Greene County Presiding Commissioner Bob Dixon reported on the county’s year in front of more than 300 business and civic leaders gathered on Oct. 1 for a special State of the County edition of the Chamber’s Good Morning, Springfield (GMS)!
A room like that doesn't fill itself. Each month, GMS! provides the Chamber’s public partners, including the City of Springfield, Greene County and Springfield Public Schools, with the opportunity to speak directly to the business community. Once a year, each partner gets the full program for an annual address, providing valuable insight and helping build relationships that continue long after breakfast.
"We have tremendous partnerships in our community that go in all different directions, and that's part of our secret sauce to success here," Chamber President Matt Morrow said. "It's how we punch above our weight."
A county that works together
In his State of the County, Dixon called 2026 another positive year of growth, development and increased productivity. Greene County includes nine cities, 11 school districts and 12 fire districts. Dixon’s theme focused on honoring yesterday, serving today, and building a better tomorrow. Nearly every highlight he shared involved more than one partner.
"As citizens, we are fortunate in Greene County to have office holders and judges who work together as professionals for the people," Dixon said. "It's not like this everywhere else."
Inside the courthouse, county offices modernized their systems and shortened wait times. They also turned the former jail into a trauma-informed juvenile court facility, which opens to the public Nov. 9. Treasurer Justin Hill reported that the county's bank conversion went so smoothly there was no story to tell, which is the best kind of story in public finance.
Beyond the courthouse, the county partnered with the City of Springfield on the Route 66 centennial, America's 250th anniversary and continued operations with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. It also directed federal relief funds to projects like the Centerstone Youth Resiliency Campus and the Business Connect Center for entrepreneurs and remote workers at the Republic branch of the Springfield-Greene County Library District. Dixon also highlighted the Family Connects newborn home-visit program, run with CoxHealth and Mercy, and new pediatric specialty care from both health systems.
One way to help right now
Dixon closed his address with a call to action. Greene County still needs election judges at 12 polling places for the Nov. 3 general election. An engaged business community is central to the Chamber's advocacy work, and serving as an election judge is one of the most tangible ways to take part. The county provides both training and a stipend, and judges don't have to live in the area they serve. Learn more on the Greene County Elections page here.
More Info
Watch the full State of the County address, and read Greene County's 2026 annual report for the complete picture.