Posts by growthzone
State legislators get candid with Springfield’s young professionals
State legislators get candid with Springfield’s young professionals More than 50 young professionals turned out bright and early last week to hear what major issues Springfield’s state representatives are looking to tackle in the 2015 legislative session. In the joint meeting of the Chamber’s Network for Young Professionals and the Governmental Relations Committee, legislators fielded…
Read MoreNicastro highlights workforce needs in state of education address to Chamber members
Nicastro highlights workforce needs in state of education address to Chamber members Just days after announcing her retirement from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Commissioner Dr. Chris Nicatro provided Chamber members with what could very well be her last update on the state of education in Missouri. In the update, Nicastro highlighted a…
Read MoreSpeaker Pro Tem overviews planned changes to House legislative committees
Speaker Pro Tem overviews planned changes to House legislative committees Representative Denny Hoskins, Speaker Pro Tem in the Missouri House of Representatives, spoke to Chamber members at a meeting of the Governmental Relations Committee on September 26. Representative Hoskins updated the group on the 2014 veto session and some items to anticipate for the 2015 legislative…
Read MoreFind common ground in a multigenerational workforce
Find common ground in a multigenerational workforce At the Chamber’s most recent “60 Minutes to Success” lunch and learn, local human resources experts provided cross-generational tips for engaging and retaining employees. The audience learned about different generational styles and experts provided insights on how best to motivate employees from different generations. For an overview of…
Read MoreGigabit internet service provider takes prize in pitch competition
Gigabit internet service provider takes prize in pitch competition The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, the Creative Foundry, The eFactory and Originate are proud to announce that gigabit internet service provider Share a Gig took home the prize in today’s Go BIG pitch competition. The startup will receive $5,000 and a six month lease with…
Read MoreFour startups advance in GoBIG pitch competition
Four startups advance in GoBIG pitch competition The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, the Creative Foundry, The eFactory and Originate have announced that four entrepreneurs will go on to compete for $5,000 and other prizes in the Go BIG pitch competition at this year’s B2B Expo on October 2. The finalists include INSPXTR, Panda Laundry…
Read MoreSpice and seasoning manufacturer Red Monkey Foods expands into new facility
Spice and seasoning manufacturer Red Monkey Foods expands into new facility Red Monkey Foods, a leading producer of premium spice and seasoning products, has announced plans to invest $3.4 million into a new 60,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Republic, moving 110 new jobs to the area with an additional 40 jobs expected over the…
Read MoreChamber panel examines “Access to Justice” in our region
Chamber panel examines “Access to Justice” in our region Recent legislative changes are improving access to justice and positively impacting businesses in our region. In a meeting of the Chamber’s governmental relations committee, State Senator Bob Dixon, Circuit Judge Michael Cordonnier, Dwayne Fulk of Polsinelli, PC and Crista Hogan of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association…
Read MoreThe Affordable Care Act employer mandate takes effect in 2015 – are you ready?
The Affordable Care Act employer mandate takes effect in 2015 – are you ready? Whether you agree with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or not, beginning in 2015 businesses with 100 or more employees will have to offer insurance to their employees or make an Employer Shared Responsibility payment. Starting in 2016, the employer responsibility…
Read MoreAmbassador of Kazakhstan visits Springfield in search of trade opportunities
Ambassador of Kazakhstan visits Springfield in search of trade opportunities In his remarks to the Chamber’s International Business Council this month, Ambassador Kairat Umarov highlighted a number of challenges and opportunities experienced by his home country of Kazakhstan, including the country’s interest in expanding international trade. Umarov was visiting southwest Missouri as a guest of…
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