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The night’s honorees assemble for the class photo.SBJ photo by EMILY LETTERMAN
The night’s honorees assemble for the class photo.

SBJ photo by EMILY LETTERMAN

Blog: #SBJ4040 not up-and-comers anymore

Posted online
Roughly 400 people came out last night for Springfield Business Journal’s 19th annual 40 Under 40 event at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center.

While the event’s official tag line is, “Personal accomplishments in civic and professional arenas take center stage for those under the age of 40,” this event has evolved into so much more.

Nineteen years ago, the first 40 Under 40 class was treated to an informal mixer in the SBJ office. It was crowded, light hors d'oeuvres were served, and people networked.

A lot has changed since 1999.

In attendance last night were not just the honorees, but their families, friends and co-workers. It was a party not just for the award winners, but also in celebration of them. Stationed at the check-in table to start the night, I greeted numerous moms beaming with pride and friends there to capture the moment on social media.

As should be expected with a group of young professionals, social media lit up during the event. The SBJ Twitter and Facebook accounts were flooded with #SBJ4040 posts from those in attendance and others in the community congratulating the honorees on the achievement.

Among them, Greene County Presiding Commissioner Bob Cirtin – @bobcirtin – who tweeted: “We are VERY PROUD of @GreeneCountyMO Director of communications TRYSTA HERZOG for her selection of @sbjnet 40 under 40.”

Evangel University Director of Public Relations and Publications Paul Logsdon – @Paul_K_Logsdon – tweeted, “The future of Springfield, Missouri, is in good hands with leaders like these. Congrats to these ’40 Under 40’ — @sbjnet #SBJ4040”
 
And Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce President Matt Morrow – @matt_morrow
– tweeted, “Congrats @dperches09 honored tonight as @sbjnet #SBJ4040. Proud 2 celebrate u w/ the @SGFChamber team @ellemh @MissOxendine @ReMSnow.”

From the stage, SBJ Publisher Jennifer Jackson said the 40 Under 40 awards used to be known for up-and-comers, but that’s no longer the case.

“You can accomplish a lot before you’re 40,” Jackson said. “SBJ is 37 this year, and we are proud to have grown up with you.”

Congratulations to the 2017 class of 40 Under 40 honorees. I’d like to say you’ve made it, but I think you already knew that.

Reporter’s Notebook

The 40 Under 40 event is hands down my favorite SBJ event of the year. It’s partly because these are my peers, so there’s lots of people to chat with, and partly because it feels more like a party. This year’s luau-themed event didn’t disappoint – fresh pineapple table centerpieces and all.

It’s been a while since I’ve written an event blog, but as always, my trusty iPhone was at the ready to capture the evening. I’ve upgraded to the iPhone 7 Plus, so my photos are in HD this event season.


I snapped this pic before the festivities began and the crowds moved in. The stage looked adorable lined with swag bags thanks to the event’s many sponsors.


Once again, thanks to Springfield Hot Glass for the one-of-a-kind awards. They never fail to make something beautiful.


Guests were immediately hit with the luau theme – including replica palm trees.


Even the Oasis got in on the act with this legit tiki bar setup.


Honoree name tags on leis? Why not.


Booked through GigSalad, Rick Lamb brought a musical touch of the islands to the evening.


The Oasis was packed. Good thing I’m tall enough to take a crowd shot.


As always, the food was a big hit.


Holy moly Batman, look at that giant cracker.


Confession: This isn’t my plate, it’s SBJ Editor Eric Olson’s. Two SBJ events in one day left little time for lunch. By the time I hit the 40 Under 40 buffet line, I was starving and forgot to take a picture.


Eric didn’t take a pulled pork nacho and he seriously missed out. They were by far my favorite snack of the night.


In addition to a bunch of really cool vendor booths, SBJ photographer Heather Mosley set up a people pics station. Here, honoree Danny Perches and his chamber co-workers smile for the camera.


The event program doubled as my name cheat sheet for the night. Live tweeting 40 honorees takes mad quick iPhone skills and a little help on proper spellings.


Publisher Jennifer Jackson kicked off the event. I had a front row seat for the action. Nobody ever wants to sit in the front row.


A special shout out to emcees and local DJs Kevin Howard and Liz Delaney. As always, they kept it lively.


I thought I had the perfect seat for tweeting photos until I remembered SBJ photographer Wes Hamilton had to snap pics too. Sorry to all the honorees who also got a picture of Wes’ shoulder.


Following the honoree awards, Care to Learn Executive Director Linda Ramey-Greiwe took the stage. The 2017 class helped raised funds for the event’s official charity partner.


Last, but not least, I snapped this pic of my fellow Junior League of Springfield ladies. I’m proud to be part of such a wonderful group of strong women.

Wes, Heather and sbjLive videographer Mike Coonrod all snapped more official photos of the evening’s festivities. Check them out on Facebook and in our SBJ.net photo gallery.

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