2014 Dynamic Dozen Top Local Executive: Jim Anderson

Jim Anderson is a born leader.

As president of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce for nearly three decades, the Ozark native took the reins in 1988 with a leadership style all his own.

“I’m a firm believer in servant leadership,” Anderson says. “You have to be willing to do all the jobs you expect others to do. I feel a commitment to serve others, and I find great satisfaction in doing what needs to be done.”

Under Anderson’s leadership, the Springfield chamber earned the national Chamber of the Year award in 2012, increased its ranks to 2,156 members and counting, employs 25 and operates with a $3.5 million annual budget, including the chamber’s economic development subsidiary, Springfield Business Development Corp.

Anderson says the chamber isn’t without its “warts,” but he believes in being open and honest about all aspects of business.

“There are members of our community who are still feeling the effects of the recession, and it can be easy to become overwhelmed by the negative. My philosophy is to keep things in perspective,” he says. “It’s important to be realistic about what’s happening in the community, but it is equally important to think toward the future and focus on the positive.”

Anderson says he never wanted to give the impression the chamber was putting its spin on information, but rather, simply telling the truth.

“When the community focus report comes out and the chamber shows its warts, people are surprised,” he says. “Being open, honest and transparent is how you build credibility. We take the good with the bad.”

Anderson’s leadership philosophy has served him well over the years. A 1971 graduate of Missouri State University, the father of two was a teacher and later administrator in Jefferson City Public Schools before taking on the president role  for the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce, where he served for nine years.

His work led to appointments by former Missouri Gov. Bob Holden to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission and former Gov. Mel Carnahan to the Missouri Business Council and the Total Transportation Commission.

“I think it’s the responsibility of the chamber to be involved in everything,” he says of his past experience. “I’m not an elitist or control freak, but not much happens we are not involved in.”

Anderson’s involvement has led to a plethora of leadership awards along the way. In 2005, he was presented the Springfieldian Award; in 2010, he earned the O. Franklin Kenworthy Award for Outstanding Leadership; and in 2013, he received the Career Service in Economic Development Award at the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development. To boot, Anderson also is a 2007 recipient of Springfield Business Journal’s Lifetime Achievement in Business Award.

On Feb. 18, the 64-year-old Anderson announced his retirement from the Springfield chamber and will end his 26-year tenure this summer.

“I often say I have the best job in Springfield because it’s true,” he says.

“I can’t think of another job that would afford me the opportunity to be so involved in my community and I’m truly grateful.”[[In-content Ad]]