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."