Ozarks Profile - Sonja Chasteen

What is your job?

Sonja Chasteen is the manager of business assistance "part of the economic development team" at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Her focus is "helping existing businesses tackle obstacles that they're facing or helping them take advantage of opportunities to expand and grow," she said. "I'm often the go-to person for those thinking of starting a new business in Springfield." She is also involved in the chamber's public education and small-business programs.

Please tell us about your company.

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is a private, not-for-profit organization of business and professional people, Chasteen said. "The Chamber's role in the business community is extensive, but our focus is on economic development, member/investor services and value, and working together with other community organizations."

What prepared you for work in your field?

Chasteen graduated from Southwest Missouri State University with a degree in management and marketing. Several years later she became chamber of commerce manager in Cassville. "Cassville is a progressive little town and although their chamber is small ... I learned a lot about what goes into building a healthy business community."

What is the biggest challenge in your job?

"Communicating consistently and often with businesses relative to what the chamber, and specifically the economic development department, can do for them," Chasteen said. "Our goal is for business owners and CEOs to know that when they have a question, challenge, or concern they should call the chamber first."

How is the current state of the economy affecting your job?

Chasteen said that while her own job hasn't been greatly affected, she knows that businesses and organizations like hers are "very sensitive" to the situation. "Communication with our members about services, programs, and resources available to them is more important than ever in times like these," she said.

What is the best part of your job?

"Getting acquainted with people in business and watching them light up when you ask them about what they do," Chasteen said. "The people that make up Springfield's business community are entrepreneurial, visionary, experienced and determined. It's a pleasure to work with them, and for them."

Can you tell us something about your personal life and family?

"I've been married for 22 great years to my husband, Steve, and we have two teenaged children," Chasteen said. Their son Chris is a junior at Kickapoo High School and their daughter Casey a freshman at St. Louis University.

What do you like to do in your leisure time?

"Steve and I both have full-time careers so we like to concentrate on having fun with our leisure time." she said. "We enjoy boating on Table Rock Lake, playing golf, attending an occasional Cardinals or Rams game and vacationing anywhere it's warm. I'm also a popular fiction junkie, so I spend a lot of time curled up with a good book."

by Frank Shipe