News

Chase call center hiring

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:34:03 GMT

Chase Card Services has been quietly adding jobs at the Springfield call center since January. More than 100 entry-level customer service positions have already been filled and the call center is continuing to hire in several departments.

Read more as reported by the Springfield Business Journal

Green Circle Shopping Center certified LEED Platinum

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:00:58 GMT

Green Circle Shopping Center in south Springfield is one of the first in the nation to achieve Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design's highest certification level. According to the LEED Web site, Green Circle is one of only 16 projects - and the only retail shopping center - with platinum certification for LEED CS 2.0, designed for core and shell projects.

Read more as reported by Springfield Business Journal

Expedia Inc. to lease former Springfield-Branson National Airport terminal building

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:35:26 GMT

Online travel company Expedia, Inc. has signed a lease to occupy the former terminal building at the Springfield-Branson National Airport. The company will begin to occupy the building beginning in fall 2010 after renovating the northern portion of the facility.

“The airport facility provides us a unique space and meets the needs of our employees and our business,” said Mark Nagle, VP of real estate, Expedia. “This space affords us flexibility to grow in the future, and occupying a former airport terminal is a great fit with our passion for serving travelers.”

Expedia worked with the Springfield Business Development Corporation and Springfield’s Partnership for Economic Development over the past six months to evaluate a number of real estate options in the area suitable for its operation. In a closed session late Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 23), the Springfield-Branson National Airport board approved the lease of 59,000 square feet to the company.

“We are pleased to attract a company of Expedia’s caliber to the former terminal,” says Dr. Robert Spence, chairman of the airport board. “Leasing the building provides the airport additional non-aviation related funding that will help us keep cost down for the airlines.”

“This is the result of a true collaborative effort between several organizations in the community,” says John Wanamaker, president of the board of the Springfield Business Development Corporation, the economic development subsidiary of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. “This is great news for Springfield and it says a lot about our community and its viability for future growth.”

The state of Missouri has also assisted the company in their efforts to secure a location in Springfield. “Expedia has shown their confidence in Missouri’s business climate and we value their involvement in the local community,” says David Kerr, director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

Springfield manufacturer Kraft Foods to add 50 jobs, expand production

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:41:52 GMT

Kraft Foods Inc. plans to add 50 jobs and expand production over the next six to nine months, including an investment of $9 million of capital into two new manufacturing lines. Wages for the 50 new jobs created will be above the county average and include a comprehensive benefits package.

Kraft Foods has had a presence in the Springfield area since 1939. The world’s second largest food company currently employs more than 950 people at its facility on N. Glenstone Ave.

Kraft Foods was approved to receive state tax credits by the Missouri Department of Economic Development through the Enhanced Enterprise Zone (EEZ) program, which assists in the creation of new jobs and investment.

The EEZ program created in 2004, is geared for specified geographic areas designated by local governments and then certified by the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

SGF Experiences Positive Passenger Growth in 2009

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:58:40 GMT

The Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) ended 2009 on a positive note—a 4% increase in total passengers compared to 2008. SGF is the only major airport in the region to finish 2009 with positive passenger growth.

Renowned aviation analyst, Michael Boyd of the Boyd Group, states that there are several factors contributing to passenger growth. Those include: the relative strength of southwest Missouri economy, a new terminal building (pictured above), the growth of service on Allegiant Air, and competition from a new airport south of nearby Branson, Missouri. Compared to the same quarter in 2008, the average fare from the SGF was down 27.5% in the third quarter of 2009, which may well be a key factor of in the passenger growth figures.

2008-2009 Passenger Growth

Springfield

+4.2%

Wichita

-7.0%

Omaha

-3.5%

Des Moines

-7.5%

Quad Cities

-4.0%

Oklahoma City

-8.5%

Cedar Rapids

-4.7%

Chicago O'Hare

-9.0%

Little Rock

-5.5%

Louisville

-11.0%

Memphis

-6.0%

St. Louis

-11.0%

Northwest Arkansas

-6.1%

Tulsa

-11.5%

Kansas City

-6.5%

Springfield-Branson National Airport currently serves 10 cities (including major hubs in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Denver) with nearly 30 daily flights. In 2009, the airport handled 811,771 total passengers on 9,811 commercial flights.

View SGF passenger growth article.

51-Acre Site in Springfield Obtains Certification

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:10:16 GMT

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) has certified a development-ready site in Springfield's Partnership Industrial Center West. The 51-acre site is located in northwest Springfield adjacent to Interstate 44 and the Springfield-Branson National Airport. This is the second such site in Missouri to be designated.

The Certified Site Program is a pre-qualification process that provides a standardized tool which both development professionals and business prospects can review prospective sites for compatibility with their development needs. The certification of a site is performed through a comprehensive review of many of the issues facing businesses and corporations as they search for areas to relocate or expand. These issues include the availability of utilities, site access, environmental concerns, land use conformance and potential development costs. The program’s purpose is to provide consistent standards regarding the availability and development potential of commercial and industrial development sites.

Partnership Industrial Center West is a 400-acre master-planned industrial park that offers cost-effective, development-ready sites with utilities, roads and permits in place. With 10 existing facilities and nearly 200 acres remaining, development sites are available for $60,000 per acre and are within the boundaries of the Springfield Enhanced Enterprise Zone.

View Springfield's Certified Site Application
View Missouri's Certified Site Program

Springfield’s innovative interchange design featured in USA Today

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:42:06 GMT

After years of traffic backups and accidents involving motorists trying to turn left at a popular intersection in Springfield, state transportation officials think they have found the solution in a new kind of highway interchange called the "diverging diamond" that is now getting serious looks from several other states.

St. John's, CoxHealth make list of best integrated health systems

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:17:45 GMT

Springfield boasts two of the nation's best integrated health systems again this year. St. John's Health System and CoxHealth were listed in the 2010 Top 100 Integrated Delivery Networks compiled by national health care magazine Modern Healthcare.

Read more as reported by the Springfield Business Journal

National Magazine Honors Phelps Grove Neighborhood

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:07:28 GMT

Few areas in Springfield have the quirky but quaint feel of the Phelps Grove neighborhood, and now a national publication has taken notice. Southern Living magazine has recognized the Phelps Grove area one of the top 10 comeback neighborhoods of the South.

Read more as reported by the Springfield News-Leader
View Southern Living's full list

Paul Mueller begins rehiring workers after layoff

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:24:17 GMT

Just weeks after laying off roughly 200 employees, Springfield stainless steel manufacturer Paul Mueller Co. is re-hiring more than half of those and their work with the company begins next week.

Read more as reported by the Springfield Business Journal

Paul Mueller Company Lays Off Production Workers

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:19:41 GMT

The recession has hit another Springfield business stalwart. Paul Mueller Company laid off roughly 200 production workers on Thursday, according to information provided by an unnamed employee to Springfield Business Journal's media partner, KSPR-TV.

Read more as reported by Springfield Business Journal

Springfield Manufacturer Buckhorn to Add 80 Jobs

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:47:12 GMT

Springfield area manufacturer Buckhorn Inc. has announced plans to create 80 new jobs with plans to hire over half the employees immediately. This expansion at Buckhorn in Springfield is a result of an increase in business and a consolidation of the company’s plants with production from Kentucky moving to Springfield.

Springfield competed with multiple locations outside of the state for the expansion project, which will result in $6.5 million in capital investment in the area.

“The fact that our community secured the project says a lot about the economic environment of the Springfield area,” says Randell Wallace, president of the board of the Springfield Business Development Corporation, the economic development subsidiary of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. “It shows that the Springfield area is recognized as a smart location for doing business. These are the kind of expansions that demonstrate that our community is experiencing economic growth.”

Buckhorn is located in Springfield’s Partnership Industrial Center. The company specializes in plastic injection molding and currently employs 160 people.

A contributing factor in Buckhorn’s decision to expand in Springfield was the opportunity to take advantage of Missouri’s Enhanced Enterprise Zone Tax Credit. The program rewards job creation and investment with state tax credits for companies operating within the boundaries of an Enhanced Enterprise Zone, like Springfield’s Partnership Industrial Center.

Two Area High Schools Named to America's 2009 Best High Schools List

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:16:41 GMT

Springfield's Central and Parkview high schools have been named to U.S. News and World Report's America's 2009 Best High Schools list.

This is the third consecutive year that Central has been recognized by the report and this year, it was named a Silver Medal School among only six other high schools in the state. The previous two years CHS has been given the bronze medal. Parkview earned a Bronze Medal School for the second straight year and was among 38 other high schools in the state to receive the bronze award.

View U.S. News and World Report's full list

Local Entrepreneur Appears in NY Times

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:55:17 GMT

If you want to get into an interesting argument with business owners, and even make them sweat a bit, ask them this question: Why don’t they open their books to their employees? To many, if not most, owners, this idea sounds insane. But to a growing movement of companies, it’s the only way to do business. I’ve been doing it for almost 30 years.

Read more as written by Jack Stack in the NY Times

T-Mobile named one of Springfield's 2009 Choice Employers

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:23:26 GMT

In the largest category, for companies with 301 or more employees, the top spot went to T-Mobile USA Inc. The company, according to General Manager Mark Conrad, espouses a "best place to work, best place to perform" philosophy.

Read more as reported by the Springfield Business Journal

Plans move ahead for energy-efficient hotel

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:53:31 GMT

Plans for an energy-efficient, five-story Hilton Garden Inn hotel in southeast Springfield are moving ahead, despite lingering troubles with the economy.

Read more as reported by the Springfield News-Leader

Missouri State receives award for IDEA Commons

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:10:14 GMT

Missouri State University officials have said that the IDEA Commons concept is a glimpse into the future of downtown Springfield, and at least one national organization likes what it sees.

James River, National interchange reworking begins

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:58:51 GMT

Work to create Springfield's - and, according to the state Department of Transportation, the nation's - second diverging diamond interchange is under way at the intersection of James River Freeway and National Avenue.

Verizon closing Springfield customer service center

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:27:38 GMT

Nine months after acquiring Alltel - and the Springfield call center the company runs - Verizon Wireless told employees Tuesday that it is closing the local facility in December.

Scope of Guard project grows

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 15:14:57 GMT

Military officials in talks about possible uses for former airport terminal.

The Missouri National Guard's interest in leasing the old Springfield-Branson National Airport terminal is part of a much broader plan that could bring more jobs and more construction to the city.

Top Municipal Golf Course in Missouri

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:42:41 GMT

Golf Digest named Rivercut Golf Course, in the Springfield metro area, the "Best Muny." The magazine selected the best municipal course in each state by using a combination of star ratings from Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play" and their "Best in State" rankings. Rivercut Golf Course is owned and maintained by the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.

View website

SRC Holdings Corp. enters joint venture with Fiat subsidiary

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:26:50 GMT

Springfield-based SRC Holdings Corp. is pursuing a full-scale remanufacturing operation with farm and construction equipment manufacturer CNH Global N.V. - a strategic alliance that could mean hundreds of new jobs for the area.

Jack Henry & Associates office campus taking shape

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:33:56 GMT

The new southeast Springfield campus of Jack Henry & Associates will be home to some 400 employees this time next year. The project is taking shape near the intersection of Battlefield and Blackman roads, east of the U.S. 65-Battlefield Road interchange.

Springfield continues to rank as one of the safest driving cities

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:12:00 GMT

Springfield continues to rank as one of the safest driving cities, according to Allstate Insurance. But Springfield’s ranking fell to 21st this year, compared to 13th in 2008, according to the insurance company.

According to the report, the average driver in Springfield will experience an auto collision every 11.1 years.

O'Reilly Automotive breaks ground on new headquarters building

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:55:57 GMT

After adding 1,500 U.S. stores, including locations in 12 new states, all in the last 12 months, O'Reilly Automotive Inc. is turning its attention back home.

The country's third-largest aftermarket auto parts retailer quietly began site work last month just south of its Springfield corporate office at 233 S. Patterson Ave. for a new 117,000-square-foot headquarters building.

Springfield Ranks as a Top City for Young Professionals

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 14:05:29 GMT

One of the nation's leading young professional consulting firms, Next Generation Consulting, has released its latest rankings of America's "Next Cities". The rankings place Springfield at 17th on the small cities list (cities with populations between 100,000 and 200,000). According to the US Census Bureau, there are 157 cities in the country with population in this size range.

Next Generation Consulting has been studying young professionals for more than 10 years and bases their research on 45 data points. This study focused on the residential and relocation patterns of 20-40 year olds and looked at seven indexes--Earning, Learning, Vitality, Around Town, After Hours, Cost of Lifestyle, and Social Capital.

