Uncategorized
Springfieldian honoree offers guidance for young professionals
Springfieldian honoree offers guidance for young professionals By his own account, one of the abilities Bill Kirkman developed over his career was the ability to listen to others and learn from them. If those in attendance at the most recent installment of The Network’s CEO Series have the ability to listen, they likely learned a…
Read MoreThe importance of supporting small businesses
The importance of supporting small businesses Small businesses are the backbone of southwest Missouri’s economic strength, and they’re the backbone of the Chamber. A large majority of our members – more than 80 percent – are considered small businesses (with 50 or fewer employees). So we understand how important it is to support small businesses…
Read MoreBusinesses, schools reiterate importance of workforce development
Businesses, schools reiterate importance of workforce development Chamber staff recently brought State Speaker of the House Todd Richardson to the Chamber offices to talk with business and education leaders about workforce development and education issues, and the speaker heard about the continued challenges those leaders face. Richardson visited the Chamber on October 10 to kick…
Read MoreFor The eFactory Accelerator, a conclusion means a new beginning
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…
Read MoreChamber encourages members to vote NO on Amendment 3, Proposition A
Chamber encourages members to vote NO on Amendment 3, Proposition A At the October 17 meeting of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, the board voted to oppose two statewide proposals that will appear on the November 8 ballot: Amendment 3 and Proposition A. Both proposals would increase Missouri’s tobacco tax by different amounts with funds…
Read MoreAmbassador visit highlights need for international communication
Ambassador visit highlights need for international communication As the Japanese ambassador to the United States, Kenichiro Sasae knows the importance of interpersonal communication—regardless of cultural divides. “Human relationships matter,” he told an October 12 gathering of the Chamber’s International Business Council. “In Japan, we care about the relationships and the level of trust. Without knowing…
Read MoreChamber reaches out to all members for support
Chamber reaches out to all members for support The Chamber is always looking for new ways to add value for its members and better serve the business community. Part of that mission means connecting with as many of our members as we can, offering them new and targeted ways to connect with their colleagues and…
Read MoreGreenville visit reinforces value of strong leadership, common vision
Greenville visit reinforces value of strong leadership, common vision One look at the downtown district of Greenville, South Carolina, makes it clear that great pride is taken in its center city. It’s also clear that the area’s development couldn’t have happened without clear vision and strong commitment from government, business, not-for-profits and the community. It…
Read MoreVital Farms lauds Springfield region’s development-ready sites, coordinated approach
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…
Read MoreTaking action in 2016
Taking action in 2016 The Chamber’s advocacy efforts have been running full steam ahead in 2016. This infographic lays out just some of the valuable work our Public Affairs staff and volunteer leaders have completed and continue to perform for our members. Supported by BKD CPAs & Advisors
Read More