Spence-led chamber initiative raises $515K

A Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce fundraising campaign led by retired Evangel University President Robert Spence brought in more than $515,000.

Dubbed The Reach Campaign, the money raised will be used to fund programs, events and initiatives for chamber members in the areas of business growth, advocacy, networking and workforce development, according to a news release.

“Our chamber is vital to this community, and these volunteers have been an integral part of the campaign,” Spence said in the release, referencing nearly 140 people who contributed their time during the 10-week process.

The top-fundraising volunteers were Shanda Trautman of Old Missouri Bank, at $45,225, Jeremy Snow of the city of Springfield, at $35,798, and Marci Bowling of BKD LLP, at $33,283. Volunteers worked as part of more than 20 teams.

Chamber officials did not previously disclose the campaign’s fundraising goal when it was announced in August.