“Simply being the cheapest place to live, or the city with the most jobs is not a long-term workforce strategy,” says NGCs founder, Rebecca Ryan. Although jobs are important, Ryan says, “The next generation is very savvy about choosing where they’ll live. They look carefully at quality of life factors like how much time they’re going to spend in traffic commuting, if they can live near a park or hike-and-bike trail, and whether a city’s downtown stays awake after five.”

"Next Cities" with Population of
100,000-200,000

Fort Collins, CO

Charleston, SC

Eugene, OR

Cedar Rapids, IA

Springfield, IL

Cary, NC

Ann Arbor, MI

Sioux Falls, SD

Pueblo, CO

Gainesville, FL

Stamford, CT

Des Moines, IA

Spokane, WA

Syracuse, NY

Huntsville, AL

Peoria, IL

Springfield, MO

Salt Lake City, UT

Richmond, VA

Hampton, VA

Passenger Traffic At Springfield-Branson National Airport Increases Significantly

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:03:45 GMT

As operations relocated to the new airport terminal building in May, passenger numbers at Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) skyrocketed during the month. More than 81,496 passengers moved through the airport on 829 commercial flights in May indicating a 17% increase over May of 2008.

This reverses the trend of declining year-over-year passenger growth and records the 10th largest passenger volume in SGF's history. The passenger growth is being largely attributed to reduced fares and are perhaps another sign of the relative strength of the regional economy.

All of Springfield's commercial carriers posted growth from May 2008, with Allegiant Air showing the largest increase of 55%, despite the fact that the carriers have combined for an 11% decrease in the number of flights in May of this year.

Growth From
May 2008-May 2009

Delta/Northwest

United

Allegiant

Springfield entrepreneurial success, Jack Stack, interviewed in Inc. Magazine

Fri, 01 May 2009 02:38:01 GMT

"If you think times are tough now, consider that in the early '80s, the prime interest rate topped 21 percent, and unemployment was just shy of 11 percent. That was the economic environment confronting Jack Stack and 12 other managers of a small engine-remanufacturing plant in Springfield, Missouri, as they prepared to buy the factory from International Harvester in a desperate attempt to save their own jobs and those of the people they worked with. Their new company, Springfield ReManufacturing Corporation, survived that recession and went on to prosper for the next 26 years."

Springfield Metro and the State of Missouri Receive National Recognition

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 17:46:38 GMT

The Springfield metropolitan area is one of the nation's top places for business and careers, according to Forbes Magazine.

Forbes ranked the area #36 out of 200 U.S. metropolitan areas in its "Best Places for Business and Careers" list released in March. Forbes ranks metropolitan areas by colleges, cost of doing business, cost of living, crime rate, culture/leisure, educational attainment, income growth, job growth, projected job growth and net migration.

Among the individual categories, the Springfield metropolitan area ranked highest (10) for cost of doing business. To view the Forbes Best Places for Business and Careers report please click here.

Quality of life in the Springfield area received high marks from bizjournals' "Best Quality of Life" ranking. The Springfield metropolitan area ranked #40 out of 124 mid-sized metropolitan areas on the list. The study assessed 20 statistical categories using the latest Census Bureau data. The highest scores went to well-rounded places with healthy economies, light traffic, moderate costs of living, impressive housing stocks and strong educational systems. To view the full article please click here.

The Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University rated the State of Missouri an "A" for tax climate in its 2009 Manufacturing and Logistics Report Card. Tax climate is based on corporate taxes, income and sales and use taxes, property and unemployment insurance tax data. The 2009 Manufacturing and Logistics Report Card grades states in six areas of the economy: manufacturing and logistics health, human capital, the cost of benefits, global position of the industries, state level productivity/innovation and tax climate. To view the entire Ball State University report please click here.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Growth Persists in the Springfield Metro Area

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:13:20 GMT

The U.S. Census Bureau released its 2008 annual population estimates and the numbers reflect continued growth in the Springfield metropolitan area. The five-county Springfield metro area population has grown over 6,000 residents moving the population to 426,144 and making it the fastest growing metro area in Missouri.

Since 2000, the Springfield metropolitan area's population has increased by 57,770 residents, a 15.7% increase. The Springfield metropolitan area is defined by the federal government as Greene, Christian, Webster, Polk and Dallas Counties.

The 10-county region that makes up the Ozarks Regional Economic Partnership, has gained over 7,500 residents since 2007 with the population currently standing at 586,194. This area includes Branson, which is the fastest growing micropolitan area in Missouri.

To view more information from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, click here.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Bizjournals ranks Springfield in the Top 50 Mid-Sized Metro for Best Quality of Life

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:13:18 GMT

View Website
View Article

McLane to Open Grocery Distribution Facility

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:14:12 GMT

Governor Jay Nixon announced today McLane Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., is planning a new 400,000 square foot distribution center in the City of Republic. The grocery distribution center will be a welcomed addition to Republic and to the Springfield region with 400 jobs expected at full capacity.

"It is McLane's policy to utilize local contractors and construction workers to build their facilities, so this project will benefit the local economy even further," Governor Nixon stated.

The 400,000 square foot facility will spur more than $60 million in capital investment and will be located near Highway 60 as well as Interstate 44. The average annual salary for jobs at the facility will be $32,259, which is five percent higher than the current average salary in the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area of $30,649.

"We're excited to see quality jobs coming to the region. This is evidence that in spite of economic conditions elsewhere, our region continues to grow and continues to be viewed by new and existing companies as a solid environment for doing business," says Jeff Seifried, Manager of Regional Development for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

McLane is a supply chain services leader, distributing over 10 billion pounds of merchandise to customers every year. For more information on the McLane Company visit www.mclaneco.com.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Nonstop service to Los Angeles International Airport

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:46:03 GMT

Allegiant Air will announce new air service later this morning from Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) with direct service to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This flight will be the 5th Allegiant destination out of Springfield and the 13th city for SGF.

The announcement comes at a time when air service is being cut from "small hub" airports like SGF nationwide, yet this will be the second addition of new direct flights for Springfield in the last six months. The route will be Springfield's first to the west coast and the longest direct flight to ever leave SGF on a scheduled basis with twice weekly flights beginning on May 3.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area

Forbes Magazine Lists Springfield as a Best Place for Business and Careers

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 20:41:08 GMT

Springfield ranked in the top 50 Best Places for Business and Careers for the third year in a row. Out of 200 U.S. metropolitan areas, Springfield ranked 36th in 2009 in the Forbes magazine list.

View Website

Missouri Receives an "A" for Tax Climate

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 14:15:21 GMT

The Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University rated the State of Missouri an "A" for tax climate in its 2009 Manufacturing and Logistics Report Card.

View report

Wyndham Vacation Resorts to lay off 400

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 21:16:47 GMT

"Wyndham Worldwide Corp. will close its Wyndham Vacation Resorts call center in Springfield in February and lay off approximately 400 employees."

Call center's closing idles 75 people

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:16:17 GMT

"Here’s more evidence of a struggling economy. Another local employer closed up shop on Friday, leaving about 75 employees without jobs. The announcement at Westgate Resorts Call Center at 3534 E. Sunshine St. came as a surprise to employees who showed up to work."

Milken Institute Names Springfield in the Top 50 for Best Performing Cities

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:18:00 GMT

Springfield is first among Missouri cities for the fourth year for creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth. According to the 2008 “Best Performing Cities” index compiled by The Milken Institute/Greenstreet Real Estate Partners, Springfield, Missouri ranked 42 overall on the list of the 200 largest metro cities.

View news article

Springfield ranks first in Missouri as "Best Performing City" in 2008

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:43:51 GMT

Springfield is first among Missouri cities for the fourth year for creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth.

According to the 2008 “Best Performing Cities” index compiled by The Milken Institute/Greenstreet Real Estate Partners, Springfield, Missouri ranked 42 overall on the list of the 200 largest metro cities. This rank is up from 47th in 2007 and 77th in 2005. While no data was available in 2006, Springfield has steadily moved up in the ranks since 2005. In 2008, the index ranked St. Louis at 152 and Kansas City at 77.

The 2008 best-performing city was Provo-Orem, Utah. Other cities in the top ten included: Raleigh, Salt Lake City, Austin and Charleston.

2004

2005

2006

2007

Springfield

Kansas City

109

126

116

St. Louis

151

144

125

152

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

FedEx to expand in Springfield with addition of FedEx Freight facility

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:39:13 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – FedEx has announced plans for a new facility in Springfield. The facility will house the company’s FedEx Freight operation. The 150-dock door distribution facility will employ 150 people with potential to expand to 250 doors and 250 employees.

The average annual salary for jobs at the facility will be $44,240, which is 45 percent higher than the current average annual salary in the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area of $30,649.

“These are exactly the type of high paying quality jobs that the Chamber and the Springfield Business & Development Corporation are striving to attract to our area,” says Greg Williams, senior vice president of economic development for the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

The new 101,000 square foot facility will spur more than $18 million in capital investment and will be located near I-44 and Division Street, adjacent to the Partnership Industrial Park West.

Rich Kramer Construction has been selected as the general contractor on the project. Site work has already begun with a completion projected for spring of 2009.

FedEx Freight focuses on “Less-Than-Truckload” shipping options and shipments of more than 150 lbs. in the U.S. and internationally.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

U.S. Census Bureau relases population estimates

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:53:22 GMT

The U.S. Census Bureau population estimate shows Springfield has grown over 2,600 residents, or 1.4%, from 2005 to 2007. With 154,777 residents, Springfield, Missouri is now the largest "Springfield" in the United States, followed closely by Springfield, Massachusetts.

Springfield maintains its place as Missouri's third largest city and metropolitan statistical area. Springfield's five-county metro population stands at 420,020, a 14% increase since 2000.

2007 City Population Estimates

Springfield, Missouri

154,777

Springfield, Massachusetts

149,938

Springfield, Illinois

117,090

Springfield, Ohio

62,417

Springfield, Oregon

56,666

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Springfield rated by Worldwide ERC as one of the Best Cities for Relocating Families

Fri, 30 May 2008 22:15:42 GMT

The study, conducted by Worldwide ERC and Primacy Relocation, focused on the ease of which a family can move to a new city and settle into a new life. Springfield ranked 13th in the small metros category.

View Article

Springfield listed by Where to Retire Magazine as a Top Place to Retire

Fri, 02 May 2008 22:17:39 GMT

The article, written by Where to Retire Magazine, profiles Springfield as a top retirement town, which featured many aspects of Springfield life from entertainment to restaurants.

View Press Release

America's Promise Alliance rates Springfield as a 100 Best Community for Young People

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 22:17:49 GMT

For the third time in a row America's Promise Alliance, a children's advocacy group, selected Springfield a 100 Best Community for the commitment to provide healthy, safe and caring environments for youth to live and grow up.

View Website

Population growth continues in Springfield metro area

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:17:09 GMT

The U.S. Census Bureau has released its annual population estimates and the numbers reflect strong growth in the Springfield metropolitan area. For the third straight year, the five-county Springfield metro area has grown by an estimated 10,000--pushing the population to 420,020.

Since 2000, the Springfield metropolitan area's population has increased 51,646 (a 14% increase). This rate of growth places Springfield in the top 20% of all metropolitan areas in the country.

The Springfield metropolitan area is defined by the federal government as Greene, Christian, Webster, Polk and Dallas Counties.

Add the Counties of Barry, Dade, Lawrence, Stone and Taney and this 10-county region that makes up the Ozarks Regional Economic Partnership has also gained population at annual rates of over 2% in recent years. This region's population currently stands at 578,663.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Springfield metro area rates highly in Federal Reserve Economic Conditions Report

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:14:32 GMT

The March 19, 2008 report on Economic Conditions in the Eighth Federal Reserve District rates the Springfield region considerably stronger than other metro areas in parts of seven surrounding states.

Overall economic activity in the Eighth Federal Reserve District, St. Louis zone, slowed during the early part of 2008. General retailers and automobile dealers reported weakened sales and manufacturing activity was reduced region-wide. Residential real estate markets continued to soften, although commercial markets remained relatively strong.

However, the Springfield area’s job growth and housing starts, along with manufacturing activity and continued low unemployment rate, rate the region significantly above other metropolitan areas in the district.

The full report is available on the 8th District's website.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Springfield ranked by the Milken Institute as a Top 50 Best Performing City

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 13:49:15 GMT

Job growth and upward trend in relative high-tech GDP growth helped Springfield jump 30 spots to number 47 the 2007 large metros list.

