Though tested by the unprecedented challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder said during Wednesday s State of the City address the city has shown itself to be compassionate, courageous, strong and resilient as it encountered its toughest times in 2020 and 2021.
Last year s Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce event at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel had to be moved to September and was limited to 50 people because of the state s mandate on large gatherings.
Wednesday s gathering drew about 125 people with another 70 joining online, according to the Chamber s Lisa Schafer.
Langfelder encouraged people to support local businesses as much as possible, adding that not only COVID, but the Amazon effect has a great impact on our brick and mortar stores.