417 Magazine Nominated for Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Award

Ready for some big news? Today (Thursday, March 21) we learned that 417 Magazine has been selected as a finalist for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award! The award recognizes small businesses and their impact on our local economy, and we’ve made the list along with other finalists Dake Wells Architecture, Ireland Architects, Ozark Empire Fairgrounds and Event Center and Volt Credit Union.

“The finalists were selected based on written applications covering company history, management philosophy, responses to challenges, innovation in product and service offerings and contributions to the community,” according to a press release from the Chamber. “Entries were reviewed and scored by an independent panel of judges.”

"I am so proud of the every team member that has contributed to 417 Magazine over the past 26 years,” says 417 Magazine Publisher Logan Aguirre. “417 is often referred to as the cheerleader of 417-land, and we take that to heart by making sure everything we produce reflects the best of our region. To be a finalist for an award based on the impact to our region is an honor."

417 will be part of a panel discussion with fellow nominees on April 4 at the Chamber’s Good Morning, Springfield! The winner of the award will be officially announced on May 1 at the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center at the Chamber’s annual Small Business Award event.

Take a look at the Chamber’s full press release announcement below.

Chamber Announces 2024 Small Business Award Finalists

Press release courtesy Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
Springfield, Mo. – The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce has announced five area businesses as 2024 finalists for the annual W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award. The finalists were selected based on written applications covering company history, management philosophy, responses to challenges, innovation in product and service offerings and contributions to the community. Entries were reviewed and scored by an independent panel of judges.

In alphabetical order, this year’s finalists are:

417 Magazine: Owned by Logan Aguirre, 417 Magazine embodies entrepreneurial spirit and community engagement, originating from the career change of journalists Gary and Joan Whitaker. The magazine features positive regional content and highlights connections through their various platforms.
Dake Wells Architecture: Established in response to a need for local entrepreneurial ventures, Brandon Dake and Andrew Wells founded Dake Wells Architecture in 2004. The firm has maintained its commitment to core values while experiencing significant growth.
Ireland Architects: Under Stephanie Ireland’s leadership, Ireland Architects evolved from a one-person drafting service to a respected architectural firm. The company has contributed to the community through meaningful partnerships with non-profits.
Ozark Empire Fairgrounds & Event Center: Originating in 1937 with a vision for community events, the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds and Event Center has grown into a modern complex hosting over 100 events annually, serving as an entertainment and community hub.
Volt Credit Union: Founded in 1935 as Springfield MFA Employees Credit Union, the institution now known as Volt Credit Union has expanded its membership and services, currently serving nearly 7,000 members in the Springfield area.

Representatives of the finalist companies will participate in a panel discussion at the Chamber’s Good Morning, Springfield! event on April 4. They will also be celebrated during the Chamber’s Small Business Award event on May 1 at the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center, which culminates with the announcement of the 2024 W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award recipient. The event will feature keynote speaker Jackie Stiles, the renowned former Missouri State women’s basketball player, emphasizing the importance of hard work, determination and self-belief.

For more information about the Small Business Award event, visit https://business.springfieldchamber.com/event-calendar.