New Faces and Fresh Plans in Springfield

Springfield is buzzing with new developments and milestones. A popular coffee shop, 7 Brew, recently opened its doors in Republic. They kicked things off with a special event, raising over $12, 000 for Convoy of Hope. Customers got to pay what they wanted for certain menu items during the opening weekend. Now, the shop is open every day, starting bright and early at 5:30 a. m. and closing late at night. Meanwhile, Kevin Howard, a well-known radio host, celebrated 30 years on the air. He started his career in Springfield back in 1995 and has been a local favorite ever since. He hosts a morning show on 98. 7 The Dove and recently helped organize a fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks. United Way Ozarks Region is also making big moves. They’re working on a strategic plan to guide their work for the next century. This means they’ll focus on long-term goals and might pause some of their usual grant cycles. The idea is to make sure their efforts match the changing needs of the community. Donna Short, a dedicated driver for OATS Transit, is being honored for her 40 years of service. She started driving in 1985 and has been a key part of the team ever since. OATS Transit provides important transportation services across Missouri, helping people get to work, medical appointments, and more. In other news, Elizabeth Wente was promoted to general counsel at SRC Holdings. She’s been with the company since 2024 and has a strong background in employment law. Her promotion reflects her hard work and dedication to the company’s goals. The Springfield Toastmasters Club is hosting a Halloween-themed open house. It’s a fun way to learn about public speaking and meet new people. The event will feature spooky stories, a costume contest, and some great food. Lastly, Visit Springfield won an award for their creative marketing campaign. They used a retro Route 66 theme to attract convention planners. The campaign was a big success, bringing in millions of dollars for the local economy.