Connected Lane County and Andersen Construction Co-Host Festive Chamber Business After Hours

The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce wrapped up its 2025 Business After Hours season with a vibrant December gathering co-hosted by Connected Lane County and Andersen Construction. Held at Connected Lane County’s Spark Lab in the Booth Kelly business complex, the event offered nearly 150 attendees an inspiring setting rooted in creativity and community building.

Typically a space where young people from across the region come together to innovate, collaborate, and learn through doing, the Spark Lab proved to be the perfect backdrop for an evening of networking. The atmosphere was elevated even further by an excellent live jazz ensemble from Springfield High School, whose performance added warmth and ambiance to the evening.

Marketing tables featured a diverse lineup of Chamber members, including AIMS Mobile Nursing, Papi’s Custom Carpentry, Earth Elements Boutique, BRING Recycling, Eugene Area Radio Stations (EARS), and Travel Lane County. Guests enjoyed beautiful and delicious charcuterie cups prepared by Charcuterie Bar Creations, while drinks were served by Pura Vida Mobile Bartending, keeping the energy lively throughout the event.

Attendees heard remarks from several speakers who helped set a tone of collaboration and community spirit, including Vonnie Mikkelsen, President & CEO of the Springfield Chamber, Jesse Nelson, Executive Director of Connected Lane County, and Michelle Overall, Business Development Coordinator at Andersen Construction. A highlight of the program was a guest appearance by Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon, who shared the unique history of the Booth Kelly complex – linking the site’s industrial past to the innovative future embodied by spaces like the Spark Lab.

As always, Business After Hours delivered meaningful opportunities for Chamber members to strengthen existing relationships, make new connections, and spotlight their organizations in a relaxed setting. The evening also featured several raffle drawings, with lucky attendees walking away with prize baskets put together by sponsors.

The Springfield Chamber extends its gratitude to Connected Lane County, Andersen Construction, and all participating marketing table sponsors for contributing to a memorable and energizing close to the 2025 Business After Hours series. We look forward to even more connection, collaboration, and community impact in the year ahead!

Business After Hours is a quarterly event designed to provide a relaxed, informal get-together of Chamber business members after regular business hours. Build new relationships and make new connections with relaxed, professional networking; craft beer, wine and refreshments; and raffle drawings and prizes. Pacesetters and Champions have one or more free entries (depending on membership level) to the event!