Economic Development
Two 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…
Read MoreNonprofit CEOs Share Strategies for Events That Drive Mission and Impact
Nonprofit CEOs Share Strategies for Events That Drive Mission and Impact Nonprofit leaders gathered for the Chamber’s Non-Profit CEO Roundtable to explore one of the most important aspects of nonprofit sustainability: planning and executing successful events. The discussion focused on strategies for strengthening board engagement, building meaningful sponsorship relationships, and creating events that advance organizational…
Read MoreGearing up for 60 Minutes to Success: More Ways to Connect with Military Talent
Gearing up for 60 Minutes to Success: More Ways to Connect with Military Talent Springfield employers have a unique opportunity on the horizon. Fort Leonard Wood is home to skilled, motivated service members preparing to transition into civilian careers, and the Chamber has two upcoming programs designed to help local businesses tap into that talent…
Read MoreMember-driven advocacy advances business priorities during 2026 legislative session
Member-driven advocacy advances business priorities during 2026 legislative session The 2026 Missouri legislative session concluded May 15 with meaningful progress on several policy priorities important to Springfield-area employers, economic development and long-term regional competitiveness. For the Springfield Chamber, the end of session is also an opportunity to reflect on the value of a member-driven advocacy…
Read MoreHelp Shape the Future Workforce
Help Shape the Future Workforce The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting area businesses to participate as hosts for the 2026 Teacher Externship Program, taking place July 13–16, 2026. The Teacher Externship Program is designed to strengthen the connection between business and education by giving local educators firsthand exposure to the industries, career paths…
Read MoreSpringfield MSA reaches 500,000, cementing its status as major Midwest metro
Springfield MSA reaches 500,000, cementing its status as major Midwest metro March 26, 2026 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…
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 what…
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…
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