McConnell and Edwards launch new crisis consulting group
A new Springfield crisis communications consultancy has been launched to help organizations communicate more effectively and clearly when time is of the essence. McConnell Edwards, owned by Caitlin McConnell and Steve Edwards, works with businesses, nonprofits, and individuals to assess and develop strategies that emphasize transparent communication.
Mr. Edwards will retire as president and CEO of CoxHealth in 2022, after more than 30 years working for the health system. Mr. McConnell has a background in journalism and communications, where he worked as corporate media representative for CoxHealth for more than six years.
The company's main focus is pre-emptive crisis counseling, which occurs long before an emergency occurs. These collaborations are adaptable and individualized for each company and may include group discussions, mock interviews, and training for different scenarios. It can also help your company communicate as sensitive situations unfold.
“In times of crisis, it's too late to react,” Edwards said. “You have to be well prepared and have a plan.”
In an era where continuous communication is key, crisis communication must go beyond “no comment.” Edwards and McConnell learned this firsthand while working together at CoxHealth during the pandemic. This required continued communication with the public through social media and news outlets within and outside the Ozarks.
“In my opinion, crisis communications are just part of normal communications,” McConnell said. “Because it’s always about building relationships with the community and constituents and building that level of trust.”
Moxy Cinema hires new executive director and theater manager
Effective May 1, longtime film professor and non-profit professional Joe Dalle will become Moxy Cinema's new executive director.
“Simply put, I love movies. I've spent most of my life making movies, watching movies, and helping others learn about movies,” Dal said in a release. Having the opportunity to lead The Moxy is a dream come true. ”
Dal is an award-winning filmmaker, educator, and social media director. He recently moved to Springfield from Southern California and worked with local nonprofits to produce video documentaries that tell their stories. Stephanie Stenger, chair of Moxy Cinema's board of directors, said Dal was chosen from a large pool of applicants. He replaces Mike Stevens, who helped transition Moxy Theater to a nonprofit organization in 2010. Stevens said he will work to ensure a smooth transition, but is confident the theater will be managed safely.
Moxy also promoted longtime staff member Shay Rainey to the newly created role of theater manager. Rainey has been working at Moxy since 2013.
Dake Wells Architecture receives Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award
Local architecture firm Dake Wells Architecture has been named the recipient of the 2024 W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.
The Struve Award recognizes outstanding small businesses within the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Selected from a pool of finalists including 417 Magazine, Ireland Architects, Ozark Empire Fairgrounds & Event Center, and Volt Credit Union, Dake Wells Architecture impressed judges with its unique approach to design, community engagement, and impressive growth trajectory. I gave it.
“Founded in 2004 on a foundation of curiosity, ingenuity, and a love of its craft, Dake Wells Architecture has quickly grown into a respected leader in Springfield's architectural scene,” the press release states. It has been. The company's commitment to these core values is evident in its projects that consistently push the boundaries of design while remaining sensitive to the needs of the community. ”
Kimberling City's top police officer named Outstanding Police Chief by Missouri Association of Chiefs of Police
Less than three years after he was hired, Kimberling Police Chief Todd LeMoyne has been named the 2024 Outstanding Police Chief of the Year by the Missouri Association of Chiefs of Police.
Lemoine was hired in 2021 after the entire Kimberling Police Department resigned, including the city's police chief. According to a press release, the city faced “dark times” without a police force. Lemoine allowed him to introduce a new police force within four months. He also said Chief Lemoine helped achieve the task of restoring public trust in the department in 2021 and beyond.
The release also said there have been many “firsts” at the department since Lemoine took over as police chief. He advocated for equal pay, proper training and equipment for police officers, providing them with the tools they need to do their jobs safely, and a focus on community support. Social He also has a presence on the media and has conducted programs such as Thursday Coffee He Talks (held once a month), National Night Out, Eye He Watch, Neighborhood Watch, and Community He Policing. Masu.
Mercy Springfield receives top safety rating for third time
Mercy Hospital Springfield has earned a Spring 2024 A grade from Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit organization that monitors patient safety, according to a press release from the health system.
This marks the third consecutive A grade for Mercy Hospital Springfield. Leapfrog assigns grades to hospitals across the country based on more than 30 measures, including errors, accidents, injuries, and infections. Ratings are also based on the systems hospitals have in place to prevent mistakes, accidents, injuries and infections.
Mercy Springfield is one of 14 hospitals in Missouri to earn an A grade from Leapfrog this spring. Nationally, 29% of hospitals earned an A grade.
Mr. Rees joins OMB Bank Compliance Team as Vice President
OMB Bank announced Tuesday that Robin Reese has joined the compliance team as vice president and head of CRA.
Reese has over 30 years of experience in the banking industry. She started her career in 1992 as a teller at Empire Bank. She joined People's Bank of the Ozarks' banking team in 1994 and rejoined the organization in 2004 as vice president of marketing. In 2014, she was named marketing director for Southern Bank following its acquisition of People's Bank of the Ozarks. She joined Oakstar Bank in the same role in 2015. Ms. Reese most recently served as vice president of her CRA at Oakstar since 2018.
“Robin brings incredible experience and insight to our team, and we are excited to welcome her as our new CRA professional,” said Luke Hansen, Chief Risk Officer. said. “Robin's decades of industry knowledge and her dedication to community reinvestment will ensure that OMB continues to maintain the highest compliance standards while ensuring the communities we serve. will play an important role in positively impacting the
DMP creates new vice president of cybersecurity
DMP, a Springfield-based manufacturer of intrusion, fire, access control and cell phone alarm solutions, has introduced a new role: vice president of cybersecurity, according to a press release. New roles are being created as the physical security and information systems security industries converge, creating a need for individuals to lead in cybersecurity and reduce cybersecurity risks for their customers.
DMP CEO Rick Britton announced, “Dave Roberts will transition to a focus on cybersecurity as Vice President of Cybersecurity.” “Dave has a master's degree in cybersecurity and brings his knowledge and understanding of our systems to his cybersecurity role.
Roberts has worked at DMP for 34 years, the past 12 years as vice president of engineering, ensuring hardware safety. In his new role, he will focus on his software-as-a-service and mobile platforms.
