Archive for February 2026
Springfield Chamber Board endorses April 7 lodging tax proposal to advance regional convention and events center
Springfield Chamber Board endorses April 7 lodging tax proposal to advance regional convention and events center February 24, 2026 MEDIA RELEASE The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted to endorse the City of Springfield’s proposed 3% lodging tax increase on the April 7, 2026, ballot, citing the project’s long-term economic impact and…
Read MoreSpringfield Area Chamber of Commerce names Doug Pitt as 2026 Springfieldian
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce names Doug Pitt as 2026 Springfieldian February 24, 2026 MEDIA RELEASE Springfield, Mo.— For more than 30 years, Doug Pitt has quietly shaped lives, strengthened communities and expanded opportunities. That work now earns him the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s highest honor as the 2026 Springfieldian. The announcement came at the…
Read MoreRepresentative Stinnett shares perspective on the 2026 Missouri Legislative Session
Representative Stinnett shares perspective on the 2026 Missouri Legislative Session February 24, 2026 For the final installment of the Chamber’s 2025 Inside the Issues series, members heard from District 133 State Representative Melanie Stinnett. Stinnett offered insight into the conversations shaping the 2026 Missouri Legislative Session, discussing budget uncertainties, mental health initiatives, and her own…
Read MoreMissouri Economic Development Director Hataway emphasizes the state’s growth opportunities
Missouri Economic Development Director Hataway emphasizes the state’s growth opportunities February 24, 2026 Missouri Department of Economic Development Director Michelle Hataway brought a message of optimism to Springfield on August 13, outlining opportunities for statewide growth through workforce readiness, emerging industries and regional partnerships at the Chamber’s Public Policy Speaker Series. Hataway was first appointed…
Read MoreCincinnati’s Momentum: Key Takeaways from the 2025 Community Leadership Visit
Cincinnati’s Momentum: Key Takeaways from the 2025 Community Leadership Visit February 24, 2026 More than 80 Springfield business, civic, and education leaders traveled to Cincinnati in September for the Chamber’s 31st annual Community Leadership Visit (CLV). Each year, the CLV provides an opportunity for local leaders to learn from a peer community, deepen relationships, and…
Read MoreSpringfield MSA named a top U.S. location for food manufacturing
Springfield MSA named a top U.S. location for food manufacturing February 24, 2026 Click Here for full report FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 28, 2025 Springfield, Mo. — Springfield has been recognized as one of the nation’s top hubs for food manufacturing, earning a spot in the Top 25 nationally and Top 5 in the West…
Read MoreGovernor Kehoe outlines priorities for Missouri’s future in first State of the State address as Governor
Governor Kehoe outlines priorities for Missouri’s future in first State of the State address as Governor February 24, 2026 Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe joined the Springfield Chamber on July 28 for the 2025 State of the State event, reflecting on his first year in office and outlining his administration’s vision for the future of Missouri.…
Read MoreChamber Board endorses lodging ballot measure to fund regional convention and event center
Chamber Board endorses lodging ballot measure to fund regional convention and event center February 24, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 20, 2025 The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted on Monday, Aug. 18, to endorse the City of Springfield’s Nov. 4 ballot measure to increase the lodging tax by 3 percent. The…
Read MoreSpringfield Chamber’s Economic Outlook Highlights National Trends and Local Strength
Springfield Chamber’s Economic Outlook Highlights National Trends and Local Strength February 24, 2026 The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Kathleen Navin, CBE, Senior Economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, as the featured speaker for SBDC Economic Outlook on August 6. Hosted by the Springfield Chamber’s economic development arm, Springfield Business Development…
Read MoreCelebrating Member Milestones with Ribbon Cuttings – May 2025
Celebrating Member Milestones with Ribbon Cuttings – May 2025 February 24, 2026 Every day, the Chamber works to help businesses grow and thrive. One of the things we love most is when we have the opportunity to help those organizations commemorate significant achievements – grand openings, anniversaries, new facilities, and more. May was a great…
Read More