Business Advocacy
Springfield 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 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 alignment with the…
Read MoreSpringfield Area Chamber of Commerce names Doug Pitt as 2026 Springfieldian
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce names Doug Pitt as 2026 Springfieldian Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce names Doug Pitt as 2026 Springfieldian 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…
Read MoreRepresentative Stinnett shares perspective on the 2026 Missouri Legislative Session
Representative Stinnett shares perspective on the 2026 Missouri Legislative Session 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 legislative priorities for…
Read MoreCincinnati’s Momentum: Key Takeaways from the 2025 Community Leadership Visit
Cincinnati’s Momentum: Key Takeaways from the 2025 Community Leadership Visit 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 return home with…
Read MoreMissouri Economic Development Director Hataway emphasizes the state’s growth opportunities
Missouri Economic Development Director Hataway emphasizes the state’s growth opportunities 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 department director by…
Read MoreChamber Board endorses lodging ballot measure to fund regional convention and event center
Chamber Board endorses lodging ballot measure to fund regional convention and event center FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 20, 2025 The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted on Monday, Aug. 18, to endorse the City of Springfield’s Nov. 4 ballot measure to increase the lodging tax by 3 percent. The measure is expected…
Read MoreGovernor Kehoe outlines priorities for Missouri’s future in first State of the State address as Governor
Governor Kehoe outlines priorities for Missouri’s future in first State of the State address as Governor Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe joined the Springfield Chamber on July 28 for the 2025 State of the State event, reflecting on his first year in office and outlining his administration’s vision for the future of Missouri. In front of…
Read MoreEducation, childcare, and community investment drove Rep. Fogle’s 2025 legislative priorities
Education, childcare, and community investment drove Rep. Fogle’s 2025 legislative priorities The Springfield Chamber welcomed State Representative Betsy Fogle (District 135) for an Inside the Issues conversation highlighting her priorities and key takeaways from the 2025 Regular and Special Legislative Sessions. Fogle, who represents northeast Springfield and serves as the ranking minority member on the…
Read MoreClerk Schoeller highlights April 8 election trends and the importance of trust in local elections
Clerk Schoeller highlights April 8 election trends and the importance of trust in local elections Greene County Clerk Shane Schoeller joined Chamber members on April 17 for the latest Inside the Issues event, offering a detailed look at the April 8 election results and how local elections are managed behind the scenes, from security protocols…
Read MoreYour Vote, Your Business, Your Community
Your Vote, Your Business, Your Community The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to strengthening public education and local governance – both essential to our workforce and economic vitality. Strong leadership in our schools and city government is crucial to meeting today’s competitive economic demands while preserving the high quality of life that makes…
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