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Performance Appraisal Methods for High-Performance Cultures

There are many performance appraisal methods out there, but let’s face it: Few of them work. Here are some methods to make your performance appraisals more effective

By Don Harkey

Tuesday 09/27/16 4:35 AM

People Centric Insights: September 2016

Each month, our team at People Centric Consulting Group reflects and gathers insights based on real experiences with organizations.

By People Centric Consulting Group

Tuesday 09/20/16 8:31 AM

Gary Whitaker Named to Folio: 100

Another win for the 417 brand.

By Lillian Stone

Thursday 09/08/16 12:05 PM

AP Business Headlines

AP FACT CHECK: Trump on discrimination in his business

Sep 26, 2016 06:50 pm

AP FACT CHECK: Trump on Federal Reserve

Sep 26, 2016 06:42 pm

AP FACT CHECK: Clinton on jobs

Sep 26, 2016 09:08 pm

'Dramatic slowing' seen in global trade, as rhetoric rises

Sep 27, 2016 02:31 am

Global stocks up as traders follow US presidential debate

Sep 27, 2016 12:35 am

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Next Gen: The Thompson Sales Company

The Thompson Sales Company has long been a household name for Springfieldians shopping for a new car. The fourth generation of Thompsons is now leading the company and keeping a reputation for success.

By: Rose Marthis | Photo by Brad Zweerink, courtesy Thompson Sales Company

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Next Gen: The Thompson Sales Company

By: Rose Marthis | Photo by Brad Zweerink, courtesy Thompson Sales Company

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Sealing the Deal on Success

Springfield was an attractive pick for a 3M plant because of its location and economy, but its workforce is what has kept the local plant thriving.

By: Juliana Goodwin

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Sealing the Deal on Success

By: Juliana Goodwin

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Parting Company

When an important partner decides to leave a company, managing the transition is no easy task. Find insights about bouncing back and moving on after the departure of essential staff.

By: Stephanie Towne Benoit | Illustration courtesy shutterstock; photo courtesy Bob Helm

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Parting Company

By: Stephanie Towne Benoit | Illustration courtesy shutterstock; photo courtesy Bob Helm

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What networking group should you join?

There are countless Springfield organizations that offer you an opportunity to get involved with other professionals and the community, but how do you know which one is the right fit for you? Follow this chart to figure it out, then watch the connections start coming your way.

By: Savannah Waszczuk

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What networking group should you join?

By: Savannah Waszczuk

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Working Together

Farmers Park is always full of activity, and CAST, a workspace cooperative run by Green Circle Projects, is no exception. The current 10 tenants—companies specializing in a wide range of industries, such as design and sustainable development—enjoy the laid-back atmosphere full of natural lighting and adjustable music in every area. Jessica Pearson, the marketing director for the Green Circle Projects development team, loves the campus feel and collaborative environment that CAST provides.

By: Karlee Renkoski | Photos by Brad Zweerink

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Working Together

By: Karlee Renkoski | Photos by Brad Zweerink

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Working the Crowd

Crowdfunding success requires more than enthusiasm and a good idea. We talked to a Kickstarter whiz to learn how to maximize your efforts and avoid a crowdfunding flop.

By: Stephanie Towne Benoit

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Working the Crowd

By: Stephanie Towne Benoit

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Thoughtful Threads

Days after the 2011 Joplin tornado, Bigfish Screenprinting started a fundraiser that changed the company for good.

By: Adrienne Donica | Photos courtesy Bigfish screenprinting, By Kevin O’Riley

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Thoughtful Threads

By: Adrienne Donica | Photos courtesy Bigfish screenprinting, By Kevin O’Riley

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Passion Projects & Punch with Linda Ramey-Greiwe

Last year Linda Ramey-Greiwe retired as publisher of the Springfield News-Leader after 29 years with Gannett. A few months later she followed her passion into an entirely different field as executive director for Care to Learn. Over drinks at Golden Girl Rum Club, she shared the wisdom she has learned in following her passion.

By: Jeff Houghton | Illustration By Heather Kane

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Passion Projects & Punch with Linda Ramey-Greiwe

By: Jeff Houghton | Illustration By Heather Kane

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Racing the Clock

If you haven’t started planning for the upcoming changes in overtime pay, the clock is ticking. On December 1, the salary threshold will more than double to $47,476 per year. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the change will impact an estimated 4.2 million workers nationwide, including 85,000 in Missouri. Carolyn O’Kelley, president of the Springfield Area Human Resources Association, shares a five-step strategy to help you prepare now.

By: Adrienne Donica

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Racing the Clock

By: Adrienne Donica

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Preventing a Takeover

The threat of corporate account takeover looms for organizations of all sizes. Two local experts weigh in on how businesses can stay secure and what to do if they become victims.

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Preventing a Takeover

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Classy Lama Culture

As an e-commerce agency, Classy Llama is people-centric by nature. Ultimately, though, the Springfield company’s culture comes down to its tight-knit staff and the relationships therein. Kurt Theobald, Classy Llama’s CEO, shares the ins and outs of “Classy Culture.”

