SGF Insider: Recent Episodes
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Leadership Springfield
This cooperative project between the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Springfield will give you an inside look at the people and programs that help make the Springfield, Missouri community a great place to live, work and play.
This episode of Plugged In features Andrea Brady, our 2025 Kenworthy Award Winner and force for good in the Springfield community. From her decades of leadership at Great Southern Bank to her incredible service across Springfield’s nonprofit and civic landscape, Andrea shares what it means to lead with heart, build lasting impact, and say “yes” to the community.
In this episode of Plugged In, we’re joined by Kai Schaefer and Tristan Khoshyomn — Greenwood Laboratory School students and Academy Class 35 graduates — as they share how their Leadership Springfield experience helped them spark new opportunities for peers by founding Greenwood's FBLA chapter, mentor opportunities with MSU students, and more. Hear their reflections on leadership, community, and how they’re turning classroom lessons into lasting impact.
In this episode of "Plugged In", Rachel Munday—executive director of efactory and champion of local innovation—reflects on a decade of impact, community building, and bold leadership. Tune in for a conversation full of insight on leading with vision, nurturing partnerships, and staying deeply connected to the place you call home.
Thank you to KPM CPAs & Advisors for sponsoring the Plugged In episodes of the SGF Insider podcast!
In the latest episode of "Plugged In," get the inside scoop on the future and growth of the Community Focus project! Traci Nash, transition consultant for Community Focus in Ozarks Public Health Institute at MSU, sat down to talk about how she got involved with the project, what's next for the Community Focus program, opportunities from recent grant funding from the Missouri Foundation for Health, and more!
Thanks to KPM CPAs & Advisors for sponsoring the "Plugged In" segment of the SGF Insider Podcast.
On the latest episode of "Plugged In", we had a conversation with the Nic(h)ole's of SPS! Dr. Nicole Holt, Deputy Superintendent of Academics, and Dr. Nichole Lemmon, Director of Virtual Learning and Strategic Planning, sit down to chat about their work on the LeadSGF Curriculum Committee, valuable leadership development tools being shared with program participants, the importance and impact of strengths-based leadership, and so much more you don't want to miss. Thanks to KPM CPAs & Advisors for sponsoring "Plugged In"!
Get Connected with 2025 Chamber Chairman of the Board Bob Helm as he shares about how he has come into his leadership position, his key objectives for 2025 and how the business community can make a lasting impact in Springfield. Get additional insights such as a monthly business tip, and upcoming Chamber events you won't want to miss!
Tune in to our conversation with Bethany Burrows, Community Events Project Manager at Convoy of Hope, and Diana Tyndall, Owner of Modern Day Marketing! Both Bethany and Diana serve on the LeadSGF board and Alumni Committee and have been instrumental in getting our new Alumni Impact Series off the ground. Learn more about this new offering for alumni, the inspiration for the series, why they stay involved as volunteers, and more!
To kick off 2025, we are excited to introduce a new format for the Chamber's portion of the SGF Insider Podcast! Sharing with you monthly business tips, Chamber events and a new topic and guest each month. This first episode is just a sneak peek into what we have in store for you in 2025!
Tune into this month's episode of "Plugged In" to hear our conversation with Francine Pratt, Prosper Springfield Director and co-chair of the Springfield-Greene County Gun Safety and Gun Violence Reduction Collaborative. Learn about the work of the gun safety and violence reduction collaborative, how they are bringing awareness to the community, how you can help, and the next steps for their work!
This month's episode of "Plugged In" features a conversation with Larry Stock, founder of Peak Influence, LeadSGF Board Past President, and Lifetime Legacy Leader. Larry shared about his recent career transition, his approach to mentoring, and exciting leadership development opportunities with Larry in partnership with efactory coming in 2025.
On this month's episode of "Plugged In" we sat down for a conversation with two leaders from Burrell Behavioral Health's Be Well Initiatives, Bailey Pyle, Director, and Nia Howard, Program and Engagement Leader! Learn more about the Be Well Community, how your organization can get involved, and how LeadSGF is partnering with Burrell this year as our Be Well Sponsor.
