yardage Longest Shortest Cost For 18 Holes Cart Price Per Lesson Head Golf Pro or Manager Superintendent Pro Shop Practice Green(s) Food On-site Driving Range(s) Public or Private Course Owner Year Opened BILL & PAYNE STEWART GOLF COURSE 1825 E Norton Road, Springfield 65803 417-833-9962 • ParkBoardGolf.org sfreeman@springfieldmo.gov 70 71 6,162 4,903 $27-$32 $18 $50-$75 Shawn Freeman Scott Welch ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Public Springfield-Greene County Park Board 1947 BRANSON HILLS GOLF CLUB 100 N Payne Stewart Drive, Branson 65616 417-337-2963 • BransonHillsGolfClub.com ddavis@bransonhillsgolfclub.com 72 72 7,324 5,323 $125-$175 Included $75 Dan Davis Lukas Phillips ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Public Branson Hills Golf Club LLC 2009 BUFFALO RIDGE 1001 Buffalo Ridge Blvd, Hollister 65672 417-339-5430 • GolfBigCedar.com bigcedar@big-cedar.com 71 71 7,036 5,881 $275 Included $100 Greg Thomas Caleb Crawford ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Public Johnny Morris 2014 FREMONT HILLS COUNTRY CLUB 1953 Fremont Hills Drive, Nixa 65714 417-725-1506 • FremontHillsGolf.com dnewman@fremonthillsgolf.com 71 71 6,300 3,675 $65 $20 $75 Matt Meyer Sam Richart ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Private Fremont Hills Country Club Inc 1969 GREATLIFE GOLF AND FITNESS AT DEER LAKE 5544 W Hwy 266, Springfield 65802 417-865-8888 • GreatLifeSpringfield.com membership@greatlifegolf.com 72 73 6,982 5,484 $22-$30 $18 Varies Samantha Farrant Jason DeRosier ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Semiprivate Great Life Golf & Fitness 1990 GREATLIFE GOLF AND FITNESS AT GREENE HILLS COUNTRY CLUB 8702 W Hwy 160, Willard 65781 417-742-3086 • GreatLifeSpringfield.com membership@greatlifegolf.com 70 70 6,416 4,693 $22-$30 $18 Varies Samantha Farrant Jason DeRosier ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Semiprivate Great Life Golf & Fitness 1966 GREATLIFE GOLF AND FITNESS AT ISLAND GREEN 169 Country Club Drive, Republic 65738 417-732-7622 • GreatLifeSpringfield.com membership@greatlifegolf.com 72 72 7,017 5,145 $22-$30 $18 Varies Samantha Farrant Jason DeRosier ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Semiprivate Great Life Golf & Fitness 1999 HICKORY HILLS COUNTRY CLUB 3909 E Cherry St, Springfield 65809 417-866-4384 • HickoryHillsCountryClub.com cleon@hickoryhillscountryclub.com 72 72 7,154 4,084 $85 $18 $70 Rick Neal Bart Bellmon ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Private Hickory Hills County Club Inc 1934 HIDDEN VALLEY GOLF LINKS OF STONE COUNTY INC 4455 Hidden Valley Road, Clever 65631 417-743-2860 • HiddenValleyGolfLinks.com hvglmo@gmail.com 73 73 6,600 4,400 $23 $20 $45 Mitch Behnen Adam Camp ✔ ✔ ✔ Public Dan Clark & Robert Cummings 1974 HIGHLAND SPRINGS COUNTRY CLUB 5400 S Highland Springs Blvd, Springfield 65809 417-886-0408 • HighlandSprings.com hscc@highlandsprings.com 72 72 7,115 4,970 $100-$175 $24 $80-$100 Erick Womack Jon Prange ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Private Atrium Hospitality LP 1989 HOLIDAY HILLS RESORT & GOLF CLUB 630 E Rockford Drive, Branson 65616 417-334-4840 • HolidayHills.com mmcnish@greatlifegolf.com 68 68 5,822 4,334 $90 $20 $40 Mac McNish Joey Roberts ✔ ✔ ✔ Public Holiday Inn Club Vacations 1938 HONEY CREEK GOLF CLUB 15276 State Hwy K, Aurora 65605 417-678-3353 • HoneyCreekGolfClub.com scott@honeycreekgolfclub.com 71 77 6,412 5,529 $22 $20 $25 Scott Welch Scott Welch ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Semiprivate Bill Welch family 1929 HORTON SMITH GOLF COURSE 2409 S Scenic Ave, Springfield 65807 417-891-1639 • ParkBoardGolf.org acummins@springfieldmo.gov 70 70 6,317 5,199 $26-$35 $18 $75 Alan Cummins Melvin Waldron ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Public Springfield-Greene County Park Board 1962 LEDGESTONE COUNTRY CLUB AT STONEBRIDGE VILLAGE 1600 Ledgestone Way, Branson West 65737 417-335-8187 • LedgestoneGolf.com bill@sbvpoa.org 71 71 6,881 3,793 $69-$145 Included Varies Bill Hasler Kolby Armbruster ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Public Stone Bridge Village Properties Association 1993 MILLWOOD GOLF & RACQUET CLUB 3700 E Millwood Drive, Ozark 65721 417-889-4200 • MillwoodGolf.com info@millwoodgolf.com 71 72 6,726 4,903 85 18 $60 Chris Obert Chad Hoerschgen ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Private Dan Schumacher, Sweetshoe LLC 1995 OZARKS NATIONAL 2335 Branson Creek Blvd, Hollister 65672 417-339-5460 • GolfBigCedar.com bigcedar@big-cedar.com 71 71 7,036 5,025 $275 Included $100 Greg Thomas Ben McCurry ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Public Johnny Morris 2019 PAYNE'S VALLEY 1250 Golf Club Drive, Hollister 65672 417-339-5420 • GolfBigCedar.com