Posts by growthzone
A story of personal growth, public involvement and a positive attitude
A story of personal growth, public involvement and a positive attitude As she reflected on a 25-plus-year career that’s still going strong, Sally Hargis had much to say about why she stays so involved in the community and how she works to keep a fresh, positive outlook. The chairman and vice president of corporate strategy…
Read MoreDrawn to office by history and a desire to serve
Drawn to office by history and a desire to serve It’s easy to assume that Jay Ashcroft was, as he puts it, “infected with the idea of public service at a young age.” With a last name and family pedigree as recognizable as any in Missouri political history, a move directly into the political arena…
Read MoreUpdating our efforts to draw professionals to Springfield
Updating our efforts to draw professionals to Springfield The Chamber’s economic development arm, the SBDC, has managed the Talent Attraction Initiative (TAI) for more than three years. The program is a direct response to employers’ need for additional skilled workers to meet growth demands. TAI launched in January 2014 with LiveInSpringfieldMO.com, an eye-catching digital front…
Read MoreState leaders visit Chamber to connect with members
State leaders visit Chamber to connect with members In our continued effort to serve as a Trusted Convener and an Inclusive Engager for our members, the Chamber was busy in October bringing Missouri leaders to Springfield to meet with members and offer a look at what is happening at the state level. Here’s a look…
Read MoreVote YES on city’s level property tax renewal
Vote YES on city’s level property tax renewal The Chamber encourages members to vote YES on Tuesday, November 7, to continue the City of Springfield’s Level Property Tax (LPT). Voting YES renews the LPT – it is NOT AN INCREASE in any tax rate. Springfield voters will see the issue as “Question 1” on the ballot. To see the…
Read MoreA vital new addition to the local economy
A vital new addition to the local economy A new and vibrant addition to the Springfield economy is open for business, and company and community leaders were on hand October 18 to cut the ribbon on the new facility. Austin, Texas-based Vital Farms has opened its egg washing and packing facility, dubbed Egg Central Station,…
Read MoreChamber encourages YES vote on city level property tax
Chamber encourages YES vote on city level property tax On Tuesday, November 7, Springfield voters will have the opportunity to renew the City of Springfield Level Property Tax. The Chamber Board of Directors voted to endorse the proposal and encourages Chamber members who live in the City of Springfield to vote “YES” on Question 1.…
Read MoreSpringfield’s Talent Attraction Initiative wins international award
Springfield’s Talent Attraction Initiative wins international award Companies continue to tell the Chamber and our economic development arm, the Springfield Business Development Corporation, about the need for additional skilled workers to meet the demands of growth. It’s why the Chamber officially added workforce development as a fourth strategic area of focus, and why the SBDC…
Read MoreEducation leaders discuss innovation, workforce preparedness
Education leaders discuss innovation, workforce preparedness The third event in the Springfield Business Development Corporation’s Outlook series focused on education and featured four panelists offering their insights on innovation in a rapidly changing world. Before the panelists took the stage, Chamber Vice President of Workforce Development Lindsay Haymes provided an overview of the Chamber and…
Read MoreHonoring those who protect us every day
Honoring those who protect us every day Most of us hope that we never need to call on the services of one of our community’s many first responders. But whether it’s the police, sheriffs, firefighters or medical professionals that answer calls for help, they play a critical role in keeping us safe every day. The…
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