This month on "Plugged In", join us for a conversation with Megan Buchbinder, Director of Marketing at the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, Leadership Council Chair of The Network for Springfield's Young Professionals, and co-chair of Celebrate Springfield! We chatted with Megan about growing her career as a young professional in Springfield, the mission of the CVB, how to get involved with Celebrate Springfield, and more!
Are you already missing the nonstop Olympic coverage like we are? Well, you're in luck! This month, on our LeadSGF episode of "Plugged In," you can continue the Olympic hype and join us for a conversation withTeri Cantwell, Olympian and Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Central Bank! We chatted with Teri about her Olympic experience, valuable leadership lessons learned as a professional athlete, passion for building others up, and more. You don't want to miss this one!
This month, on our LeadSGF episode of "Plugged In," you can join us for a conversation with Brendan Griesemer, Executive Director of Restore SGF, and Tim Rosenbury, Director of Quality of Place Initiatives for the City of Springfield! Tune in to hear us talk about Forward SGF 2040 updates, rebuilding the community with Restore SGF, and more. Special thanks to Mercy Hospital Springfield for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes.
This month, on our LeadSGF episode of "Plugged In," you can join us for a conversation with Duan and Michelle Gavel, co-founders of All Things Diverse SGF! Tune in to hear us talk about their entrepreneurial journey and mission to highlight diverse resources and businesses in our community. Check out All Things Diverse to find diverse businesses, organizations, professionals, and resources.
This month's "Plugged In" episode features a conversation with Leadership Springfield's two outgoing board members, Eric Lampe and Stephanie Wan! Tune in as we discuss their experience on the LeadSGF board over the last six years, what board service means to them, and advice for anyone getting involved in local boards. Special thanks to Mercy Hospital Springfield for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes.
This month's "Plugged In" episode is a conversation with Caitlin Kissee, a Gallup Strengths expert, local business owner, and this year's Signature Class Strengths facilitator! Tune in as we discuss partnering for performance, how differences are advantages, the benefit of well-rounded teams when it comes to strengths, and more.
Special thanks to Mercy Hospital Springfield for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes.
Join Leadership Springfield for our conversation with Jay Miller and Tiffany Taylor, teachers at Parkview High School, and students from the Parkview Leadership Program. Tune in as we discuss their experience with the Youth Civic Leadership Access Class, a collaborative project funded by a Musgrave Grant through CFO, and the students' experience in the program learning about civic engagement at all levels! Special thanks to Mercy Hospital Springfield for sponsoring the LeadSGF "Plugged In" episodes in 2024.
This month's "Plugged In" episode is a conversation with Kai Sutton, President of the Springfield NAACP! Tune in as we discuss the nation's largest and oldest civil rights organization, which celebrates its 115th Founders Day this month, and Kai's involvement with the Springfield chapter and our community.
Special thanks to Mercy Hospital Springfield for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes.
Join us for our conversation with Dr. Spencer Harris, President of Mostly Serious, Co-Founder of Habitat Communication & Culture, and LeadSGF board member. Tune in as we talk about setting your business up for success in the new year! Special thanks to Mercy for sponsoring the LeadSGF "Plugged In" episodes in 2024.
Join us for a conversation with Stephanie Matthews and Stephanie Wan, co-chairs of the Rosie Committee, and Cindy Mergen, Leadership Springfield Program Director! Tune in as we celebrate one year of Rosie being a LeadSGF program and talk about the growth of the committee, upcoming events, and what it means to be a part of Rosie. Thank you to our Rosie Riveter Sponsor, Volt Credit Union, and Rosie Quarterly Programming Sponsor, Cox College for supporting Rosie!
Special thanks to Mercy Hospital Springfield for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes.
Join us for a conversation with Jonathan Garard, Owner of Grooms Office Environments and executive board member for The Warrior's Journey. Tune in as we talk about Jonathan's leadership at Grooms, involvement with The Warrior's Journey's impactful mission, and more! Special thanks to Mercy Hospital Springfield for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes.
Join us for a conversation with Dennis Davis, Director of Safety for Prime! Tune in as we talk about Dennis' career with Prime, managing teams, community engagement, and more. Special thanks to Mercy Hospital Springfield for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes.
Join us for a conversation with Logan Aguirre, Publisher of 417 Magazine! Tune in as we talk about bringing your unique energy to #417land, recap this year's Ladies Who Launch event, Logan's recent sabbatical, and more. Special thanks to Mercy Hospital Springfield for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes.