View news article

Springfield ranks first in Missouri as "Best Performing City"

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:07:24 GMT

Springfield is first among Missouri cities for creating and sustaining jobs according the 2007 “Best Performing Cities” index compiled by The Milken Institute and Greenstreet Real Estate Partners.

Springfield ranked 47 overall on the list, up from a 77 ranking in 2005. This year’s index ranked St. Louis at 125 and Kansas City at 116.

The best-performing city was Ocala, Florida. Other cities in the top ten included: Phoenix, Orlando, Las Vegas and Raleigh.

Ranking

Metro Area

Boise, Idaho

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Springfield, Missouri

Des Moines, Iowa

Peoria, Illinois

Little Rock, Arkansas

Knoxville, Tennessee

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Tulsa, Oklahoma

111

Chattanooga, Tennessee

114

Wichita, Kansas

116

Kansas City, Missouri

125

St. Louis, Missouri

129

Lexington, Kentucky

149

Lincoln, Nebraska

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area

Springfield listed by National Geographic Adventure as a Top 50 Adventure Town

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 16:11:00 GMT

"Within a hundred miles this Ozarks town has 7,500 miles of shoreline, containing some of the Midwest's best float trips... Back in town, six local colleges set the pace at Springfield's friendly watering holes."

View Article

Quality of life accolades for Springfield area reinforce that Everywhere Should Be Like This

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 22:20:25 GMT

Springfield has been recognized by National Geographic Adventure as one of the top 50 adventure towns in the country. The September issue of the magazine cited our city’s proximity to some of the Midwest’s best floating streams and the presence of six universities as contributing factors to Springfield’s placement on the “Top 50 Best Places to Live & Play” list.

This distinction is another in a growing string of recent quality of life accolades attached to our region.

Springfield ranked number five on Expansion Management’s 2007 list of mid-size metros with what the publication calls “5-Star Quality of Life.”

A recent ranking by Worldwide ERC placed Springfield in the top 20 of its “Best Cities for Relocating Families” list.

This year, the World Health Organization honored Springfield with its Safe Communities designation.

And, Springfield’s two major healthcare systems recently ranked high on Verispan’s list of “2007 Top 100 Most Highly Integrated Healthcare Networks.”

Click here to read more about the National Geographic Article

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Missouri State University adds research partners

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 13:41:52 GMT

Missouri State University’s Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC) is preparing to add two companies – California-based Unidym and Massachusetts-based Foster-Miller, Inc. – to its prestigious team of senior corporate affiliates. Both companies plan to lease space at JVIC, located in downtown Springfield.

Unidym is a nanotechnology company that utilizes carbon nanotubes to develop a wide range of high-performance, cost-effective electronic products such as transparent conductive films for flat panel displays and touch screens, thin film transistors for flexible electronic devices and fuel cells for portable devices.

Foster-Miller, Inc. is a technology and product development company with an international reputation for delivering and supporting innovative products and systems that perform under the most demanding conditions. The company produces TALON robots and LAST Armor used by the United States military

JVIC website

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area

Springfield recognized by the WHO as a Safe Community

Wed, 01 Aug 2007 22:18:36 GMT

World Health Organization Collaborating Centre on Community Safety Promotion granted Springfield the designation. It is one of 3 U.S. cities on the list.

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Springfield listed as a 5-Star Quality of Life Metro

Fri, 06 Jul 2007 18:58:17 GMT

Tracking factors important for the quality of life of company executives and mid-management, Expansion Management found Springfield's lifestyle to be top quality.

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Springfield listed among top Mid-Sized Metros for Recruitment and Attraction

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 13:48:12 GMT

National Policy Research Council research determined which cities were the most successful in expanding the local economy by attracting outside companies to locate there.

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Springfield among top mid-sized metros for recruitment & attraction

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 13:25:26 GMT

Springfield was recently named by Expansion Management magazine as one of the top mid-size metros for recruitment and attraction. Springfield ranks with such cities as Tucson, Albuquerque and Des Moines.

Expansion Management teamed up with the National Policy Research Council to find out which cities were the most successful in expanding the local economy by attracting outside companies to locate there. To determine this, they analyzed the relocation decisions of 19 million companies over the course of eight years.

"For the metros and counties that ranked high in this study, it represents the best of all possible validation that their local economies are on the right track," says Bill King, chief editor of Expansion Management. "There's probably not a better vote of confidence than knowing that, when faced with a decision of where in the entire United States to locate a new facility or branch office, the consensus of millions of business executives was to choose these locations for a significant business investment."

Top Mid-Sized Metros

Caonton-Massillon, Ohio

Huntsville, Alabama

Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Arkansas

Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisl, Pennsylvania

Tucson, Arizona

Flagstaff, Arizona

Biloxi-Gulfport-Pascagoula, Florida

Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, Pennsylvania

Wilmington, North Carolina

Stockton-Lodi, California

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Springfield, Missouri

Charleston-North Charleston, South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina

Wichita, Kansas

Des Moines, Iowa

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Omaha, Nebraska

Mobile, Alabama

Read the full story

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area

Springfield provides lowest cost utilities

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 15:54:55 GMT

Memphis Light Gas and Water has issued its 2007 Utility Bill Comparison report which ranks Springfield the lowest cost residential utility in the nation. The study evaluated standard electric, gas, water and sewer rates as of January 1, 2007 for 58 cities across the U.S. The cities were selected on the basis of size and geographic location.

Springfield also ranked high in all of the commercial and industrial categories, although an overall analysis of these categories is not included in the report.

Average Monthly Residential Utility Bills

Springfield, Missouri

$287.65

Omaha, Nebraska

$292.02

Louisville, Kentucky

$322.89

Southhaven, Mississippi

$335.52

San Antonio, Texas

$348.17

Memphis, Tennessee

$363.23

St. Louis, Missouri

$365.23

Las Vegas, Nevada

$369.98

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

$377.62

Detroit, Michigan

$380.90

Read the full report from MLGW

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area

Kraft announces Springfield expansion

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 15:43:35 GMT

Kraft Foods and Springfield Underground have reached agreement for Kraft to lease 400,000 square feet of refrigerated warehouse space, capitalizing on the unique local geological features. This new regional distribution center will consolidate leased refrigerated storage requirements for the Springfield plant, and eventually also serve other Midwestern Kraft locations.

Kraft cites the Springfield Underground's reduced energy costs as the primary consideration for the expansion. Additional efforts by MoDOT, the City of Springfield, and City Utilities will assists Kraft's expansion by improving Kearney Street to accommodate the increased truck volumes. The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce facilitated the efforts to secure funding for the necessary road improvements.

Springfield is well-positioned as the site for a regional refrigerated distribution facility for Kraft, due to the needs of the local plant, which is one of Kraft’s larger operations; the presence of a Kraft Private Fleet hub and other major transportation carriers; and proximity to customer distribution points.

Read the full press release from Kraft

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Springfield listed by Worldwide ERC one of the Best Cities for Relocating Families

Wed, 30 May 2007 22:18:54 GMT

The study, conducted by Worldwide ERC and Primacy Relocation, focused on the ease of which a family can move to a new city and settle in. Springfield ranked 11th in the small metros category.

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Inc. Magazine rates Springfield's economy as a Top 20 Mid-Sized City for Entrepreneurs

Mon, 14 May 2007 19:04:18 GMT

The report tracks job growth and economic expansion over several time periods to determine it's list of hottest cities list

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Inc. Magazine rates Springfield economy as top 20

Mon, 14 May 2007 19:03:12 GMT

Steady job growth during last few years has landed Springfield on Inc. Magazine's list of Hottest Mid-Sized Cities for entrepreneurs. The report appears in the May issue of the magazine and tracks job growth rates over several periods in order to determine the index rankings. "Strong job growth suggests that an economy is expanding--which means plenty of opportunity."

Springfield ranked 20th in the mid-sized cities category which includes metro areas with an employment base of 150,000 to 450,000. (Springfield's current workforce is 222,445, as of March 2007.)

Also included on the mid-sized cities top 20 list are several of Springfield's peer cities such as Fayetteville and Boise as well as six cities in Florida. Springfield was the only Missouri city to make a top 20 list in its respective size category.

See the full mid-sized cities list

View a map showing the Top 20 cities

Find out how the cities were selected

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Springfield metro area exceeds 400,000 in population

Tue, 03 Apr 2007 15:14:31 GMT

In figures recently released by the Census Bureau, Springfield's 2006 Metropolitan Statistical Area population increased by nearly 10,000 people over the previous year. This increase pushed the metro area's population well over the 400,000 mark to 407,092.

The Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA, or commonly-referred to as "metro area") is defined by the federal government as Greene, Christian, Webster, Polk and Dallas counties.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Verispan indicates Springfield home to two Top 100 Hospitals in the U.S.

Thu, 01 Feb 2007 19:59:44 GMT

With St. John's Health Systems taking the number 1 spot, Verispan, a health care information company, released it's 2007 list of Most Highly Integrated Healthcare Systems.

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American Airlines restores direct service to St. Louis

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 15:10:30 GMT

Beginning in early April, American Eagle will operate regional jet service between Springfield and St. Louis on one daily flight. Service between Springfield and St. Louis ended in June 2006. At that time, the flights were on smaller, turbo-prop aircraft.

The route is being made possible by the American Airlines maintenance base in Springfield. The ERJ-135 aircraft will leave St. Louis at 6:35pm to receive routine maintenance in Springfield and will leave SGF at 6:40am the following morning.

Adding the connection to St. Louis opens up additional service to numerous east and west coast destinations and it constitutes the 12th city available through SGF.

Airline

Connection

Daily Flights

American

Chicago

Dallas/Ft. Worth

St. Louis

Northwest

Memphis

Detroit

Minneapolis/St. Paul

United

Chicago

Denver

Delta

Cincinnati

Atlanta

Allegiant

Las Vegas

5 weekly

Orlando

2 weekly

Tampa

2 weekly

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Manufacturing & logistics key contributors to the Springfield economy

Wed, 13 Dec 2006 20:02:29 GMT

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Springfield today released the results of an economic impact analysis of the manufacturing and logistics (transportation and distribution) sectors on the Springfield area. The study involved Springfield and the surrounding 10-county region.

Development Strategies, Inc., a St. Louis-based consulting firm conducted the research. The analysis is the result of a review of standard economic statistics obtained through state and federal sources, and a survey manufacturing and logistics firms in the area.

The research reveals that area manufacturers contribute $18.6 billion to the metro economy while logistics contributes $14.3 billion.

The number of direct jobs in manufacturing and logistics make up 16.6 percent of all jobs in the region. In addition, more than 90,000 jobs (full and part-time) can be attributed directly or indirectly to manufacturing, while more than 98,900 jobs are a result of the logistics presence in the area.

Annual Impact

Total Jobs

Manufacturing

$18.6 billion

90,000

Logistics

$14.3 billion

98,900

The study also shows that manufacturers spend more than $6.74 billion per year, while area logistics firms spend $5.2 billion per year. Not all of that money is spent in the Springfield area, but based on the survey, approximately 54 percent of all manufacturing operating expenditures and 89 percent of manufacturing payroll expenditures are paid directly into the economy. For logistics those figures are 34 percent and 97 percent respectively.

To read the full reports visit the Economic Impact Analysis page under News & Publications.

Air service at SGF continues to expand

Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:48:10 GMT

Allegiant Airlines announced today it will soon bring a new route to Springfield-Branson National Airport. Starting in December, the air carrier will fly non-stop to Tampa from SGF, replicating the service already established to Las Vegas and Orlando.

This addition will be the 11th city available for direct flights from Springfield and is yet another sign of the incredible passenger growth occurring at the airport. In 2005 passenger traffic increased 23%, making SGF the 4th fastest growing airport in the U.S.

Over 30 flights leave SGF each day and last year nearly 900,000 passengers passed through the airport.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area

Celebrating manufacturing excellence in Partnership Industrial Center

Thu, 24 Aug 2006 15:18:16 GMT

Today, Springfield's Partnership for Economic Development celebrated the 100% build-out of the Partnership Industrial Center (PIC).

As part of the celebration, a video was presented, highlighting the development of Partnership Industrial Center. To view the video please follow one of these links.

