Archive for 2017
House budget chair offers look back at 2017 session
House budget chair offers look back at 2017 session For Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick, (R-Shell Knob), his first year as chairman of the Missouri House Budget Committee was a challenging one based on the state’s $500 million dollar budget shortfall. Despite tough budget choices for the legislature to make, there were many business successes to point…
Read MoreCreating a culture of employee advancement
Creating a culture of employee advancement Time and again, Chamber members – like employers of all stripes across the country – tell us that the biggest challenge they face is finding and keeping quality workers. The statistics bear it out: The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that two-thirds of jobs will require postsecondary education by…
Read More3M announces $40M expansion in Springfield, creating 90 new jobs
3M announces $40M expansion in Springfield, creating 90 new jobs After working with the City of Springfield to finalize its plans over the last few months, 3M has now officially announced the expansion of manufacturing operations at its Springfield facility. Enabling the company to operate more efficiently and better serve its customers, the expansion is…
Read MoreState legislative session brings major business successes, but work remains
State legislative session brings major business successes, but work remains The 2017 Missouri legislative session ended May 12, and several priorities from the Chamber’s state legislative agenda made it across the finish line, marking a successful year for the state’s business climate. In addition to Missouri’s Right to Work legislation, which passed early in the session and was…
Read MoreTeaching teachers about opportunities for students
Teaching teachers about opportunities for students If you ask most Chamber members about their current outlook for the future, optimism is high. Customers are ready to buy and companies are ready to grow. But if you ask those same companies to identify the biggest potential barrier to growth and optimism, the answer is almost unanimous:…
Read MoreSecond group of accelerator companies presents to the public
Second group of accelerator companies presents to the public For the second group of 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, May 1 was the culmination of 12 weeks of hard work. It was also…
Read MoreChamber announces 2017 Small Business Award recipient
Chamber announces 2017 Small Business Award recipient During the Chamber’s annual event on May 3 at University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, Askinosie Chocolate received the 2017 W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award. The small-batch chocolate factory was selected by a panel of independent judges from a group of finalists that included Computer Recycling Center,…
Read MoreGiving international business a lift in Springfield
Giving international business a lift in Springfield Companies looking to do business internationally may be aware that the Springfield-Branson National Airport has been home to a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) for two decades. In fact, until recently, it would have been possible to walk through the airport facility and not even know it was there.…
Read MoreA new approach to marketing
A new approach to marketing The Chamber is always looking for new ways to add value for members and help them make connections. We’re not unique in that regard; all Chambers list those goals among their priorities. But a recent event took a new approach to connecting people, letting them meet and share their stories.…
Read MoreCelebrating 25 Years of the Small Business Award
Celebrating 25 Years of the Small Business Award As the Chamber celebrates 25 years of presenting the annual W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award, we’re taking a look back and talking to some of the award recipients about what it has meant to their organizations. Over the 25 years of the Small Business Award, deserving companies…
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