Economic Development
Economists unveil valuable local and national economic insights
Economists unveil valuable local and national economic insights The Chamber’s economic development arm, the Springfield Business Development Corporation (SBDC), hosted its 19 annual Economic Outlook event on August 16, at the Oasis Hotel and Convention Center. With a strong attendance of more than 350 participants, the 2023 event proved to be a pivotal platform for…
Read MoreAugust 2023: Executive Insight with Dean Thompson and Tiffany Batdorf
August 2023: Executive Insight with Dean Thompson and Tiffany Batdorf In the August edition of SGF Business Insider, Chamber President, Matt Morrow, sits down with the new Executive Director of Regionalism and Economic Development Dean Thompson, and our new Vice President of Communications, Tiffany Batdorf. Thompson and Batdorf discuss economic development, regionalism, and communicating the Chamber’s message to…
Read MoreChamber’s growth continues with multiple key positions filled
Leadership Team Grows Two executives join the Chamber team and a third is named acting VP. The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the hiring of two key leadership positions and names acting Vice President of Public Affairs. Dean Thompson will take on the role of executive director of regionalism and economic…
Read MoreChamber hires for three positions
Chamber hires for three positions The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce three recent hires to help better serve our members and the business community at large – Kendra Bollinger is the graphic design and creative project manager, Katie Cartwright is the talent retention coordinator and Evander Gonzalez is the research coordinator.…
Read MoreHow competition and collaboration drive improvement in our area health care systems
How competition and collaboration drive improvement in our area health care systems At the recent Health Care Outlook, a panel of area leaders from Springfield’s two largest employers, CoxHealth and Mercy Hospital Springfield Communities, shared how competition and collaboration drive improvement in our area health care systems. Presented by the Springfield Business Development Corporation (SBDC),…
Read MoreChamber hires for business development manager
Chamber hires for business development manager The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed Ben Vickers to the economic development staff team as the manager of business development. In this role, Vickers will focus on building relationships with businesses in the Springfield region to support their continued growth. He will work with local stakeholders to…
Read MoreWhy and How Should Springfield Consider Regional Economic and Community Development?
Why and How Should Springfield Consider Regional Economic and Community Development? As the Springfield region grows and our need to attract and retain talent to the area increases year over year, the concept of regionalism continues to become an important topic of conversation. Mike Malone, University of Arkansas (U of A) vice chancellor for economic…
Read MoreWelcoming new members and officers to the Chamber Board of Directors
Welcoming new members and officers to the Chamber Board of Directors At its January board of directors meeting, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce will install new members, as well as its slate of officers for 2023: The following board members will serve on the Chamber’s Executive Committee in 2023: Chair: Joselyn Baldner, Central Bank of…
Read MoreHow manufacturers are pivoting to adapt to a new normal
How manufacturers are pivoting to adapt to a new normal At the recent Manufacturing Outlook, a panel of area leaders from the manufacturing sector shared with a sold-out crowd how companies are pivoting to adapt to new industry norms. Vicki Pratt, senior vice president of economic development, also gave an update on the environment for…
Read MoreJanuary 2023: How are area manufacturers successfully managing industry changes?
January 2023: How are area manufacturers successfully managing industry changes? In the January edition of SGF Business Insider, the Chamber’s Digital Communications Manager, Noah Hester, shares audio from a panel interview with local manufacturing leaders featured at our recent Manufacturing Outlook. This event is an opportunity to hear how manufacturers are pivoting to adapt to…
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