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NPR’s Journeys of Discovery Podcast Visits Springfield, Missouri – Episode 1

  • September 30, 2022
Photo credit: Alexis Bowlby

The Springfield region in Missouri is a great place for companies looking to grow, make, move, or connect. The region recently caught the attention of award-winning NPR podcast host Tom Wilmer. He spent several days in Missouri visiting with leaders in the community to learn more about what makes Springfield a leading destination for businesses, residents, and tourists.

In the first episode of the series, Tom visits with the publisher of the regional lifestyle magazine and others about things to do and see in the region.

Tom Wilmer, Journeys of Discovery Podcast Host:

“Tell us a little bit more about your mission statement, what you are trying to do, and what you do?”

Logan Aguirre, Publisher of 417 Magazine:

“Our mission is to shine a light, and we can do that a lot of different ways, but really what it means is that we are trying to write about all the ways to experience life here. And to show people why it is the best place to live.”

Tom Wilmer, Journeys of Discovery Podcast Host:

“This is really cool. Tell us about what you are most proud of, what you are most passionate about?

Mary Kromrey, Executive Director with Ozarks Greenways:

“Oh gosh, I thought you would give me a warmup. Well, when I think about what I am most proud of, in both a professional context and as a resident of Springfield, it’s giving folks an opportunity to connect with nature. We are in a beautiful spot here in the Missouri Ozarks, and sometimes it is easy to lose sight of the natural beauty that is around us.

Tom Wilmer, Journeys of Discovery Podcast Host:

This was Johnny Morris’ vision, is that why it happened?

Audrey, Education Manager at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife Aquarium:

Absolutely. Obviously, he loves to fish, and he loves to hunt, and he loves conservation, and making sure that we keep what is around us as long as we possibly can. 

Tom Wilmer, Journeys of Discovery Podcast Host:

Dig a little deeper on what (quality of place) translates to in daily function.

Tim Rosenbury, City of Springfield’s Director of Quality of Place Initiatives:

Well, you know, you go to a town and you drive through it, or walk through it, you go to their downtown, or go along their corridors, and there are towns that you go through and you go ‘wow this is a nice town. I’d like to be in this town,’ I am responsible for making sure our community is one of those types of communities.

Check out the full conversation on the Journeys of Discovery podcast here.

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