The Chamber’s International Business Council was established in 2008 to identify export opportunities for Springfield area businesses, connect Chamber members with international trade resources and promote the Springfield area as a favorable location for foreign direct investment.

As a key aspect of the Chamber’s economic development initiative, the International Business Council serves as a resource for companies that are beginning or expanding their international presence. You can find a variety of international trade resources by clicking here.  International partnerships are an important part of the Chamber's program, providing additional networking and business opportunities for our members.

We work with a variety of companies and organizations to understand the needs of our members who work abroad, as well as to act as an educational resource for those getting started.

Because the International Business Council serves a number of functions, there are many different ways Chamber members can utilize this element of their Chamber membership.  A highlight of 2009 has been the “The Basics of International Trade,” seminar series, which was designed to educate Chamber members on various elements of doing business internationally.

As an ongoing opportunity for members interested in international business, we can match international students from local universities with Chamber businesses that could potentially benefit from having an intern from a particular region of the world through our intern program.

For more information on the Chamber’s international program, please contact Brad Bodenhausen or Emily Denniston.