Economic Development
April 7 Spring to Your Future Hiring Fair Connects Students with Local Employers
April 7 Spring to Your Future Hiring Fair Connects Students with Local Employers The Spring to Your Future Hiring Fair brought together high school juniors and seniors with local employers to explore entry-level, summer, and part-time job opportunities. Held on April 7 at the efactory at Missouri State University, the event created a space for…
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 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…
Read MoreFive local businesses named finalists for 2026 Small Business Award
Five local businesses named finalists for 2026 Small Business Award NEWS RELEASE Springfield, Mo. – The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce has named five local businesses as finalists for the 2026 W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award, recognizing excellence in innovation, leadership, and community impact. The award is named in recognition of longtime Springfield business leader W.…
Read MoreSpringfield MSA reaches 500,000, cementing its status as a major Midwest metro
Springfield MSA reaches 500,000, cementing its status as a major Midwest metro 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 Springfield…
Read MoreTeacher Externship Program 2026
Teacher Externship Program 2026 Immersive Experience Takes Place July 13-16 The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Teacher Externship Program is designed to strengthen the connection between education and industry. This immersive, four-day experience places educators inside local businesses, giving them firsthand exposure to the skills, career pathways, and workplace environments that shape our region’s economy.…
Read MoreSBDC Highlights Regional Growth, Launches OREP Website
SBDC Highlights Regional Growth, Launches OREP Website The Springfield Business Development Corporation (SBDC) brought together nearly 470 business and community leaders on March 4 for its Annual Meeting, showcasing the region’s economic momentum and unveiling a major new tool to support future growth — the official launch of the Ozarks Regional Economic Partnership (OREP) website.…
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 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 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 MoreSpringfield MSA named a top U.S. location for food manufacturing
Springfield MSA named a top U.S. location for food manufacturing 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 North Central region…
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