Business in brief: SRC stock grows 12%, MO Public Affairs Hall of Fame inductees announced

Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame 2024 inductees announced

Missouri State University has announced four inductees into the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame for 2024. They include a public servant, a former children's television host, an agriculture advocate, and an entrepreneur and community builder. Inductees were selected for their connections to Missouri and for defining the essence of public affairs, acting consistently for the benefit of others.

The 2024 inductees into the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame are:

• Roy Blunt . A former educator, university president and politician, Blunt has a long and distinguished career in public service. In addition to teaching high school history and leading Southwest Baptist University as president, Blunt has worked in county offices and all the way up to Capitol Hill over four decades. He retired from the U.S. Senate in 2023. Over his career, Blunt's partnerships led to legislative achievements in health care, infrastructure, and national security. He is the current president of the State Historical Society of Missouri and chairman of Husch Blackwell Leadership Strategies Advisory Services.
• Dr. Norma Champion . In her 91 years, Dr. Champion has lived many lives, from professor to senator. But she's likely more well-known to longtime Ozarks residents as Aunt Norma from "The Children's Hour," which aired on KY3 for nearly 30 years. Later, Champion began a career in politics as a Springfield City councilwoman. She ran for a seat in the Missouri House, where she served for 10 years, and finally served as a Missouri State Senator from 2003 to 2010. Champion is now retired and lives in Springfield with her husband.
• Chris Chinn . Chinn is a fifth generation farmer from Clarence, Missouri, and has led the Missouri Department of Agriculture as director since 2017. She is a passionate agriculture advocate, leveraging social media and public speaking to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers. Chinn created the MORE Strategic Initiative to advance the state's number one industry. Her leadership roles include serving on boards of various national agriculture organizations. She also lends her time to community and state groups, as well as helps manage her family's Shelby County farming operation.
• Annie Malone. Born on August 9, 1869, in Metropolis, Illinois, was an entrepreneur, community leader, and philanthropist. She left high school to focus on hairdressing and at age 20, created a shampoo and scalp treatment. By 1902, she developed a non-damaging hair straightener for Black women. She moved her business to St. Louis, expanding her product line and company under the name "Poro." Despite racial barriers, she succeeded, mentoring Madam C.J. Walker and supporting Black women's education. Relocating to Chicago in 1930, Malone left a legacy with Poro beauty colleges in 30 cities. She died on May 10, 1957.

SRC stock grows 12%, welcomes three new board members

SRC Holdings Corp. has announced a significant increase in its stock value, reflecting the company's growth. Alongside the milestone, SRC is welcoming three members to its Board of Directors.

One June 13, 2024, more than 1,000 of SRC's employee-owners gathered for their annual shareholder meeting to learn the new stock value of SRC. Board member Barry Schaffter announced the stock jumped 12% in 2023 despite a challenging economy. The new value marks a record high for the company and the third consecutive year of double-digit growth.

"Culture matters — and it can be measured," said Jack Stack, president and CEO of SRC. "We are on the move and going places. There's nothing but opportunity ahead of you."

During the shareholder meeting, SRC associates approved adding three internal members to its Board of Directors. The roles are to be ratified in October. The new board members are:

• Tim Stack , Vice Chairman
• Chad Myers , Alternate
• Laura Ruzicka, Alternate

Guaranty Bank announces five summer interns

Guaranty Bank has announced the addition of five interns to its team for the summer. The new interns include two marketing interns, two retail interns, and one credit intern. This marks the second year of Guaranty Bank’s summer internship program.

“Our program is designed to foster collaboration and mentorship through departmental and group work, providing exposure to various aspects of banking, networking opportunities, and professional development,” said Monte McNew, President and CEO. “We are proud to showcase our culture and community while providing on-the-job training for the next generation of professionals.”

The Guaranty Bank summer 2024 interns are:

• Sarah Cummings . A recent graduate from Evangel University, Cummings earned a bachelor’s degree in strategic communication. She served as the managing editor of the student newspaper, The Lance.

• Bekah Gunter . Gunter begins her junior year at Missouri State University this fall, majoring in marketing. She is involved in the campus community, participating in the Student Government Association, Homecoming Committee, Traditions Council, and serving as president of the Student Activities Council.

• Rachel Moore . Currently a student at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, Moore is majoring in accounting and serves as a resident assistant.

• Kristen Dennis . A recent graduate of Missouri State University, Dennis will start graduate school this fall. She earned her bachelor’s degree in finance and is pursuing a master’s in business administration.

• Lucas Chadwell . Chadwell is a current student at Missouri State University, entering his junior year this fall with a major in finance. He is also a student-athlete, swimming for the Missouri State swim team.

City Utilities seeks community input on next CEO

The process of hiring the next president and CEO for City Utilities is underway. The Board of Public Utilities is seeking public input from employees, community stakeholders, and customers of City Utilities.

A nationwide search is being conducted with the assistance of executive recruiting firm Korn Ferry. As a part of the search, an online survey is now available with a series of short questions asking for input on what qualifications and experience are the most important for the next leader to possess, as well as what goals the next leader should be expected to meet. Korn Ferry will summarize the information to be provided to the search committee.

In late April, Gary Gibson announced his plan to retire in early 2025 after a 34-year career with City Utilities. The Board of Public Utilities plans to select and announce Gibson's successor in early fall.

Places For People and Preferred Family Healthcare partner to form Brightli, Inc.'s St. Louis region

Last week, Places For People and Preffered Family Healthcare formalized their partnership with the Springfield-based Brightli, Inc. network to expand behavioral healthcare services in the St. Louis Region. Together, Places For People and Preferred Family Healthcare now serve more than 11,200 people, operate 29 clinical and residential locations in six counties, and employ approximately 700 people. Both organizations will remain independent entities and continue to serve their existing areas.

Places For People joins Burrell Behavioral Health, Preferred Family Healthcare, Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health, and several other subsidiaries under the Brightli umbrella. Brightli serves more than 100,000 individuals with total annual revenues of approximately $500 million, making it the nations fourth-largest nonprofit behavioral health organization by total revenue.

“Joining forces with an organization with the reputation and legacy of Places for People is an outstanding opportunity for Brightli and the people of St. Louis,” said Brightli CEO Dr. C.J. Davis. “By adding services in the heart of St. Louis, I truly feel we are creating the most accessible and high-quality network of mental health services in the Midwest, if not the nation.”

KPM Wealth Advisors named among 2024 top firms by AUM

KMP Wealth Advisors has announced a new national distinction for the firm.

Leading industry publication Accounting Today has included KPM Wealth Advisors among the top 150 firms by assets under management (AUM), which features firms across the United States.

"As a firm, we continue to grow and provide soltuions to meet the financial planning needs of out clients. I look forward to the firm's future," said KPM shareholder Skylar Smith.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Business in brief: SRC stock grows 12%, MO Public Affairs Hall of Fame inductees announced