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Chamber panel examines “Access to Justice” in our region
Chamber panel examines “Access to Justice” in our region Recent legislative changes are improving access to justice and positively impacting businesses in our region. In a meeting of the Chamber’s governmental relations committee, State Senator Bob Dixon, Circuit Judge Michael Cordonnier, Dwayne Fulk of Polsinelli, PC and Crista Hogan of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association…
Read MoreThe Affordable Care Act employer mandate takes effect in 2015 – are you ready?
The Affordable Care Act employer mandate takes effect in 2015 – are you ready? Whether you agree with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or not, beginning in 2015 businesses with 100 or more employees will have to offer insurance to their employees or make an Employer Shared Responsibility payment. Starting in 2016, the employer responsibility…
Read MoreAmbassador of Kazakhstan visits Springfield in search of trade opportunities
Ambassador of Kazakhstan visits Springfield in search of trade opportunities In his remarks to the Chamber’s International Business Council this month, Ambassador Kairat Umarov highlighted a number of challenges and opportunities experienced by his home country of Kazakhstan, including the country’s interest in expanding international trade. Umarov was visiting southwest Missouri as a guest of…
Read MoreIssue Brief: “Access to Justice” in our region
Issue Brief: “Access to Justice” in our region In May, legislators brought the first major changes to Missouri’s criminal code in more than 30 years with the passage of Senate Bill 491. The bill, along with funding for two additional Greene County Circuit Judges, signifies progress toward improving access to justice in our region, but…
Read MoreSpringfield startups featured in Fast Company
Springfield startups featured in Fast Company Earlier this year, Joe and Christine Daues were featured in the Springfield Business Journal after presenting their product Granolove at 1 Million Cups, a Kauffman foundation program in which entrepreneurs make connections with each other and the community over cups of coffee. Earlier this month, the story was picked…
Read MoreTopics to watch in economic development—entrepreneurship, talent and the global economy
Topics to watch in economic development—entrepreneurship, talent and the global economy The increasingly globalized economy, combined with the economic realities of the past decade have dramatically reshaped the economic development landscape. These changes are causing businesses and economic developers alike to renew their focus on talent attraction and foster environments ripe for entrepreneurship. All the…
Read MoreKraft celebrates 75 years in Springfield, invests $100 million in facility
Kraft celebrates 75 years in Springfield, invests $100 million in facility Earlier this month, the Kraft Foods manufacturing facility in Springfield celebrated 75 years of business in the community and 60 years at its current site. Kraft also announced that it is investing approximately $100 million at the Springfield site, which is being used for…
Read MoreChamber hires new president and CEO Matt Morrow
Chamber hires new president and CEO Matt Morrow The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce board of directors announced today that it has appointed Matt Morrow as the organization’s new president and CEO. The chamber worked with Waverly Partners, LLC to conduct a national search following former CEO, Jim Anderson’s announcement that he would retire on…
Read MoreSpringfield’s entrepreneurial ecosystem garners national attention
Springfield’s entrepreneurial ecosystem garners national attention As a community, Springfield has taken deliberate steps to build its entrepreneurial ecosystem. Already known for start-ups that have become national brands—Bass Pro Shops, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Springfield Remanufacturing Corporation, Jack Henry & Associates—the Springfield region has long been supportive of entrepreneurs, but a renewed focus is helping the…
Read MoreIs Springfield the most dangerous city in America?
Is Springfield the most dangerous city in America? You may have seen the headlines on Facebook or other social media sites, but is Springfield really the most dangerous city in America? What are we doing to make sure our city’s reputation isn’t tarnished, and most importantly, how do rankings like these impact things like economic…
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