Posts Tagged ‘economic development’

Tackling health care challenges through innovation The health care sector is one of the key drivers of our region’s economy – the industry employs nearly 40,000 people in the Springfield region with more than $1.5 billion in annual payroll. Despite this strength, the need for unique solutions to health care needs and qualified workers is…

SBDC Annual Meeting highlights area growth, changing business environment More than 300 community and business leaders were on hand February 8 at the University Plaza Hotel & Convention Center for the Annual Meeting of the Springfield Business Development Corporation (SBDC), the Chamber’s economic development subsidiary. Attendees heard about several high points for the year, as…

Another group of new companies gets an eFactory boost Following up on the success of its first group of startup companies, the eFactory’s Accelerator initiative has announced the second group of entrepreneurs that will be participating in the program. Five companies have been selected for this next phase: Apt Crowd – A text analytics company that…

Food processors talk about regulatory issues, workforce needs The Springfield region has always had strong agricultural roots, but many don’t recognize the strength and importance of agribusiness to the area’s manufacturing sector. Those businesses were on full display during the 2016 Manufacturing Outlook, held at University Plaza on December 7. Joe Reynolds, president of Central…

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…

Vital Farms lauds Springfield region’s development-ready sites, coordinated approach When the nation’s largest brand of pasture-raised eggs chose the Springfield region for its new facility, the company noted the city’s development-ready sites and its coordinated approach, as well as its central geography, skilled workforce and access to transportation, as reasons for the choice. Austin, Texas-based…

Springfield region remains bright spot in steady economy In its effort to create growth in the area economy and job market, the Chamber and its economic development arm, the Springfield Business Development Corporation (SBDC), regularly bring in experts to analyze the lay of the land and discuss what the future may hold. At the Economic…

Accelerator program connects startups with funding and guidance The Chamber and Missouri State University have both worked hard to identify gaps in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Chamber—along with its development arm, the Springfield Business Development Corporation—have worked tirelessly with community and business leaders, offering their expertise to help create and fund several programs aimed at…

PIC West groundbreaking signals continued manufacturing strength A July 15 groundbreaking ceremony at Partnership Industrial Center West (PIC West) is a strong indicator of continued positive movement in the manufacturing industry and the overall southwest Missouri economy. JRI Holdings, an industrial cleaning systems manufacturer, is investing $5.6 million to expand its capacity and will move…

Springfield Region website relaunch unveils new regional marketing look The Springfield Region has a remodeled online presence, thanks to a marketing campaign spearheaded by the Chamber’s economic development staff team and a local creative company. To make the greatest impact when marketing the assets of the 10-county region, the Chamber’s economic development arm, Springfield Business…