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SBDC Highlights Regional Growth, Launches OREP Website

The Springfield Business Development Corporation (SBDC) brought together nearly 470 business and community leaders on March 4 for its Annual Meeting, showcasing the region’s economic momentum and unveiling a major new tool to support future growth — the official launch of the Ozarks Regional Economic Partnership (OREP) website.

As the economic development arm of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, the SBDC plays a critical role in positioning the Springfield region for success. Through strategic partnerships, the organization works to attract new business and talent, support existing employers, and elevate the region’s visibility on a national stage.

Advancing a Regional Approach to Growth

A key highlight of the event was the public debut of OREP’s new website, www.ozarkspartnership.com, designed to market the Ozarks as a unified, competitive destination for business investment.Logo for Ozarks Regional Economic Partnership

OREP brings together partners across ten counties — Webster, Dallas, Polk, Dade, Lawrence, Barry, Stone, Taney, Christian and Greene — creating a collaborative regional approach to economic development. By aligning assets and opportunities across communities, the partnership strengthens the region’s ability to compete for projects and talent.

“By aligning our communities and leveraging each county’s strengths, we present and market the Ozarks Region as one cohesive, competitive location in Southwest Missouri for businesses to grow and prosper,” said Jonas Arjes, senior vice president of economic development for the Springfield Chamber.

2025 Highlights and Strategic Progress

During the meeting, Arjes also shared key accomplishments and initiatives from the past year, including:

  • The launch of GEARS, a leadership development program tailored for manufacturing professionals
  • The introduction of quarterly investor meetings, increasing engagement and transparency with SBDC investors
  • The relaunch of OREP with updated branding and a renewed focus on regional collaboration

These efforts reflect a continued commitment to strengthening both the business climate and the leadership pipeline across the region.

Strengthening Investment in Regional Collaboration

SBDC also announced a significant investment

committed $50,000 annually as an OREP Regional Champion. This investment will help ensure the partnership has the resources needed to sustain collaboration and compete for new economic opportunities.

Strong Economic Momentum Across the Region

The keynote program featured insights from Michelle Hataway, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, and Jeff Pinkerton, Director of Economic Research, who highlighted encouraging economic trends at both the state and regional levels.

Missouri continues to lead the Midwest in average annual GDP growth, posting a 2.1% increase between 2018 and 2024. Locally, the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is outpacing both the state and surrounding regions.

With an estimated population of 496,975 in 2024, the Springfield MSA is approaching the 500,000 milestone—a key benchmark often associated with increased business attraction and economic competitiveness.

Industries driving this growth include:

  • Arts, entertainment and recreation
  • Health care and social assistance
  • Manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Transportation and warehousing

Looking Ahead

The energy and collaboration on display at this year’s SBDC Annual Meeting reinforce a clear message: the Springfield region is growing, aligned, and ready to compete.

With the launch of the OREP website and continued investment from regional partners, the Ozarks is well-positioned to attract new opportunities and support long-term economic vitality.

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