Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce

The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization based in Joplin, Missouri. Its mission is to improve the economic prosperity and quality of life in the Joplin region, serving as the principal advocate for and provider of services to its members[5].

History

Founded in 1917, the Chamber has evolved from a volunteer organization to a professional body with a staff of fourteen, working alongside hundreds of volunteers to enhance the business environment and quality of life in the area[1].

Functions and Activities

• Economic Development: The Chamber collaborates closely with the MOKAN Partnership, a regional economic development organization, to promote business attraction, retention, and growth. Additionally, it focuses on improving the regional workforce across a seven-county area spanning Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma[1].

• Education and Community: It works with local schools to enhance education, particularly in areas that prepare youth for productive roles in the community. The Chamber sees education as a vital asset for the area's future[1].

• Healthcare and Higher Education: The Joplin Regional Alliance for Healthcare and Health Science supports businesses and institutions involved in healthcare and higher education. This alliance aims to integrate medical assets with higher education resources for future economic growth. Between 2017 and 2021, the health and biomedical sector in the region experienced a 21% growth, significantly exceeding national rates[1].

• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: The Chamber operates facilities like the Joseph Newman Innovation Center and the Advanced Training and Technology Center, providing resources such as co-working spaces, dedicated desks, and training programs to support startup companies and entrepreneurs. It also partners with organizations to offer accelerator programs for new startups[3].

Vision

The Chamber's vision is to foster a healthy business community that enhances both living quality and regional economic vitality. It supports various sectors from small businesses to major industries, offering programming, networking opportunities, and resources to improve local businesses[4].

Membership and Impact

Members of the Chamber have access to a variety of resources designed to enhance business operations and contribute to community development. The Chamber serves a broad range of business sectors and continues to play a pivotal role in Joplin's economic and social development[2].

[1] https://www.joplinmo.org/271/Economic-Development [2] https://joplincc.com [3] https://www.mosourcelink.com/resource-navigator/embed/detail/72699/1678/ [4] https://joplincc.com/your-chamber/ [5] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/44-0304705