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Forward 44: Major Interstate Improvements Set to Strengthen Southwest Missouri’s Economy
Forward 44: Major Interstate Improvements Set to Strengthen Southwest Missouri’s Economy Major improvements are coming to Interstate 44, with new investment aimed at improving safety, strengthening freight movement and supporting economic growth across southwest Missouri. During a recent Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Inside the Issues event, representatives from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)…
Read MoreWhat I’m Watching: Amendment 6, Springfield Jobs and East Sunshine
What I’m Watching: Amendment 6, Springfield Jobs and East Sunshine October 30, 2026 Several developments I’ve been watching this week reinforce something I believe about good decision-making: thoughtful public input matters, and we need to leave ourselves room to adjust when new information comes to light. That principle is relevant to a statewide ballot issue,…
Read MoreNonprofit Outlook 2026: Building Funder Relationships Before the Ask
Nonprofit Outlook 2026: Building Funder Relationships Before the Ask Funders and nonprofit leaders took the stage at the 2026 Nonprofit Outlook on Oct. 28, for a candid look at where nonprofit funding in the Springfield region stands today and where it is headed. Moderated by Brian Fogle, Drury University, the panel featured: Krystal Simon, Care…
Read MoreTop Tips 2026 – James Financial: Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy
Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy One of the most well-known investors of the 20th Century, Benjamin Graham, said that “the investor’s chief problem—and even his worst enemy—is likely to be himself.” What Graham understood—and modern research is catching up to—is the idea that we all have emotions and biases that affect our decision-making.…
Read MoreThe Network’s Civic Engagement Series: Chad Carleton on Scaling Good Company
The Network’s Civic Engagement Series: Chad Carleton on Scaling Good Company On Wednesday, Oct. 21, The Network’s Civic Engagement Series featured Chad Carleton, founder and CEO of Good Company, for a conversation on scaling a business, leading through rapid growth and why he continues to build in Springfield. A Springfield native, Carleton got his start…
Read MorePresiding Commissioner Dixon delivers 2026 State of the County at Good Morning, Springfield!
Presiding Commissioner Dixon delivers 2026 State of the County at Good Morning, Springfield! Greene County Presiding Commissioner Bob Dixon reported on the county’s year in front of more than 300 business and civic leaders gathered on Oct. 1 for a special State of the County edition of the Chamber’s Good Morning, Springfield (GMS)! A room…
Read MoreCommunity Leadership Visit: What Springfield region leaders will learn in IndyÂ
Community Leadership Visit: What Springfield region leaders will learn in Indy The planning for each annual Community Leadership Visit (CLV) starts with a question: what other community do we have the most to learn from in the coming year? This year’s ask led us to this initial answer: a region that is growing without pricing…
Read MoreNonprofit CEO Roundtable: Five & Rising
Nonprofit CEO Roundtable: Five & Rising On Wednesday, Sept. 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. Pacinella shared the significant economic 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…
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