SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce held its monthly Roundtable program on Aug. 26 at the Chamber Depot, focusing on the findings from the 2025 Business Climate Survey (BCS). Chamber President & CEO Vonnie Mikkelsen presented the survey results, which drew responses from 68 organizations across 20 industries, providing a snapshot of the local economy.
This year’s BCS revealed that while confidence in the Springfield area remains strong, business priorities are shifting. Inflation and rising costs have overtaken workforce shortages as the leading concern among businesses. Persistent challenges related to taxes, regulations, and the cost of living were also highlighted.
Additionally, quality-of-life issues, including public safety and homelessness, continue to affect the region’s business competitiveness. Nearly half of the respondents noted a growing need for strategic planning to enhance resilience in their operations.
The growth outlook for businesses has softened, with fewer organizations seeking to add employees or expand compared to previous years. Mikkelsen pointed to disruptions over the past five years, including the pandemic, supply chain issues, and inflation as contributing factors. Despite this, 79% of respondents reported they were somewhat or very confident in their current business health, and Springfield is still viewed as more business-friendly than Eugene, Lane County, and Oregon as a whole.
Chamber leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration among members to leverage collective insights for future initiatives and advocacy efforts.
