Bussiness
Business in brief: Ozarks writer, C-Street restaurateur receive tourism honors
McConnell, Gidman receive Missouri Division of Tourism honors
The Missouri Division of Tourism recognized Kaitlyn McConnell, founder of Ozarks Alive, and Joseph Gidman, owner of Van Gogh’s Eeterie, Café Cusco and Chabom Tea & Spices, for their contributions in promoting Missouri tourism and enhancing visitor experiences at the Missouri Governor’s Conference on Tourism Oct. 15-17 in Kansas City.
McConnell received the Navigator Media Award for her dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of the Ozarks. Founded in 2015, her project Ozarks Alive documents the stories of the people, places and traditions that define the Ozarks region, helping readers understand and appreciate its cultural significance.
Gidman was honored with the Tracy Kimberlin Hospitality Award for his exemplary contributions to hospitality and the revitalization of Springfield’s Commercial Street. As the owner of Van Gogh’s Eeterie, Café Cusco and Chabom Tea & Spices, Gidman has cultivated unique, inviting atmospheres that delight locals and tourists alike.
Guaranty Bank promotes Zilian Falig
Guaranty Bank announced the promotion of Zilian Falig to private banking officer.
Falig, who has been with Guaranty Bank for over three years, previously served as a private banking specialist. Prior to her role in private banking, she held the position of assistant branch manager. With over nine years of retail banking experience, Falig has demonstrated exceptional expertise and commitment to her role.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Falig is actively involved in community service. She is an Evangel University alumna, where she studied social work, and has contributed her time and talents as a leader in youth ministries at a multi-cultural church in Springfield.
Lead Ozarks 2024 conference coming to Nixa
The upcoming Lead Ozarks 2024 Leadership Conference, set to take place Nov. 18 at North Point Church in Nixa, aims to foster leadership development, community connection, and inspiration through impactful speakers and networking opportunities. Speakers at this year’s conference include:
- Kyle Scheele – Keynote speaker, known for his blend of humor, storytelling, and powerful insights;
- Jimmy Liles – Speaking on situational leadership, offering practical strategies for adaptive leadership;
- Jody Dow – Speaking on developing young leaders;
- Jeremy Mhire – Speaking on inner leadership and how that impacts how you lead others;
- Lee Flood – Helping leaders identify how and when to grow their company and team.
Spots are limited. To register, go online to https://www.nixachamber.com/2024/07/30/leadership-conference/.
Springfield Police Department volunteers honored
The office of the President of the United States recognized six volunteers with the Springfield Police Department for their significant contribution to the department and community.
The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a lifelong commitment to building a stronger nation through volunteer service. Receiving this award requires at least 4,000 hours of qualifying volunteer service. Signed by President Joe Biden, Chief Paul Williams presented this award to Police Chaplains Jack McCormack and Glynn Hall.
The President’s Volunteer Service Bronze Award was presented to Police Chaplains Brandon Gardner as well as to Handicapped Enforcement Action Team (HEAT) volunteers Danny Mullen, David Rendall and Joe Ferwall. McCormack and Hall also received this award. Each recipient volunteered between 100-249 hours in 2023.
CoxHealth Virtual Care team wins award
CoxHealth’s Virtual Care team, which enhances care with virtual support for bedside teams, was recognized by accreditation organization DNV GL Healthcare with its Innovation of the Year award.
CoxHealth’s Virtual Care Team, which launched in the summer of 2023, places industry-leading technology in Medical-Surgical and ICU hospital rooms across the system. Through video and monitoring technology, Virtual Care Team members in CoxHealth’s command center at Cox South engage directly with patients, families and bedside caregivers, offering layers of clinical expertise and support.
DNV GL Healthcare accredits more than 500 hospitals in 49 states.
SRAC received Missouri Arts Council award
The Springfield Regional Art Council has been selected to receive the Missouri Arts Council’s award for Arts Education. Through its programming, Growing Up in the Arts and the Springfield Regional Arts Integration Conference, the SRAC supports students in grades K-8 and educators throughout the region to find success, reach educational goals, and discover creativity through the arts.
For more than 20 years, the Growing Up in the Arts program has brought together Springfield’s arts organizations, teaching artists, and partners to create interactive experiences that provide access to quality arts education and safe spaces for students to learn, develop communication and collaboration skills, and build self-confidence. Early arts experiences often lead to arts patronage in adulthood, so investing in arts education now impacts the arts audiences of the future. Students are served through community partnerships at seven units at Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield, Harmony House, Ujima Language & Literacy, Hillcrest High School, and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. The SRAC served 4,207 students in FY2024.
Branson Bank hires Tammy Kelley as VP, controller
Branson Bank announced the addition of Tammy Kelley as vice president, controller and operations officer. Kelley will report to the bank’s SVP, chief operations officer and will oversee the internal audit program, provide redundancies for the finance and accounting department while managing the holding company, shareholder, and board duties on behalf of the bank.
Kelley has devoted over 20 years to the banking industry, most recently serving at her previous financial institution as the EVP, chief financial officer. She was responsible for the overall financial well-being of the bank, which included actively managing capital, earnings, liquidity, and sensitivity to market risk. In a previous role as internal auditor, she developed a comprehensive audit framework and handled shareholder relations.