SGF Insider

Every region in the country is competing to be the place businesses want to choose when they decide to grow and add jobs. But jumping to the top of the list requires a commitment to skills training and workforce development.

In this month's installment of SGF Business Insider, we talk with Robert Randolph, executive director of the new Center for Advanced Manufacturing at Ozarks Technical Community College, about the programs the college is developing. We also talk with Jena Holtberg-Benge. Jena is general manager with John Deere Reman, which just announced that they're expanding their local operations, and we discuss why Springfield is the right spot for them to expand their remanufacturing operations.

This "Plugged In" episode features Dr. Nichole Lemmon, Director of Virtual Learning with Launch Virtual Courses. Virtual education is invisible - tune in to hear about how Launch has grown and navigated over the past year and what's coming next!

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

In March, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual ATHENA Award ceremony, recognizing two women who make a difference in our community. 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.

In this episode, we talk with ATHENA recipient Karen Kramer of CoxHealth and Rising Star recipient Brandy Harris of Boys and Girls Clubs of Springfield about their personal journeys, the importance of support networks, who has inspired them and how they work to inspire others.

Today's "Plugged In" guest is the City of Springfield Director of Quality of Place Initiatives, Tim Rosenbury. Tune in to learn about Tim's journey, why placemaking is important and how we can get plugged into these efforts.

Thank you to American National for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episode of the SGF Insider podcast!

The Internet, smart devices and social media have fundamentally changed the way individuals and businesses interact with each other - including how they make purchasing decisions. In order for small businesses to be successful in this new digital landscape, they must understand how to reach new and potential customers and make effective connections.

In this month's installment of SGF Business Insider, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce President Matt Morrow interviews Spencer Harris, president of Mostly Serious Interactive Agency. They talk about the results of the agency's recent digital landscape survey of Springfield-area businesses, including:

• Smart phones and mobile devices and the role they play in purchasing habits
• How people interact with businesses digitally
• The power of people's connection to local business and how it translates online

This episode of "Plugged In" features Dr. Alina Lehnert, founder of Lehnert Leadership Group. Alina shares about strengths-based leadership and how community leaders can build upon their strengths. As a certified Gallup Strengths Coach, you won't want to miss this informative episode!

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

In this episode of SGF Business Insider, Chamber President Matt Morrow talks to Mary Lilly Smith, Planning & Development Director for the City of Springfield, and Ryan Mooney, the Chamber's Senior Vice President of Economic Development. They talk about the process of competing for business expansion and relocation projects, including:

• The criteria that businesses look at when considering where to locate or expand
• The economic incentive process
• The importance of placemaking

As a bonus, you'll hear Ryan's interview with Josh Bays from Site Selection Group. They spoke for the recent Manufacturing Outlook event about what goes into the site selection process and some recent trends in that industry.

In this episode, Carrie Richardson has a conversation with Ujima Founder, Dr. Shurita Thomas-Tate and Board Chairperson, Monica M. Horton, MPA. Ujima Language & Literacy is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the goal to provide opportunities to increase language and literacy skills for all children, ages birth-11 years old. Tune in to learn about the organization, who they serve and how you can plug into the great work they do.

In this episode, Matt Morrow sits down with Robin Robeson of Guaranty Bank and Logan Aguirre of the 417 group of publications. Robin served as chair of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in 2020, while Logan takes that role in 2021. Hear their insights into:

• Why they take time from their busy professional lives to get involved in volunteer leadership
• What they've learned from their public service
• How others can get involved in their community

Matt Morrow of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Carrie Richardson of Leadership Springfield introduce themselves, their organizations, and the goal of this new podcast adventure. Listen to this brief introductory episode to learn more about what our organizations do and what you can expect to learn from SGF Insider!