YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Dear Springfield Business Community,
As I see the growth and development of our Springfield region, I’m struck by the unique position we find ourselves in. We are clearly a community poised for significant expansion, yet Springfield still maintains the close-knit feel that makes it special. Having lived in Springfield for nearly seven years now, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the collaborative spirit that defines our business community. It’s this spirit that I believe sets us apart and will be the driving force behind our future success.
Our region is on the cusp of a major infrastructure boom. With substantial investment coming from the state level, we’re seeing an unprecedented focus on improving our transportation networks, utilities, and public facilities. This presents both challenges and opportunities for all of us in the business community.
One trend I’m particularly excited about is the shift towards more collaborative project delivery methods. By bringing contractors into the planning process earlier, we’re seeing better outcomes in terms of cost management, scheduling, and overall project quality. This approach is gaining traction not just in the private sector, but also with public entities like the City of Springfield, Greene County, and even the Department of Transportation.
However, we can’t ignore the challenges we face, particularly when it comes to workforce development. Like many of you, KCI Construction is constantly on the lookout for skilled workers. This shortage is pushing us to innovate, whether through technology adoption or new training approaches. I believe addressing this issue will be crucial for our continued growth.
Looking ahead, I see tremendous potential for Springfield. Our cost of living remains competitive, which is a key factor in attracting new businesses to the area. However, we need to focus on retaining our local talent, particularly recent graduates from our excellent educational institutions. This may require us to think creatively about the kind of community we want to build - one that offers the right mix of opportunities and quality of life to keep our young professionals here.
What I appreciate most about our business community is the shared vision for growth. I’ve never encountered the mindset of “I want this all to myself” here. Instead, I see leaders who understand that when Springfield thrives, we all benefit. As we move forward, I encourage all of us to stay engaged with our community organizations, whether it’s the Chamber of Commerce, industry associations, or local government. These connections are vital for ensuring that our growth is sustainable and benefits all sectors of our community.
I am tremendously optimistic for Springfield’s future. We have the ingredients for success - a collaborative business community, a strategic location, incoming infrastructure investment, and a quality of life that’s hard to beat. By working together and embracing innovation, I’m confident we can overcome our challenges and build an even stronger, more prosperous Springfield.
Sincerely,
Gregg Scholtens, VP of Operations, KCI Construction
A wave of affordable housing built in the 1990s through the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit are expected to revert to market rate housing in the next few years.
