Springfield Chamber Plans for 2008

Springfield Chamber of Commerce Plans for More Growth After A Successful 2007

By Todd Peterson
The Springfield Beacon

In our “town of the possible”, a sure sign of growth in our community is growth of the Chamber of Commerce. In 2007, membership in the Springfield Chamber grew 17 percent reaching a total of 850 members. And the organization has a goal of 1000 members by the end of 2008.

According to Dan Egan, Executive Director, the Chamber continues to make a significant and positive impact on local businesses and the larger community. Among their accomplishments in 2007 were moving efforts ahead to build a conference center through creation of the non-profit Springfield Conference Center Consortium.

Egan says the need exists today for a large “public space” to hold meetings and events as well as for additional hotel room capacity. The need will continue to grow sharply in years ahead, especially with the premier track and field events being held annually at the University of Oregon. He sees 2008 as crucial “deal, no deal” year for the project. Building a conference center would be a “crowning achievement” for the community and for Egan, the accomplishment that would give him the most personal satisfaction.

The Chamber supported the successful Downtown Urban Renewal District referendum in 2007 and will continue to be involved as the City develops plans for downtown projects. Along with many downtown enhancements in 2007 – the new Royal Building, LTD’s Em-X service, and Wildish Theater events among others – Egan sees the investment by Wynant’s Family Health Foods on ‘A’ Street as the beginning of additional private investment which can be spurred on by downtown urban renewal.

In 2008, the Chamber plans to form an Economic Development Committee which will include representatives from TEAM Springfield, Chamber leadership, and other business people willing to recruit new businesses to Springfield and the region. It is considering a “Glenwood Summit” to restart the development efforts for the Glenwood Urban Renewal District. The organization also plans to rejoin and participate in the Lane Metro Partnership.

Plans for the Chamber’s government issues committee include working on land inventory studies and Urban Growth Boundary issues as well as being involved in municipal elections during the new year. Building on the success of its Career Days for high school and middle school students in Springfield, their education committee will add an elementary education event in January.

On the lighter side, Dan Egan plans to find more time in the new year to practice playing his electric guitar and singing back-up vocals for gigs with the band, “Mystery Train.” Readers can view their July 4th Island Park concert on YouTube which featured old favorites from The Doors, The Rolling Stones, The Doobie Brothers, and Oregon’s own, The Kingsmen of “Louie, Louie” fame.