MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

Why We Do What We Do

the Chamber talking with our Key-Tiered Investors was an important step in building a relationship with our newest member of our Federal Congressional delegation. I also expressed the importance of my saying yes to the sixteen requests I have had to serve on Boards, steering groups, and committees to ensure that the voice of business is heard as we plan the area’s future.

Mike Murphy President and CEO

We had a great 2023 Gala with almost 700 in attendance at the Crowne Plaza. My remarks that night highlighted our work with our Four Core Functions.

Advocacy : I spoke about our work with other chambers around the state to ensure that the state’s 4.5-billion-dollar deficit in the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund was addressed along with other issues we are working on with the General Assembly. I also spoke about the work of our Development Policy Council that continues to meet monthly with city and county officials. This council also has developers and contractors working with the city and county to improve the permitting and zoning policies. Having newly elected Congresswoman Budzinski making one of her first appearances at

Business Resources & Support : Our Association Group Health Insurance plans help small employers to offer an affordable benefit to their employees which will help attract and retain employees. I mentioned our work regarding educating our members on the new requirements with the Illinois Secure Choice retirement plan and how the Chamber now offers an alternative to the State’s plan. I mentioned the tremendous opportunity we provide our members with our Economic Outlook Breakfast, getting to hear from a nationally recognized economist on the state of the economy.

Leadership & Professional Development: The highlight in this area is Leadership Springfield, having our largest class ever in 2022 and impacting them for many years to come. We also offer leadership seminars such as John Maxwell’s Live to Lead and other events that provide leadership development for everyone that attends. I also mentioned

Chamber’s Core Functions Advocacy

how excited we are about our new young professional group “RISE Springfield” and how they will have a leadership development aspect of their mission.

Visibility & Connections that Matter : The Gala itself offers tremendous opportunity to connect and to be seen by the leaders of our community. Other events like Shoes, Brew & Biz have been very successful in bringing our business community together to allow relationships to blossom.

I finished by telling them why we do all these things and many more for our members. It is to ensure that our mission statement “Enhance our members’ success and advocate on their behalf” is carried out. We need you to be successful so your business can continue to provide opportunities for your workers that will allow them to achieve their goals. We need a strong economy to support our schools, parks and other quality of life endeavors. I stated that all businesses are in the same business of providing opportunities. I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity to serve you and rest assured that the staff at the chamber will be working every day to “Enhance your success and advocate on your behalf”.

As a significant voice of business, we support legislative policies and practices conducive for a thriving business community and local economy, and oppose those that are not.

Business Resources & Support

We connect local businesses to resources that address specific needs, protect their businesses, and increase opportunities for growth.

Leadership & Professional Development

We offer opportunities for professional growth and leadership development to members and their employees.

Visibility & Connections That Matter

We provide marketing, programming and relationship-building opportunities to help members make strategic connections.