Talent & Workforce
Educators 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…
Read MoreNonprofit CEOs Share Strategies for Events That Drive Mission and Impact
Nonprofit CEOs Share Strategies for Events That Drive Mission and Impact Nonprofit leaders gathered for the Chamber’s Non-Profit CEO Roundtable to explore one of the most important aspects of nonprofit sustainability: planning and executing successful events. The discussion focused on strategies for strengthening board engagement, building meaningful sponsorship relationships, and creating events that advance organizational…
Read MoreGearing up for 60 Minutes to Success: More Ways to Connect with Military Talent
Gearing up for 60 Minutes to Success: More Ways to Connect with Military Talent Springfield employers have a unique opportunity on the horizon. Fort Leonard Wood is home to skilled, motivated service members preparing to transition into civilian careers, and the Chamber has two upcoming programs designed to help local businesses tap into that talent…
Read MoreHelp Shape the Future Workforce
Help Shape the Future Workforce The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting area businesses to participate as hosts for the 2026 Teacher Externship Program, taking place July 13–16, 2026. The Teacher Externship Program is designed to strengthen the connection between business and education by giving local educators firsthand exposure to the industries, career paths…
Read MoreSpringfield 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…
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