O'Reilly cuts ribbon on Springfield distribution center
After more than a year of renovations on what many in Springfield know as the old Convoy of Hope warehouse, O’Reilly Automotive Inc. cut the ribbon on its newest and most technologically advanced distribution center.
The company’s original distribution center was built in 1974, just across the street from the new location at 330 S. Patterson Ave. The old building will be repurposed, as the growing company needs expansion space.
The new facility features the latest in robotics, with an automated storage and retrieval system.
OACAC marks Housing America Month with open house
In celebration of October as Housing America Month, the Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC) Housing Assistance Program will host an Open House on Tuesday, Oct. 22. The public is invited to stop by OACAC's Central Office, 215 S. Barnes Ave., from 1-3 p.m. to learn about the program, visit with staff, hear about HUD's NSPIRE inspection process and new smoke detector rule, and more.
Designated in 2007, Housing America Month is an annual celebration of affordable housing and those who provide it in their communities. It is a time to collectively raise awareness of the need for, and the importance of, safe, decent and affordable housing in quality communities.
“There is nothing more important than a good, safe, secure home,” said Christy Fields, OACAC housing program director, in a release. “Communities must work together to build not only physical homes to rent and purchase but also to build healthy communities. OACAC Housing will be celebrating Housing America Month by recognizing the partnerships between landlords, participants, local community organizations and our Housing Assistance program through OACAC.”
Wilson, Carmichael promoted at Ceramex
SRC Holdings Corp. announced a new general manager and new director of operations at Ceramex North America, effective Oct. 1. These promotions support Ceramex’s growth plans and mission of providing sustainable and cost-effective emission systems solutions to OEMs.
Mike Wilson, the company's controller, has been promoted to general manager. Wilson joined Ceramex in 2022, bringing seven years of experience as an accountant with Hagan, Tucker, Schmitt & Gintz CPAs. He has played an instrumental leadership role at Ceramex in a revamp of its warehouse, an ERP implementation, and as a culture committee leader and design team member for Ceramex’s Great Game of Business relaunch. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Missouri State University and will begin his GGOB Internal Coach Certificate this fall.
Carley Carmichael, the company's operations manager, has been promoted to director of operations, reporting to Wilson. Carmichael joined Ceramex in April 2023, bringing 10+ years of accounting and operations experience, including the role of firm director at Hagan, Tucker, Schmitt & Gintz CPAs. She has led the Ceramex team to new production efficiencies while maintaining best-in-class product quality. Carmichael also leads Ceramex’s ownership culture and wellness committees.
Homebuilders donate 400 smoke alarms
The HBA Charitable Foundation celebrated its 13th year by donating more than 400 smoke alarms to local fire departments as a part of the Home Builders for Fire Safety Campaign, bringing the 13-year total to more than 8,400 smoke alarms. To reach fire departments of all sizes, the HBA Charitable Foundation is donating these smoke alarms to Republic, Fair Grove, Willard, Ozark, Nixa, Logan-Rogersville, Ebenezer, Strafford, and Battlefield fire departments.
The donation of 400 smoke alarms is a 100% private-sector initiative (no tax dollars were utilized for this donation) and was made possible through partnerships with the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield, Meek’s – The Builder’s Choice, and Wildman Plumbing.
Sharp joins Central Bank
Long-time banker Crystal Sharp recently joined Central Bank as its new team leader for commercial lending. As senior vice president, Sharp brings with her 23 years of senior business banking and relationship management experience.
In the new role role, Sharp will oversee management of commercial relationships while seeking out new business opportunities with existing customers and prospects. She holds a bachelor’s of science degree from Missouri State University and a master's of business administration from Drury University. Sharp serves as the board president of the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools and most recently ended a two-year term as board president of Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield Foundation. She also serves on the United Way’s Community Investment Upstream Panel.
Forvis Mazars announces promotions
Forvis Mazars’ Southern Missouri practice unit announced six promotions to director and two to senior manager effective Oct. 1.
Career paths at Forvis Mazars are divided into levels, and each position is defined by its own set of duties, responsibilities and competencies requiring cumulative and advanced degrees of education, training, and experience. Personnel must demonstrate their leadership abilities as coaches and mentors and take an active role in the community. Individuals become candidates for promotion after mastering their existing level.
Promoted to director:
Kayla Bell provides tax, accounting, and consulting services to individuals, nonprofits, and for-profit entities of varying sizes and industries. She is passionate about helping tax-exempt organizations focus on their mission to provide a needed service to their community. Bell is a graduate of Missouri State University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting.
Nicole Conklin oversees and manages compliance within Forvis Mazars Wealth Advisors to help ensure client companies and their employees comply with regulatory requirements and internal policies and procedures. Conklin is a graduate of Truman State University with a bachelor’s degree and Missouri State University with a master’s degree.
Terri Mayfield provides accounting and consulting services for small to midsize organizations. She advises on accounting matters including accounting system integrations, streamlining processes, facilitating management reporting, and assisting with budgeting. Mayfield is a graduate of Drury University with a bachelor's degree in accounting and business administration.
James Robertson provides audit services to manufacturing and distribution, private equity, and complex employee benefit plan clients. He works with family- and private equity-owned businesses ranging from transportation and logistics to investment companies and manufacturers. Robertson is a graduate of Columbia College with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and Missouri State University with a Master of Accountancy degree.
Melissa Sharp provides accounting outsourcing services to clients in a variety of industries, including commercial, real estate, and manufacturing. She also provides consulting and outsourcing services related to payroll, monthly closes, interim controllership, bookkeeping, and more. Sharp is a graduate of Ozarks Technical Community College with an associate’s degree in accounting.
Julie Thompson provides federal and state tax compliance and tax planning services to for-profit health care organizations; service, retail, and manufacturing businesses; and individuals. She is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, Missouri Society of CPAs, and The Network. Thompson is a graduate of Missouri State University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting.
Promoted to senior manager:
Catherine Bennett provides audit services to a variety of clients in the manufacturing, retail, and entertainment industries as a member of the Commercial Products practice. She is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and Missouri Society of CPAs. Bennett is a graduate of Brigham Young University, Hawaii, with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and Missouri State University with a Master of Accountancy degree.
Mark Lurtz provides consulting and advisory services as part of the Community Health Centers practice. He has more than 20 years of experience in the health center industry developing strategic partnerships with primary care organizations and other health center related organizations. Lutz is a graduate of University of Central Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing.
Springfield CVB names communications manager, marketing coordinator
The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau announced the addition of a new communications manager, Lucy Atwood, and new marketing coordinator, Lauren Spilman.
Atwood brings a wealth of experience to the CVB, holding both a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a master’s degree in communication from Missouri State University. Before joining the CVB Aug. 26, she served as the assistant director of public relations and marketing at Dickerson Park Zoo. At the zoo, she spearheaded innovative campaigns and successfully managed its volunteer program, showcasing her creativity and strong work ethic. In her new role at the CVB, Atwood will oversee all public relations efforts and be the primary media contact, managing strategic communication campaigns at local, national and international levels.
Spilman, who started her new role on Sept. 3, is a recent graduate of Evangel University, where she earned a bachelor of fine arts with a focus on graphic design and a minor in photography. Before joining the team full-time, she completed a successful internship with the CVB. With a strong background in photography and graphic design, she quickly became a key asset to the team. As marketing coordinator, Lauren will support various aspects of the marketing department, contributing her creative expertise to further elevate Springfield’s brand.