Archive for 2016
Chamber celebrates summer and successes at Annual Membership Luncheon
Chamber celebrates summer and successes at Annual Membership Luncheon When the Chamber held its Annual Membership Luncheon at the Ramada Plaza Hotel & Oasis Convention Center on July 27, the nearly 400 in attendance were treated to a taste of the islands, a chance to visit with colleagues and make new friends … and to…
Read MoreCongressman Long offers recap, looks ahead
Congressman Long offers recap, looks ahead When Congressman Billy Long visited the Chamber July 26 to speak to the Governmental Relations Committee, he offered both a look back at what has been accomplished this session and a look at what still needs to be done. Long—who has received several awards for his focus on business…
Read MoreChamber’s education attainment initiatives get financial boost
Chamber’s education attainment initiatives get financial boost The Chamber continues growing its efforts in workforce development, and national organizations are recognizing our efforts. Chamber officials learned on July 18 that ours was one of six organizations in the country to receive the 2016-17 ACCE Award for Education Attainment, given out by the Association of Chamber…
Read MoreState treasurer addresses Missouri’s fiscal health, plans for growth
State treasurer addresses Missouri’s fiscal health, plans for growth Missouri is in good financial shape, though the next few years will be crucial in determining whether that healthy outlook continues. That was the message from Missouri State Treasurer Clint Zweifel when he visited the Chamber on July 7. Zweifel, speaking to the Chamber’s Governmental Relations…
Read MorePIC West groundbreaking signals continued manufacturing strength
PIC West groundbreaking signals continued manufacturing strength A July 15 groundbreaking ceremony at Partnership Industrial Center West (PIC West) is a strong indicator of continued positive movement in the manufacturing industry and the overall southwest Missouri economy. JRI Holdings, an industrial cleaning systems manufacturer, is investing $5.6 million to expand its capacity and will move…
Read MoreSpringfield Region website relaunch unveils new regional marketing look
Springfield Region website relaunch unveils new regional marketing look The Springfield Region has a remodeled online presence, thanks to a marketing campaign spearheaded by the Chamber’s economic development staff team and a local creative company. To make the greatest impact when marketing the assets of the 10-county region, the Chamber’s economic development arm, Springfield Business…
Read MoreChamber advocacy brings state leaders to Springfield
Chamber advocacy brings state leaders to Springfield Even though the state legislative session wrapped up in May, the Chamber continues to connect members with state-level decision-makers. Numerous state leaders were in Springfield in June to share their stories and field questions from members. Thanking our legislative leaders Springfield metro community leaders gathered June 9 at…
Read MoreFort Wood continues to impact Springfield
Fort Wood continues to impact Springfield The officer in charge of Fort Leonard Wood made his first visit to the Chamber on June 23 to offer an update on what is happening at Missouri’s largest military base and its impact on Springfield. In April 2015, Maj. Gen. Kent D. Savre became Commanding General of the…
Read MoreAttorney General Chris Koster analyzes Missouri government
Attorney General Chris Koster analyzes Missouri government Potholes in Missouri roads know no friends—or political parties. “Democratic tires and Republican tires hit potholes equally,” said Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster, explaining that transportation funding can be an issue of common ground for lawmakers in both parties. Koster was the featured guest June 15 during the…
Read MoreHiring and firing? Avoid legal pitfalls
Hiring and firing? Avoid legal pitfalls New business owners are often unprepared for the personnel issues that come with having employees. Human resources management can cause headaches and create legal difficulties if not handled properly. That was the message from Lynette Weatherford, president of HR Advantage, Springfield, during her June 8 presentation at the Chamber’s…
Read More