Springfield’s Business Climate Front and Center at Roundtable Program
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce convened members and community leaders on August 26 at the Chamber Depot for its monthly Roundtable program, this time turning focus to the Chamber’s annual Business Climate Survey (BCS). Chamber President & CEO Vonnie Mikkelsen presented the 2025 findings and led a discussion on how these insights are affecting businesses locally and regionally. Among the attendees of the program were Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon, Chamber Board Chair and Chambers Construction CFO/COO Debi Creager, and Springfield’s Economic Development Manager Allie Camp.
A clearer picture of the local economy
Now in its third year, the BCS continues to provide a valuable snapshot of the opportunities and challenges facing employers in the region. The 2025 survey, which drew responses from 68 organizations across 20 industries, captured both stability and change in the region’s business climate. While confidence in the Springfield area as a place to do business remains strong, members reported some shifting priorities:
- Inflation and rising costs overtook workforce and talent shortages as the leading concern.
- Taxes, regulations, and cost of living remain persistent challenges.
- Quality of life issues – public safety, homelessness, and clean streets – continue to influence how businesses view the region’s competitiveness.
- Nearly half of respondents highlighted strategic planning as a growing need, signaling a push toward more proactive, resilient business practices.
According to the 2025 results, growth outlook has softened – compared to previous years, fewer businesses are a seeking to add employees, or otherwise expand. While it can be difficult to make attributions, Mikkelsen stated, disruption and uncertainly over the past five years could certainly be in play. Pandemic shutdowns, workforce drought, supply chain disruption, digital transformation, inflation, and now tariffs, have posed considerable challenges to businesses of all sizes.
That said, business self-confidence in the region remained very high, with 79% of respondents reporting they were somewhat or very confident in the current health of their business. Moreover, Springfield maintained its status as having a more business-friendly track record than Eugene, Lane County, and the state of Oregon. Mikkelsen suggested current challenges shouldn’t keep Springfield from being competitive and prioritizing economic growth.
“Growth-oriented mindset comes from leadership – are we thinking about just getting by and protecting what we have, or are we making intentional investment in growth? I hope that, in the not-too-distant future, we hear more of our leaders making economic development a higher priority.”
– Vonnie Mikkelsen, President & CEO, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
Challenges and solutions
Attendees offered perspectives on how inflation, talent shortages, and quality-of-life issues are playing out in real time across varying sectors. Mitigation strategies to business challenges that were discussed included embracing innovation, diversifying revenue streams, and workplace adaptation/upskilling and other employee retention strategies.
The exchanges emphasized that while challenges are pressing, opportunities exist when members collaborate and channel their collective voice through mediums like the Chamber. Cooperative conversations like these are invaluable to Chamber staff during discussions about future initiatives and programs. Some examples: the Springfield Chamber has addressed workforce challenge mitigation with its WorkReady initiatives; hosted several programs on emerging and expanding technologies like AI; and supported business-friendly legislation with its increased advocacy work.
Chamber Involvement = Impact
The Roundtable program itself is designed to close the loop between members and community leaders. Conversations about the future of the region are happening right now. You can be a part of these conversations by becoming a Springfield Chamber Impact Investor; donating to the Chamber Foundation; or simply attending Chamber programs, supporting initiatives, and giving feedback.
More about the Roundtable program
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce‘s monthly Chamber Roundtable Series fosters interactive discussions on legislation and policy, community and economic development, and workforce and talent. Quarterly, these Roundtables will be coupled with an on-location business tour exploring some of the many unique industry leaders throughout the Springfield area.
