The Chamber and area organizations join forces to address racism

Facing Racism is a two-day program conducted by locally-trained volunteers committed to providing a caring atmosphere. Our curriculum, led by Dr. Leslie Anderson, Missouri State University, focuses helping participants to understand the history of racism and how it still affects people today. Each program is limited to 20 participants.

This is a collaborative effort among several area organizations including Community Foundation of the Ozarks, Drury University, Missouri State University, Springfield Public Schools and the Chamber.

Goals include:
• Explaining how racism came into being in the United States.

• Gaining an understanding of the pathology of the disease of racism and what constitutes the wounds caused by it.

• Providing a place where those who have experienced racism and those who have perpetuated it may come together to help each other arrive at a new understanding and heal the pain experienced by both.

• Promoting action to eliminate institutional and individual racist behaviors and practices within business and community.

Want to participate?
The next program is November 10-11 at the Chamber. The cost to participate is $200 for non-profits and $300 for for-profits.  Needs based scholarships are available from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. 

This session is sponsored by Cox Health Systems.  For more information contact Kristen Westerman or (417) 862-5567. Download application.

BACKGROUND
A 2009 Competitive Assessment by Market Street Services identified the ability to attract and retain a qualified workforce in the Springfield Area as a weakness. The study indicated that it was due, in part, to lack of diversity in the community.

During a Community Leadership Visit to Grand Rapids, Mich., also in 2009, attendees heard about the Facing Racism Institute.  As a response to the weakness cited in the Market Street study, the Chamber contracted with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce to conduct this training in 2010.Three Facing Racism programs were held in 2010, with nearly 60 people participating throughout our community.

Get FREE tickets to the Business & Technology Expo!

Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce's Business & Technology Expo is the region's largest business-to-business trade show. More than 100 members exhibit for more than a thousand attendees, making Expo the Chamber's largest event.

Drop by a 2011 booth exhibitor or the Chamber office to get a free ticket to the Business & Technology Expo on Oct. 6.

Chamber adds 420 members

During a three-day membership drive held Aug. 30-Sept. 1, the Chamber welcomed 420 new members -- with the help of 315 Chamber member volunteers.

The Springfield Chamber partnered with Your Chamber Connection, a consulting firm based in Ft. Worth.  Your Chamber Connection, in partnership with Springfield Chamber staff team facilitated and motivated 315 volunteers throughout the membership drive.

Check out some of our newest members!