417 Magazine Nominated for Springfield Chamber Award

Last year, 417 Magazine was one of the nominees for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce's W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award, with the award ultimately going to Dake Wells Architecture. 417 Magazine is proud to be nominated for the award once again this year! Check back in to find out who wins on May 8. In the meantime you can read the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce's announcement below.

Press release courtesy Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce

Chamber announces 2025 Small Business Award finalists, celebrating innovation & community impact

Springfield, Mo. – The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce has announced five outstanding businesses as finalists for its prestigious W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award, recognizing their contributions to the local economy and community. 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.

“Small businesses are the heart of our community, fueling innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening the economic foundation of our region. This year’s finalists embody the resilience, ingenuity and dedication that define Springfield’s entrepreneurial spirit,” said Brad Coy, Small Business Council Chair. “We are proud to celebrate their achievements, and the lasting impact and inspiration they have on our local community and economy.”

In alphabetical order, this year’s finalists are:

Advanced Car Care Center: Founded in 2015 by Chip and Megan Broemmer, Advanced Car Care Center excels in full-service import auto repair. The company is recognized for its professional expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and dedication to customer satisfaction, alongside a strong commitment to community support.

FourOneSeven: Owned by Logan Aguirre, FourOneSeven originated from the career change of journalists Gary and Joan Whitaker. The magazine serves over 130,000 monthly readers in the Ozarks region, providing positive regional content through various platforms and celebrating local culture, businesses, and community engagement.

Kids Inn Child Care Center: Officially opening in 2022, Kids Inn Child Care Center has provided flexible and affordable hourly care for children aged 6 weeks to 12 years. Led by Christina Ford, the center has grown to serve over 1,000 children, offering innovative programs and community partnerships that enhance early childhood development and support families in need.

Kinetic Design + Development: Established in 2022, Kinetic Design + Development has grown to a team of 49 professionals, offering architectural design, interior design, and property development services. Led by Adam Kreher, Abbye Bobbett, and Griffin Bobbett, the firm focuses on people-centric innovation, serving both local and national clients.

Maxon Fine Jewelry: Since 1972, Maxon Fine Jewelry has specialized in fine jewelry and watches, appraisals, custom designs, and repairs. Under the leadership of Jessica Harmison-Olson, the company is committed to providing exceptional customer service and innovative products, while actively supporting community initiatives.

The Chamber recognizes the vital role of small businesses in the economy, with 80 percent of Chamber member businesses employing 50 or fewer people.

Representatives of the finalist companies will participate in a panel discussion at the Chamber’s Good Morning, Springfield! event on May 8. They will also be celebrated during the Chamber’s Small Business Award event on May 28 at the O’Reilly Family Event Center, which culminates with the announcement of the 2025 W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award recipient. The event will feature keynote speaker Shawn Askinosie, founder of Askinosie Chocolate, a company recognized by Forbes as one of the "25 Best Small Companies in America." Askinosie, whose career transition from lawyer to chocolate maker has been widely recognized, including through his popular TEDx talk, will share insights on entrepreneurship, purpose-driven leadership, and global impact.

For more information about the finalists and the Small Business Award event, visit https://www.springfieldchamber.com/small-business-award/.