High Quality (high-speed connection)

Low Quality (low speed connection)

The success of PIC is duplicated in the new Partnership Industrial Center West. PIC West, located near Springfield-Branson National Airport has sold 6 lots and has nearly 350 total acres of site-ready ground. For more information click here.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Health care & higher education, key contributors to the Springfield economy

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 14:34:30 GMT

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Springfield today released the results of an economic impact analysis of the health care and higher education sectors on the Springfield area. Development Strategies, Inc., a St. Louis based consulting firm conducted the research. The analysis is the result of a review of standard economic statistics obtained through state and federal sources, and a survey of health care and higher education institutions in the Springfield metro area.

The research reveals that health care creates an annual impact of $4.5 billion and 51,300 direct and indirect jobs. Also, higher education creates an annual economic impact of $900 million and 13,500 direct and indirect jobs.

Annual Impact

Total Jobs

Health Care

$4.5 billion

51,300

Higher Education

$900 million

13,500

Collectively, the sectors spend more than $2.15 billion per year. Not all of that money is spent in the Springfield area, but based on the survey; approximately 57 percent of all operating expenditures and 82 percent of payroll expenditures of these institutions is paid directly into the regional economy. These expenditures become income or revenue for the institutions’ employees and area businesses, which then spend that money to support their households and businesses. That re-spending creates a ripple effect throughout the area’s economy.

Essentially, the $2.15 billion in spending by health care and higher education institutions in the Springfield area triggers an estimated:

$3.3 billion in additional economic activity in the metro area
$1.1 billion in additional household income for the Springfield workforce
38,500 jobs throughout the region, both full and part-time, in addition to the approximately 26,200 employed by the survey respondents.

Together, these 64,700 jobs in metropolitan Springfield account for nearly one-quarter of the region’s economy.

To read the full report visit the Economic Impact Analysis page under News & Publications.

"...one of the Midwest's most hip towns."

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 22:19:12 GMT

BedandBreakfast.com lists Springfield and it's Walnut Street Inn as a top getaway.

Springfield listed as a 5-Star Business Opportunity Metro

Sun, 11 Jun 2006 18:56:49 GMT

With a business mindset, Expansion Management highlights the top areas in the US for quality of life.

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Springfield listed by Inc. Magazine as one of the Hottest Mid-Sized Cities for Entrepreneurs

Mon, 15 May 2006 19:04:51 GMT

Steady job growth during last few years has landed Springfield in the top 25 cities.

View news release

Inc. Magazine rates Springfield economy among nation's best

Mon, 15 May 2006 14:14:25 GMT

Steady job growth during last few years has landed Springfield on Inc. Magazine's list of Hottest Mid-Sized Cities for entrepreneurs. The report appears in the May issue of the magazine and tracks job growth rates over several periods in order to determine the index rankings. "As always, our list...puts the focus on job growth, which we believe is the best measure of a region's economic vitality--especially as it applies to entrepreneurs."

Springfield ranked 25th in the mid-sized cities category which includes metro areas with an employment base of 150,000 to 450,000. (Springfield's current workforce is 217,608, as of March 2006.)

Also included on the mid-sized cities list are several of Springfield's peer cities such as Fayetteville, Boise, Knoxville and Des Moines. Kansas City and St. Louis were the only other Missouri cities to make any of the of the index coming in at 44 and 48, respectively, on the large cities list.

Inc Magazine full article

mid-sized cities section

podcast interview with the contributing editor (link is no longer active)

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

2005 a banner year for Springfield-Branson National Airport

Thu, 04 May 2006 22:11:38 GMT

Record-setting growth in recent years has landed Springfield-Branson National Airport on the list of top performing U.S. airports. Data recently released by the Airports Council International shows SGF ranked 4th in 2005 passenger growth among all commercial airports with a 23.1% increase. This growth rate comes after a 10% growth rate in 2004 passengers and an 11% growth rate year-to-date for 2006. More than 880,000 passengers traveled through SGF through it's connections to 11 different hubs, with nearly 1 million anticipated by the end of 2006.

In addition to passenger growth, cargo shipment through the National Airport also increased at a rapid rate with nearly 40% growth in 2005 (over the previous year). This growth rate also ranked SGF as 4th in the nation of cargo tonnage.

Increased business activity in the Springfield regional economy is sited as a key factor in both the cargo and passenger growth.

Airport

2004-2005 Growth

Total Passengers

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

52.5%

973,625

Casper, Wyoming

28.9%

180,734

Bakersfield, California

23.3%

279,498

Springfield, Missouri

23.1%

888,738

Gainesville, Florida

22.2%

345,722

Salt Lake City, Utah

21.1%

22,237,936

Ashville, North Carolina

19.2%

624,037

Washington DC (Dulles)

18.5%

26,642,918

Sarasota, Florida

18.1%

1,337,571

Columbia, South Carolina

17.2%

1,462,933

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

MCI displaces 400 in Springfield; operations closing

Fri, 28 Apr 2006 22:05:27 GMT

MCI announced today its plans to close its Springfield call center, which currently employs nearly 400 people.

Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce President Jim Anderson said, "The effect of this closing on employees and their families is our first concern." In 2000, MCI employed as many as 1,200 people. A series of downsizings followed, the largest announced in March, 2004. "We are disappointed with MCI's decision to close this call center," said Anderson.

MCI has been closing call centers across the country since its bankruptcy in 2002 and began outsourcing these operations to India, Philippines and Mexico. Only a few domestic centers remain open.

Springfield's Partnership for Economic Development is confident the region’s strong job growth and Springfield’s customer service call center market can absorb many of the displaced workers, said Greg Williams, Chamber senior vice president of economic development.

In just over a month, T-Mobile USA will open a new customer service facility, soon ramping up to 700 new employees.

The Partnership will begin aggressively marketing the vacated facility and assist in attracting or expanding a company to replace the jobs lost. Several facilities vacated by MCI in other locations across the country have now been reoccupied with call center operations, replacing job losses.

Springfield's Largest Call Centers by Employment

Chase Card Services

customer service

1,600

T-Mobile USA

customer service

700*

ANPAC

customer service

555

Fairfield Resorts

telemarketing

450

MCI

telemarketing

400

Bass Pro Shops

catalog orders

300

AT&T

customer service

210

*Announced; not at full employment

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Springfield noted by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Top 10 Hot City for Entrepreneurs

Sat, 01 Apr 2006 14:31:07 GMT

Springfield's rapid business formation and business growth earned it a high ranking in a category of cities with less than 20,000 businesses where Springfield was 22nd out of 162 similar cities.

View Article

Population growth and what the numbers mean

Fri, 31 Mar 2006 21:55:17 GMT

Earlier this month the United States Bureau of the Census released its annual population estimates for counties across the nation. These estimates help to track area growth on an annual basis.

The Springfield region once again showed significant growth in the past year and continued as the state's fastest growing metro area. Also, Christian county was again the fastest growing county in Missouri.

Below is a breakdown of the varying geographic areas used to define Springfield's market and their corresponding 2005 population.

Springfield City Limits
Corporate city limits that includes nearly 80 square miles. Expanded only through annexation.

150,704

(2004)

Greene County

250,784

Springfield Metro Area
Metropolitan Statistical Areas are defined by the federal government based on the urbanization of a county and commuting patterns. Springfield's MSA includes 5 counties. MSAs are adjusted every 10 years after decennial census data is analyzed.

398,124

Springfield Region
Springfield's region is defined by the Ozarks Regional Economic Partnership, an out-growth of the Springfield Chamber. The region includes 10-counties.

500,000

Springfield Economic Area
To define Economic Areas the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis attaches each county in the U.S. to an MSA with which the county is economically tied.

949,000

For more information on these areas and on population figures
visit our website by clicking here.

Record year for Springfield-Branson National Airport

Thu, 19 Jan 2006 21:48:36 GMT

Recently released passenger data for 2005 shows the Springfield-Branson National Airport had a 23.1% growth in total passengers. This astonishing growth rate comes on the heels of a 10.5% growth in 2004.

Much of the growth is attributed to expanded air service, including two new airlines, Delta and Allegiant, and service to five new cities--Minneapolis/St. Paul, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Las Vegas and Orlando. These expanded options have offered business and leisure travelers what they need to fly from SGF.

Airport officials have speculated that 2006 passenger numbers will reach a 10% growth level and could stretch higher, especially with any announcements of new airlines or new hub connections.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Springfield utility costs far below national average

Fri, 09 Dec 2005 21:44:41 GMT

Recently released data shows Springfield's utility index in the third quarter of 2005 as the lowest in the United States.

The index is a component of a cost of living report released by ACCRA, a national research association that tracks approximately 300 urban areas across the U.S. The utility analysis measures residential electric and gas rates and local telephone service costs.

Springfield's second and third quarter utility indexes were nearly 30% below the national average index of 100. Below is a table showing ten of the lowest-cost utility locations across the country so far in 2005.

2005 Quarterly Utility Index

1 Quarter

2 Quarter

3 Quarter

Springfield, Missouri

73.8

73.0

72.0

San Antonio, Texas

68.9

76.6

76.7

San Marcos, Texas

78.6

81.1

79.7

Charlotte, North Carolina

79.1

78.0

76.9

Champaign-Urbana, Illinois

77.4

77.0

86.2

Lubbock, Texas

77.7

75.0

75.7

Morristown, Tennessee

78.8

77.4

78.0

Bartlesville, Oklahoma

79.9

77.8

Lincoln County, Oregon

74.6

84.9

83.8

Plattsburgh, New York

84.7

81.1

75.7

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area

T-Mobile USA to build customer service center in Springfield

Mon, 24 Oct 2005 21:36:29 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Oct. 24, 2005 — T-Mobile USA Inc. today announced plans to build its newest Customer Service Center in Springfield, Missouri. The company expects to bring more than 700 new jobs to the area when fully staffed. The T-Mobile Customer Service Center will take its first call in the summer of 2006.

Employees at the new facility, which will be located in the Airport Plaza development at the northeast corner of West Kearney and the West Bypass, will help support T-Mobile’s rapidly growing customer base of more than 20 million customers and help T-Mobile deliver on its commitment to provide a superior service experience.

To read the full press release, click here.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Springfield listed as a top city for entrepreneurs

Tue, 11 Oct 2005 14:39:23 GMT

Springfield's rapid business formation and business growth earned it a Top 10 ranking on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2005 Hot Cities list. In the category of cities with less than 20,000 businesses, Springfield was 10th out of 170 similar cities.

The National Policy Research Council, a Washington, DC, think tank, measured the percentage of businesses that started 4 to 14 years ago and the percentage of those young businesses that have experienced rapid growth. Cities that fared best tended to have pleasant climates, good universities and vibrant airports, according to the Entrepreneur article.

Hot Cities for Entrepreneurs

Auburn-Opelika, Alabama

Wilmington, North Carolina

Lincoln, Nebraska

Yuma, Arizona

Green Bay, Wisconsin

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Huntsville, Alabama

Laredo, Texas

Richland-Kennewick-Pasco, Washington

Springfield, Missouri

In addition to being a hot city for entrepreneurs, Springfield was awarded a five-star ranking in Expansion Management magazine's 2005 Mayor's Challenge. Springfield-Greene County also recently was named in the 100 Best Communities for Young People list by America's Promise, a national advocacy group.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Delta Airlines connects Springfield to Atlanta

Mon, 19 Sep 2005 20:55:33 GMT

Beginning in December, Delta will establish direct service to Springfield from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. ATL moved more than 83 millions passengers in 2004 making it not only the busiest airport in the nation but also the entire world.

Delta Airlines already serves Springfield via Cincinnati and this past July added service to their hub in Salt Lake City. The Atlanta route will initially run as two daily flights on a 50-seat regional jet but will add more flights if passenger numbers demand it.

Springfield-Branson Regional Airport now connects to 12 different U.S. cities and 7 of the 11 busiest airports across the nation.

Busiest U.S. Airports

SGF Connections

Hartsfield-Jackson-Atlanta (ATL)

Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Los Angeles (LAX)

Dallas/Ft. Worth (DFW)

Denver (DEN)

Las Vegas

4 weekly

Phoenix Sky Harbor

JFK-New York (JFK)

Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP)

Houston (IAH)

Detroit (DTW)

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Theater to anchor College Station development in downtown Springfield

Tue, 23 Aug 2005 20:48:33 GMT

Portland, Oregon based, Wallace Theater Holdings announced today they will open a 14-screen megaplex cinema as the anchor of the new College Station development. The state-of-the-art theater will occupy 54,000 square feet of the development and feature stadium-style seating, wall-to-wall screens and deluxe seats.