By: Lillian Stone | Photo by Brad Zweerink

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Classy Lama Culture

By: Lillian Stone | Photo by Brad Zweerink

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Dog’s Best Friend

The creators of Tether Tug knew they had made a toy that would keep any high-energy dog occupied, but getting it into owners’ hands was another story.

By: Karlee Renkoski | Photos courtesy tether tug, by Brandon Alms

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Dog’s Best Friend

By: Karlee Renkoski | Photos courtesy tether tug, by Brandon Alms

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Growth Thanks to Data Destruction

After buying Computer Recycling Center in 2011, Luke Westerman and his former business partner soon learned the center’s success was tied closely to the price of gas. By listening to customers and diversifying its services through data disposal, the business continues to thrive.

Sony Hocklander

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Growth Thanks to Data Destruction

Sony Hocklander

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Community-Minded Business

Beginning as a sales representative at Grooms Office Environments more than 10 years ago, Audrey Garard worked her way to the head of the conference room table. When the current owner wanted to retire, a Kansas City company looked to buy the business. However, Garard, who was sales manager then, and her husband, Jonathan, decided to make the leap and keep Grooms how it started—local.

By: Peyson Shields | Photos Courtesy Grooms Office Environments, shutterstock

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Community-Minded Business

By: Peyson Shields | Photos Courtesy Grooms Office Environments, shutterstock

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Breakthrough - StepNpull

Growing any kind of company takes more than a little elbow grease, especially for a relatively unknown product like StepNpull. That’s why inventors Ron Ely, Mike Sewell and Kelly Coddington have adopted an atypical marketing strategy in the hopes of getting their product off the ground.

Adrienne Donica | Photo courtesy Stepnpull

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Breakthrough - StepNpull

Adrienne Donica | Photo courtesy Stepnpull

Features

20 Under 30 Class of 2016

This year’s class includes finance whizzes, advertising and computer programming standouts and, of course, a healthy number of the entrepreneurs that help put Springfield and the Ozarks on the map. Let’s meet them.

By Matt Lemmon | Photos by Brandon Alms

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20 Under 30 Class of 2016

By Matt Lemmon | Photos by Brandon Alms

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Three tips for growing fast and far

Taking the time to find a team he trusts, letting them do their best work and giving them a streamlined structure to work within has been Kent Morrison’s secret to franchising Classic Rock Coffee around the globe.

By Katie Pollock Estes

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Three tips for growing fast and far

By Katie Pollock Estes

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Q&A with Keela Davis

Restructure is part of the business game, but Keela Davis learned that a truly successful restructure comes down to communicating shared goals with your team and valuing the work that they do.

By: Rose Marthis

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Q&A with Keela Davis

By: Rose Marthis

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Commercial Design Awards 2016

The 9 to 5 grind isn’t so bad when you do it surrounded by beauty.

BY: Jennifer Adamson and Ettie Berneking

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Commercial Design Awards 2016

BY: Jennifer Adamson and Ettie Berneking

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Winning Workplace Cultures

How Great Companies Ignite Passion In Their People.

By: Savannah Waszczuk | Photos by Brandon Alms & Kevin O'Riley

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Winning Workplace Cultures

By: Savannah Waszczuk | Photos by Brandon Alms & Kevin O'Riley

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Next Gen: Springfield Engineering Company

For some, maintaining a family legacy means keeping in touch. For Bryan and Jeffrey Fielder, it’s representing three generations of quality service at Springfield Engineering Company.

By: Lillian Stone | Photos by Brad Zweerink

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Next Gen: Springfield Engineering Company

By: Lillian Stone | Photos by Brad Zweerink

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Like a Thief in the Night

When an employee dies, a company must deal with the emotional fallout of the situation while still planning for the viability of the business. Find advice to help your company navigate this difficult time.

By: Vivian Wheeler | Photo by chuck travers

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Like a Thief in the Night

By: Vivian Wheeler | Photo by chuck travers

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Rockin’ Workspace

Shadow Williams has been in the radio industry for 16 years and has spent 14 of those at Q102. She worked her way up to program director three years ago, and when the Midwest Family Broadcasting office moved to its new space on Elm Street, Williams brought the most important things with her—and found some new memorabilia to show off in her space.

By: Rose Marthis | Photos by Brandon Alms

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Rockin’ Workspace

By: Rose Marthis | Photos by Brandon Alms

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How To Hire a Millennial

Hiring for a younger generation can be a different ballgame. We talked to industry experts for tips to help you hire newbies.

By: Peyson Shields

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How To Hire a Millennial

By: Peyson Shields

XMIN (Exceptional Businessmen In Nixa) Nixa Chamber of Commerce on Tue, Sep 27, 2016 @ 11:30 AM This Nixa Chamber of Commerce event is catered toward businessmen looking to build long-term... » Event Details
XMIN (Exceptional Businessmen in Nixa) Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce on Tue, Sep 27, 2016 @ 11:30 AM This Nixa Chamber of Commerce event is catered toward businessmen looking to build relationships... » Event Details
The Association for Women in Communications Luncheon 425 Downtown on Tue, Sep 27, 2016 @ 11:30 AM The Association for Women in Communications features a monthly speaker focusing on trends, tips... » Event Details
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