Our Club was pleased to welcome Amy Rasing, Director of Planning and Economic Development for the City of Springfield, as our guest speaker at Maldaners Upstairs (mage above)!
Amy opened with an inspiring analogy connecting the 4H values—Head, Hands, Heart, and Health—to Rotary’s 4-Way Test, emphasizing how both promote service and integrity. She also shared a personal story about her father, a proud Lion, who was laid to rest in his yellow vest—a touching reminder of lifelong community service.
Amy highlighted several exciting developments shaping Springfield’s future, including:
• The Kings Daughter’s Home—now a city landmark and birthplace of Marjorie Merriweather Post—is being renovated into apartments for medical students.
• The new Scheels Sports Complex, featuring a massive white dome, will draw youth sports teams and families to Springfield every weekend beginning in 2026–2027.
• The Transportation Hub and greenway walkway projects are enhancing mobility and recreation opportunities.
• Plans for mixed-use buildings, a new arcade venue, and a minority business center are underway to make Springfield an even more vibrant community.
• McArthur Boulevard improvements, driven by City, County, and IDOT efforts, are also progressing.
• Amazon’s new Distribution Center is hiring!
Amy also noted that funding for many of these projects comes from taxes and grants, including cannabis-related grants, and her office provides support for small business growth.
This program attracted some special visitors. A big thank-you to Amy for sharing Springfield’s bright outlook—and to Aldermen Lakeisha Purchase and Shawn Gregory for joining us (image below)!
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