Kathleen Swift

New Life Spa in Grove, Oklahoma, led by naturopathic physician Deborah Stauss, offers a range of natural healing therapies—including salt and ozone therapy, body sculpting, and vibrational raindrop therapy—to help clients restore balance and empower them to take control of their health and well-being.

Eric and Kellie Gerner grew up as childhood friends whose families knew each other before they were born, married 43 years ago after dating in high school, and now successfully operate Gold and Silver of Joplin together as best friends and business partners.

McDonald County High School business students partnered with the local Chamber of Commerce to establish a community coffee shop as a real-world learning experience in critical thinking, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. The collaboration aims to provide students with hands-on business skills while encouraging them to stay in or return to their community after graduation.

Neosho Superintendent Jim Cummins oversees significant district improvements including a performing arts center completion in April 2023, a new K-4 STEAM school opening in 2023, and a 10% increase in graduation rates over three years. The district also achieved the highest growth of any iReady school in Missouri in 2021 through enhanced student mentoring programs and career exploration initiatives.

Travis Bolin and his 11-year-old daughter Amelia opened Journey Through Slime Event Studio & Scoop Shoppe in Joplin in 2021, turning her childhood passion for slime-making into a successful business. What began as therapeutic slime-making during a difficult life transition became a sensory-focused event studio offering slime activities, ice cream, and party experiences.

Lauren Gilbreth operates "Just Like Home," a cage-free pet sitting business where visiting dogs stay in her home with her own two dogs and receive family-style care. She started 20 years ago and now provides comprehensive pet care including regular updates with photos and videos, plus drop-in visits for owners who prefer pets stay at home.

The Joplin Humane Society hosted its 20th Annual Fur Ball on September 24 at Indigo Sky Casino with a "Boots & Bling, Yellowstone, Dutton Style" theme to raise funds for caring for 586 dogs and cats. The event featured dinner, auctions, and recognition for volunteers to help cover the shelter's $2,600 daily operating costs during one of their largest summer intakes in years.

Abby Nelson's German Shepherd Rip transformed from a companion dog into a trained service dog to help with her fainting spells and low blood sugar episodes. Rip learned to assist by positioning himself under Nelson's legs during fainting episodes and is training to alert her when blood sugar levels drop.

Historic downtown Parsons has achieved complete revitalization with 30 businesses occupying every storefront in a four-block area, earning recognition as a National Great American Main Street Award Winner. Through grants and community efforts like SEK Point of Pride, businesses such as Milli's Furniture have tripled their sales after moving downtown, creating increased foot traffic and sales tax revenue for the community.