Business Leaders of the Year

SBJ's Business Leaders of the Year Awards
Celebrating the businesspeople who shape our community and emphasizing the lessons and moments that got them there. 

Congratulations to our 2026 Honorees!
Nancy Bogart, Jordan Essentials;
Kylie Cassady, 2 Oddballs LLC;
Shane Cowger, Arvest Bank;
Larissa Darter, Prosper Counseling LLC;
C.J. Davis, Centerstone;
K. Patrick Douglas, Douglas, Haun & Heidemann PC;
Jared Flinn, Bulk Loads Now LLC;
Jeff Frederick, Drury University;
Mark Hecquet, Visit Springfield, Missouri;
Craig Heidemann, Douglas Haun & Heidemann PC;
Jason Hynson, Victory Mission and Ministry;
Ryan Kruger, Jordan Valley Health;
Phil Melugin, Phoenix Home Care & Hospice;
Christopher Moss, Volt Credit Union;
Justyn Pippins, Multicultural Business Association;
Travis Schnelle, ACIS IT Solutions;
Abe Stamper, Arning Companies Inc.;
Sean Thouvenot, Branco Enterprises Inc.;
James Tillman, First Watch and Huey Magoo’s;
Brandon Welch, Frank & Maven

Event Details:
Date: September 1, 2026
Red Carpet Event: 3:00 p.m.
Cocktail Hour: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Event Presentation: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Juanita K. Hammons Hall
Emcees:
-Brent Dunn, Vice-President and Executive Director of the Missouri State University Foundation, Division for University Advancement at Missouri State University
-Shallina Goodnight, Executive Director, The Alliance for HealthCare Education 
Show Announcer: Joy Robertson, Realtor at Murney Associates, Podcaster of Savor the Ozarks
Attire:  Sophisticated Business Attire/Red Carpet Ready
This prestigious celebration honors Springfield’s most influential business leaders. We invite you to dress in refined, professional attire that reflects the significance of the occasion. Think elevated business wear—sleek, polished, and sophisticated for an afternoon of recognition and high-level networking.

Click here to purchase your tickets.

Celebrating Business Leaders in the Springfield Community
Purpose: To honor visionary business leaders who drive innovation, inspire change, and elevate industry standards through exceptional leadership and impact.

What Makes a Business Leader of the Year:
A Business Leader of the Year is someone in any industry who demonstrates all or some of the following:

• Leads with Vision: Sets a clear direction and inspires others to follow.
• Drives Results: Achieves measurable success in business performance and growth.
• Innovates Boldly: Introduces new ideas, products, or processes that transform their industry.
• Builds Company Cultures: Inspires a positive healthy workplace.
• Acts Responsibly: Demonstrates ethical leadership and contributes to social and environmental causes.
• Empowers Others: Invests in people development and fosters a culture of collaboration and mentorship.

General Awards Criteria:

1. Nominees must work/live within a 50-mile radius of Springfield
2. Nominees cannot be honored for another SBJ individual award during the 2026 calendar year

If you have questions about this event, please contact us at support@sbj.net