In the September edition of SGF Business Insider, the Chamber's Digital Communications Manager, Noah Hester, shares audio from a fascinating conversation among community members highlighting how and why we should Celebrate Springfield from our recent Good Morning, Springfield.
The conversation was moderated by Matt Morrow, Chamber president, and featured the following community leaders: Erin Danastasio, Executive Director of the Hatch Foundation; Leslie Forrester, Executive Director of the Springfield Regional Arts Council, and Andrea Brady, Community Outreach and Development Manager of Great Southern Bank.
Join us for a conversation with Erin Danastasio, Executive Director of the Hatch Foundation and Co-Chair of Celebrate Springfield! Tune in as we talk all about Celebrate Springfield, how to enjoy the best Springfield has to offer this fall, and living a philanthropic life. Special thanks to Mercy Hospital Springfield for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes.
In the August edition of SGF Business Insider, Chamber President, Matt Morrow, sits down with the new Executive Director of Regionalism and Economic Development Dean Thompson, and our new Vice President of Communications, Tiffany Batdorf.
Thompson and Batdorf discuss economic development, regionalism, and communicating the Chamber's message to the community.
Join us for our conversation with Leadership Springfield's six outgoing board members, Mandy Anthes, Monica Horton, Krista Shurtz, Kathy Smith, Larry Stock, and Tony Vienhage. Tune in as we talk about their experience on the LeadSGF board and what board service means to them. Special thanks to Mercy Hospital Springfield for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes.
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 their 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 Christ 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.
In the January edition of SGF Business Insider, the Chamber's Digital Communications Manager, Noah Hester, shares audio from a panel interview with local manufacturing leaders featured at our recent Manufacturing Outlook. This event is an opportunity to hear how manufacturers are pivoting to adapt to a new normal in their industry - from managing supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages to incorporating new technologies and advanced automation into production. The panel was moderated by Christina Angle, chief financial officer for Erlen Group, and featured four local business leaders: Kevin Ausburn, CEO and chairman of SMC Packaging Group; Reginald Davis, plant manager of The French’s Food Company, and Nikki Holden, president of Custom Metalcraft, Inc.
Join us for a conversation with with Holly Beadle, Director of Philanthropic Services at Community Foundation of the Ozarks, and Diane Drollinger, President and CEO of the Network for Strong Communities. Tune in for a discussion about building capacity and the power of service in our community
Special thanks to American National for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes in 2022.
In this month's episode of SGF Business Insider, Chamber president Matt Morrow sits down with Brandi Bailey and David Cameron. Bailey is the Vice President of Strategic Development & Marketing at Snyder Construction Group and Cameron is the City Administrator at the City of Republic.
Bailey and Cameron discuss insights from their recent Community Leadership Visit to Northwest Arkansas. Topics include takeaways on regional collaboration, brand identity around natural assets, talent attraction and retention, the value of long-range regional planning, and much more.
Join us for a conversation with Brent Baker, Vice President - Chief Customer Officer, and Stephanie O'Connor, Vice President - Chief Information & People Officer, with City Utilities. Tune in for a discussion all about transportation in our community, leading teams, and how personal connections between our transit system and community members help make things run smoothly.
In the November edition of SGF Business Insider podcast, Chamber president Matt Morrow is joined by our Membership Development Manager Peyton Andrews in a conversation with Tom Douglas. Douglas is the CEO of JMARK and the author of the new book Adapt or Die.
Douglas shares actionable insights from his new book and lessons learned from years of executive leadership. Podcast recorded via Zoom due to logistical challenges - apologies for lesser quality audio than in-studio recordings.
Join us for a conversation with Jan Kraft, Executive Director of Abilities First, and Jamie McGranahan, Program Manager at Art Inspired Academy with Abilities First. Tune in as we talk about the inspiration and heart behind the mission of their organizations.
Join us for a conversation with Jan Kraft, Executive Director of Abilities First, and Jamie McGranahan, Program Manager at Art Inspired Academy with Abilities First. Tune in as we talk about the inspiration and heart behind the mission of their organizations.
