Foundations for Growth: Building Springfield’s Future (Sponsor Letter)

When you think of infrastructure, what first comes to mind? The framework of our communities — roads, bridges, buildings, etc. Generally, yes, those are all correct. But for those in heavy civil construction, infrastructure means more than physical structures. It’s not just concrete and steel — it’s the foundation of regional growth and economic opportunity.

At Emery Sapp & Sons (ESS), a 100% employee-owned local heavy civil construction company, we’ve spent more than 50 years building the infrastructure of Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and beyond. From massive highways to local roadways and small parking lot improvements, our projects directly impact the communities we serve. At the local level, each of our large-scale and small-scale projects, such as the I-44 pavement rehabilitation, Buc-ee’s Travel Center, and Mercy Orthopedic Hospital, has supported industrial growth right here in Springfield, Missouri.

Since opening the ESS Springfield office in 2008, we have been proud that our work has been part of the region’s infrastructure story and linked to our economic growth. That’s why this edition of the Economic Growth Series focuses on infrastructure and development — it’s an essential topic that hits close to home. It’s our daily reality.

As Springfield continues to attract new businesses, investments, and residents, it’s vital to include smart, scalable infrastructure in the conversation. The infrastructure that surrounds us shapes the growth we’re able to welcome. It’s how we get to work, how goods and materials are moved, and how our community stays connected while expanding.

It’s important to reframe how we think of development. Instead of seeing a burden or annoyance to your current commute, think of it as a strategic investment in our growth. The infrastructure decisions made today about what we build, how we build, and where we build will shape the ability for regional improvements tomorrow and for decades to come. 

ESS employee-owners live and work in the communities we build. Our employee-owners are the people driving Highway 65 to get to work, shopping at Bass Pro Shops, and grabbing snacks at Buc-ee’s. We’re your neighbors, not outsiders trying to disrupt the communities. The projects we build in our region mean more because we’re impacted by them, too.

As a heavy civil construction company with employee-owners who get their boots dirty daily, we know what it takes to build infrastructure that lasts. As members of the community, we also understand what happens when infrastructure fails. The safety concerns and economic impact are at the top of our minds. That’s why our teams work closely with partners, including developers, municipalities, and federal departments, to deliver best-in-class projects for our communities.

The projects ESS employee-owners build aren’t just about moving dirt — though there is a lot of that. The developments we build in the region create jobs, provide access, and enhance the quality of life. That’s the real impact of infrastructure. It’s not a barrier — it’s a springboard for the future.

— Chris Landwehr
Assistant Vice President, Emery Sapp & Sons