Biz 417 September/October 2025

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Biz 417 September/October 2025

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Biz 100

Meet Biz 417's 2025 Biz 100

Meet the 2025 Biz 100. These are the people shaping the future of southwest Missouri and the Ozarks. This list gets to the heart of why they’re essential to our economy and culture.
Hammons family
BEHIND THE BUSINESS

The Story of Hammons Black Walnuts

Four generations strong, the Hammons Black Walnuts family works with an organized buying network across 12 states to supply the American black walnut to tables across the world.
Sam Timmerman
MELODY WITH A MISSION

How Sam Timmerman Creates Space for Creatives at the Melody Room

Sam Timmerman struggled to get his foot in the door early in his music career. He founded The Melody Room to help Springfield's new creatives take that first step.
Ron Davis
STORIED HISTORY

Ron Davis Has a Lifetime of Stories to Tell

With more than 40 years in local media, Ron Davis has worked in every form of traditional media and reflects on his career spent sharing stories.

Networking in the Ozarks

Find out where to meet and network with other business leaders in Springfield and southwest Missouri.

FIND OUT MORE

BIZ DIRECTORIES

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The Latest

Lyle Foster
People

Advice & Whiskey with Lyle Foster

We met up with Dr. Lyle Foster to reflect on his journey as a community advocate and entrepreneur.

nov 2025
Brian VanFosson with classic Coca-Cola merchandise collection.
People

A Look at Brian VanFosson's Coca-Cola Memorabilia Collection

Brian VanFosson, President of Citizens Bank of Rogersville, is an avid collector of classic Coca-Cola merchandise.

nov 2025
Biz 417's 2025 Person of the Year: Sally Hargis | Biz 417
Biz 100

Biz 417's 2025 Person of the Year: Sally Hargis

As a third-generation owner, Sally Hargis is carrying the torch into a new era at Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company.

nov 2025
Business networking
Culture

Business and Networking Events in Southwest Missouri

Find out where to meet and network with other business leaders in Springfield and southwest Missouri.

nov 2025 | Networking
Chris Slagle as Santa
People

How Chris Slagle Turned a Family Joke Into a Santa Tradition

Quality Control Inspector at the Paul Mueller Company, Chris Slagle moonlights as a drummer—and, come December, Santa Claus.

nov 2025
People using Lego bricks.
Advice

How Complex Business Challenges Can Be Met with Lego

At efactory, coaches guide companies as they tackle complex business challenges the same way kids play—with imagination and a pile of Lego...

nov 2025
Grooms Office Environments interior photo.
Companies

Inside the Newly Remodeled Grooms Office Environments

The Grooms Office Environments team moved and remodeled a new office to showcase the true value in their thoughtfully designed spaces.

nov 2025
Andrea Copeland
People

Meet Andrea Copeland, VP of Marketing at Visit Springfield

Andrea Copeland is the new Vice President of Marketing at Visit Springfield and a lifelong Springfield native.

nov 2025

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The Launch

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Biz Events

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2025
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Biz 100

Meet Biz 417's 2025 Biz 100

Meet the 2025 Biz 100. These are the people shaping the future of southwest Missouri and the Ozarks. This list gets to the heart of why...

nov 2025 | Biz 100, People
Kipkee toys
People

The Story Behind Kipkee Toys

Designed by a Springfield native, Kipkees toys combine natural materials with the imagination-boosting joy of classic building blocks.

nov 2025
Tina Lehr
People

VP of CoxHealth Procedure Operations Tina Lehr Talks Learning and Leadership

After more than 30 years working in health care, Tina Lehr took over as VP of Procedure Operations for CoxHealth in May 2025. Learn why...

nov 2025
Rebecca Greene of Central Bank
Branded Content

10 Financial Tips Every Woman in Business Should Know

Rebecca Greene of Central Bank shares financial tips that empower women to take control of their money, career and independence.

oct 2025 | Financial, Ladies Who Launch, Women in Business
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The team at Abacus! as they prepare for tax season.
Small Businesses

Smart Tax Moves to Make This Fall for Individuals and Business Owners

If you’re looking ahead to tax season now, you’re actually right on time. Abacus! shares tips and things to look out for when planning this...

sep 2025 | Branded Content, Financial
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Nicki Gamet of Mercy Springfield.
Branded Content

Mercy’s Nicki Gamet on Supporting Nurses and Leading with Compassion

Nicki Gamet opens up about her first 100 days as chief nursing officer and how she balances compassion, advocacy and leadership.

sep 2025 | Branded Content, Ladies Who Launch
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Jarad Johnson
People

Jarad Johnson: Human-First Workplaces in the Age of AI

At Biz 417's 2025 Best Places to Work Celebration, Jarad Johnson of Mostly Serious gave a talk on workplaces in the age of AI. Here are our...

sep 2025
Best Places to Work 2025 banner image
Best Places to Work

Best Places to Work in Springfield, Missouri 2025

Biz 417 is celebrating the Best Places to Work in southwest Missouri for the fifth year. Read about the small and large companies who made...

sep 2025 | Companies

The Latest Biz People Pics

See photos from the ULI Southwest Missouri 2025 Impact Awards
Biz People Pics

ULI Southwest Missouri Impact Awards, 2025

ULI Southwest Missouri 2025 Impact Awards presented by the Urban Land Institute on March 14th, 2025 at Wilson Logistics Arena.
See photos from the Ozark Community Awards Banquet, 2025
Biz People Pics

Ozark Community Awards Banquet, 2025

Ozark Community Awards Banquet presented by Ozark Chamber of Commerce. February 8, 2025 at The Ozark Community Center
See photos from the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, 2025
Biz People Pics

Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, 2025

Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting presented by Springfield Chamber of Commerce, January 31. Oasis Hotel & Convention...
See photos from the Lead SGF Friendsgiving, 2024
Biz People Pics

Lead SGF Friendsgiving, 2024

Lead SGF Friendsgiving presented by Leadership Springfield, November 22, 2024 at Tie and Timber Beer Co.

Most Recent Biz Blogs

Best Places to Work Applications

The 2025 Biz 100 List

A Q&A with Springfield Mayor Jeff Schrag and City Manager David Cameron

Most Recent People Stories

Advice & Whiskey with Lyle Foster

Biz 417's 2025 Person of the Year: Sally Hargis

How Chris Slagle Turned a Family Joke Into a Santa Tradition

Most Popular Biz Stories

Doug Pitt and What We Can Do When We Care to Learn

What’s on Tap for The Ridge at Table Rock Lake

Meet Brad Beckham, O'Reilly Automotive's New CEO

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