Economic Development
Missouri Economic Development Director Hataway emphasizes the state’s growth opportunities
Missouri Economic Development Director Hataway emphasizes the state’s growth opportunities February 24, 2026 Missouri Department of Economic Development Director Michelle Hataway brought a message of optimism to Springfield on August 13, outlining opportunities for statewide growth through workforce readiness, emerging industries and regional partnerships at the Chamber’s Public Policy Speaker Series. Hataway was first appointed…
Read MoreSpringfield MSA named a top U.S. location for food manufacturing
Springfield MSA named a top U.S. location for food manufacturing February 24, 2026 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…
Read MoreChamber Board endorses lodging ballot measure to fund regional convention and event center
Chamber Board endorses lodging ballot measure to fund regional convention and event center February 24, 2026 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 20, 2025 The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted on Monday, Aug. 18, to endorse the City of Springfield’s Nov. 4 ballot measure to increase the lodging tax by 3 percent. The…
Read MoreSpringfield Chamber’s Economic Outlook Highlights National Trends and Local Strength
Springfield Chamber’s Economic Outlook Highlights National Trends and Local Strength February 24, 2026 The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed Kathleen Navin, CBE, Senior Economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, as the featured speaker for SBDC Economic Outlook on August 6. Hosted by the Springfield Chamber’s economic development arm, Springfield Business Development…
Read MoreChamber Announces 2025 Small Business Award Finalists, Celebrating Innovation & Community Impact
Chamber Announces 2025 Small Business Award Finalists, Celebrating Innovation & Community Impact The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce has announced five outstanding businesses as finalists for its prestigious W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award, recognizing their contributions to the local economy and community. The finalists were selected based on written applications covering company history, management philosophy, responses to challenges, innovation…
Read MorePRE breaks ground on PIC West Expansion
PRE breaks ground on PIC West Expansion SPRINGFIELD, MO – Press Room Equipment (PRE), a manufacturer of press feeding and coil handling equipment, is expanding in Springfield with a $6.5 million investment that adds 10 new jobs to its current workforce. The company will relocate into a newly built 32,000-square-foot facility, boosting production and reinforcing…
Read More2025 SBDC Annual Meeting
2025 SBDC Annual Meeting From breathing new life into our city’s core to hatching big opportunities for local businesses, this year’s Springfield Business Development Corporation (SBDC) Annual Meeting showcased how strategic growth fuels success for everyone. Attendees heard how projects like Vital Farms’ Egg Central Station aren’t just about one industry-they’re catalysts for broader economic…
Read MoreChamber celebrates a year of progress and looks ahead to an exciting future at 2025 Annual Meeting
Chamber celebrates a year of progress and looks ahead to an exciting future at 2025 Annual Meeting The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting brought together business and community leaders to celebrate the achievements of the past year and set the stage for an exciting future. This annual gathering serves as a moment to…
Read MoreManufacturing Outlook provides insights on talent recruitment and retention
Manufacturing Outlook provides insights on talent recruitment and retention The Springfield Business Development Corporation (SBDC) Manufacturing Outlook on Dec. 4, brought together Springfield region manufacturing and business leaders to focus on key strategies for attracting and retaining top talent in Springfield’s vital manufacturing sector. The panel discussion, moderated by Carrie Richardson, Leadership Springfield, Inc., included…
Read MoreJohn Deere Reman announces $13.5M expansion in Strafford
John Deere Reman announces $13.5M expansion in Strafford John Deere Reman, a division of Deere & Company, has announced a $13.5 million expansion of its remanufacturing facility in Strafford, MO, set to break ground in mid-2025. Once completed in 2026, the project will add 120,000 square feet to the facility, increasing its total size to…
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