NSBA January 2026 Luncheon Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 4, 2026

Contact:

Nikki Schwartz, NSBA Communications Staff

nsbacares@gmail.com | (417) 430-4744

Media Contact for Speaker Inquiries:

Geoff Steele, Executive Director, Gillioz Center for Arts & Entertainment

geoff@gillioz.org | (417) 655-1599

The Gillioz Theatre Marks 100 Years with a Vision for Springfield’s Future

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – January 8, 2026 – The North Springfield Betterment Association (NSBA) will kick off its 2026 luncheon season with a presentation from Geoff Steele, Executive Director of the Gillioz Center for Arts & Entertainment, and Associate Director Joy Bilyeu-Steele. The program, titled “The Historic Gillioz @ 100: Serious Fun,” will reflect on a century of cultural impact and highlight the theatre’s growing role in Springfield’s future.

The luncheon will be held Thursday, January 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Fountain Plaza Room at Cox North, 1423 N. Jefferson Ave. Networking begins at 11:30, with lunch service at 11:45 and the program starting promptly at noon.

“This isn’t just about looking back,” said Steele. “It’s about a turning point for our community. In the past year alone, the Gillioz welcomed visitors from 48 states and six countries. That's about more than our 1,000-seat, independent theatre - it's transformative for our regional economy.”

The Gillioz, restored as a nonprofit in 2006, now includes the historic theatre, The Gallery @ the Gillioz, and THETHIRDFLOOR — a collaborative hub of six nonprofit organizations. Steele and Bilyeu-Steele will share how 2026 marks not only a centennial milestone but a moment of serious opportunity for partnerships, volunteer engagement, and expanded visibility.

From local alliances with the Historic Fox Theatre and Springfield Cardinals to digital reach through 70,000+ social media followers, the Gillioz is positioning itself as both a historic landmark and a future-facing cultural driver.

Members of the public are welcome to attend. Program attendance is free; lunch is available for purchase.

About the North Springfield Betterment Association (NSBA)

The NSBA is a volunteer-led nonprofit founded in 1970 to improve the quality of life on Springfield’s north side. Through monthly programs, neighborhood initiatives, and civic engagement, NSBA brings together residents, businesses, and local leaders to promote honorable and constructive action for the betterment of north Springfield. Learn more at nsbanet.com.