Archive for 2017
A surprise visit from Chamber friends
A surprise visit from Chamber friends If you saw a limo full of donuts driving around Springfield, you’re not imagining things. It was probably from the Chamber. And keep your eyes peeled – you might just see it again soon! The Chamber has launched the Surprise Patrol, a recurring event where Chamber ambassadors and staff…
Read MoreApril election spells a win for economic growth
April election spells a win for economic growth All six candidates running for Springfield City Council who were endorsed by the Springfield Good Government Committee won their respective races on April 4 by significant margins. Mayor Pro Tem Ken McClure won election as Springfield’s new mayor, while incumbent council members Phyllis Ferguson, Craig Fishel, Jan…
Read MoreLegislative Update: Progress on Chamber priorities, work remains in last five weeks of session
Legislative Update: Progress on Chamber priorities, work remains in last five weeks of session The 2017 legislative session is headed toward the finish line, with only five weeks until adjournment on May 12. The first few months of session have been productive, with many Chamber priorities making steady progress or crossing the finish line. Here…
Read MoreTackling health care challenges through innovation
Tackling health care challenges through innovation The health care sector is one of the key drivers of our region’s economy – the industry employs nearly 40,000 people in the Springfield region with more than $1.5 billion in annual payroll. Despite this strength, the need for unique solutions to health care needs and qualified workers is…
Read MoreGO CAPS students set to show off their work
GO CAPS students set to show off their work The second crop of students participating in the GO CAPS program are preparing to show off the results of a year of hard work. More than 150 high school juniors and seniors from 11 area school districts will present projects on April 26 during the GO…
Read MoreJoin Us for the 2017 Small Business Award
Join Us for the 2017 Small Business Award For the 25th year, the Chamber is preparing to recognize five area companies as finalists for the W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award. Here’s a look at this year’s honorees (listed in alphabetical order): Askinosie Chocolate is a small-batch, award-winning chocolate factory founded in 2006. It sources 100…
Read MoreTelling a story and changing the narrative
Telling a story and changing the narrative When Mary Kellogg’s husband, John Joslyn, told her about his plans to open a museum about the famous sunken ocean liner Titanic, she understood. After all, John had produced a major network television special about the expedition that found the shipwreck and even participated in the dives. When…
Read MoreChamber encourages members to vote YES on the Springfield R-12 bond issue
Chamber encourages members to vote YES on the Springfield R-12 bond issue The Chamber board of directors encourages members to support the Springfield Public Schools bond issue on the April 4 ballot. At its February meeting, the Chamber’s board of directors unanimously voted to support the bond issue, accepting the recommendation of the Chamber’s Local…
Read MoreA vote for these candidates is a vote for economic growth
A vote for these candidates is a vote for economic growth Electing well-rounded, thoughtful civic leaders who focus on the big picture of Springfield’s future is essential for our community to thrive and prosper. We need a City Council that is made up of individuals who see the importance of prioritizing economic development and job…
Read MoreState Senate leaders discuss legislative session, time in office
State Senate leaders discuss legislative session, time in office The kickoff of the 2017 Public Policy Speaker Series featured an impressive panel of senators representing the Springfield region. Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard and State Sens. Bob Dixon and Jay Wasson all visited the Chamber on February 24 for the first installment of the…
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