SGF Insider

Join us for a conversation with Francine Pratt, Director of Prosper Springfield! Tune in as we talk about what Prosper Springfield is, the progress of our community's efforts to reduce poverty rates, and what sets Springfield apart. Special thanks to Mercy Hospital Springfield for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes.

Join us for a conversation with Bridget Bechtel, Executive Director of Sculpture Walk Springfield! Tune in as we talk about public art and art accessibility, creating a museum without walls, and the benefits of a thriving arts community. Special thanks to Mercy Hospital Springfield for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes

In the May edition of SGF Business Insider, Chamber President, Matt Morrow, sits down with the new President/CEO of the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, Mark Hecquet. For the past 16 years, Hecquet led the Butler County Visitors Bureau in Ohio where he oversaw community engagement initiatives and several development projects, including the $165 million sports facility, Spooky Nook.

Hecquet and Morrow discuss sports tourism, tourism in Greene County, and the impact tourism has on the economy.

Join us for a conversation with Kaitlyn McConnell, Founder of Ozarks Alive. Tune in as we talk about the Ozarks, pursuing passion projects, and cultural preservation.

Special thanks to Mercy for sponsoring the LeadSGF "Plugged In" episodes in 2023.

In the April edition of SGF Business Insider, the Chamber's Digital Communications Manager, Noah Hester, shares audio from a Q and A session with the finalists for the 2023 W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award at our recent Good Morning, Springfield. These companies exemplify the hard work, innovation and resilience that the Springfield region's small businesses are so well known for.

The Q and A session was moderated by Matt Morrow, Chamber president, and featured representatives of the finalists: Ivan Eftink, owner and company founder of Bug Zero; Jonathan Garard, owner of Grooms Office Environments, Nancy Bogart, CEO of Jordan Essentials, Keri Sutton, nurse practitioner and owner/founder of Kare Health & Wellness, and Chris Jarratt, chief creative officer & co-founder of Revel Advertising.

Join us for a conversation with Lisa Langley with the League of Women Voters of Southwest Missouri about the formation and mission of the Informed Voter Coalition. Then hear interviews with SPS school board candidates hosted by OTC and produced by the coalition. Tune in as we talk about educating voters and engaging candidates with citizens.

Special thanks to Mercy for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes.

In this month's episode, Chamber President, Matt Morrow, sits down with the 2023 ATHENA recipient Stephanie Stenger and Virginia Fry Rising Star recipient Heather Hardinger. The ATHENA Award is given to someone who has spent their career empowering women to achieve greatness and improving the quality of life for others in the community. The Virginia Fry Rising Star Award is given to a young professional woman who is already making a difference in the community for herself and other women.

Stenger and Hardinger discuss their personal journeys, the importance of support networks, the people who have inspired them, and how they work to inspire others.

Join us for a conversation with Christine Peoples, Timmons Hall Education Coordinator with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. Tune in as we talk about the collaboration and purpose-driven focus on history, culture, and education happening in our community. Special thanks to Mercy Hospital Springfield for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes

In the February edition of SGF Business Insider, Chamber President, Matt Morrow, sits down with Senator Lincoln Hough and Representative Alex Riley. Lincoln Hough represents District 30 in the Missouri Senate, and Alex Riley represents District 134 in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Hough and Riley discuss what's on the horizon at the start of the 2023 state legislative session - and in particular, those measures that impact the business community.

Join us for an insider's look at our Leadership Springfield team! Tune in as we talk about the real-life application of a strengths-based team and how we leverage our strengths in our day-to-day operations.

Special thanks to Mercy Hospital Springfield for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes.