Real estate investment group launches Springfield chapter

A Joplin real estate investment educational and networking organization that's affiliated with a national trade group is launching a Springfield chapter.

Real estate agent Chris Forsythe, who co-owns the Joplin Area Real Estate Investors Association, said the group is now kicking off the Springfield Real Estate Investors Association. The Springfield chapter got its start last month.

Forsythe, who also owns Chris Forsythe Agency LLC in Pittsburg, Kansas, said the Springfield Real Estate Investors Association is under the umbrella of the Joplin association that's been in operation since 2021. The groups are affiliates of the National Real Estate Investors Association, the website of which notes roughly 40,000 nationwide members.

"We see the need for a national group in Springfield. The area has a strong presence," Forsythe said via email. "This will help gain outside attention to the area and support growth."

Forsythe said the Springfield Real Estate Investors Association has a goal to average 200 members. The Springfield group will support investors within a 60- to 80-mile radius, he said.

"A lot of our group will be new to the industry and looking for guidance, networking and support," he said. "We will be investing in the area ourselves and hosting many sub groups."

An upcoming event, for example, is scheduled Jan. 9 at Relics Event Center and is slated to feature Greg Harris of Kansas-based Berthot Harris Solutions Group with a focus on customer relationship management solutions.

The separately operated Springfield Real Estate Investor Group announced on Facebook late last year that it was ending after nearly 15 years in operation.