Posts by Jeremy Elwood
Encouraging YPs to impact their community
Encouraging YPs to impact their community On February 16, The Network for Springfield’s Young Professionals held the first event in its 2022 civic engagement series. YPs were joined by Dr. Jonathan Groves, facilitator of the Community Focus Report. Dr. Groves presented on the 2021 report, including the major blue ribbons and red flags throughout the…
Read MoreGovernor discusses higher education, workforce investment with community leaders
Governor discusses higher education, workforce investment with community leaders Governor Mike Parson met with public and private sector community leaders on February 10 at the Missouri State University efactory Jay Wasson Idea Loft to discuss transformational investments in Missouri’s workforce and education system. Leaders from Springfield Public Schools, the City of Springfield, Greene County, Missouri State University,…
Read MoreSGF Business Insider – February 2022: How Do We Remove Professional Barriers for Women?
SGF Business Insider – February 2022: How Do We Remove Professional Barriers for Women? This month, Chamber President Matt Morrow talks with Wendy Doyle. Wendy is the president and CEO of United Women’s Empowerment (United WE), a non-profit organization based out of Kansas City that tackles barriers to women’s economic growth. They work with decision…
Read MoreWelcoming our two new membership development coordinators
Welcoming our two new membership development coordinators The Chamber is pleased to announce the hire of two new Membership Development Coordinators in the Chamber’s membership department. Nikki Rorabaugh joined the Chamber team on October 5. She previously worked as the development director for Central Christian School, development director for Washington University in St. Louis, and…
Read MoreLearning from new leaders for the new year
Learning from new leaders for the new year On January 20, The Network for Springfield’s Young Professionals hosted its annual New Year, New Leaders event to kick off the year, featuring an interview with Chamber Board Chairman John Oke-Thomas and Dee King, Committee Chair for The Network in 2022. To begin the program, Mark Harrington,…
Read MoreTackling workforce issues through training & improved access
Tackling workforce issues through training & improved access Nearly every employer is facing significant challenges in finding enough skilled workers to meet both their current needs and their desire for growth. The shortage of employees has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the underlying issues have existed for several years – and while there…
Read MoreSpringfield Metro Partnership salutes state legislators
Springfield Metro Partnership salutes state legislators The Springfield Metro Partnership hosted the annual Salute to Missouri Legislators reception and advocacy day in Jefferson City on January 26 to connect with lawmakers, promote the Springfield region and thank elected officials for their service. The Springfield Metro Partnership (SMP) is comprised of the City of Springfield, City…
Read MoreConnecting with legislators about business priorities
Connecting with legislators about business priorities To kick off the 2022 legislative session, members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors continued the tradition of meeting with regional legislators to highlight business community priorities during the Chamber Board Legislative Luncheon on January 21. Led by Chamber Board Chairman John Oke-Thomas, the event began with recognition of…
Read MoreAnnouncing the recipients of 2022 ATHENA, Virginia Fry Rising Star Awards
Announcing the recipients of 2022 ATHENA, Virginia Fry Rising Star Awards Two leaders in the Springfield community will be honored at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 ATHENA Award ceremony on March 10. Crista Hogan has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 ATHENA Award. She has served as executive director of the…
Read MoreRecapping 2021 in advocacy
Recapping 2021 in advocacy Each year, the Chamber’s public policy efforts are focused on our members and driven by our volunteer leaders. In 2021, we had a successful year full of policy engagement, sold-out events, legislative victories, interactions with policymakers, and more – and strong volunteer leadership was at the core of it all. We…
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