Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce

by Greg Williams

The construction industry is a major player in Springfield. How major? How's $700 million in contributions to our local economy, including more than $175 million in salaries and benefits for 6,800 of your friends and neighbors.

Whether it's new construction or the redevelopment of an existing building, it's important to acknowledge Springfield's design and construction industry and the economic opportunity being created for our city. For this reason, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is once again pleased to support the annual Salute to Design & Construction.

The primary mission of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is to promote the economic development of the community, stimulate job growth and improve the quality of life.

The construction industry is fundamental to the pursuit of that mission.

Visitors to our community regularly comment on the incredible activity we're witnessing in the construction industry.

It would be quite a challenge to drive through any section of Springfield without seeing major construction or renovation.

Downtown revitalization, street improvements throughout the city, and new residential and commercial development abounds. Is there an end in sight? We certainly hope not.

Springfield is fortunate that those involved in this industry are dedicated to contributing to the economic growth of this area and to our superb quality of life.

And this growth and quality are not going unnoticed. Springfield is regularly recognized nationally as a "hot" city for business development and economic strength. And, contrary to national trends, Springfield has been ranked 12th nationally in construction employment over the last 10 years.

This year's Salute to Design & Construction theme, "Building Futures: Work Force 2000," is closely related to the efforts of the chamber. The chamber is geared toward creating opportunity through its business retention and expansion programs, as well as its national business-attraction program.

While we experience record activity and all-time low unemployment, we are also faced with many challenges. At the top of that list is work-force development.

The Salute to Design & Construction Week focuses on our young people with presentations to area students and discussions regarding the diverse career opportunities available to individuals who pursue specific training.

Dozens of industry representatives, such as architects, commercial contractors, equipment operators and skilled tradespeople, are volunteering their time to speak to area high school and college students about career opportunities in this field.

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce applauds those involved with this year's program. We are proud to be associated with the annual Salute to Design & Construction.

(Greg Williams is manager of business development with the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.)

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This year's Salute to Design & Construction theme, 'Building Futures: Work Force 2000,' is closely related to the efforts of the chamber.[[In-content Ad]]