Posts by growthzone
A look at COVID-19’s impact on Missouri unemployment
A look at COVID-19’s impact on Missouri unemployment On May 20, Chamber members heard an update and guidance on the current unemployment implications of COVID-19 as the state moves towards recovery during the first installment of the 2020 Public Policy Speaker Series. Anna Hui, director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR),…
Read MoreMissouri lawmakers conclude 2020 legislative session
Missouri lawmakers conclude 2020 legislative session When the 2020 legislative session ended on May 15, it marked the end of one of the more unique years in the history of the Missouri General Assembly. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted both the function and the focus of lawmakers, as they lost about five weeks of work time…
Read MoreSpringfield ranked Top 50 Heartland Metros for Millennials
Springfield ranked Top 50 Heartland Metros for Millennials In a recent article about the coronavirus pandemic possibly accelerating an “urban exodus,” geographer Joel Kotkin noted that millennials were already steadily moving away from expensive coastal metros to more affordable “second-tier” cities. Now, with the cost of living and possibility of remote work more important than ever, Kotkin predicts a…
Read MoreStaying virtually connected with young professionals
Staying virtually connected with young professionals Despite the physical distance, members of The Network for Young Professionals have taken the opportunity to stay connected in recent weeks through engaging, live virtual events. The first was held on May 13 featuring Dr. Shelly Farnan and Jana Greig from Burrell Behavioral Health, talking to members about the…
Read MoreA message from the Chamber
A message from the Chamber We know you need to clearly understand what’s required to keep your employees and customers safe as Springfield takes the next step toward recovery. Supporting you is the Chamber’s top priority during this next phase of the crisis, the staged reopening of business and economic activity. While this is unprecedented…
Read MoreSupporting our members in a time of crisis
Supporting our members in a time of crisis Our community is living in unprecedented times, and businesses are operating in uncharted waters. Figuring out how to keep employees and customers safe from the unseen threat is difficult. Figuring out how to keep your business operating through this crisis is an even tougher challenge. Your Chamber…
Read MoreStaying informed during a pandemic
Staying informed during a pandemic During the COVID-19 crisis, businesses and employees have faced a whole new series of questions. How long will this last? What does the future hold? Is there help available, and how do I access that help? They have also been inundated with information – from myriad sources, sometimes conflicting or…
Read MoreConnecting virtually with a CEO
Connecting virtually with a CEO Young professionals in Springfield have access to key leaders, and social distancing shouldn’t change that. So in an effort to provide some much-needed normalcy for its members, The Network released its first-ever virtual installment of the CEO Series on April 28. The video featured an interview with Rita Baron, principal…
Read MoreFinding ways to come together, even when separated
Finding ways to come together, even when separated One of the Chamber’s key functions through the years has been as a “trusted convener” for businesses and employees. We have always worked hard to bring people together and share with them important information to help them grow and prosper. COVID-19 has made that more difficult, as…
Read MoreATHENA: An afternoon of gratitude and empowering messages
ATHENA: An afternoon of gratitude and empowering messages When the Chamber handed out the third annual ATHENA Award on March 4, honoree Francine Pratt was quick to tell the sold-out crowd of more than 400 that being in front of large groups is not her first choice. “I hope I don’t offend anyone, but it…
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