Anderson bids farewell to chamber

Hundreds of Springfieldians and dignitaries from around the state came out to celebrate Jim Anderson's 26 years of service to the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

Business owners, friends, neighbors, legislators and county commissioners were on hand to wish the retiring chamber president and CEO farewell last night at the Old Glass Place, 521 E. St. Louis St.

Chamber Board President Jeff Schrag presented Anderson with numerous parting gifts, including a lifetime membership to the chamber, which brought cheers from the crowd.

Community Foundation of the Ozarks President Brian Fogle ended the ceremony with the presentation of a roughly $29,786 check establishing the James B. Anderson Business Leader Scholarship Fund.

Anderson will officially leave the chamber June 30 and previously told the Springfield Business Journal he would start a new job July 7, but declined to say where. He said he plans to publicly announce the new position next week.

Anderson took the stage capping the night with a familiar phrase.

"I often say I have the best job in Springfield because it’s true. You all have made it true," he said as he left the stage to a prolonged standing ovation.