Chamber staff traveled to Fort Leonard Wood on Oct. 15 for the Hiring Our Heroes Career Summit, joined by eight area employers. The event drew 260 attendees, including transitioning active-duty service members, veterans, military spouses and civilians, for job seeker workshops and a hiring fair.
More than 55 employers attended, representing fields from law enforcement and logistics to utility services. Together, they posted more than 12,000 job openings, and the event produced 343 follow-up interviews and 415 job offers.
For the Springfield region, the goal was to introduce transitioning service members and their families to the career opportunities and quality of life our community offers. Chamber staff highlighted the advantages of living and working in the Springfield region, while local employers connected directly with candidates whose skills, discipline, and experience translate to the civilian workforce.
The summit is held annually. The next one is scheduled for April 9, 2027.
Learn more about how the Chamber is connecting Springfield-area employers with transitioning service members and expanding opportunities to attract military talent to our region: Gearing up for 60 Minutes to Success: More Ways to Connect with Military Talent - Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce