On the Horizon: Springfield Chamber Leadership Summit Looks Ahead

On Tuesday, November 18th, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce was proud to host their seventh annual Leadership Summit – a day-long educational program that equips organizational leaders with skills, tools, and fresh ideas to bring back into their workplace and community. This year’s theme, Looking to the Horizon, offered the 150+ attendees a hopeful, future-forward take on leadership that was present throughout the keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and panels.

Setting up the day
The 2025 Leadership Summit was sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, with representative Annette McFarland kicking off the program with opening remarks, followed by emcee Storm Kennedy and a welcome from Springfield Chamber President and CEO, Vonnie Mikkelsen. The Holiday Inn Express – Springfield conference room was set with a stunning cloud and mountain motif created by local artist Rodger Deevers, and buzzing with attendees eager to network.

The “other” AI: adaptive inquiry
The morning keynote speaker, Deb Maher of DFM Consulting, warmed up the room with a highly interactive talk. Her presentation, Seeing New Possibilities in Challenging Times, asked attendees to envision a world where communities practice “adaptive inquiry” with one another; in other words, being more open-minded, asking deeper questions, and embracing change “at the speed of relationships.” This relationship-first thinking set the tone for the day, which offered plenty of time for networking.

Conflict resolution and strategic planning
After a brief coffee and snack break, participants were given the option to attend a Breakout Session of their choosing, sponsored by Chambers Construction and Willamalane. One session, titled Eyeball to Eyeball: Moving from Conflict to Positive Resolution with Christine Silver of Silver Business Solutions, offered an excellent framework for having difficult conversations and leveling up communication chops. The second session was led by the City of Springfield‘s public information officer, Elyse Ditzel, who spoke to Strategic Planning: Charting the Horizon. Both sessions received glowing feedback, with reports that they offered tips that could be implemented right away in the workplace.

Expert panel on the artificial intelligence boom
AI can be a sticky subject during workshops: start too basic, and those who are already using AI may feel bored; get in the weeds, and beginners may end up lost. Following an IEQ Technology sponsored lunch, this panel discussion moderated by Many Mega owner Steve Cary, offered a balanced approach to the topic of AI, hearing from a diverse set of industry leaders to offer their high-level thoughts on the implementation of AI today and where it is heading in the future. Panelists included Dann Miller, executive editor of Lookout Eugene-Springfield; Amber Kelel, CSO & director of business development of Systems West Engineers; Kiki Kuchin, founder of Rowan AI Consulting; and Shawn Winkler-Rios, owner of Soloprenur Business Consulting & Training.

From City Hall to Main Street
After a Mr. Ice Cream break sponsored by Sheild Catering, Springfield Chamber president & CEO Vonnie Mikkelsen was joined by the City of Springfield Mayor, Sean VanGordon, for a discussion titled From City Hall to Main Street: A Dialogue on Leadership and Partnership. The Mayor responded to questions prepared by Mikkelsen and submitted by attendees, ranging from local economic development priorities to statewide challenges affecting the region.

Coming home to possibility
Thanks to sponsor McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center, the afternoon concluded with a powerful keynote delivered by Darcey Howard, the current director of marketing and engagement for the Regenerative Organic Alliance. Her message – of finding a sense of place, belonging, and wholeness here in Springfield – resonated with the audience and ended the day on a note of hope for the future.

The Springfield Chamber would like to extend their tremendous gratitude to all who made this event possible: the presenters and speakers, steering committee volunteers, Holiday Inn Express staff, Sheild Catering, Mr. Ice Cream, Pro Sound and Video, and artist Rodger Deevers; plus event sponsors: Kaiser Permanente, McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center, Chambers Construction, Willamalane, IEQ Technology, Springfield Chamber Greeters, Peak Credit Union, Sheild Catering, Nothing Bundt Cakes, 5 Star Concierge, Chick-fil-A, Jerry & Walt’s Complete Auto Care, The Law Office of Brian M. Thompson, Oregon Community Credit Union, OnPoint Community Credit Union, Springfield Utility Board, Visiting Angels, Bicoastal Media, Bigfoot Beverages, Safe Air Now, and the Eugene Mission.

More About the Leadership Summit
The Springfield Chamber’s Leadership Summit has grown into one of the most anticipated Chamber events of the year, reflecting the Springfield community’s commitment to professional growth and innovation. The conversations and connections made during the Summit serve as a testament to the strength and potential of Springfield’s business community. The Chamber looks forward to continuing this tradition in 2026 and invites you to join in setting a new standard of excellence in leadership. Stay connected with the Chamber for updates on next year’s program and other opportunities to advance your leadership journey.

Thank you to all who participated in making the 2025 Leadership Summit an inspiring and impactful event! For sponsorship inquiries or more information, contact Mary Ann Reilly at maryann@springfield-chamber.org or call 541-746-1651.