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The leaders of tomorrow are leading today

The leaders of tomorrow are leading today

40 Photo: Shutterstock


Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Reading the annual “40 under 40” list in the Springfield Business Journal can make you feel old.

“It’s also very motivating, because you look at what these people have already done with their lives, and you start thinking, like, I should really get out and do something with myself,” said Michelle Ownbey, executive editor of SBJ.

“It’s a great group of honorees,” adds Ownbey, “If you’re looking for a little inspiration, and you want to believe in the future and all that good stuff, you can get on the web site and read the profiles of the honorees and the print issue is coming out as well.”

Ownbey says this month’s issue spotlights family- and minority-owned businesses. “We profile several, including Steve Zhao. I don’t know how familiar his name is to most people, but he has done a lot of projects in the Springfield area,” said Ownbey. “He owns that Asian Market on Wabash, he did the redevelopment of the old Show-Me’s there on MacArthur, which is now Feast Buffet, so he builds strip centers or commercial buildings and then often anchors them with a restaurant, and he is currently doing a 53-unit apartment complex out in Chatham next to Glenwood High School.”

Ownbey talks business Thursday mornings on the WTAX Morning Newswatch.

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