While “Good Morning, Springfield!” has plenty of action on stage, producing an event for more than 350 community leaders requires an enormous team effort behind the scenes.

From Food Services and Security to Environmental Services and Meyer Center staff and more, dozens of colleagues worked together to make Thursday’s experience possible.

“It is quite an effort,” says Chris Flouer, administrative director of CoxHealth Fitness Centers. Several staff members worked to prepare the facility Wednesday evening, alongside teams from Environmental Services. Chris says teams were able to take over the basketball courts quickly, only displacing three fitness classes.

“On our side, everything went up this morning and then came back down in about 45 minutes,” Chris says.

Environmental Services

To make that quick turn possible, colleagues from Environmental Services worked late Wednesday to get everything in place.

“Our team's awesome – they are staying late, pitching in and doing everything that is needed,” says Darla Woods, Environmental Services manager. “Wheeling those tables in is no small feat!”

Darla agreed to buy the Environmental Services team lunch if they could get the entire setup broken down in less than 56 minutes. They completed with 10 minutes to spare.

“This team always comes together and gets it done. They look out for each other, and they make CoxHealth look good,” Darla says. “I simply couldn’t ask for a better team.”

Public Safety

Outside, Public Safety and Security teams were at work by 6 a.m., with seven officers setting up barricades and signage, and preparing to direct traffic.

“This year went really smoothly,” says Cpt. Doug Schmidly of CoxHealth’s Public Safety team. “We have learned a lot from events like the Kids Health and Safety Fair.”

This year, shuttle and golf cart transportation helped move guests through busy parking lots, freeing up parking spaces for patient care.

“It worked out great – and our officers got to deliver a lot of ‘Good Mornings’ themselves!” Doug says.

Food and Nutrition Services

At any event, the food is a major star of the show – and “Good Morning, Springfield!” is no exception.

Wednesday night, Catering Coordinator Autumn Page was on duty until midnight finalizing the setup for the room’s buffets and beverage service.

Autumn and Catering Chef Chris Moore reflected on how much preparation goes into breakfast for 350 people.

“Chris spent nine hours on the quiche alone,” Autumn says.

All of that effort pays off when we welcome hundreds of guests who have made CoxHealth part of their busy day.

“My favorite thing about catering is getting to serve such a dynamic group of people,” Autumn says. “It is inspiring how the leaders in our community are so humble no matter their role or title.”

Making a community connection

During the program, attendees were asked to raise their hands if they’d never been to The Meyer Center before.

“I was surprised at how many hands went up,” Chris says. “I appreciate the fact that we do these community events. It is great to welcome 350 people in. It is really invaluable exposure to give people a look inside the buildings they drive by every day."

“There were a lot of smiles as people headed out the door. It was a great morning!”

Behind the Scenes of 'Good Morning, Springfield!': A Team Effort That Makes It All Possible