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Chamber advocacy brings state leaders to Springfield
Chamber advocacy brings state leaders to Springfield Even though the state legislative session wrapped up in May, the Chamber continues to connect members with state-level decision-makers. Numerous state leaders were in Springfield in June to share their stories and field questions from members. Thanking our legislative leaders Springfield metro community leaders gathered June 9 at…
Read MoreFort Wood continues to impact Springfield
Fort Wood continues to impact Springfield The officer in charge of Fort Leonard Wood made his first visit to the Chamber on June 23 to offer an update on what is happening at Missouri’s largest military base and its impact on Springfield. In April 2015, Maj. Gen. Kent D. Savre became Commanding General of the…
Read MoreAttorney General Chris Koster analyzes Missouri government
Attorney General Chris Koster analyzes Missouri government Potholes in Missouri roads know no friends—or political parties. “Democratic tires and Republican tires hit potholes equally,” said Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster, explaining that transportation funding can be an issue of common ground for lawmakers in both parties. Koster was the featured guest June 15 during the…
Read MoreHiring and firing? Avoid legal pitfalls
Hiring and firing? Avoid legal pitfalls New business owners are often unprepared for the personnel issues that come with having employees. Human resources management can cause headaches and create legal difficulties if not handled properly. That was the message from Lynette Weatherford, president of HR Advantage, Springfield, during her June 8 presentation at the Chamber’s…
Read MoreA carnival for young professionals
A carnival for young professionals Stilt walkers, jugglers and musicians. Oh my. When The Network – the Chamber’s young professionals group – gathered June 3 to celebrate the year’s accomplishments, they were in for quite a party. In previous years, the annual event has consisted of a weekday luncheon at a hotel or a conference…
Read MorePossibilities and struggles in trading with Cuba
Possibilities and struggles in trading with Cuba Cuba and its export economy languish at the bottom of the list of world nations but that hasn’t prevented it from becoming the “debutante of the ball.” “Everyone wants to dance with Cuba,” said Ann Pardalos, manager of the International Trade and Investment Office, Missouri Department of Economic…
Read MoreReflecting on six years in the Capitol
Reflecting on six years in the Capitol When Lincoln Hough visited the Chamber June 10 to speak to the Governmental Relations Committee, he offered a look back at six eventful years as representative of the state’s 135th district, covering the eastern portion of Springfield. He will not run for reelection in November, instead running for…
Read MoreBringing the best, brightest to Springfield
Bringing the best, brightest to Springfield When the Chamber added workforce development as its fourth strategic area of focus a year and a half ago, we were answering a need. As part of our Existing Business Support Program, we asked businesses about their most pressing concerns, and one issue consistently topped the list: workforce. But as…
Read MoreNew laws and regulations to impact businesses
New laws and regulations to impact businesses The U.S. Department of Labor’s recently announced change to the rules regarding who is eligible for overtime pay will likely present challenges to Chamber members. To summarize: Workers who make less than $47,476 per year must be paid overtime, even if they’re classified as manager or a professional.…
Read MoreWhy free trade is crucial to economic growth
Why free trade is crucial to economic growth The Chamber’s International Business Council brought in the U.S. Chamber’s executive director for international policy on May 17 to present his take on the current environment for international trade and some of his group’s international trade and related priorities for 2016. Christopher Wenk pointed out the importance…
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