The Network closed out 2020 by offering opportunities for members to have fun and socialize virtually, learn how to best utilize their membership and celebrate the holiday season.

On December 4 we held our second round of virtual trivia, but this time with a holiday twist. We started out by quizzing our member’s on Springfield history, then focusing more on holiday-themed questions. One of our favorite fun facts was “Home Alone” is the highest grossing Christmas movie!

We also offered our final edition of New to The Network virtually on December 9. We did group introductions, then went into Zoom breakout rooms, which have been a hit, and discussed a variety of ice breakers. We concluded by hearing from the Chamber Talent Retention Coordinator, Katie Jones, on how to best utilize your membership. A couple of Leadership Council members also shared some advice on what they wish they would have know when they joined The Network. Their words of wisdom included; you’ll get out of it what you put into it, go to as many events as possible and it’s okay to be nervous at your first few events. They also encouraged members to get out of your comfort zone and get engaged! Thanks to TLC Properties for their support of this series!

A recording of New to The Network can be viewed below.

Finally, we held our annual Holiday Soirée on December 10. Although it looked different this year than it has in the past, we still took the opportunity to recognize our 2020 Chair, Ryan Sivill, and our four Leadership Council members whose term is ending: Amie Davis, Megan Short, Paden Wilcox and Craig Wright. This year has been less than ideal, so we are extremely grateful to our volunteer leaders. Special shoutout to Ryan Sivill who has led The Network extremely well this year! To say this group has excelled under his leadership would be an understatement, and not to mention 2020 may have been the most difficult year for any Chair to serve. We look forward to seeing our 2021 Chair, Jessica Harmison Olson, take over and lead young professionals into 2021. Here’s to a new year full of exciting opportunities!

Thank you to our 2020 Annual Program Sponsors for their support and helping us provide a great year of programming to our members: Old Missouri Bank, Dickerson Park Zoo, Guaranty Bank, Neale & Newman, American National Insurance, Brokate Janitorial, Central Bank of the Ozarks/Central Trust Company, KPM CPAs & Advisors & TLC Properties!