Economic Development

Food processors talk about regulatory issues, workforce needs The Springfield region has always had strong agricultural roots, but many don’t recognize the strength and importance of agribusiness to the area’s manufacturing sector. Those businesses were on full display during the 2016 Manufacturing Outlook, held at University Plaza on December 7. Joe Reynolds, president of Central…

For The eFactory Accelerator, a conclusion means a new beginning The first group of four participating companies in The eFactory’s Accelerator program—created by Missouri State University and funded in part by the Chamber and its development arm, the Springfield Business Development Corporation—made their pitches during Demo Day on October 24. The program’s organizers say they’re…

Vital Farms lauds Springfield region’s development-ready sites, coordinated approach When the nation’s largest brand of pasture-raised eggs chose the Springfield region for its new facility, the company noted the city’s development-ready sites and its coordinated approach, as well as its central geography, skilled workforce and access to transportation, as reasons for the choice. Austin, Texas-based…

Springfield region remains bright spot in steady economy In its effort to create growth in the area economy and job market, the Chamber and its economic development arm, the Springfield Business Development Corporation (SBDC), regularly bring in experts to analyze the lay of the land and discuss what the future may hold. At the Economic…

Accelerator program connects startups with funding and guidance The Chamber and Missouri State University have both worked hard to identify gaps in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Chamber—along with its development arm, the Springfield Business Development Corporation—have worked tirelessly with community and business leaders, offering their expertise to help create and fund several programs aimed at…

PIC West groundbreaking signals continued manufacturing strength A July 15 groundbreaking ceremony at Partnership Industrial Center West (PIC West) is a strong indicator of continued positive movement in the manufacturing industry and the overall southwest Missouri economy. JRI Holdings, an industrial cleaning systems manufacturer, is investing $5.6 million to expand its capacity and will move…

Springfield Region website relaunch unveils new regional marketing look The Springfield Region has a remodeled online presence, thanks to a marketing campaign spearheaded by the Chamber’s economic development staff team and a local creative company. To make the greatest impact when marketing the assets of the 10-county region, the Chamber’s economic development arm, Springfield Business…

New jobs, larger footprint for SRC Logistics SRC Logistics, Inc., a subsidiary of employee-owned SRC Holdings Corporation, is expanding within its Springfield facility, creating up to 50 new jobs with competitive benefits. After winning a major client contract, the company is investing $700,000 in capital and utilizing 140,000 square feet of space at its East…

We’re on the right track to encourage business expansion Economic developers are taking the temperature of Springfield and Missouri to determine their health as nurturers of growth, and what they’re finding is good news. Chamber economic development staff took part in a recent presentation on results of a survey on business expansion. The survey by…