Networking & Events

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…

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…

Chamber reaches out to all members for support The Chamber is always looking for new ways to add value for its members and better serve the business community. Part of that mission means connecting with as many of our members as we can, offering them new and targeted ways to connect with their colleagues and…

DOL overtime rule change requires significant planning The Department of Labor’s new rule on overtime pay for salaried employees has created a lot of uncertainty for southwest Missouri employers—including which employees will be affected, how to bring those employees into compliance, how to communicate the changes to those employees and how to properly account for…

Chamber celebrates summer and successes at Annual Membership Luncheon When the Chamber held its Annual Membership Luncheon at the Ramada Plaza Hotel & Oasis Convention Center on July 27, the nearly 400 in attendance were treated to a taste of the islands, a chance to visit with colleagues and make new friends … and to…

Hiring and firing? Avoid legal pitfalls New business owners are often unprepared for the personnel issues that come with having employees. Human resources management can cause headaches and create legal difficulties if not handled properly. That was the message from Lynette Weatherford, president of HR Advantage, Springfield, during her June 8 presentation at the Chamber’s…

Troubled by the new overtime rule? By now you likely have heard of the U.S. Department of Labor’s action this week to reclassify millions of formerly exempt employees to non-exempt status. The DOL’s new rule requires employers to pay overtime to salaried managers who earn less than $47,500 per year, doubling the previous threshold of…

Chamber announces 2016 Small Business Award recipient During its annual event on May 4, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce announced Interactive Dynamics, LLC as the recipient of the 2016 W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award. The technology company was selected by a panel of independent judges from a group of finalists that included Club Management Services, Lew’s…

Join Us for the 2016 Small Business Award Five area businesses will be honored on May 4 as finalists for the 2016 W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award. Here’s a look at this year’s honorees: Club Management Services, LLC is a comprehensive club and association administrative business. It offers professional services including board support, attendance tracking,…

Year in Review – 2015 The Chamber works hard every day to help create growth, advocate for our members, create connections and develop our workforce. This video offers a look at some of our biggest accomplishments in each of these areas in 2015. Supported by BKD CPAs & Advisors