The Network for Springfield's Young Professionals

01/29/2026

What a way to start 2026! Last week, 100+ members of The Network came together for our annual New Year, New Leaders kick-off event. We were honored to hear from Jessica Harmison‑Olson and Andy Peebles as they shared their vision for the year and for the future of Springfield.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this one of our most successful kick-off events yet! 🥳

Thank you, OMB Bank, for being The Network's Presenting Annual Program Sponsor.

01/23/2026

Check this out!

We’re so grateful to partner with this incredible program, and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead.

Want to get involved with the 2027 cohort? Reach out, we’d love to connect!

01/22/2026

There’s nothing like a room full of driven young professionals to launch a new year. 🙌

With 100+ members in attendance, our Annual New Year, New Leaders luncheon reminded us just how strong this community is and how much we can accomplish together.

Thank you, OMB Bank, for being The Network’s Presenting Annual Program Sponsor!

01/20/2026

On Friday, we celebrate the launch of the first annual GEARS program, built on the belief that talent retention begins with supporting and investing in our community’s strongest industries!

01/13/2026

✨Business Spotlight ✨

Every year, millions of cats and kittens enter animal shelters across the U.S. and without the support of compassionate rescue groups, far too many would never make it to a loving home. In Southwest Missouri, Watching Over Whiskers (WOW) is a shining beacon of hope for felines in need. Since its founding in 2014, WOW has worked tirelessly to rescue, heal, and rehome abandoned, abused, and neglected cats, giving them a second chance at the life they deserve.

Read more about the amazing work WOW is doing here:
https://thenetworkspringfield.com/january-business-spotlight-watching-over-whiskers/

If you are interested in volunteer or foster opportunities, visit:
https://watchingoverwhiskers.org/volunteer

01/09/2026

Big goals, bold leadership! The Network’s Leadership Council kicked off the year with a retreat focused on growth and impact. Here’s to an amazing 2026!

Thank you, Carnahan Evans, for being this year’s Leadership Springfield Presenting Sponsor. 😊

01/05/2026

In addition to announcing our 2026 Chair and Vice Chair, we’re thrilled to introduce seven incredible leaders joining The Network’s Leadership Council! Help us celebrate these YP's as they step into their new roles. 🎉

01/02/2026

Kicking off 2026 with exciting news! We’re proud to announce Andy Peebles as Chair of The Network for the year ahead. ⭐

A heartfelt thank you to our Past Chair, Callie Carroll-Swafford, for her incredible leadership, and congratulations to our Vice Chair, Ryan Morris, as he steps into this important role!

Here’s to a year of growth, connection, and inspiration with this amazing team! 🎉

12/23/2025

Start 2026 with The Network! 🎉

Join us for our annual kick-off event as we welcome the new year and introduce Andy Peebles, Committee Chair of The Network, and Jessica Harmison-Olson, Chair of The Chamber Board of Directors. This is a great opportunity to connect, learn about their vision for Springfield, and gain insight into their professional journeys.

Lunch begins at 11:30am, followed by networking and a program starting at noon.
Reserve your spot today and help us kick off another incredible year with The Network!

Register here: https://membership.thenetworkspringfield.com/eventcalendar/Details/the-network-s-new-year-new-leaders-1439054?sourceTypeId=Website🎉🎉🎉

12/15/2025

The City of Springfield has launched a brief resident survey to gather community feedback on next steps for the proposed convention and event center following the November election. Input from residents and regular voters will help City leadership understand priorities, questions, and concerns as they evaluate potential adjustments and determine what information the community needs moving forward.

The anonymous survey will remain open through December 19. Results will be shared with City Council to inform future decisions. Click below to take the survey!

https://cityofsgf.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=8dFKUrHJ/toECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D

12/15/2025

There’s still time to complete the Session Speaker form! 😊

✨ SESSION SPEAKER APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN! ✨
Are you ready to share bold ideas, spark conversations, and amplify impact? SGForum 2026 is all about elevating Springfield’s young professionals, and we want YOU to help lead the way!

📍 June 25, 2026 | Springfield, MO
📅 Apply Nov. 19 – Jan. 05, 2026
📢 Speakers announced Jan. 30, 2026

This is your chance to take the stage at Springfield’s premier YP event and inspire the next wave of leaders.

🔗 Apply now – link is below!
https://springfieldareachambermodules.growthzoneapp.com/ap/Form/Fill/rZmwxSnL

12/11/2025

Network members wrapped up the year with curiosity and fun! 🌟 Our final Living in SGF event took place Friday at the Discovery Center, where members explored hands-on exhibits and discovered what makes this non-profit such a unique science center. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this incredible series, we can’t wait to see you in 2026!

Thank you to Discovery Center Springfield for hosting us, and to Downtown Springfield for being this year's Living in SGF Series Presenting Sponsor!