A Word from Mike
Happy New Year! 2020 might be a year some of us want to forget. It brought with it many challenges as our chamber team, our members, along with the rest of the world faced an unprecedented pandemic called COVID-19.

As we look back on this past year, it amazes me how our businesses showed incredible resilience and found ways to adapt to the most strenuous work environment. We figured out how to communicate effectively through new platforms like Zoom. We were forced to audit our organizations and think bigger about how we are going to operate in this brave new world called COVID.

Although this has been a tough time for the chamber team and for many of our members...
Chamber News+Events
Our new Plug-In series is a great way to connect with fellow Chamber members, learn what's happening in our community, and find out what our new Chamber member businesses bring to the table.

While this event will - eventually! - be a "live" event with a light breakfast held at different locations throughout the year, this first go round will be virtual...and FREE!

Join us from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM on January 28th for:

  • Virtual networking in our Plug-In breakout rooms.
  • An update from Chamber President & CEO, Mike McDorman.
  • An update from City Manager, Bryan Heck.
  • Short introductions to a few of our new Chamber member businesses.

These quarterly events will help keep you up to date on community initiatives while expanding your network with Chamber members old, and new!
2021 Speedway Gas Discount Cards are now available! You may pickup your Speedway cards at our office from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, M-F. If your company requires a large quantity of cards, please contact Nancy Wintrow to place your order for pickup.
SBA Releases Updated PPP Rules and Application

The Small Business Administration reopened the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan portal this morning. 501(c)(6) organizations are now eligible to apply. The PPP website has been updated with new details including the application form and the Interim Final Rule for the program changes recently signed into law.
Economic Development+Workforce
TechCred Application Period Open January 4th

The most recent TechCred application period closed at the end of October. During this round, 246 Ohio employers were approved for funding, resulting in Ohio employees earning up to 3,164 technology-focused credentials. This round marks a milestone as funding for the program has been approved for over 15,000 credentials.  

Since the program’s start, a total of 966 Ohio employers have been approved for funding, supporting the earning of 15,105 tech-focused credentials by Ohio employees.

The seventh TechCred application period opens on Monday, January 4th and closes on January 29th at 3:00 p.m. Businesses with employees who have completed their TechCred training are reminded to submit proof of credential completion to receive reimbursement at TechCred.Ohio.gov.
You can learn more about the program at TechCred.Ohio.gov.
Travel+Tourism
Visit Greater Springfield: Looking Forward
While 2021 may prove to be a moving target in terms of budgeting and the effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, we are aggressively moving forward with our marketing campaign and event planning.

Here's some insight into our current thinking:

  • We are now looking to return to live event programming in the May-June window with IndieCraft slated to be our first large-scale community event. Obviously this is subject to change. We had tentatively planned to execute the Winter Market beginning in February, but current COVID restrictions preclude that.
  • With roll-out and implementation of the COVID vaccine now projected to take longer than originally expected, we are planning to launch most of our marketing initiatives in May.
  • We will be focusing heavily on the Columbus market this year including a broadcast campaign with Spectrum Reach. The campaign will promote Springfield's quality of life, while also promoting visitation and events.
  • We are planning to work with Bandwango to create new digital passports, culture passes and in-market savings programs for visitors.
  • We will be convening a meeting with all local tourism partners soon to discuss how we may best help drive your 2021 marketing campaigns, and to provide info on the 2021 TourismOhio marketing co-op.
From The Hub
Chef Gabi Odebode looks to bring her Afromeals concept to Springfield
With a passion for cooking and sharing her culture through food, Chef Gabi Odebode wants to bring her Afromeals concept to Springfield.