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Business and economy news and issues in the Ozarks.

Matt Morrow Named New Springfield Chamber President

Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce

A former southwest Missouri resident and Springfield executive has been named president and CEO of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

Matt Morrow served 12 years as chief executive officer of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield until November 2012. During that time, he was recognized by the National Association of Home Builders Executive Officers Council (EOC) as “New Executive of the Year” in 2002; and as “Executive Officer of the Year” in 2007. After five years as a member of the EOC Board of Directors, Matt was elected by his peers to lead the EOC, serving as Secretary of the Council in 2013 and as EOC President in 2014.

“I am deeply humbled and honored by this opportunity,” Morrow said. “Rachael and I are excited to return home to Springfield, and I am thoroughly energized by the thought of serving the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce as its next president and CEO.”

The Chamber Board of Directors announced Morrow’s appointment Wednesday afternoon.

Morrow most recently served as executive vice president and CEO of the Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders, the fifth largest local home builders association in the United States.

Current CEO of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield Charlyce Ruth says Morrow’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the Chamber.

“[Matt] is a consummate professional in what he does,” says Ruth. “And he loves the greater Springfield area.”

In a news release, Morrow thanked members of the search committee, Chamber board and staff, and former CEO Jim Anderson.

“All have given generously of their time and talent, in countless ways, to help ensure the Chamber is positioned well for success as we enter this next chapter. Their service speaks volumes about the value of this chamber of commerce, and about the crucial role we are expected to have in shaping and maximizing the region’s future. It’s a very special team, and I’m delighted to join it.”

The Chamber worked with Waverly Partners, LLC to conduct a national search following Jim Anderson’s announcement that he would retire on June 30. Anderson has since become vice president of Marketing and Public Affairs at CoxHealth.

“The Chamber is excited to welcome Matt on board,” Jeff Schrag, the chamber’s chairman of the board said. “Matt’s relevant experience and proven leadership will be an asset to our business community, and we look forward to working together to move our organization and our community forward.”

A radio broadcaster in the early 1990s, Matt received the Missouri Broadcasters Association’s top honor for small market sports reporting, before moving into news and station management duties. Matt then lived and worked in Missouri and Washington, D.C. for nearly five years as Missouri Press Secretary and District Director for then-U.S. Senator John Ashcroft. During the 2000 election cycle, Matt served as Communications Director for the Missouri Republican Party.

Matt holds a Bachelors Degree in Communication and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from Southwest Baptist University. Matt’s wife Rachael owns an independent consulting and market research firm, Morrow & Associates. They have a daughter, Anna Christine (10) and a son, Alexander Matthew (7).

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