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 to promoting Missouri tourism and enhancing visitor experiences at the Conference Missouri Governor on Tourism. October 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 Ozarks Alive project 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 the hospitality and 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.
The Guarantee Bank promotes Zilian Falig
Bank of Garancia announced the promotion of Zilian Falig to private banking officer.
Falig, who has been with Guaranty Bank for more than 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 dedication to her role.
In addition to her professional achievements, Falig is actively involved in community service. She is an alumna of Evangel University, where she studied social work and contributed her time and talents as a youth ministry leader at a multicultural church in Springfield.
The 2024 Lead Ozarks Conference is coming to Nixa
The upcoming Lead Ozarks 2024 Leadership Conference, set for November 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 about situational leadership, offering practical strategies for adaptive leadership;
- Jody Dow – Speaking on developing young leaders;
- Jeremy Mhire – Talking about inner leadership and how it affects how you lead others;
- Lee Flood – Help leaders identify how and when to grow their company and team.
Places are limited. To register, go online to https://www.nixachamber.com/2024/07/30/leadership-conference/.
Springfield Police Department volunteers are honored
The Office of the President of the United States recognized six volunteers at the Springfield Police Department for their significant contributions 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 the award to Police Chaplains Jack McCormack and Glynn Hall.
The President’s Bronze Volunteer Service Award was presented to Police Chaplain Brandon Gardner as well as Disability 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’s Virtual Care Team Wins Award
CoxHealth’s Virtual Care Team, which enhances care with virtual support for bedside teams, has been 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, deploys industry-leading technology in Medical-Surgical and ICU hospital rooms throughout the system. Through video and monitoring technology, members of the Virtual Care Team at CoxHealth’s command center in Cox South engage directly with patients, families and caregivers at the bedside, providing layers of expertise and clinical support.
DNV GL Healthcare accredits more than 500 hospitals in 49 countries.
SRAC received the Missouri Arts Council Award
The Springfield Regional Arts Council has been selected to receive the Missouri Arts Council Award for Arts Education. Through its programming, Growth in the Arts and the Springfield Regional Arts Integration Conference, SRAC supports students in grades K-8 and educators across the region to find success, achieve educational goals and discover creativity through the arts.
For more than 20 years, the Growing Up in the Arts program has brought together Springfield arts organizations, teaching artists and partners to create interactive experiences that provide access to quality arts education and safe spaces for students to learn, developed communication and cooperation skills. and build self-confidence. Early arts experiences often lead to arts patronage in adulthood, so investing in arts education now affects future art audiences. Students are served through seven-unit community partnerships at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield, Harmony House, Ujima Language & Literacy, Hillcrest High School and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. 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 chief operating officer. Kelley will report to the bank’s SVP, chief operating officer and oversee the internal audit program, provide redundancy to the finance and accounting department while managing 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 EVP, CFO. She was responsible for the bank’s overall financial well-being, which included active management of capital, earnings, liquidity and market risk sensitivity. In a previous role as internal auditor, she developed a comprehensive audit framework and handled shareholder relations.