Springfield chamber hires eco devo leader

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce has hired a new economic development leader as its executive-in-residence initiative with City Utilities of Springfield nears its end.

Jonas Arjes is slated to start in October as the Springfield chamber's senior vice president of economic development, according to a news release. CU executive Dean Thompson has filled economic development responsibilities at the chamber since June 2023, and he recently announced plans to exit that temporary role by year's end.

Arjes brings experience as executive vice president and chief economic development officer for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and as executive director of the Taney County Partnership.

“Jonas’ deep commitment to regionalism and his proven ability to forge successful multijurisdictional partnerships make him an invaluable addition to our team,” said Matt Morrow, president of the Springfield chamber, in the release. “We are confident that he will help us amplify our strengths, address shared challenges and create a cohesive economic development strategy that benefits the entire region.”

Arjes is credited in the release with spearheading 38 projects in the Branson area that have resulted in more than $1 billion in new capital investment, nearly 1,600 jobs and $53.5 million in new annual payroll. He also has represented Missouri on international trade missions with Gov. Mike Parson.

“I am thrilled to join the Springfield chamber and continue driving growth and opportunity,” Arjes said in the release. “The remarkable job and population progress in the region, coupled with the chamber’s outstanding commitment to fostering a thriving business environment, makes this a truly exciting time for our community.

"I am looking forward to working with the talented team at the chamber and its economic development arm to leverage and capitalize on this momentum."

Thompson soon plans to serve as interim executive director of Leaders for Ozarks Region Evolvement, or LORE, in addition to his CU responsibilities. He has served as director of regionalism and economic development for the Springfield chamber in an executive-in-residence arrangement with CU.

Thompson came into the role at the Springfield chamber following the abrupt exit of Vicki Pratt after less a year on the job as its economic development head, according to past reporting. Ryan Mooney, the chamber's former longtime economic development leader, exited in 2021.