The opportunity to utilize what he's learned in over a decade as an economic developer in a different organization led to the decision to change jobs for Jonas Arjes.
Arjes, during a recent interview on KRZK's "Ozarks Now" program, said that the opportunity to join the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce came out of connections he had made during his time working as the Director and Founder of the Taney County Partnership and the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Arjes said the challenge of working in a more traditional market with assets along with a larger market interested him.
Arjes added that the Springfield Chamber's re-emphasis on regionalism was a big factor in taking the position, a concept he has been working on in his positions with the chamber and the partnership.
Arjes also disclosed during the interview that he had been approached by the Tulsa Chamber on a position but decided not to pursue it. Taking the Springfield position would mean he would not have to relocate his family and could maintain his home in Walnut Shade.
Arjes will become the Senior Vice-President of Economic Development for the Springfield Chamber. Arjes was a founding member and leader of the Taney County Partnership since its formation in 2012 plus was an executive with the Branson Chamber, twice serving as interim director during a change of leadership.
The full interview, including Arjes' take on the current state of the Branson Economy plus the future of the two communities working together, can be seen on the Ozarks Now Facebook Page or by clicking below: