Guest columnist Stephanie Staggs: "In the competitive world of startups, where resources are often limited, trust becomes a powerful and cost-effective tool."

Guest columnist Kelley K. Self: "With today’s technology, business owners have an arsenal of tools available to help operate, market and measure their business. The financial statements report on the results tell a story. It’s an important – story – one every business owner should want to hear."

SBJ interviews the co-founder of Nightly.

In Springfield, businesses centered around community gaming have seen a surge. From classic board games to esports venues, multiple companies have opened in the last year, including Village Meeple Board Game Cafe, 5c Gaming, Dirk’s Tavern and Cricketts Esports.

Moon City Pub is back in business after a trio of former employees bought the venture and reopened it; Marshfield retail shop Sully Loves Sugar more than doubled its space with a move; and Springfield marketing industry veteran Neil Frost went into business for himself by launching Enable Bookkeeping LLC.

Springfield-based marketing agency Epic Strategies ranks the highest among Springfield-area businesses in the report.

Bedpost Books, which also sells clothing and accessories, got its start this month.

The Workforce Development publication explores themes such as payroll shifts, wages and benefits demand, labor shortage impacts and employee barriers impacting recruitment and retention.

New York-based dog day care and boarding business Hounds Town USA expanded to the Queen City; home storage solutions venture 417 Closets opened; and several Marshfield-area residents formed 501(c)(3) nonprofit Webster County Market Animal Show and Sale Inc.

John Bledsoe is the creator of Co-Angler, an online app designed to bring people together for fishing trips. Users can plan trips by dropping a pin on a map, selecting a desired location and outlining trip details, including day, time, duration and target species.

Chamber President Matt Morrow and Boys & Girls Clubs CEO Brandy Harris are among participants in Springfield Regional Arts Council initiative.

Dripz and Dreamz Mo-Lo plans Aug. 12 grand opening.

Mercy Springfield Communities cut the ribbon July 8 for its newest Queen City clinic; the newest branch of OakStar Bank opened in Nixa; and a Springfield-based children’s entertainment company opened a birthday party and event venue.

Council considers measure allowing modernized meters.

Owner Sarah Schaeffer Baumgart says new location delivers "a more personalized shopping experience."

The Economic Impact Awards ceremony and special publication spotlights excellence in business, including employee and revenue volumes and impact on the community, with honorees and top honors chosen by an independent panel of judges.

Screen-printing business merges with print shop to expand services.

Small-business funding wraps up with $6.6 million allocated.

Former MSU President Clif Smart is recognized with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement in Business award.

The 102-year-old was presented with the Key to the City by Mayor Ken McClure last month.