bigcedar@big-cedar.com 72 72 7,370 4,957 $450 Included $100 Greg Thomas Chris Notestine ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Public Johnny Morris 2020 Golf courses are listed alphabetically. Only 18-hole golf courses within a 50-mile radius of Springfield are considered for this list. Prices are for adults; local, senior and junior pricing may be available. Private courses require guests to be with a member for the 18-hole cost listed. Cart prices are per person. N/A: Not available. Springfield Business Journal relies on the individual businesses to be truthful and accurate in their representation of the information listed. To be included in future lists, email lists@sbj.net. Researched by: Karen Bliss Karen Bliss © Copyright 2024 SBJ. All rights reserved. This material may not be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Amenities
SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL · 13 MARCH 11-17, 2024 FOCUS SPORTS & BUSINESS 3050 S. National 417.881.8822 M-F 9am - 6pm, Saturday 9am - 1pm LOCATIONS & HOURS: grovepharmacy.com Drop the Weight! Semaglutide is available as sublingual drops for weight loss. Under the tongue vs injection. Compounded in our lab. Prices starting at $110/month Prescription required LET US HELP YOU SIMPLIFY Streamline your subscription. If your company has two or more subscriptions, contact us today about our Custom Corporate Subscription program. Email subscriptions@sbj.net to get started today! Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays, for children ages 6-17. Call 417.799.7474 for your FREE assessment today. perimeterspringfield.com PROVIDING HOPE. TRANSFORMING LIVES. Your child is your world. Find hope on their behavioral health journey. AREA'S GOLF COURSES Name Address Telephone • Website Email Par Men's Ladies' Yardage Longest Shortest Cost For 18 Holes Cart Price Per Lesson Head Golf Pro or Manager Superintendent Pro Shop Practice Green(s) Food On-site Driving Range(s) Public or Private Course Owner Year Opened THE POINTE AT POINTE ROYALE 142 Clubhouse Drive, Branson 65616 417-334-4477 • PointeRoyaleGolfVillage.com proshop@prgv.net 70 70 6,515 4,492 $109 $30 $100 Donovan Solis Mark Barton ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Public Pointe Royale Property Owners Association 1986 RIVERCUT GOLF COURSE 2850 W Farm Road 190, Springfield 65810 417-891-1645 • ParkBoardGolf.org sking@springfieldmo.gov 72 72 7,066 5,305 $38-$48 $18 $80 Steve King Dan Kersting ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Public Springfield-Greene County Park Board 1997 SILO RIDGE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB 4551 Fairway Drive, Bolivar 65613 417-326-7456 • SiloRidgeCC.com silooffice@windstream.net 72 72 7,000 4,800 $55-$65 Included $40 Bryan Daniels Ronnie Harman ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Private Silo Ridge Golf & Country Club LLC 1998 SPRINGFIELD GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 3106 E Valley Water Mill Road, Springfield 65803 417-833-6821 • SpringfieldGolfCC.com proshop@springfieldgolfcc.com 72 72 7,018 5,681 $70 $25 $40 John Bradish Bryan Simmons ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Private Lindsey Management Co 2001 THOUSAND HILLS GOLF RESORT 245 S Wildwood Drive, Branson 65616 417-334-4553 • ThousandHills.com info@dannerenterprises.com 66 66 5,111 3,601 $49-$99 Included N/A Kyler Patterson Pat Shay ✔ ✔ ✔ Public Thousand Hills Golf Partnership LLP 1994 TWIN OAKS COUNTRY CLUB 1020 E Republic Road, Springfield 65807 417-881-4744 • TwinOaksCountryClub.com michelle@twinoakscountryclub.com 71 72 6,739 3,947 $80 $20 $75 Rich Brittan Tye Heidbreder ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Private Member owned 1955 WHISPERING OAKS GOLF COURSE 257 Golf Course Road, Marshfield 65706 417-859-4470 • GolfMarshfield.com marshfieldgolfcourse@gmail.com 70 70 6,409 4,608 $25-$45 $20 N/A Jason Wilson Kevin Taylor ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Semiprivate Member owned 1952 Golf courses are listed alphabetically. Only 18-hole golf courses within a 50-mile radius of Springfield are considered for this list. Prices are for adults; local, senior and junior pricing may be available. Private courses require guests to be with a member for the 18-hole cost listed. Cart prices are per person. N/A: Not available. Springfield Business Journal relies on the individual businesses to be truthful and accurate in their representation of the information listed. To be included in future lists, email lists@sbj.net. Researched by: Karen Bliss Karen Bliss © Copyright 2024 SBJ. All rights reserved. This material may not be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Amenities
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