Talent & Workforce
Springfield MSA reaches 500,000, cementing its status as major Midwest metro
Springfield MSA reaches 500,000, cementing its status as major Midwest metro March 26, 2026 The Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area has officially surpassed 500,000 residents — and for the region’s businesses, investors, and economic development community, the number means far more than a census milestone. According to population estimates released today by the U.S. Census Bureau, the…
Read MoreSpringfield Earns National Recognition as One of America’s Best Places to Live in 2026
Springfield Earns National Recognition as One of America’s Best Places to Live in 2026 Springfield has landed at #85 on Livability’s 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live, a national ranking that evaluates small- to mid-sized cities on the factors that matter most to businesses, workers, and investors. It’s the kind of recognition that confirms what…
Read MoreApril 7 Spring to Your Future Hiring Fair Connects Students with Local Employers
April 7 Spring to Your Future Hiring Fair Connects Students with Local Employers The Spring to Your Future Hiring Fair brought together high school juniors and seniors with local employers to explore entry-level, summer, and part-time job opportunities. Held on April 7 at the efactory at Missouri State University, the event created a space for…
Read MoreSpringfield MSA named a top U.S. location for food manufacturing
Springfield MSA named a top U.S. location for food manufacturing February 24, 2026 Click Here for full report FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 28, 2025 Springfield, Mo. — Springfield has been recognized as one of the nation’s top hubs for food manufacturing, earning a spot in the Top 25 nationally and Top 5 in the West…
Read MorePRE breaks ground on PIC West Expansion
PRE breaks ground on PIC West Expansion SPRINGFIELD, MO – Press Room Equipment (PRE), a manufacturer of press feeding and coil handling equipment, is expanding in Springfield with a $6.5 million investment that adds 10 new jobs to its current workforce. The company will relocate into a newly built 32,000-square-foot facility, boosting production and reinforcing…
Read More2025 SBDC Annual Meeting
2025 SBDC Annual Meeting From breathing new life into our city’s core to hatching big opportunities for local businesses, this year’s Springfield Business Development Corporation (SBDC) Annual Meeting showcased how strategic growth fuels success for everyone. Attendees heard how projects like Vital Farms’ Egg Central Station aren’t just about one industry-they’re catalysts for broader economic…
Read MoreSpringfield Chamber announced 2025 ATHENA and Virginia Fry Awards
Springfield Chamber announced 2025 ATHENA and Virginia Fry Awards Springfield Chamber honors the recipients of the prestigious ATHENA and Virginia Fry Award. These awards recognize exceptional women who have demonstrated excellence in their professions, community service and mentorship of other women in the community. 2025 ATHENA Award Recipient: Stephanie O’Connor Stephanie O’Connor is the senior…
Read MoreManufacturing Outlook provides insights on talent recruitment and retention
Manufacturing Outlook provides insights on talent recruitment and retention The Springfield Business Development Corporation (SBDC) Manufacturing Outlook on Dec. 4, brought together Springfield region manufacturing and business leaders to focus on key strategies for attracting and retaining top talent in Springfield’s vital manufacturing sector. The panel discussion, moderated by Carrie Richardson, Leadership Springfield, Inc., included…
Read MoreOver 600 area students participate in career exploration
Over 600 area students participate in career exploration On October 29 and 30, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual 7th and 8th Graders Go To Work program in partnership with the Agency for Teaching, Leading and Learning at Missouri State University. Â More than 600 students from 19 area schools connected with 20…
Read MoreThe Network’s Local Leadership Series with SPS Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan
The Network’s Local Leadership Series with SPS Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan Springfield Public Schools (SPS) Superintendent Dr. Grenita Lathan inspired The Network for Springfield’s Young Professionals with a powerful message of collaboration and community engagement at the latest Local Leadership Series event. Lathan, in her fourth year with SPS, serves over 24,000 students and 3,500…
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