In the October edition of SGF Business Insider podcast, Chamber president Matt Morrow sits down with Erin Danastasio and Mary Kromrey. Danastasio is the Executive Director of the Hatch Foundation and Kromrey is the Executive Director of Ozark Greenways. Danastasio and Kromrey discuss topics centered around defining, taking pride in, and celebrating the assets of our community; and creating a vibrant, desirable place to live as we compete for talent and grow our working population.
In the October edition of SGF Business Insider podcast, Chamber president Matt Morrow sits down with Erin Danastasio and Mary Kromrey. Danastasio is the Executive Director of the Hatch Foundation and Kromrey is the Executive Director of Ozark Greenways. Danastasio and Kromrey discuss topics centered around defining, taking pride in, and celebrating the assets of our community; and creating a vibrant, desirable place to live as we compete for talent and grow our working population.
Join us for a conversation with Christina Ford, owner of Kids Inn Child Care Center and founder and director of The Rebound Foundation. Tune in as we talk about how to see a need and fill a need in your community.
Special thanks to American National for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes.
In the September edition of SGF Business Insider podcast, Chamber president Matt Morrow is joined by our public policy analyst Lauren Mustoe in a conversation with two impactful non-profit leaders in the community, Brian Fogle and Brandy Harris. Fogle is the President of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks and Harris is the CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield. They share the twists and turns of their journey to leading a non-profit, unpack challenges faced by non-profit leaders in the region, and discuss how engagement in Chamber committees, such as the Non-Profit Roundtable and the Legislative Policy Committee, has improved their ability to meet the needs of those they serve.
Join us for a conversation with David Burton, County Engagement Specialist in Community Development at the University of Missouri Extension. Tune in as we talk about being an engaged neighbor and learn what we can do to make an impact right in our backyard.
In this month's episode of SGF Business Insider, Chamber President Matt Morrow shares audio from interviews with volunteer leaders featured at our recent Member Appreciation Celebration. The event is both an opportunity to thank members for their investment of time, talent and resources in the Chamber's mission, as well as a mid-year accountability check-in on strategic progress. You'll hear from board, committee and other volunteer business leaders about why they engage in the Chamber and how those experiences benefit them, the community and their organizations.
Join us for a conversation with Leslie Forrester, Executive Director of the Springfield Regional Arts Council. Tune in as we talk about educating, advocating, and collaborating for the arts community and how to exercise your creative muscle.
Special thanks to American National for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield Plugged In episodes.
In this month's episode of SGF Business Insider, Chamber President Matt Morrow sits down with Vicki Pratt, the Chamber's new senior vice president of economic development. They cover a variety of topics all aimed at providing a look at what goes into the process of economic development, how it impacts the overall community, and what communities need to do - and not do - to encourage private sector growth.
Join us for a conversation with Amy Blansit, senior faculty in the Kinesiology department at Missouri State University and the founder and CEO of the Drew Lewis Foundation. Tune in for a discussion about building authentic connections, moving to a thriving life and looking at how our citizens can make a local difference.
Special thanks to American National for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes.
This month, Chamber President Matt Morrow sits down with Chief Paul Williams of the Springfield Police Department. They talk about the department's work in crime prevention, officer recruitment efforts, and ways that the business community can help in crime prevention. They also highlight the Chamber's new Let's Keep Springfield Safe Business Toolkit, which gathers multiple resources for businesses together in one place.
Join us for a conversation with Danny Collins, owner and founder of 37 North Expeditions as we talk all things social connections, curating exceptional outdoor experiences, following dreams and finding inspirations to start something new. Special thanks to American National for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes of the SGF Insider podcast!
In this episode, Chamber President Matt Morrow talks with Greene County Commissioner John Russell and ARPA Grant & Equity Specialist Dr. Lyle Foster. They talk about how funding from the American Rescue Plan is being directed to small businesses and nonprofits in our area, how the process is going so far, and what organizations can do to get involved.
Join us for a conversation with General Seat A City Councilwoman and CoxHealth Chief Diversity Officer, Heather Hardinger as she shares about charting career paths and the role diversity, equity, and inclusion play in workforce development.
Special thanks to American National for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes of the SGF Insider podcast!
In this episode, Chamber President Matt Morrow talks with Joseph Fuller. Fuller is a professor with the Harvard Business School and a visiting fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and they talked about addressing workforce issues. Specifically, they discussed research Fuller and his colleagues have conducted into the concept of "hidden workers," and how businesses can connect with them to meet ongoing workforce shortages.
