Saturday, February 27th from 9AM to 1PM in Meyer Library 101 – Panels on “Diversity and Economic Development: Building Springfield’s Future.” Free parking available at Bear Park South on the corner of Grand and Holland.
The event will look at the lack of diversity in the Ozark region and begin a discussion on solutions to the problem. Panels will be divided into three sessions – a business panel, a civic and government leadership panel and a roundtable discussion.
Panelists include Greg Burris, Springfield City Manager; Dave Coonrod, Greene County Commission; Brian Fogle, Executive Vice President of Community Foundation of the Ozarks; Lyle Foster, Owner of Big Mamma’s Coffee and Espresso Bar/Q Enoteca Wine Bar; Byron Klaus, President of Assemblies of God Theological Seminary; Mary Newbern-Williams with John Calvin Presbytery; John Oke-Thomas of Oke-Thomas and Associates Architects; Francine Pratt, President NAACP-Springfield Branch; H. Wes Pratt from Missouri State University – Diversity Outreach and Recruitment; Joe Robles Jr., Owner of Joe A. Robles State Farm Insurance Agency; Tim Rosenbury of Butler, Rosenbury & Partners and Chairman for Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce; Phil Snider, Senior Minister of Brentwood Christian Church; and Mark Struckhoff, Executive Director of Council of Churches of the Ozarks.
The event is sponsored by Missouri State University Multicultural Student Services, Brentwood Christian Church, Drury University, NAACP-Springfield Branch, and The Gathering.