Archive for 2016
A carnival for young professionals
A carnival for young professionals Stilt walkers, jugglers and musicians. Oh my. When The Network – the Chamber’s young professionals group – gathered June 3 to celebrate the year’s accomplishments, they were in for quite a party. In previous years, the annual event has consisted of a weekday luncheon at a hotel or a conference…
Read MorePossibilities and struggles in trading with Cuba
Possibilities and struggles in trading with Cuba Cuba and its export economy languish at the bottom of the list of world nations but that hasn’t prevented it from becoming the “debutante of the ball.” “Everyone wants to dance with Cuba,” said Ann Pardalos, manager of the International Trade and Investment Office, Missouri Department of Economic…
Read MoreReflecting on six years in the Capitol
Reflecting on six years in the Capitol When Lincoln Hough visited the Chamber June 10 to speak to the Governmental Relations Committee, he offered a look back at six eventful years as representative of the state’s 135th district, covering the eastern portion of Springfield. He will not run for reelection in November, instead running for…
Read MoreBringing the best, brightest to Springfield
Bringing the best, brightest to Springfield When the Chamber added workforce development as its fourth strategic area of focus a year and a half ago, we were answering a need. As part of our Existing Business Support Program, we asked businesses about their most pressing concerns, and one issue consistently topped the list: workforce. But as…
Read MoreNew laws and regulations to impact businesses
New laws and regulations to impact businesses The U.S. Department of Labor’s recently announced change to the rules regarding who is eligible for overtime pay will likely present challenges to Chamber members. To summarize: Workers who make less than $47,476 per year must be paid overtime, even if they’re classified as manager or a professional.…
Read MoreWhy free trade is crucial to economic growth
Why free trade is crucial to economic growth The Chamber’s International Business Council brought in the U.S. Chamber’s executive director for international policy on May 17 to present his take on the current environment for international trade and some of his group’s international trade and related priorities for 2016. Christopher Wenk pointed out the importance…
Read MoreNew jobs, larger footprint for SRC Logistics
New jobs, larger footprint for SRC Logistics SRC Logistics, Inc., a subsidiary of employee-owned SRC Holdings Corporation, is expanding within its Springfield facility, creating up to 50 new jobs with competitive benefits. After winning a major client contract, the company is investing $700,000 in capital and utilizing 140,000 square feet of space at its East…
Read MoreTroubled by the new overtime rule?
Troubled by the new overtime rule? By now you likely have heard of the U.S. Department of Labor’s action this week to reclassify millions of formerly exempt employees to non-exempt status. The DOL’s new rule requires employers to pay overtime to salaried managers who earn less than $47,500 per year, doubling the previous threshold of…
Read MoreWhat’s the Chamber doing for you in Jefferson City?
What’s the Chamber doing for you in Jefferson City? The 2016 Missouri legislative session ends May 13, and the Chamber has worked since January to advocate for the priorities of business: testifying on legislation, speaking one-on-one with legislators, and leading stakeholder visits, just to name a few. It’s vital that elected officials consider business needs…
Read MoreTeacher externship program gears up for Year Two
Teacher externship program gears up for Year Two Teachers have a difficult job preparing students for the working world that awaits them after graduation. It’s a combination of making students aware of the opportunities available and teaching the skills they need to take advantage of those opportunities. But to do that, teachers need to know…
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