7 Brew opens Republic location
7 Brew held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1234 U.S. 60 in Republic on Oct. 16, donating $12,435 to Convoy of Hope at the event.
The donation came from a kick off weekend Oct. 10-12 during which customers were able to “pay what they want” on a limited menu with proceeds going to Convoy of Hope.
Since Monday, Oct. 20, 7 Brew Republic’s regular hours of operation are 5:30 a.m.–10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 5:30 a.m.–11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Kevin Howard celebrates 30 years in Springfield radio
Morning radio host Kevin Howard celebrated 30 years on Springfield airwaves Oct. 15.
“Maybe it’s been a touch of laziness, but I truly fell in love with the city and didn’t want to leave,” said Howard, who started in Springfield in 1995. “I met my wife at a radio contest and it sealed the deal. I wasn’t leaving and it became home.”
In 2020, Kevin signed on with the newly established station 98.7 The Dove, owned by Zimmer Midwest Communications, where he appears 5-10 a.m. every weekday. Friday, Oct. 24, he and co-host Chris Louzader hosted the 26th annual Boobapalooza, a partnership with Coyotes Adobe Café that raises money for the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks.
United Way Ozarks Region launches strategic planning process
United Way Ozarks Region is launching a new strategic planning process to guide the organization into its next century of community impact. Guided by the Board of Directors, UWO will extend existing program grants for one year. The launch of a new two-year grant cycle for new programs will be paused. This temporary adjustment allows the organization to focus on developing a long-term plan that aligns resources with the region’s evolving needs.
There will be no changes to current investment strategies. Workplace campaign funds will continue supporting the programs and nonprofit partners previously selected through United Way’s established Community Investment process, based on thorough donor-volunteer review and community priorities. UWO expects to share updates on its strategic plan and future direction in summer 2026.
“These adjustments were made with guidance from our Board of Directors,” said Brandi VanAntwerp, president and CEO of United Way Ozarks Region. “As we move through strategic planning, our goal is to strengthen the connection between fundraising and mission-driven work to maximize our community impact. We deeply appreciate the donors, volunteers, partners, and staff who have made our first 95 years possible. As we adapt to modern needs and trends, we look forward to walking alongside you for the next 95 years — because United is the Way!”
Driver celebrates 40 years with OATS Transit
Donna Short of Springfield will be honored by OATS Transit for 40 years of service with the company on Nov. 1, 2025. OATS Transit is a nonprofit company that serves much of the state of Missouri providing rural transportation. Short started as a driver for the company Nov. 1, 1985. She drove for many years in Greene County, before eventually moving into the office later in her career.
“As a former driver, I liked the driving part of my job because I got to know the riders personally and they became like family to me” said Donna Short.
OATS Transit provides one million trips annually across the state of Missouri. As the largest rural transportation provider in the entire United States, the company specializes in rural general public service for anyone of any age. Transportation requests include trips to work, medical appointments, shopping, business errands, and other contracted services. Individuals interested in transportation through OATS Transit can find their local bus schedule online at oatstransit.org/schedules, then click on the county they live in.
SRC promotes Wente to general counsel
SRC Holdings Corp. announced the promotion of Elizabeth Wente to general counsel, effective Oct. 9. She will report directly to Tim Stack, president of SRC Holdings.
Wente joined SRC in 2024 as deputy general counsel, bringing an extensive background in employment law and a deep understanding of SRC’s culture through long-standing partnerships with the company’s human resources teams and general managers. During her tenure, Wente has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing SRC’s strategic goals and values and has played a key role in helping launch new remanufacturing programs in collaboration with SRC’s executive and legal teams.
Wente earned her bachelor’s degree from Tulane University and her law degree from Southern Methodist University. Before joining SRC, she spent more than a decade in private practice, where she successfully navigated complex employment and business law matters. Her professional achievements have earned numerous honors, including Missouri Lawyers Media’s Law Firm Leaders, Springfield Business Journal’s Most Influential Woman, and recognition on Biz 417 Magazine’s 2024 Biz 100 list. She serves on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the Springfield Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of Directors for Friends of the Zoo.
Springfield Toastmasters host open house
The Springfield Toastmasters Club invites the community to attend a Halloween-themed Open House on Monday, Oct. 27, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave.
Guests will enjoy a fun and festive evening featuring spooky stories, a costume contest, food, and prizes — all while learning how Toastmasters helps members build confidence and communication skills in a supportive environment. The event will feature a presentation by Wally Long, a semifinalist in the Toastmasters International Speech Contest and a long-time member of the Springfield Toastmasters Club. Long’s engaging speaking style and inspiring story are sure to entertain both first-time guests and seasoned Toastmasters alike.
The event is free and open to the public. Costumes are encouraged but not required. For more information about the event or the Springfield Toastmasters Club, visit https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldToastmasters or email springfieldtoastmasters527@gmail.com.
Visit Springfield recognized for Rt. 66 marketing campaign
Visit Springfield has been recognized with the Marketing Campaign Award at the 2025 Missouri Governor’s Conference on Tourism, held Oct. 7–9 at Lake of the Ozarks. The honor celebrates outstanding integrated marketing campaigns that generate measurable tourism and economic benefits for their regions.Visit Springfield earned the award for its “Wish You Were Here” campaign, a creative throwback promotion that tapped into the nostalgia of Route 66 to inspire meeting planners to choose Springfield for their next convention.
Developed in partnership with Revel Advertising and local manufacturer National Audio Company, the campaign targeted 300 top convention clients with a custom-branded cassette tape and player featuring Springfield attractions, performances by local musicians, and a retro map of the city. A follow-up box, titled “Still Wish You Were Here,” was sent eight months later with a second tape and vintage keychains from partner hotels.The campaign produced impressive results, generating 59 leads, 25 confirmed bookings, and more than 12,000 room nights, with an estimated total economic impact of $12.7 million. The initiative was part of Visit Springfield’s Convention Co-op, which also included partnerships with the University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, Oasis Hotel & Convention Center, and DoubleTree by Hilton & Glendalough Conference Center.
