One small change we made recently has shifted our meetings in a meaningful way.
We now start leadership meetings by sharing good news—personal, professional or both. I used to look at a full agenda and want to dive straight into the work. But that small pause has made room for things we wouldn’t have heard otherwise.
We’ve learned about a family member’s surgery, a team member and her husband committing to read the Bible in a year (January goal met—so far, so good), and a daughter who’s found a new friend group and is absolutely thriving.
If there’s a takeaway here, it’s this: a little space goes a long way. When you make room for people to show up as themselves, the work tends to be stronger—and the room more connected.
Allergen-Free Café Opens Sensitively Sweet owners Katrina and Alec Hagan recently opened The Safe Spoon, an allergen-free café, serving delights like biscuits and gravy, pancakes, salads and sandwiches, all in a cozy atmosphere.
Gamet Named to List of Chief Nursing Officers to Know
Nicki Gamet has only been chief nursing officer for Mercy Springfield Communities for eight months, but was recently named to Becker’s annual list of CNO’s to Know.
Only the Best for your Valentine
Valentine's Day means eating out for many of us, so why not treat your special person to something yummy from the Best of 417? This list showcases all the best places in 417-land to eat and drink and enjoy a new experience together.
A New Chapter Kristy Chastain and her husband, Brian, purchased Advanced Metal Fabricators last spring. Find out what advice she is giving to her younger self after making the leap to ownership.
Inspirational 100th Birthday Skydive
Meet Centenarian Peggy Wolf on her 100th birthday and learn her secret to living a long life.
Now Accepting Nominations for 10 For The Next 10
We want to hear about the on-the-rise professionals moving southwest Missouri into the future. Nominations are now open for Biz 417's 10 for the Next 10.
Downtown Springfield Association names Crystal Quade as new executive director. LORE (Leaders for Ozarks Region Evolvement) has announced the appointment of Allison Cash as its first full-time executive director. S. Maria Lohmeyer has been appointed as assistant vice president for marketing and strategic communication and Dr. Natalie Rasnick, Ed.D. has been promoted to assistant vice president for advancement at College of the Ozarks. The Springfield Cardinals announce changes and additions to the Front Office; Angela Deke has been named the vice president of ticket & business operations, Regina Hess takes on new responsibilities as the director of marketing, Sheri Hart transitions to business manager, and Aubree Enos as account executive. Children’s Mercy announces Jennifer Murray as senior director for the Children’s Mercy with Mercy partnership in Springfield. Guaranty Bank recently announced Courtney Carter and Sarah Everett have both been promoted to vice president, residential lender. Jaime Renfro, DNP, FNP-C, MPH, joins the CMH medical team at the El Dorado Springs Medical Center and Walk-In Clinic. City Utilities welcomes Alina Lehnert, Ph.D., LPC as its newest chair on the Board of Public Utilities. Logan Aguirre and Joselyn Baldner are now members of the Board of Directors at CoxHealth.
Hi, I’m Dori Grinder, the editor of Biz 417. A proud native of 417-land, I’m passionate about uncovering the stories behind our local businesses and the people who make them thrive. In my free time, you’ll find me treasure hunting at junk markets and antique stores, always on the lookout for unique finds. Let’s connect–I’d love to hear your story ideas!
Biz 417, 2111 S. Eastgate Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65809, United States, 417-883-7417
