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SPRINGFIELD BUSINESS JOURNAL ·

3

JAN. 28, 2019

2019 BOOK OF LISTS

Many thanks to artist Elisa

Kruger for sharing her work

titled, “The Dream Catch,”

for the cover of the book.

After the SBJ editorial team

selected the piece, done in

alcohol ink on Yupo paper,

Kruger shipped it in from

Texas, with permission by its

owner.

Kruger is a self-taught artist, who worked in

the hospitality industry – most recently the sales

manager at University Plaza Hotel – and began

producing art as a hobby a few years ago. She

recently exited the hospitality industry to work full

time in her art business, Art By Elisa Kruger LLC.

T

he lists compiled each week by Springfield Business

Journal’s editorial team provide a snapshot into the

various industries and business sectors in our market.

Together, in the Book of Lists, these facts, figures

and names tell the story of our business community.

It may seem odd to call the compilation of numbers a story, but

in truth, that’s the building block to any good narrative.

When I flip through these pages, here are some of the stories I see.

The coming impact of future young professionals is evident on

the area’s largest colleges list. There are 42,525 students enrolled

in seated classes among six area institutions.

A picture of the health of our local economy is on display with

the list of the area’s largest banks. The top five banks, ranked by

the amount of local deposits in 2018, together represent $5.3 bil-

lion in local wealth, a 9 percent increase from the prior year.

I see the American dream realized when reading the largest

mortgage lenders list. In 2017, the top 10 lenders approved 7,335

home loans.

A growing and vibrant workforce is reflected on the list of largest employers in the Springfield area.

The 10 largest companies grew their workforces by 11.7 percent year-to-year, with more than 48,000

employees represented in the 2018 list.

The generosity of our local businesses and residents is clear through the largest charitable nonprof-

its list. In 2017, the top five nonprofits by employee count boasted operating budgets in excess of $167

million. That’s a lot of donations, sponsorships and grants.

What stories do you see? I hope many jump out to you, too, as you flip through the next 60 pages.

For 25 years, SBJ’s team has surveyed local businesses and asked them to submit information for in-

clusion on these lists. This is an editorial product through and through, meaning participation is vol-

untary and rankings are strictly based on the criteria established by the newsroom.

Special thanks to the many businesses that took time to submit information. I also want to thank

SBJ researcher Matthew Henderson, who compiled each list in this book, as well as the editorial team

who edited and fact-checked line-by-line. And thanks to the sales team who helps bridge connections

to new and growing businesses.

We hope this collection of data is valuable as you operate your own business, manage your team or

work to make connections as you rise the ladder in your profession.

Each week, we boil down what you need to know as your Business Authority. We’re in the business

of information. And we know you are, too, as data influences your everyday decisions.

Welcome to the 26th Book of Lists.

—Christine Temple

Features Editor and Audience Development Director,

Springfield Business Journal

Numbers, Narrative & Now

The data in this 26th edition

Book of Lists present a true narrative

COVER

ART

Elisa Kruger

Matthew

Henderson,

research