This month three members of the Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) Board of Directors retired.  They include Autumn Shirley, Michael Hoff and David Bossemeyer.  Autumn Shirley and Michael Hoff have served on the board for eight years, joining in OzSBI’s second year of operation in 2013.  Shirley began serving as the Chair of the Board in 2018.  Shirley has also served as the Howell County Small Business Relief Grant Administrator and is an OzSBI mentor.  Utilizing her experience in marketing, sales and customer acquisition, Shirely mentored startups,  facilitated workshops, and judged pitch competitions.  

Hoff began serving as Vice-chair of the Board in 2017.  He also served as an OzSBI mentor and sat on the Microloan Review Committee.  Hoff assisted many stage two companies with strategic development and financial planning.  Hoff was very involved in EPIC, OzSBI’s annual National Small Business Week celebration, judging pitches and facilitating the much anticipated business round table, featuring local companies from across the region.

“Over the past eight years both Autumn Shirley and Michael Hoff have dedicated themselves to the development and growth of countless small businesses.  They have inspired, encouraged and helped entrepreneurs create a road map to success.  They also have used their talents to grow OzSBI from a small nonprofit to a sustainable organization that will soon be celebrating its 10 year anniversary,” stated Heather W. Fisher, OzSBI CEO.  

David Bossemeyer is the third board member retiring from OzSBI’s Board of Directors.  David served for four years on the board as the governmental representative.  Fisher stated that she appreciated his contribution, especially with the recent 360 Video project with Golden Shovel.  Without his involvement this project would not have been completed.  Fisher added, “It has been a joy to work with Autumn, Micheal and David, their dedication as board members is unparalleled.” 

Autumn Shirley is the CEO of Fundraiser Software a for-profit software company that creates donor management software for nonprofit companies.  She is also a founder of Ozark Regional Cats, a non-profit cat rescue organization. Michael Hoff is the CEO and President of Community First Banking Company, with offices in West Plains, Mountain Grove, and Thayer.  David Bossemeyer is the Director of Economic Development for the West Plains Economic Development.