Through a social media survey and conversations on the streets of downtown, Springfield Business Journal sought out the things that make Springfield’s thumbprint unique.
We asked, “What is Springfield’s identity?” Here’s a snapshot of the answers.
“A small-town city. Springfield has all the opportunities and accommodations you’d find in a big city, while having the community involvement and togetherness that make you feel like you’re living in a smaller town.”
—Ryan Sharp
“Our beautiful outdoors. Our trails, rivers, streams and lakes are amazing resources.”
—Mary Kromrey
“College town, rapid growth and way too much food – but it’s a good thing. The restaurants and bars are extravagant.”
—Jay Ryan
“When I came here in 1958, I was struck by the friendliness. That’s dissipated some as Springfield’s gotten bigger, but it’s still here. The colleges have plays, theater – there are more things to do. It’s still a small-town feel.”
—Larry Rosenbaum
“Dangerous. We have a large number of homeless per capita in this city. That means an increase in petty crime like theft, drugs, breaking and entering, etc. Cops have been shot and run over, children have been murdered, countless assaults and rapes, robberies. My fear is the domino effect that can result in much worse criminal action.”
—Cortnie Tingler
“People outside of town talk about Hurts Donut, Bass Pro now that Wonders of Wildlife is open, downtown and Route 66.”
—Randy Chalk
“Definitely Bass Pro. Everyone says you need to check that out.”
—Kris Corning
“Education, it’s a college town; food in general; and I think it’s very family centered.”
—Natalie Precise
“Ozarks, Hurts Donut and color. We are the center of the Ozarks. The weather is great; the people are nice. It has a hometown feel. Hurts Donut is awesome and a fun place to go with my niece. It’s very artistic, very Old World. Lots of celebrations.”
—Carol Maggart
“A city that is dying. Major manufacturers are leaving the area. Jobs are primarily in the service industry, which means they are low-paying. We have a city that has a crime problem police can’t handle, panhandlers at every corner of the street, run-down and boarded-up buildings and a City Council that is inept and, oftentimes, at war with itself. The only saving grace this city has is the people who are brave enough to start their own businesses. The mom-and-pop shops are the bright spot that makes the city shine.”
—Rian Rushing
“Colleges. It’s a hub for anything within a two-hour drive. Small towns come here. It’s a cultural hub with theater, the symphony and clubs. I’m from Cleveland and, to me, it’s very homogeneous. There’s inexpensive living. And bad drivers.”
—Michael Perkins
“Poverty, good-old boys, tip of Dixie, homelessness, crime, cheap costs, low wages. No reflection of a ‘Queen City’ place at all.”
—Eric Wood
“We have top-notch outdoors amenities, and should be proud of it. There’s a great microbrewery scene. I'm always proud of the collaborative manner between important entities. They come together to solve almost all problems.”
—Jeff Schrag
“Apathy, poverty, learned helplessness, low income, low education, discrimination, no diversity.”
—Katie Webb
“There are a lot of young professionals who choose this area to put down roots. Those people bring different perspectives. It’s multigenerational. And there’s a thriving art scene.”
—Christine West
“It’s a college town for sure.”
—Julianna Hoffmeister
“I think of the downtown area and colleges.”
—Ty Melgren
“First and foremost, Springfield’s identity is tied to Bass Pro Shops, the Ozark mountains and outdoors. Quality local eateries, low cost of living, small-town feel, but with plenty of entertainment and activities make it a unique place to live and work.”
—Anonymous
“Wonders of Wildlife, parks and great places to eat. There are family activities, and theater.”
—Anonymous
“Affordable cost of living, beautiful natural/outdoors features, Christian family values, opportunity to be a big fish in a small pond, strong collaboration, community minded.”
—Caitlin Kissee
The Why
An internal document by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce visioning committee outlines values contributing to the Queen City’s identity.
We value …
• the natural beauty of the Ozarks as an essential part of who we are. We embrace and promote the spirit of the outdoors in all aspects of our community.
• the achievements of our community, past and present. We take pride in them and celebrate them together.
• collaboration, internally and externally. We are at our best when we partner with one another.
• bold leadership that is accountable and transparent to the citizens. The common good guides our priorities.
• people who foster an environment of respect for all individuals and generations, within a climate of civility, trust and inclusion.
• future generations of our community. Investing wisely in children, young people and families strengthens our community.
• an entrepreneurial spirit. Innovation is a key driver of our community.
• strategic and wise growth that ensures a vibrant, thriving community. We must grow in order to succeed.