Posts by tbatdorf
Springfield MSA reaches 500,000, cementing its status as major Midwest metro
Springfield MSA reaches 500,000, cementing its status as major Midwest metro March 26, 2026 The Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area has officially surpassed 500,000 residents — and for the region’s businesses, investors, and economic development community, the number means far more than a census milestone. According to population estimates released today by the U.S. Census Bureau, the…
Read MoreSpringfield Earns National Recognition as One of America’s Best Places to Live in 2026
Springfield Earns National Recognition as One of America’s Best Places to Live in 2026 Springfield has landed at #85 on Livability’s 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live, a national ranking that evaluates small- to mid-sized cities on the factors that matter most to businesses, workers, and investors. It’s the kind of recognition that confirms what…
Read MoreProject Announcement: TREKK Expands in Springfield
Project Announcement: TREKK Expands in Springfield Investment drives job growth, showcasing workforce strength TREKK Design Group announced this morning plans to expand in Missouri, including growth in Springfield, as part of a $1.89 million investment expected to create 77 new jobs across the state. The expansion reinforces Springfield’s strong workforce and continued momentum as a destination for innovative engineering and…
Read MoreSpringfield Chamber Honors 2026 ATHENA and Virginia Fry Rising Star Award Recipients
Springfield Chamber Honors 2026 ATHENA and Virginia Fry Rising Star Award Recipients March 4, 2026 MEDIA RELEASE Springfield, MO – The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce has announced Sandy Howard as the 2026 ATHENA Award recipient and Lauren Korbal as the 2026 Virginia Fry Rising Star Award recipient. These honors recognize outstanding women leaders who…
Read MoreSpringfield 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…
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