Visit the Harvard Business School website for more about the "Managing the Future of Work" research project.
Join us to hear interviews with SPS school board candidates produced by Leadership Springfield and a coalition of community organizations. With a shared goal of educating voters and engaging candidates with citizens, the nonpartisan coalition has produced candidate forums in 2020 and 2021 as well. Tune in before you vote on April 5 to learn about each candidate. Special thanks to American National for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes of the SGF Insider podcast!
In this month's episode, Chamber President Matt Morrow sits down with two women blazing a trail for others in the Springfield community:
- Crista Hogan, president of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association
- Rachel Anderson, director of the efactory at Missouri State University.
The two will be recognized on March 10 as the recipients of the 2022 ATHENA Award and the 2022 Virginia Fry Rising Star Award, respectively. They talk about their journeys, their inspirations, and the importance of supporting others in their own professional growth.
Join us as Rachel Anderson, Director at the eFactory, and Kevin Johansen, Founder and CEO of AgButler discuss the remote workforce, regional growth, technology in agriculture, and other great ways entrepreneurs in our community are scaling up, growing, and making a difference. Special thanks to American National for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes of the SGF Insider podcast!
This month, Chamber President Matt Morrow talks with Wendy Doyle. Wendy is the president and CEO of United Women’s Empowerment (United WE), a non-profit organization based out of Kansas City that tackles barriers to women’s economic growth. They work with decision makers and community leaders, field research on women’s economic development, and contribute to numerous policy reforms – including equal pay efforts, increased paid family leave, work to remove barriers to women’s professional licensing and regulations on sexual harassment.
Join us as local business owner and Gallup Strengths expert, Caitlin Kissee shares her tips for setting SMART goals, giving yourself grace with goal setting and looking at goals through the lens of Strengths. Caitlin is the Signature Class Strengths Facilitator for the 2021-2022 program year. Let's dive in!
Special thanks to American National for sponsoring the Leadership Springfield "Plugged In" episodes.
This month, Chamber President Matt Morrow talked to two people very important to both the Chamber and the entire Springfield community. They’re the Chamber board chairs for 2021 and 2022, respectively: Logan Aguirre of the 417 group of magazines and John Oke-Thomas of Oke-Thomas and Associates.
With the release of the Community Focus Report this fall, we are diving into blue ribbons, red flags and how CASA of Southwest Missouri is turning advocacy into action, growing in innovative ways and supporting kids in our community. Tune in to hear this conversation featuring CASA Executive Director, Laura Farmer and CASA Program Director and current Captain Springfield, Rebecca Weber.
Special thanks to American National for sponsoring the LeadSGF "Plugged In" episodes.
In this episode, Chamber President Matt Morrow talks with Lisa Farmer, executive director of Harmony House. Lisa and her team were awarded the 2021 W. Curtis Strube Small Business Award in November, and they discussed what the award means for her organization and how Harmony House is working to overcome some of the struggles facing organizations of all shapes and sizes.
This "Plugged In" episode of the SGF Insider podcast features Jeff Houghton, a four-time Emmy Award winning local TV host, writer, actor and improviser. Tune in to hear the Mystery Hour host's great advice on how to make big decisions, dreaming big and ultimately making something where we are.
Special thanks to American National for sponsoring the LeadSGF "Plugged In" episodes.
This month we look at a unique program that is allowing our region to begin addressing the issue of workforce shortages in the health care industry. It’s the University of Missouri’s Springfield Clinical Campus. This partnership between Mizzou, Missouri State University, CoxHealth and Mercy is celebrating its fifth year in 2021.
We talk with Dr. David Haustein, the associate dean of the Clinical Campus, and with Samantha Metzger, who is slated to graduate from the program in 2023.
This "Plugged In" episode of the SGF Insider podcast features Darline Mabins, Executive Director of Minorities In Business. Tune in as we learn all about Darline's role as the new Executive Director, and how MIB is focusing on networking, advocacy and capacity building.
Special thanks to American National for sponsoring
the LeadSGF "Plugged In" episodes.
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!
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!
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Springfield are excited to tell you about our new podcast adventure, SGF Insider, launching in January 2021. Listen to learn more!