College Station, developed by Tillman Redevelopment, is set to break ground within the next few weeks and is anticipated to be open in fall of 2006. In addition to the theater the project, designed by Butler, Rosenbury & Partners, will feature 42,000 square feet of retail space. Concurrently, two city-owned parking decks totaling 1,000 parking spaces will be constructed on adjacent lots.

As the first project in downtown Springfield to include new construction of retail space, College Station provides strong evidence of the confidence national developers have in the renaissance of downtown Springfield.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Springfield selected by America's Promise as a 100 Best Community for Young People

Mon, 01 Aug 2005 22:20:18 GMT

A children's advocacy group, America's Promise, selected Springfield in a first-ever national competition to identify 100 Best Communities for their commitment to provide healthy, safe and caring environments for youth.

Expansion shows no signs of slowing at Springfield-Branson Regional Airport

Tue, 26 Jul 2005 20:38:02 GMT

This morning, Allegiant Air announced direct service to Orlando, FL on a twice-a-week schedule. Orlando becomes the 11th city served from SGF and the second for Allegiant Air, a leisure destination, scheduled service airline.

In April 2005, Allegiant began service in Springfield with 2 flights per week to Las Vegas. Shortly after, the airline added 2 more flights to Las Vegas each week. Allegiant operates a fleet of 150-passenger MD-83 and MD-87 aircraft.

With Allegiant's announcements and the July expansion of Delta's service to now include non-stop service to Salt Lake City, the rapid passenger growth at the airport shows no signs of slowing down.

In the first half of 2005, passenger numbers have increased 25.1% over the first half of 2004. (The 721,958 passengers in 2004 was a record for SGF and a 10% increase over 2003.) Continuing at this pace, the airport will likely see 900,000 to 1 million passengers by the end of this year.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Regional community development corporation closes second loan

Fri, 15 Jul 2005 20:33:24 GMT

The Ozarks Regional Community Development Corporation has recently assisted regional investors in purchasing a local business through a new gap financing program. Joyce and Robert Mastromarino of Mansfield, Missouri, will purchase Jordan Cash Register located on South Campbell in Springfield.

Jordan Cash Register has been in business for 34 years as a full-service dealership. The company specializes in sales, installation and service of cash registers, point-of-sale equipment and business solution software from Sharp, Samsung and others.

The ORCDC will provide a $20,000 working capital loan in conjunction with a Small Business Administration loan and owner equity investment. For more information on the gap financing program of the Ozarks Regional Community Development Corporation, contact Allen Kunkel.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area

Springfield earns top recognition in Mayor's Challenge, 5-Star Business Opportunity Metro

Mon, 11 Jul 2005 18:57:54 GMT

Expansion Management shows which cities are strong in areas of importance to businesses looking for the best location for a future facility. Springfield is listed among the best.

View Article

Springfield's economic reach continues to expand

Thu, 16 Jun 2005 19:25:23 GMT

U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis recently expanded Springfield’s economic area to now including 27 counties across Missouri and Arkansas and more than 935,000 people.

Used to depict the drawing power of a city, Economic Areas determine to which metro area each county in the U.S. is economically tied.

Prior to this expansion, Springfield’s economic area included 26 counties, all located in Missouri. The redesignation moved 4 counties from the Springfield economic area’s northern edge to the newly created Jefferson City metro area, but Springfield pulled 5 counties away from the Little Rock economic area.

For specific information visit our the Economic Area page.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Area housing market stays ahead of U.S.

Thu, 09 Jun 2005 16:43:07 GMT

Springfield’s average home sales price jumped $10,000 in 2004, averaging $126,240. This represents an 8.7% increase and shows the first solid increase in home values since 2001 when they increased 10.1%.

As depicted in the graph below, Springfield home values have changed on a 3-year cycle—starting with a significant value increase followed by a 2-year plateau.

National figures show new home sales for 2004 provide a value increase of 7.8%--a healthy figure for home values in the U.S. During that same time frame Springfield’s metro area produced a 10.7% growth in new home sales price.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Partnership Industrial Center West speculative building

Tue, 31 May 2005 16:08:39 GMT

The Partnership Industrial Center West Administrative Council has entered into a contract with Springfield Industrial Properties, LLC to develop a 75,000 square foot speculative industrial building on 7 acres of PIC West in Springfield. The building information is as follows:

- 250' x 300' (expandable)
- 8" insulated precast walls
- 50' columnar spacing
- ceiling height is 26' clear
- full utilities
- located in the Enhanced Enterprise Zone.

Building plans are available at the offices of Butler, Rosenbury & Partners, Inc., 417-865-6100. The facility will be ready to show to prospective tenants by late July or early August (2005).

Inquiries can be directed to Greg Williams, Senior Vice President of Economic Development at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, 417-862-5567.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area

Springfield continues to drive Missouri growth

Fri, 20 May 2005 16:03:23 GMT

Without a single major jobs-related announcement in 2004, Springfield generated one out of every three new jobs created in the state, while the area only accounts for 7% of the state’s total workforce.

Proving that Springfield continues as the economic engine of Missouri, employment continues to expand and in the first quarter of 2005 Springfield saw the largest single job creation announcement in the state. Chase Card Services (formerly Bank One) announced it will add 450 new jobs to accommodate a growing customer service function.

Chase (then known as First Card) located in Springfield in 1996 and expanded in 1999. This new announcement will bring the total employment to 1,600.

Missouri Job Announcements - First Quarter

City

Company

Jobs

Springfield

Chase Card Services

450

Kansas City

Cerner Corporation

400

Bellefontaine Neighbors

Smurfit-Stone

304

St. Louis County

KV Pharmaceutical

300

Kansas City

FedEx Ground Package System

286

Washington

Harmon/Becker Automotive Systems

200

Ozark

Direct Retailing Inc.

150

Kansas City

Quintiles Transnational Packaging

115

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Springfield population nearing 400,000 people

Fri, 13 May 2005 15:57:12 GMT

Consistent growth across all 5 counties in Springfield’s metropolitan statistical area (MSA), has driven the 2004 population estimate to 390,986, according to data recently released by the U.S. Bureau of the Census. The increase from 384,654 in 2003 represents a 1.6% rate of growth.

Christian County maintained its status as the fastest growing county in Missouri and ranked 63rd nationally in growth since 2000, with an increase of 2,709 people in the last year.

In just over 10 years, Springfield’s metro area has changed from under 250,000 people to the current level and will top 400,000 in mihttp://www.business4springfield.com/mediafiles/beta-center-upper-floorplan-big.jpg. The addition of Webster (in 1992) and Polk and Dallas counties (in 2002) to the MSA and a population growth of over 2% annually are the main reasons for the increases.

Springfield MSA Population

Year

Population

Annual Growth

2000

369,621

1.6%

2001

374,621

1.4%

2002

378,727

1.1%

2003

384,654

1.6%

2004

390,986

1.6%

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Springfield carries state in job growth

Thu, 24 Feb 2005 15:50:47 GMT

Springfield continues to drive the state’s economy. This is most evident in new job growth during the past year and how other regions of the state compare to Springfield, based on the relative size of their workforce.

Throughout 2004, Springfield surged forward, creating more than five times the job growth expected for our area. Though Springfield’s metro area comprises slightly less than 7% of Missouri’s total workforce, more than 35% of the state’s 15,255 new jobs were created here.

Looking at each individual month, more than 40% of the state’s job growth in February, May, and November was registered in Springfield. These figures could not be calculated for October and December due to a net job loss state-wide, despite significant job creation in Springfield.

The data set used to determine job growth is known as the Local Area Unemployment Statistics and is published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in conjunction with the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. Many economists consider this data set to be best suited for measuring a local employment market because it includes non-traditional jobs such as home-based businesses, independent contractors, and small partnerships.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Air service enhancements pay off at SGF

Mon, 10 Jan 2005 15:47:39 GMT

Springfield-Branson Regional Airport (SGF) marked a record year for total passengers in 2004. Throughout the year, 721,206 passengers moved through the airport, showing a remarkable increase of 10.4% over 2003. This total also represents a 1.4% increase over pre-September 11 figures.

Air service enhancements such as additional seat and route availability have contributed to the passenger increase. Since April of 2004, approximately 350 seats per day and two new hubs have been added to the daily departing schedule at the airport, primarily by Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines.

Delta/Comair began service in April with three jet flights per day to Cincinnati. Northwest added capacity with DC-9 aircraft to Memphis and by adding daily service to Minneapolis.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Springfield listed by the Milken Institute as a Best Performing City

Mon, 29 Nov 2004 13:42:55 GMT

Independent economic think tank Milken Institute recently released its 2004 analysis of best performing cities in the United States. The analysis shows some very positive signs for number 62 ranked Springfield, Missouri.

View news release

Springfield receives high marks in "Best Performing Cities" study

Mon, 29 Nov 2004 15:44:51 GMT

Independent economic think tank, Milken Institute, recently released its 2004 analysis of best performing cities in the United States. The analysis shows some very positive signs for Springfield.

Overall, Springfield received the highest ranking in Missouri and a number 62 ranking among the top 200 large metro areas, moving up six spots from 2003.

The strength of Springfield's economy resulted in a number of encouraging figures in the study. In the "One-Year Job Growth" category Springfield ranked 17th in the nation while the "One-Year Wage and Salary Growth" was positioned at 36th overall. Springfield also ranked 57th in the nation in "One-Year High-Tech GDP Growth," yet another optimistic sign for the area.

Best Performing Cities Within 250 Miles

Metro Area

Overall Rank

Springfield, Missouri

St. Louis, Missouri

158

Kansas City, Missouri

159

Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Arkansas

Little Rock, Arkansas

106

Tulsa, Oklahoma

189

Wichita, Kansas

192

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Springfield's first annual economic conference a hit

Tue, 12 Oct 2004 15:35:29 GMT

SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Oct. 5, 2004 – Springfield is in the enviable position of having a diverse economy, an educated workforce and an airport to take business leaders to any market in the world, but the region’s future will hinge on its continued willingness to embrace technology as a business tool and a source for new business.

Those were the heady words of Brian Wesbury, renowned economist based in Chicago, who was the keynote speaker at the First Annual Economic Outlook Conference sponsored by the City of Springfield and the Springfield Business & Development Corporation.

Corporate sponsors for the event included Blackwell Sanders Peper Martin, Commerce Bank and The Signature Bank. The event was held Sept. 30 in Springfield.

The audience of almost 300 business leaders and owners were equally impressed with the candor of local leaders who addressed success and challenges in health care, manufacturing, retail and education. Jim Anderson, president of the Springfield chamber, led the local panel through an unscripted, lively discussion of their industries as well as their outlook for the region. Panel participants included Larry D. Wallis, recently retired chief executive officer, CoxHealth; Mike Briggs, president, Willow Brook Foods Inc.; Jim Hagale, president, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World; and John H. Keiser, Ph.D., president, Southwest Missouri State University.

< Download the entire press release >

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area

Springfield continues to dominate state job growth

Wed, 08 Sep 2004 15:29:17 GMT

Continuing a recent trend, Springfield led the way in Missouri's job growth during the first six months of 2004. Of all jobs created statewide, 36.8 percent were created in the Springfield metro area—that from an area that represents 6.7 percent of the state’s total workforce.

Springfield’s economy has shown remarkable job growth in recent months. For instance, in February alone, Springfield accounted for 60 percent of the state’s year-over-year job growth. Now, data from the first half of 2004 reveals this is a solid trend.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Springfield ranks no. 6 on nation's best metro list

Wed, 28 Jul 2004 15:25:06 GMT

A top economic development publication has placed Springfield high on its list of the best metros for business expansion.

Expansion Management magazine ranks Springfield No. 6 of 331 U.S. metros for business expansion, citing its “excellent public schools, low health care costs and a high quality of life.”

And among mid-sized metros, those with populations between 250,000 and one million, Springfield ranks even higher, coming in at number two, behind Des Moines and ahead of Fort Worth, Tallahassee and Dayton.

The magazine’s 2004 Mayor’s Challenge ranked metros that consistently scored well in its annual research studies. These studies focused on the categories that corporate site selectors consider when choosing locations for new or expanding businesses.

The article quotes Greg Williams, Chamber senior vice president for economic development. “We’re known as Missouri’s ‘economic engine’ and for good reason,” Williams said. “Over the past year, 25 percent of all new jobs in Missouri were created in Springfield, even though Springfield represents only three percent of the state’s work force.” Springfield has become the center of a regional market of nearly one million people because of its health care systems, strong retail base and its expanding airport, he added.

