Introducing your 2011 Chairman, Jerry Harmison

	Jerry Harmison

When I think about the direction that the Chamber has established for 2011, the film “Back to the Future” comes to mind.

In order to prepare our community for a successful future we must return to our foundation.  We must direct our focus toward the basic needs and expectations of our members -- economic development.

Our economy is in recovery.  We are seeing signs of positive growth. But the process is slow. 

In 2010, the Chamber took steps toward addressing two long-term, big picture challenges facing our community---a culture of poverty and a lack of diversity. Those challenges did not emerge in a year’s time and we knew they would not be solved within a year.  We will continue moving in the right direction on those issues, but in 2011, your Chamber will also return to its roots. We cannot hope to solve larger scale issues if our core is not strong.

Our mission to serve as an advocate for business, to support and assist existing business and to promote the economic health of the Springfield area will be on the forefront as we intensify our focus on strengthening a positive business climate for our community.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve the Chamber as Chairman in 2011. I look forward to working with you to grow our local economy and continue to create opportunities for business.


Sincerely,
Jerry Harmison

2011 Chairman of the Board
Harmison and Pearman, P.C.

Chamber Annual Meeting Jan. 28

The Chamber's 2011 Annual Meeting will be held January 28 at University Plaza Convention Center in Springfield. Register now!

Chamber members gather to celebrate the past year’s accomplishments and honor our volunteer leaders. The highlight of the evening is the announcement of the Springfieldian award, the Chamber’s most acclaimed honor, recognizing outstanding community service and commitment to Springfield.

The Annual Meeting gathers more than 900 members and business professionals to celebrate the past year’s successes and look toward the action plan for the coming year.

Sponsors for this year’s event represent many of Springfield’s finest businesses, firms and organizations.

Salute to Missouri Legislators Jan. 26 in Jefferson City

This year's Springfield/Branson Regional Salute to Missouri Legislators reception will be 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 26, at Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City.

The event provides an opportunity for business, community and education leaders to meet with state officials and present a unified message on the legislative issues affecting the Springfield/Branson region.

The annual reception is sponsored by the Springfield/Branson Regional Salute Coalition which is made up of 10 area organizations, including the Chamber.

Register now to attend the Salute to Missouri Legislators.