Economic Development
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Opposes Amendment 6 on the November 3 Ballot
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Opposes Amendment 6 on the November 3 Ballot Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Opposes Amendment 6 on November 3 Ballot SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted Monday to oppose Amendment 6 on Missouri’s November 3 ballot, citing concerns that the proposal would…
Read MoreEmployers Help 875 Students Explore Careers
Employers Help 875 Students Explore Careers October 22, 2026 Building the region’s future workforce starts well before a student fills out a job application. It starts with helping young people understand the opportunities around them and how what they’re learning today connects to those careers. On Oct. 21 and 22, about 875 seventh and eighth…
Read MoreThe Network’s Civic Engagement Series: Chad Carleton on Scaling Good Company
The Network’s Civic Engagement Series: Chad Carleton on Scaling Good Company On Wednesday, Oct. 21, The Network’s Civic Engagement Series featured Chad Carleton, founder and CEO of Good Company, for a conversation on scaling a business, leading through rapid growth and why he continues to build in Springfield. A Springfield native, Carleton got his start…
Read MoreCommunity Leadership Visit: What Springfield region leaders will learn in IndyÂ
Community Leadership Visit: What Springfield region leaders will learn in Indy The planning for each annual Community Leadership Visit (CLV) starts with a question: what other community do we have the most to learn from in the coming year? This year’s ask led us to this initial answer: a region that is growing without pricing…
Read MoreSpringfield can grow without giving up affordability
Springfield can grow without giving up affordability Guest column published in the Springfield Business Journal Sept. 21, 2026 For decades, Springfield’s affordability has been a key part of our economic appeal. For an employer, it makes capital investment more manageable and provides a competitive edge in attracting and retaining talent. For a family, it can…
Read MoreSpringfield’s growth depends on attainable housing
Springfield’s growth depends on attainable housing Op-ed originally published in The News-Leader Sept. 20, 2026 Springfield has a lot going for it. Our economy is growing. Businesses are investing here; major projects are moving forward, and people across the region still believe Springfield is a good place to build a business, raise a family, and…
Read MoreTakeaways from the 2026 Economic Outlook
The Ozarks economy is outpacing state and national growth, but housing and workforce will decide how far it carries. Takeaways from the 2026 Economic Outlook.
Read MoreTwo ribbon cuttings, and the work behind them
Two ribbon cuttings, and the work behind them Springfield had two ribbon cuttings to celebrate in July. Keep Supply opened its new downtown headquarters, and Genie Recon marked an expansion on East Pythian Street. Two different companies, two different industries, two different corners of the local economy. Both are good news for the region. And…
Read MoreEducators step into the workplace
Educators step into the workplace In July, 41 educators from across the region left their classrooms for four days to see where their students might end up. Through the Springfield Chamber’s 2026 Teacher Externship program, teachers got a firsthand look at the skills, career pathways, and daily realities of local industry. The program exists to…
Read MoreGenie Recon to expand in Springfield
Genie Recon to expand in Springfield Genie Recon to expand in Springfield, investing $11.5 million and creating 243 jobs Springfield, Mo.— Genie Recon, an advanced remanufacturer of telescopic boom lifts, announced an expansion in Springfield that will bring $11.5 million in investment and 243 new jobs to the region. The company marked the milestone today…
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