2004 Mayor's Challenge

Des Moines, Iowa

Kansas City, Missouri-Kansas

Seatle-Bellevue-Everett, Washington

Austing-San Marcos, Texas

Iowa City, Iowa

Springfield, Missouri

Siox Falls, South Dakota

Washinton DC, Maryland-Virginia-West Virginia

Fargo-Moorhead, North Dakota-Minnesota

Harrisburg-Lebanon-Carlisle, Pennsylvania

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Federal Reserve publication features Springfield

Mon, 19 Jul 2004 15:16:28 GMT

A focus on Springfield, MO appears in the current issue of The Regional Economist, a publication of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The quarterly review features business and economic conditions in seven states in the Eighth Federal Reserve District.

To read the article click this link.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area

NorthStar Battery to expand operations in Partnership Industrial Center

Mon, 12 Jul 2004 15:00:08 GMT

Less than four years after announcing it would build a $35 million plant in Springfield, NorthStar Battery is planning an expansion to keep up with the company's growth. Over 60,000 square feet will be added to the existing facility which already encompasses nearly 140,000 square feet.

With the physical expansion will come an estimated $5.5 million of capital investment and 60 new jobs, to be created in the next two years, pushing NorthStar's employment close to 200 people.

To make the project possible, NorthStar will be taking advantage of state and local programs such as the Missouri Enterprise Zone and the Customized Training Program.

The expansion announcement comes just a few months after NorthStar received the Choose Environmental Excellence award from the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce for its environmental stewardship, specifically its protection of air and water quality in the region.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area

Missouri governor to sign economic development bill in Springfield tomorrow

Wed, 07 Jul 2004 14:57:40 GMT

Governor Bob Holden will sign into law Thursday a major bill designed to create jobs and economic development incentives. You are invited to attend the bill signing which will be held at 12:30 pm at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, 202 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway.

Senate Bill 1155, the "Jobs Now" bill, will repeal several tax credits and redirect the funds to programs such as a worker retraining initiative and the Enhanced Enterprise Zone and the Missouri BUILD program, both economic development incentives.

Governor Holden announced his "Jobs Now" program at the Chamber in January and will return to Springfield to sign the bill.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Regional organization makes first investment in local small business

Thu, 03 Jun 2004 14:29:13 GMT

The Ozarks Regional Community Development Corporation closed on its first loan Thursday to Downhill Bikes & Accessories in Branson.

This bicycle shop serving the Tri-Lakes area since 1996 will use the gap financing to expand marketing efforts and build inventory to accommodate demand. The project will also create a minimum of one new job.

The ORCDC provides gap-financing loans up to $50,000 for small businesses in the 10-county region. The corporation was formed in coordination with the Ozarks Regional Economic Partnership, a collaborative organization of 66 cities, counties and chambers in the 10-county region.

Visit us at www.ozarkspartnership.com for additional information on the CDC and our region.

Springfield job growth drives state's economy

Thu, 22 Apr 2004 14:22:30 GMT

One quarter of all jobs created in Missouri in the past year were created within the city limits of Springfield, supporting the claim that Springfield is the state’s “economic engine.”

The most recent job growth figures from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center indicate that 24.2 percent of net new jobs were created in Springfield, although the city accounts for only 3.0 percent of the state’s total workforce of nearly 3 million people.

While Kansas City showed a job loss and St. Louis experienced only minimal growth, Springfield’s job growth led the state with 3.9 percent between March 2003 and March 2004.

Springfield's growth was strongest in the professional and business services sector, wholesale trade and health care.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Northwest Airlines continues to expand in Springfield

Mon, 15 Mar 2004 14:19:20 GMT

Northwest Airlines will soon add jet service to Minneapolis-St. Paul in its latest expansion in the Springfield market.

The two daily flights, to be added in June, will give travelers additional choices to the northwest United States. This means Springfield now has nonstop service to all of Northwest Airline’s U.S. hubs.

The airline also announced because of higher passenger demand, it is upgrading two Memphis flights to larger jets. The 50-seat regional jets will be replaced with 100-seat DC-9s, operated by Northwest.

Very few airports around the nation are able to show the kind of market-driven growth Springfield-Branson Regional Airport has experienced. In the last 12 months, Delta Airlines has been added to its list of carriers, and American, Northwest and United have increased service.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Springfield job growth outpaces state and national rates

Tue, 09 Mar 2004 14:17:00 GMT

National and state job growth numbers may be gloomy, but in the Springfield area the news is bright.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nationwide, jobs had grown only about 1.4 percent over the last 12 months. In Missouri, the same story: a 1.0 percent rise. But in the Springfield area, jobs are growing at a rate of 3.2 percent in the same time period.

In simple terms, a strong local economy is fostering business growth, which results in more jobs. The last 12 months have seen a job growth rate twice the national rate and more than triple that of the state.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

SBDC annual report available

Thu, 19 Feb 2004 13:46:16 GMT

A review of the Springfield metro area’s recent successes and a report on marketing efforts are among the highlights of the 2003 Annual Report of the Springfield Business and Development Corporation, released Thursday.

Also included is a report on elements of the Partnership For Prosperity, an economic development initiative conducted by the SBDC and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as testimonials made by local businesses and professionals.

To view the entire annual report visit
our website at www.business4springfield.com.

Springfield listed by Inc. Magazine as a Top 25 City for Doing Business in America

Tue, 17 Feb 2004 19:05:24 GMT

Driven by strong job growth, Springfield vaulted to to number 15 on Inc. magazine’s list of top Cities for Doing Business in America.

View news release

National magazine names Springfield to top 15 list

Tue, 17 Feb 2004 13:28:41 GMT

Driven by strong job growth, Springfield vaulted to Inc. magazine’s list of Top 25 Cities for Doing Business in America.

In its March 2004 issue, Inc. puts Springfield at number 15 in the medium metro ranking, and the only city in Missouri to make the Inc. list. The publication uses job growth and industry diversity in determining the rankings.

According to Inc., “...these are among the unexpected places where businesses are adding jobs most rapidly and many people are moving in search of new lives, creating tremendous opportunities for entrepreneurs.”

The medium metro list, topped by Green Bay, includes Tucson, Corpus Christi, Boise, Daytona Beach and Syracuse. All have a job base of 150,000 to 450,000.

To read more about the study and to visit Inc. Magazine's website click here.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Springfield lands Delta Airlines

Wed, 21 Jan 2004 12:57:21 GMT

The nation’s third largest airline, Delta, announced today it will begin offering daily flights from Springfield-Branson Regional Airport, beginning April 15.

Delta Connection, operated by regional carrier Comair, will make three round trip flights to Cincinnati each day on 50-passenger regional jets. Delta’s hub in Cincinnati will provide over 120 connections to cities across the country, including destinations on the eastern seaboard. The planes will be 50-passenger regional jets.

Today’s announcement means Springfield's airport is home to four of the nation’s five largest air carriers and is now connected to seven hubs across the U.S.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Springfield a top 25 city for job growth

Fri, 05 Dec 2003 20:39:32 GMT

Job growth is strong in the Springfield area, according to recently released data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Of 315 urban counties, Greene County ranked 21st. In the past year, the county showed a 2.4 percent growth in jobs, well ahead of the national average of minus .3 percent. Over the past decade the Springfield area experienced an average of 2.3 percent job growth each year.

The same study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics also detailed growth in pay for the same counties. Springfield and Greene County saw a 1.9 percent increase over the past year, which is nearly one half of a percent above the national average.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Springfield housing market one of the most affordable in the U.S.

Thu, 30 Oct 2003 20:37:10 GMT

Home values in Springfield are among the strongest in the nation, according to a price comparison calculated by national real estate firm Coldwell Banker.

The study analyzed more than 300 U.S. metro areas for the value of a 2,200-square-foot home with four bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. The single-family dwelling was located in a neighborhood typical for mid-level executives.

The Springfield home was $34,000 less than a comparable home in St. Louis and Kansas City and $1.2 million less than in the most expensive market, La Jolla, CA.

The table below shows the value of a $250,000 Springfield home if purchased in other locations across the country.

Springfield, Missouri

$250,000

Kanas City, Missouri

$308,824

Madison, Wisconsin

$333,333

Cincinnati, Ohio

$352,941

Dallas, Texas

$367,647

Atlanta, Georgia

$436,275

Denver, Colorado

$455,882

Minneapolis, Minnesota

$519,608

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

$750,000

Chicago, Illinois

$980,392

San Jose, California

$1,034,314

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Springfield major employers and college enrollment lists updated

Thu, 23 Oct 2003 20:27:35 GMT

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and the Springfield Business & Development Corporation update Springfield's major employers and college enrollment lists each fall. Both provide valuable information on the 5-county Springfield metro area.

Health care continues to dominate the top of the major employers list with CoxHealth and St. John's Health Systems accounting for more than 16,000 employees. To make the list employers must have more than 400 employees. To view the entire list, click here.

This school year, nearly 39,000 college students call Springfield home, with almost 18,000 of those attending Southwest Missouri State's Springfield campus alone. Ozarks Technical Community College continues to grow rapidly, with nearly 8,500 students enrolled. To view the entire list of all 15 colleges and universities, click here.

Top 10 Major Employers

CoxHealth

8,600

St. John's Health Systems

7,500

Southwest Missouri State Univ.

3,310

Wal-Mart Stores

3,270

Springfield Public Schools

3,200

Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Marine

2,720

United States Government

2,505

State of Missouri

2,425

City of Springfield

1,500

O'Reilly Auto Parts

1,400

Top 5 Largest Universities by Enrollment

Southwest Missouri State University

17,843

Ozarks Technical Community College

8,488

Drury University

4,633

Evangel University

1,874

Southwest Baptist University - Bolivar

1,571

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area

Two awards show Springfield a top location to Live & Work

Mon, 20 Oct 2003 20:03:55 GMT

Earlier this summer Expansion Management (a national economic development trade publication) awarded Springfield with its highest designation for quality of life. The "5-Star" rating placed Springfield in an elite group of all U.S. metro areas by ranking everything from education to traffic to crime. In addition to the five stars the index confirmed the Springfield region is a great place to live by ranking it Number 1 in housing affordability.

Showing it's a great place to do business, Springfield also received a "4-Star" rating for being a logistics friendly city in the September edition of Expansion Management. The "Logistics Quotient" focused on workforce, transportation networks, business costs and rail, port and air cargo availability.

Expansion Management's circulation includes more than 45,000 top-level executives and decision-makers.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area

New developments bring $26 million in investment to downtown Springfield

Fri, 19 Sep 2003 19:44:09 GMT

An innovative collection of funding sources have made possible a new exposition center and parking facility that are changing the face of downtown Springfield.

The $16 million expo center combines state and local TIFs with funding from a community improvement district to provide a 140,000 square foot facility expected to bring conventions and trade shows to Springfield.

The five-deck parking facility was funded by the community improvement district in combination with state and federal monies. Revenue will also be generated by fees from the 975 parking spaces to finance the total project cost of $10 million.

The projects are the newest additions to Jordan Valley Park, which began in 2001 with the opening of an $8 million recreational ice facility. In all, over $100 million in public and private resources will be invested in the area in the next few years.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area

Northwest begins daily Detroit service at SGF

Tue, 02 Sep 2003 19:39:02 GMT

Springfield business travelers to Detroit and beyond will have another choice of flights by the end of October.

Northwest Airlines has announced daily jet service to and from Detroit, supplementing the weekend-only service it had been providing from Springfield-Branson Regional Airport. Northwest's Detroit hub offers extensive eastern seaboard and international connections.

The service opens a new route for the airline, which has been connecting Springfield to its Memphis hub via four flights a day. In response to nearly full capacities on this route, the airline recently upgraded to larger regional jets, but climbing passenger numbers have created the need for the new service. If the Detroit service is successful, the potential exists for Northwest to add more flights or larger planes.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area

Springfield featured in "Area Development" magazine

Fri, 29 Aug 2003 19:17:52 GMT

The Springfield region is the subject of an in-depth feature story in the August issue of Area Development magazine.

Springfield and its location advantages were featured in a special four-page section of the publication, which has a circulation of 45,000 that includes top executives in the U.S. and abroad.

Focusing on growth in the region and on recent developments, the article references statements made by state government researchers confirming that Springfield is currently the economic engine driving Missouri's economy.

To read the full insert as it appeared in Area Development Magazine, please click here.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area

Utility costs in Springfield among nation's lowest

Mon, 25 Aug 2003 19:07:45 GMT

Businesses in Springfield enjoy utility costs that are among the lowest in the nation, according to a survey just released by ACCRA, an independent economic development research group. Springfield's utility costs are 74 percent of the national average.

