Posts by growthzone
State legislative session brings major business successes, but work remains
State legislative session brings major business successes, but work remains The 2017 Missouri legislative session ended May 12, and several priorities from the Chamber’s state legislative agenda made it across the finish line, marking a successful year for the state’s business climate. In addition to Missouri’s Right to Work legislation, which passed early in the session and was…
Read MoreTeaching teachers about opportunities for students
Teaching teachers about opportunities for students If you ask most Chamber members about their current outlook for the future, optimism is high. Customers are ready to buy and companies are ready to grow. But if you ask those same companies to identify the biggest potential barrier to growth and optimism, the answer is almost unanimous:…
Read MoreSecond group of accelerator companies presents to the public
Second group of accelerator companies presents to the public For the second group of companies in The eFactory’s Accelerator program, created by Missouri State University and funded in part by the Chamber and its development arm, the Springfield Business Development Corporation, May 1 was the culmination of 12 weeks of hard work. It was also…
Read MoreChamber announces 2017 Small Business Award recipient
Chamber announces 2017 Small Business Award recipient During the Chamber’s annual event on May 3 at University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, Askinosie Chocolate received the 2017 W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award. The small-batch chocolate factory was selected by a panel of independent judges from a group of finalists that included Computer Recycling Center,…
Read MoreGiving international business a lift in Springfield
Giving international business a lift in Springfield Companies looking to do business internationally may be aware that the Springfield-Branson National Airport has been home to a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) for two decades. In fact, until recently, it would have been possible to walk through the airport facility and not even know it was there.…
Read MoreA new approach to marketing
A new approach to marketing The Chamber is always looking for new ways to add value for members and help them make connections. We’re not unique in that regard; all Chambers list those goals among their priorities. But a recent event took a new approach to connecting people, letting them meet and share their stories.…
Read MoreCelebrating 25 Years of the Small Business Award
Celebrating 25 Years of the Small Business Award As the Chamber celebrates 25 years of presenting the annual W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award, we’re taking a look back and talking to some of the award recipients about what it has meant to their organizations. Over the 25 years of the Small Business Award, deserving companies…
Read MoreA surprise visit from Chamber friends
A surprise visit from Chamber friends If you saw a limo full of donuts driving around Springfield, you’re not imagining things. It was probably from the Chamber. And keep your eyes peeled – you might just see it again soon! The Chamber has launched the Surprise Patrol, a recurring event where Chamber ambassadors and staff…
Read MoreApril election spells a win for economic growth
April election spells a win for economic growth All six candidates running for Springfield City Council who were endorsed by the Springfield Good Government Committee won their respective races on April 4 by significant margins. Mayor Pro Tem Ken McClure won election as Springfield’s new mayor, while incumbent council members Phyllis Ferguson, Craig Fishel, Jan…
Read MoreLegislative Update: Progress on Chamber priorities, work remains in last five weeks of session
Legislative Update: Progress on Chamber priorities, work remains in last five weeks of session The 2017 legislative session is headed toward the finish line, with only five weeks until adjournment on May 12. The first few months of session have been productive, with many Chamber priorities making steady progress or crossing the finish line. Here…
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