Posts by growthzone
State legislative leaders preview top issues for 2017
State legislative leaders preview top issues for 2017 The majority floor leader in the state Senate and the assistant majority floor leader in the state House of Representatives spoke to a packed house at the Springfield Chamber on November 30, offering a look at what the 2017 legislative session could hold, including the top priorities…
Read MoreSpringfield City Council meeting: a case study
Springfield City Council meeting: a case study The Chamber is focused on improving the business climate at all levels of government. Much of this work is done for our members and the business community behind the scenes, but sometimes all the pieces come together and demonstrate the way local government can work when operating at…
Read MoreDOL’s overtime rule change blocked for now
DOL’s overtime rule change blocked for now As you may have heard as you were heading out for the Thanksgiving holiday, a federal judge in Texas has granted a preliminary injunction that blocks implementation of the Department of Labor’s proposed new federal overtime rule. The rule, which would have more than doubled the salary threshold…
Read MoreReach Campaign leads to big things for 2017
Reach Campaign leads to big things for 2017 The Chamber has wrapped up its first annual Reach Campaign, and the program was a massive success. Our army of nearly 140 volunteer leaders helped raise more than $515,000 to fund existing and new programs, events and initiatives for the coming year. It’s all part of our…
Read MoreSpringfieldian honoree offers guidance for young professionals
Springfieldian honoree offers guidance for young professionals By his own account, one of the abilities Bill Kirkman developed over his career was the ability to listen to others and learn from them. If those in attendance at the most recent installment of The Network’s CEO Series have the ability to listen, they likely learned a…
Read MoreThe importance of supporting small businesses
The importance of supporting small businesses Small businesses are the backbone of southwest Missouri’s economic strength, and they’re the backbone of the Chamber. A large majority of our members – more than 80 percent – are considered small businesses (with 50 or fewer employees). So we understand how important it is to support small businesses…
Read MoreBusinesses, schools reiterate importance of workforce development
Businesses, schools reiterate importance of workforce development Chamber staff recently brought State Speaker of the House Todd Richardson to the Chamber offices to talk with business and education leaders about workforce development and education issues, and the speaker heard about the continued challenges those leaders face. Richardson visited the Chamber on October 10 to kick…
Read MoreFor The eFactory Accelerator, a conclusion means a new beginning
For The eFactory Accelerator, a conclusion means a new beginning The first group of four participating 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—made their pitches during Demo Day on October 24. The program’s organizers say they’re…
Read MoreChamber encourages members to vote NO on Amendment 3, Proposition A
Chamber encourages members to vote NO on Amendment 3, Proposition A At the October 17 meeting of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, the board voted to oppose two statewide proposals that will appear on the November 8 ballot: Amendment 3 and Proposition A. Both proposals would increase Missouri’s tobacco tax by different amounts with funds…
Read MoreAmbassador visit highlights need for international communication
Ambassador visit highlights need for international communication As the Japanese ambassador to the United States, Kenichiro Sasae knows the importance of interpersonal communication—regardless of cultural divides. “Human relationships matter,” he told an October 12 gathering of the Chamber’s International Business Council. “In Japan, we care about the relationships and the level of trust. Without knowing…
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