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Food processors talk about regulatory issues, workforce needs

Food processors talk about regulatory issues, workforce needs The Springfield region has always had strong agricultural roots, but many don’t recognize the strength and importance of agribusiness to the area’s manufacturing sector. Those businesses were on full display during the 2016 Manufacturing Outlook, held at University Plaza on December 7. Joe Reynolds, president of Central…

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Freshman legislators visit Springfield to kick off statewide tour

Freshman legislators visit Springfield to kick off statewide tour Newly-elected state legislators can face an overwhelming task when entering office, especially if they are new to public service. So freshman members of the Missouri Legislature get a statewide tour before they take office, visiting areas around the state to hear from business, education, and community…

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State legislative leaders preview top issues for 2017

State legislative leaders preview top issues for 2017 The majority floor leader in the state Senate and the assistant majority floor leader in the state House of Representatives spoke to a packed house at the Springfield Chamber on November 30, offering a look at what the 2017 legislative session could hold, including the top priorities…

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Springfield City Council meeting: a case study

Springfield City Council meeting: a case study The Chamber is focused on improving the business climate at all levels of government. Much of this work is done for our members and the business community behind the scenes, but sometimes all the pieces come together and demonstrate the way local government can work when operating at…

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DOL’s overtime rule change blocked for now

DOL’s overtime rule change blocked for now As you may have heard as you were heading out for the Thanksgiving holiday, a federal judge in Texas has granted a preliminary injunction that blocks implementation of the Department of Labor’s proposed new federal overtime rule. The rule, which would have more than doubled the salary threshold…

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Reach Campaign leads to big things for 2017

Reach Campaign leads to big things for 2017 The Chamber has wrapped up its first annual Reach Campaign, and the program was a massive success. Our army of nearly 140 volunteer leaders helped raise more than $515,000 to fund existing and new programs, events and initiatives for the coming year. It’s all part of our…

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Springfieldian honoree offers guidance for young professionals

Springfieldian honoree offers guidance for young professionals By his own account, one of the abilities Bill Kirkman developed over his career was the ability to listen to others and learn from them. If those in attendance at the most recent installment of The Network’s CEO Series have the ability to listen, they likely learned a…

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The importance of supporting small businesses

The importance of supporting small businesses Small businesses are the backbone of southwest Missouri’s economic strength, and they’re the backbone of the Chamber. A large majority of our members – more than 80 percent – are considered small businesses (with 50 or fewer employees). So we understand how important it is to support small businesses…

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Businesses, schools reiterate importance of workforce development

Businesses, schools reiterate importance of workforce development Chamber staff recently brought State Speaker of the House Todd Richardson to the Chamber offices to talk with business and education leaders about workforce development and education issues, and the speaker heard about the continued challenges those leaders face. Richardson visited the Chamber on October 10 to kick…

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For The eFactory Accelerator, a conclusion means a new beginning

For The eFactory Accelerator, a conclusion means a new beginning The first group of four participating companies in The eFactory’s Accelerator program—created by Missouri State University and funded in part by the Chamber and its development arm, the Springfield Business Development Corporation—made their pitches during Demo Day on October 24. The program’s organizers say they’re…

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