SGF Insider

This month we're looking at the ongoing need for skills training in our region, and what one of our most important partners is doing to help address that need.

We talked with Jordan Schreiber, director of student recruitment for Ozarks Technical Community College. She told us about how OTC is utilizing the Missouri Fast Track program, a relatively new initiative working to remove financial hurdles for people already in the workforce who need additional training or certifications to advance in their careers.

This "Plugged In" episode of the SGF Insider Podcast features Springfield Identity Project members, John McQueary and Joel Thomas. Tune in as we learn all about the Springfield Flag movement and what happens when you get a group of people who are passionate about Springfield together who want to share their love of SGF and help people own and embrace their community.

Special thanks to American National for sponsoring the LeadSGF "Plugged In" episodes.

Dr. Grenita Lathan was named superintendent of Springfield Public Schools in early 2021 and took the reins of the district in July. Chamber President Matt Morrow had the chance to sit down with her and talk to her on a wide range of topics, including:

• What attracted her to Springfield and SPS
• Her approach to leadership
• The district's response to the pandemic
• And much more

This "Plugged In" episode of the SGF Insider Podcast features Mary Kromrey, Executive Director of Ozark Greenways. Tune in as we learn all about how Ozark Greenways is connecting trails, people and our community.

Special thanks to American National for sponsoring the LeadSGF "Plugged In" episodes!

In the second of our two episodes focused on workforce issues, we talk to representatives from two of the Springfield area's largest employers. They tell us how their own organizations tackle the challenge of finding enough employees to help them grow and succeed, as well as how they show those from outside our region all that Springfield has to offer. You'll hear from:

• Celeste Cramer, System Director of Recruitment and Retention with CoxHealth
• Sarah Martin, Talent Acquisition Senior Manager with Bass Pro Shops

This month's "Plugged In" episode of the SGF Insider Podcast features John Lopez, Founder and Director of K9s For Camo. Tune in as we learn about this nonprofit organization, their work with service dogs as well as their inmate rehabilitation program and how they impact the community.

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

Time and again, businesses say the biggest obstacle to growth is finding enough qualified people to fill the jobs they're looking to create. In this episode, Chamber President Matt Morrow talks with two people who are working every day to help employers address the workforce shortage issue:

• Sally Payne, Director of Workforce Development for the City of Springfield
• Rachael Mhire, Marketing & Events Manager for the Chamber's economic development department

This "Plugged In" episode of the SGF Insider Podcast features Tyree Davis IV, Community Diversity and Equity Director of Community Partnership of the Ozarks. Join us as we explore Tyree's unique role as a diversity consultant for the community, why his new position was created and the impact he is making locally.

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

The Chamber has been leading the Community Leadership Visit (CLV) for more than a quarter-century, taking a delegation of community leaders to a peer city to learn from the experiences of another community and to bring back ideas that will benefit the Springfield region.

In this episode, four CLV participants talk about what has been learned from previous visits, how it has been put to work in Springfield, and why it's important for leaders in all sectors to be involved. Hear from:

• Brad Erwin of Paragon Architecture
• Heather Hardinger, member of Springfield City Council
• Dr. Alina Lehnert, president of the Springfield R-12 Board of Education
• Tim Rosenbury, the city's Director of Quality of Place Initiatives

This month's "Plugged In" episode of the SGF Insider podcast features CJ Davis, President & CEO of Burrell Behavioral Health. Join us as we dive into the stigma surrounding mental health, the focus on increased access to mental health services and learn how Burrell is educating, innovating and helping to make progress in this important area.

Thank you to American National for sponsoring the "Plugged In" episodes of the SGF Insider Podcast!