Recent News
Nonprofit CEO Roundtable: Five & Rising
Nonprofit CEO Roundtable: Five & Rising On Wednesday, September 23, the Nonprofit CEO Roundtable featured Stephanie Pacinella, Senior Director of Strategy & Special Initiatives at Social Current, for a conversation on Five & Rising, a national movement working to shift how the social sector is funded, valued and supported. Stephanie shared the significant economic and…
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 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…
Read MoreTop Tips 2026 – James Financial: Rebalancing Your Portfolio
Rebalancing Your Portfolio Everyone loves a winner. If an investment is successful, most people naturally want to stick with it. But is that the best approach? It may sound counterintuitive, but it may be possible to have too much of a good thing. Over time, the performance of different investments can shift a…
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 MoreTop Tips 2026 – James Financial: What can you buy with 529 Distributions?
What Can You Buy With 529 Distributions? Some of the biggest challenges many face when it comes to education are financial. Luckily, a 529 college savings plan can help. And they’re not just for college anymore – added to the tuition eligibility are K-12, private, and religious schools. These funds can also be used…
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