Only two cities, Wenatchee, Wash., and Minot, N.D., reported lower electric, gas and telephone rates than Springfield. A total of 295 metro areas were surveyed for the second quarter Cost of Living Index prepared by ACCRA.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Springfield featured as an "Up & Coming Area"

Thu, 21 Aug 2003 19:01:32 GMT

The August 2003 edition of Midwest Real Estate News prominently features Springfield as an "Up & Coming" metro area.

With a circulation of more than 17,000, Midwest Real Estate News readers learn of Springfield's tremendous center city redevelopment activities as well as the quality growth and development occurring throughout the five-county metropolitan area.

To read the full article as it appeared in Midwest Real Estate News, please click here.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding demographic and statistical data on the Springfield area.

Springfield named Missouri's top sports town

Mon, 04 Aug 2003 18:46:05 GMT

Sports Illustrated, in conjunction with the National Recreation & Parks Association, today announced that Springfield is Missouri's "Sportstown USA," one of 50 nationwide.

Springfield-Greene County was selected because of its strong community parks program that emphasizes not only team sports but individual health and fitness as well.

Sports Illustrated is selecting 50 "sportstowns" in 50 states as the magazine celebrates its 50th anniversary. Springfield will be featured in the Aug. 4 edition, appearing on newsstands this Wednesday and also on Sports Illustrated's website.

Springfield has long been known for its enthusiasm for sports. Ice sports have taken the area by storm with the opening in 2001 of a recreational ice park. Double A minor league baseball will begin upon completion of a $30 million stadium, and the development of a $50 million arena in downtown Jordan Valley Park will begin shortly.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding developments and data on the Springfield area.

Partnership takes Springfield to NYC

Fri, 01 Aug 2003 16:46:27 GMT

Representatives of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Springfield Business & Development Corporation, City of Springfield and Greene County, in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Economic Development, blanketed the city of New York in mid-July, promoting the many location advantages Springfield offers new and expanding business and industry.

Site location advisory firms, national real estate brokers and developers learned that Springfield, Missouri is quickly become THE Springfield among the countless Springfields across the country.

This link provides the detailed presentation given by the partnership team.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding demographic and statistical data on the Springfield area.

Springfield recognized by Forbes as a Top 25 Metro for Low Cost of Doing Business

Wed, 16 Jul 2003 20:41:46 GMT

Springfield ranked 21st out of all major metro areas in the United States for its low cost of doing business, a key factor in retaining and attracting business.

View news release

American announcement brings changes to Springfield-Branson Regional Airport

Wed, 16 Jul 2003 16:27:23 GMT

Despite American Airlines drastic cuts in operations in St. Louis, announced today, Springfield will likely see improved air service at Springfield-Branson Regional Airport beginning in November.

One of the changes, the addition of four jet flights to Chicago's O'Hare International, will mean Springfield travelers will have a choice in airlines to one of the nation's busiest airports. Currently, United Airlines offers non-stop jet service to Chicago.

American also announced enhanced service from Springfield to Dallas/Ft. Worth. The airline currently offers eight flights, most on smaller, slower turbo-prop aircraft. In November, the airline will move to seven daily flights, all on regional jets.

The changes also will include a reduction in the number of flights from Springfield to St. Louis from nine to four. Though this reduction results in fewer connections via St. Louis, Springfield passengers will now have more connection options through Chicago and Dallas/Ft. Worth.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional
information regarding air service and the airportas well as other data on the Springfield area.

Forbes ranking lists Springfield in top 25

Wed, 16 Jul 2003 13:25:46 GMT

Springfield recently appeared in the top 25 of major metro areas in the United States for its low cost of doing business, a key factor in retaining and attracting business.

Garnering a rank of 21st, Springfield rated ahead of Missouri's two other large metro areas in a Forbes Magazine’s “Best Places in the U.S.” Springfield was the smallest metropolitan area in the top 25. The chart below depicts how Springfield compares with its peer cities as well as Kansas City and St. Louis.

Metropolitan Area

Rank

Lexington

Mobile

Springfield

Little Rock

Chattanooga

Wichita

Knoxville

Memphis

Colorado Springs

Kansas City

St. Louis

Downtown redevelopment bill to be signed in Springfield

Wed, 02 Jul 2003 16:07:27 GMT

On Monday (July 7), a bill designed to stimulate economic development in historic downtowns will be signed into law by Gov. Bob Holden in a noon ceremony at the Discovery Center of Springfield, 438 E. St. Louis St.

In May, the Missouri General Assembly passed the Missouri Downtown and Rural Economic Stimulus Act (MODESA), which will allow major developments to capture a portion of state taxes to be redirected to the construction of public facilities and infrastructure. It is also designed to be more responsive to developer timing than current redevelopment programs.

Passage of MODESA was a priority of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Springfield.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding development in the Springfield area.

Partnership Industrial Center adds Stainless Technology, a division of ABEC Inc.

Fri, 27 Jun 2003 13:57:20 GMT

ABEC Inc. and its new division, Stainless Technology, has recently purchased six acres in northeast Springfield's Partnership Industrial Center. ABEC plans to construct a 35,000 square foot facility to manufacture stainless steel vessels and auxiliary components for the biopharmaceutical industry.

Within two years ABEC will have created more than 75 jobs and spent over $2 million in capital investments in the Springfield area.

This represents the 22nd project in Partnership Industrial Center since its inception nearly ten years ago. Of the original 365 acres, only three lots remain to be sold.

For additional information on Partnership Industrial Center
please visit www.business4springfield.com.

Springfield metro area expands to include Dallas and Polk counties

Mon, 16 Jun 2003 20:09:12 GMT

In a recent release from the White House's Office of Budget (OMB) and Management, the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has added nearly 44,000 people to it's population.

Following each decennial census, the OMB analyzes the data collected to determine which counties, if any, should be added to each MSA. The factors considered are urbanization and commuting patterns and counties must display a "high degree of economic and social integration" with the core city.

In 1992 Webster county was added to the Springfield MSA, which at that time was only Greene and Christian counties. And after last week's announcement, Dallas and Polk counties are included to bring the MSA to a five county area.

With this change comes an adjustment in population from 335,143 to 378,727. This continues to rank Springfield as an MSA with strong growth and as a solid middle-sized metro area.

Missouri Metro Areas Population

St. Louis

2,726,025

Kansas City

1,889,315

Springfield

378,727

Joplin

160,203

Columbia

149,496

Jefferson City (new)

142,167

St. Joseph

121,832

United responds to Springfield's air travel needs

Wed, 04 Jun 2003 19:09:19 GMT

Business travelers headed to Chicago now have another flight to choose from beginning June 12th. United Airlines has announced that it is adding a fifth flight from Springfield-Branson Regional Airport to the nation’s third largest city.

The additional jet service is a result of high numbers on United’s other flights out of Springfield. The airline reports that in May, more than 9,200 travelers boarded United jets, the highest number of passengers in one month in United's history in Springfield.

Last year, almost 150,000 passengers departed Springfield on United Express flights to Chicago and Denver.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding demographic and statistical data on the Springfield area.

Springfield income growth stays strong

Tue, 20 May 2003 18:58:48 GMT

Recently-released data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows the Springfield metro area's per capita income is growing at a pace greater than Missouri and the nation.

Between 1990 and 2001 the average annual income growth was almost six percent for the Springfield MSA, nearly one percent ahead of the state of Missouri as a whole.

Per capita income is a measure of the total amount of income divided against the total number of people in the same area. Springfield's per capita income is currently $25,756, up from $24,933 the year before and up from $15,741 in 1990.

Continued growth in the region's per capita income rate is a key success measure of the Partnership For Prosperity economic development initiative in Springfield.

AVERAGE ANNUAL PER CAPITAL INCOME GROWTH
(1990 - 2001)

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding demographic and statistical data on the Springfield area.

Springfield recognizes impact of small business

Wed, 07 May 2003 18:48:13 GMT

According the U.S. Census Bureau, as many as 80 percent of all new jobs are created by small businesses. This is a fact worth noting for the Springfield area, where 98 percent of the establishments are considered small businesses. The small business community plays a large part in keeping our regional economy moving.

During a luncheon today, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce named its 2003 W. Curtis Strube Small Business of the Year. PFI Western Store earned top billing among the five finalists. Other contenders were Associated Video Producers, The Casey Associates, Custom Manufacturing & Polishing and The Law Firm of Neale & Newman.

The award is judged by an independent panel of judges which bases its selection on staying power, response to adversity, innovative products or services, business philosophy and contributions to the community.

Visit us at www.springfieldchamber.com for additional
information on the 2003 Small Business Week.

Steady population growth continues in the Springfield region

Tue, 22 Apr 2003 18:18:08 GMT

Recently released population estimates show a consistent continuation of the growth trend in Springfield and the surrounding region. More than 4,000 people were added the Springfield metropolitan statistical area from July 2001 to July 2002, an increase of 1.3 percent. The solid growth in Greene and Webster counties was topped by high growth in Christian County, which remained on the Top 100 Fastest Growing Cities list at number 86.

The Springfield region (the 10-county area of the Ozarks Regional Economic Partnership) showed very similar growth, adding 6,600 people or 1.3 percent to bring it's population total to 527,195.

Springfield, the third largest metro in the state, also sustained itself as one of the fastest growing metro areas in Missouri and the Midwest.

Missouri Metro Areas Population

St. Louis

2,607,732

Kansas City

1,828,247

Springfield

335,143

Joplin

160,203

Columbia

139,492

St. Joseph

102,064

Springfield's General Electric facility produces 3 millionth motor

Thu, 17 Apr 2003 18:12:00 GMT

GE Industrial Systems, manufacturers of the GE ECM variable speed motor for HVAC applications, is hosting an open house to mark the three millionth ECM off the production line. The event will be held at the GE facility at 2401 E. Sunshine, Thursday, April 24, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Originally introduced in 1984, ECM motor technology is employed in a variety of residential and commercial air-moving applications. It has an installed base of more than 2.5 million homes and businesses in North America and Europe.

Locally, GE employs 550 people, and contributes to a local manufacturing base in Springfield that provides over $3 billion in economic impact each year. More than 20,000 people are employed in the manufacturing sector in Springfield's three-county Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding business and statistical data on the Springfield area.

2002 SBDC annual report

Fri, 28 Feb 2003 18:10:48 GMT

A snapshot of the Springfield metro area’s economy in 2002 and a report on business expansion projects are among the highlights of the 2002 Annual Report of the Springfield Business and Development Corporation, released Thursday.

Also included is a report on the Partnership For Prosperity, an economic development initiative conducted by the SBDC and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce that raised $1.8 million from more than 90 businesses and professional organizations.

To view the entire annual report visit www.business4springfield.com

Springfield's job growth far outpaces state and federal rates

Fri, 07 Feb 2003 16:24:35 GMT

Amidst the declining national economy, the Springfield Metro Area has produced very positive growth in the the number of jobs. Comparing data from December 2002 to December 2001, Springfield experienced a 2.8% increase while Missouri showed a decrease of 0.3% and the U.S., as a whole, showed a 0.1% decrease. Despite some recent plant closings and layoffs in the area, the Springfield market created a net increase of nearly 4,800 jobs this past year.

Visit us at www.business4springfield.com for additional information regarding demographic and statistical data on the Springfield area.

Bank One to add 150 new jobs

Thu, 30 Jan 2003 15:59:43 GMT

Later today, Bank One will announce the creation of 150 new jobs in Springfield, brought about by the relocation of Bank One's Retail Telephone Banking group from Chicago, IL. The consolidation will move the company's online services support functions to Springfield.

The relocation will add to the nearly 1,000 people already employed at Bank One's Springfield operation. Most of these are telephone customer service positions.

Organizations that assisted with this expansion include the Springfield Business & Development Corporation, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, the Missouri Department of Economic Development and Ozarks Technical Community College.

For more information please call Greg Williams
at the Chamber 417.862.5567, or Patricia Vitello at
Bank One 417.225.3029

Chamber business development corporation receives two marketing awards

Mon, 14 Oct 2002 16:28:27 GMT

Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and the Springfield Business Development Corporation (SBDC) brought back two marketing awards from the Missouri Economic Development Council’s fall conference Oct. 1-3 at Lake of the Ozarks.

