Patti Penny’s strong desire to help people succeed in their work led to her founding Penmac Staffing Services in 1988. In 2017, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce awarded Penny the Springfieldian, the Chamber’s most coveted honor, given each year to an individual who exemplifies excellence in his or her field, and dedication to improving the quality of life for the community. In 2010, Penny was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Stevie Awards for Women in Business. Penny was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Public Affairs from Missouri State University in 2009. In 2010, the Penny family transferred ownership of Penmac to its employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Penny stepped down as CEO in 2012, and currently serves as Chairwoman of the Board. In 2017, Patti was the sixth woman ever named Springfieldian of the Year by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, given each year to an individual who exemplifies outstanding community service, excellence in his or her field and dedication to improving the quality of life for Springfield and its citizens. Her philosophy has remained the same throughout the growth of Penmac: to help people have a better life by securing work that is rewarding.