Business Advocacy
Finalists announced for 2022 Small Business Award
Finalists announced for 2022 Small Business Award Five area businesses have been named as finalists for the 2022 Small Business Award. The finalists were determined based on written applications that include essays on company history, management philosophy, responses to challenges, innovation in product and service offerings and contributions to the community. Entries are scored by…
Read MoreState rep discusses outlook in General Assembly
State rep discusses outlook in General Assembly When State Rep. Alex Riley visited the Chamber in early March to offer a legislative update to the Governmental Relations Committee, he shared that one of the biggest issues hanging over the General Assembly was the gridlock in the Senate due to ongoing battles over the redrawing of…
Read MoreBoard leaders advocate for business priorities
Board leaders advocate for business priorities Leaders from the Chamber’s Board of Directors visited the state Capitol on March 3 to advocate for board-approved business community legislative priorities. The delegation included Board Chairman John Oke-Thomas of Oke-Thomas + Associates, and Chairman-Elect Joselyn Baldner of Central Bank of the Ozarks, along with other members of the…
Read MoreChamber endorses two candidates for school board election on April 5
Chamber endorses two candidates for school board election on April 5 The Board of Directors of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Chad Courtney and Charles Taylor for Springfield Public Schools (R-12) Board of Education in the election on April 5. Through volunteer-driven committee evaluation and board of directors’ decision-making, the Chamber has…
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 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 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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