The SBDC received honors for its Springfield Demographic Profile, a printed publication that presents essential community and regional data, and www.business4springfield.com, the official website for economic development in Springfield. Both marketing tools are designed and maintained by Chamber staff.

MEDC is a statewide professional association for economic developers. The MEDC counselors, an advisory group of respected Missouri economic development professionals, chose the recipients of the statewide awards.

Representing the Chamber and SBDC at the conference was Greg Williams, vice president of economic development; Allen Kunkel, regional development manager; Sonja Chasteen, business assistance manager; and Ryan Mooney, economic development coordinator.

Springfield's population growth continues to top all state metro areas

Thu, 02 May 2002 18:19:21 GMT

In recent population estimates released by the Census Bureau this week the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area (metro area) showed a 1.7% growth from 2000 to 2001. Moving from 325,721 people to 331,379 people (a net gain of nearly 5,700 people) the Springfield metro area holds it's position as the fastest growing metro area in the state of Missouri, nearly tripling the state average of 0.6%

The growth rate of 1.7% is one half of a point off of the average annual increase for the 1990's which was 2.3% per year. However, Missouri's growth was down 0.3% and the national rate dropped slightly (0.1%).

As for Christian and Webster counties (which are included the Springfield MSA) the growth was very strong. Christian County remains the fastest growing county in Missouri--71st in the nation--with 5.5% growth, ahead of Lincoln County (5.3%) and St. Charles County (4.5%). Webster ranked 6th is Missouri for growth between 2000 and 2001.

Springfield MSA also posted the largest growth rate in cities throughout the Midwest outpacing key metro areas such as Memphis, Little Rock, Des Moines and Knoxville.

For information on Springfield visit the SBDC website at
www.business4springfield.com

SGF short-term parking reopens

Mon, 29 Apr 2002 15:41:40 GMT

After remaining closed for more than seven months, the short-term parking lot at Springfield-Branson Regional Airport reopened today. Springfield travelers will now be able to fully utilize the 173 parking spaces available in short-term parking. Travelers still will not be able to park curbside.

The decision comes from the newly formed Transportation Security Administration. The TSA announced this morning that all Category III airports (which includes SGF) will see a "relaxing" of the rule which previously kept all parking 300 feet or more from the front of the terminal building.

After the September 11 closure of the short-term parking lot, the airport has been losing approximately $30,000 per month in revenues generated from short-term parking fees.

For information before you fly, contact Sherry Wallace
at 417-869-0300 x2008 or visit the airport's website at
www.flyspringfield.com

Springfield businesses utilize state benefits

Tue, 12 Mar 2002 18:20:19 GMT

One of the most effective programs available to Springfield business and industry is the state-designated Enterprise Zone. The Enterprise Zone allows business locating within the zone that create jobs and capital investment, a 50% real estate property tax abatement for up to 10 years.

Springfield's Enterprise Zone has proved successful since its inception in 1984 by assisting in the creation of over 7,700 jobs and nearly $400 million in capital investment through 158 different facilities.

Springfield's total new job creation ranks 2nd in the state to Kansas City and accounts for 12% of all the jobs created statewide in the 64 different Enterprise Zones. Springfield also ranks 2nd in total facilities (behind Kansas City, tied with St. Louis Midtown) with over 10% of the statewide total.

For more information on the Enterprise Zone visit:
www.business4springfield.com/business/tax

Springfield is recognized by Employment Review as a Top 10 Place to Live & Work

Tue, 05 Feb 2002 18:48:30 GMT

1. Austin, Texas
2. Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, North Carolina
3. Sarasota, Florida
4. Denver, Colorado
5. Forth Worth, Texas
6. Orlando, Florida
7. Colorado Springs, Colorado
8. San Antonio, Texas
9. Springfield, Missouri
10. Atlanta, Georgia

Annual consumer price index figure released

Mon, 21 Jan 2002 18:21:03 GMT

Late last week the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the December Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures, which provided an opportunity to calculate an annual average CPI. The index is a measure of the average change in prices over time in a market basket of goods and services. It is a good indicator of consumer inflation rates and in terms of salary adjustments it is often referred to as the cost of living increase. The CPI-U represents all urban consumers while the CPI-W corresponds to specifically urban wage earners and clerical workers.

2001

2000

CPI-U

2.7%

3.4%

CIP-W

2.6%

3.7%

Reasons for the smaller increase in 2001 than 2000 is due primarily to several low months in last two quarters of this past year. The lows in these months have been driven by decreases in the energy index, primarily in the petroleum-based energy section.

For more information on cost of living visit:
www.business4springfield.com/demographics/cpi.htm

Unemployment rate increased in November

Mon, 14 Jan 2002 15:14:49 GMT

The latest unemployment numbers for the Springfield MSA show a 0.4% increase over October up to 3.1% for November 2001. This the first time the rate has moved above 3.0% since August 1998. Despite the rise in unemployment, Springfield's workforce continues to see steady growth. Beginning the year at 176,700 the total workforce now sits at 182,600 which displays a growth rate of 3.4% for the last 11 months.

Year-end workforce totals and unemployment rate averages will available mid-February.

For more information on cost of living visit:
www.business4springfield.com/demographics/workforce.htm

Latest Cost of Living Index released

Mon, 07 Jan 2002 15:06:45 GMT

In the 3rd Quarter of 2001, Springfield's cost of living decreased by two and one-half points over the previous quarter, while other key Midwestern cities showed only a slight decrease or actually increased. (St. Louis for instance, jumped nearly 1.5 points from the 2nd Qtr. 2001)

3rd Qtr.

2nd Qtr.

Springfield

90.6

93.1

St. Louis

99.4

98.1

Tulsa

95.4

98.7

Des Moines

96.8

97.0

Dallas

98.5

97.1

Denver

108.6

109.5

The Cost of Living Index is compiled by ACCRA (American Chamber of Commerce Research Association) and measures the costs of various goods and services of a community against the national average of the exact same set of goods and services. A truly average city's index would rate as 100.0 making Springfield consistently 6-10 points lower than the average.

For more information on cost of living visit:
www.business4springfield.com/demographics/coli.htm
www.coli.org

Springfield unemployment rate remains stable

Mon, 10 Dec 2001 14:48:38 GMT

Employment data collected for the year shows that the Springfield metropolitan statistical area has remained somewhat insulated from state and national trends. The national unemployment rate is currently at 5.4 percent, while the state of Missouri's rate is one point below the national adjusted rate.

Source:U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Additional workforce and employment data can be found at http://www.business4springfield.com/demographics/workforce.htm New data is released monthly and is posted to the SBDC website immediately. Continue to check the site for the most current unemployment rate and all other Springfield data.

Springfield graded by Population Connection as an A- in the Kid Friendly City rankings

Sun, 02 Dec 2001 16:43:08 GMT

Ranked 31st out of 140 cities for the overall well-being and support of children; thereby indicating the future success of the city by it's next generation of leaders.

Springfield is chosen as a 2001 Gold Medal School System

Sat, 01 Dec 2001 16:11:18 GMT

Springfield placed in the top 18% of all school systems in the nation by an index that measures graduation outcomes, resources available to schools, and education in the community.

View entire article
View web article

Latest Cost of Living Index released

Fri, 09 Nov 2001 14:23:42 GMT

In the 2nd Quarter of 2001, Springfield's cost of living increased by one point over the previous quarter. However, increases seemed to be the norm for other key Midwestern cities. (Tulsa for instance, jumped over 4.5 points from the 1st Quarter. 2001)

1st Qtr.

2nd Qtr.

Springfield

92.1

93.1

St. Louis

96.6

98.1

Tulsa

94.1

98.7

Des Moines

99.4

97.0

Dallas

97.0

97.1

Denver

109.6

109.5

For more information on cost of living visit:
www.business4springfield.com/demographics/coli.htm
www.costofliving.org

Chamber updates Legacy of Flight project

Thu, 08 Nov 2001 18:00:18 GMT

Springfield's economic development partnership team has issued a status report on the proposed Legacy of Flight project to officials of the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum, the developer of the proposed 380,000 square foot entertainment project slated for construction at the intersection of Interstate 44 and U.S. Highway 65.

Certain development incentives have already been proposed by the local development team. If developers of the project can dedicate a minimum of $4 million additional owner equity towards the $139 million total project cost, The Springfield City Council will consider the following city staff recommendations related to necessary public improvements at the proposed site in northeast Springfield. The City will acquire the right of way and build the access road from Mulroy Road, at an estimated cost of $4 million. The road construction is contingent on the City's ability to recover some of its costs from future development other than the Legacy of Flight project.

The City initially would construct a two-lane road along the right-of-way, with expansion of the system based on future development. Certain conditions would apply in order for construction of the roadway to occur. Those include 1) the city and Greene Count entering into an interlocal agreement regarding annexation, zoning and shared responsibility and cost for the road; and 2) Springfield City Council approving a policy allowing the city to recover costs and build necessary streets for future development.

The Greene County Commission earlier committed $1.5 million to assist in the local development of the proposed tourism project. The county funds are restricted to infrastructure and roads. Greene County also has pledged to consider making additional funds available, contingent on the participation of other local, state and national government entities.

Springfield's economic development partnership team continues to focus on annexation of the proposed tourism site, zoning and the financing package, which could exceed $90 million in various industrial revenue and community improvement district bonding.

SBDC marketing brochure wins "Excellence" award

Fri, 12 Oct 2001 20:40:04 GMT

The Springfield Business and Development Corporation's "Everywhere Should Be Like This" marketing piece was recognized recently with an "Award of Excellence" at the annual conference of the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC).

The SEDC is the oldest and largest regional economic development association in North America with more than 1,200 members in 17 states.

If you are interested in receiving a copy of this SBDC marketing piece, simply e-mail or call Sonja at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, 417-862-5567.

Housing sales increase steadily over last year

Thu, 13 Sep 2001 20:29:23 GMT

Housing sales for the first half of 2001 show a growing increase over 2000 sales for the same period.

The source of the data is the Greater Springfield Board of Realtors (GSBOR) and the geography associated with the data is all of the GSBOR's service area which can include up to a 30 or 40 mile radius of Springfield. (The radius will become shorter as it approaches other areas of significant size, i.e. Branson, Joplin, Lebanon, etc.)

Springfield's industry climate ranked as a Top 25 City for Transportation & Distribution

Sat, 01 Sep 2001 18:57:22 GMT

In Expansion Management's "Logistics Quotient," Springfield ranked in the top 1/3 of all U.S. metros, and received a ranking of 23rd in the category of Transportation & Distribution Industry Climate.

View press release

Springfield is ranked as a 2001 "Five Star Community" for quality of life

Mon, 30 Jul 2001 16:33:47 GMT

A "Five Star" rating indicates a position in the top 15% or the top 50 communities of 329 metro areas in the U.S.

View press release

Springfield named ninth best place to live and work nationally

Tue, 15 May 2001 17:43:14 GMT

The city of Springfield broke into the top ten of America’s Best Places to Live and Work, as
determined by Employment Review.

Springfield’s “thriving economy, first rate education and superior health care” put it at number nine on the list. “It may have one of the most common city names in America, but Springfield. . .is a well-kept secret just waiting to be discovered,” the review stated.

Employment Review annually researches more than 300 cities across the nation, looking at
quality of life, educational standards and opportunities for companies looking to expand and relocate. Also considered were unemployment rate, projected job growth and cost of living.

The group also called Springfield “the cultural center of the Ozarks.” It concludes, “Although it is not as big as other cities on this list, Springfield manages to hold its own.”

The top ten cities were:

1. Austin, Texas 6. Orlando, Florida 2. Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, N. Carolina
7. Colorado Springs, Colorado 3. Sarasota, Florida 8. San Antonio, Texas 4. Denver, Colorado 9. Springfield, Missouri 5. Ft. Worth, Texas 10. Atlanta, Georgia

For the complete list of the top twenty cities, go online to www.employmentreview.com.

Contact BestJobsUSA.com at:
BestJobsUSA.com
1655 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. Suite 600
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone - 561.686.6800 | Fax - 561.686.8043

Springfield is listed as one of the Top 30 Best Cities for Women

Mon, 01 Jan 2001 15:53:40 GMT

Springfield moved up 4 spots to place 26th in 2001. The study measures a plethora of factors that affect the quality of life of women in a particular community.

Springfield is listed as a 2000 Top 50 Small Metro to Start & Grow a Business

Fri, 01 Dec 2000 16:18:24 GMT

In research done by Cognetics Inc. Springfield ranks 32nd on a list of economic "hot zones" in the U.S.

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