Connecting with our military leaders

For those in the business community who have ever wondered how our military institutions operate, or for those that are interested in learning about how they can work with the military in a business capacity, mark August 15 on the calendar.

On that date, the Chamber is leading a day trip to Fort Leonard Wood in an effort to further the relationship between Springfield and the Fort Leonard Wood military community. A bus will leave the Chamber offices at 7 a.m. and should return to Springfield no later than 7 p.m. that evening.

The day’s agenda will be packed with information:

• A briefing from the fort’s Commanding General, Major General Kent D. Savre
• A tour of the military base facilities and overview of various programs
• Lunch with military personnel
• Discussions on engaging the business community in procurement and veteran recruitment opportunities at the Fort
• A reception with Fort Wood leadership

Despite being nearly 100 miles to the northeast, Fort Leonard Wood has a significant impact on Springfield and its economy, as Maj. Gen. Savre told the Chamber when he visited in June 2016. The fort is a statewide economic driver, with an annual operating budget of $470 million and status as one of the state’s Top 10 employers. Soldiers are also invested directly in the Springfield community, including the many soldiers and family members attending Missouri State University and Ozarks Technical Community College.

A special thank you to our sponsors: Cavallo Bus Lines, CoxHealth and Brewer Science.