The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce on Friday awarded the prestigious 2024 Springfield Award to Richard Orris. The announcement was made at the chamber's 2024 annual meeting held at the Oasis Hotel & Convention Center, where Ollis said he has had a “transformative impact on both Springfield's business climate and community spirit.” was awarded as.
“Our Springfieldians are not maintainers of the status quo, we are change-makers,” former Chamber of Commerce President Jim Anderson said in a statement. “He's innovative and creative. He leads by example and does the right thing.”
A lifelong Springfield resident, Oris is a fourth-generation Springfield business leader. Oris earned a bachelor's degree in finance from Missouri State University and currently serves on the advisory board of the College of Business. He also serves as CEO of Ollis/Akers/Arney Insurance & Business Advisors where he oversees 50 professionals. Oris also hosts the radio show Insurance Talk and writes a regular column in the Springfield Business Journal.
Oris is dedicated to public service. He is a veteran of the United States Navy and served his two terms on the City Council. According to a news release from the Chamber of Commerce, Oris is a driving force behind important community activities. One example is his Restore SGF, an initiative to reinvest in Springfield's historic district.
“Richard has three qualities that make him extremely deserving of this award,” Springfield Mayor Ken McClure said in a statement. “The first thing I found is his vision, whether it's about the business he works for or other community activities. The second thing is his ability to articulate that vision. And lastly. and the ability to understand what steps need to be taken to realize the vision.”
About the Springfieldian Award
The Springfield Award is the most coveted honor bestowed by the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. This award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding community service, excellence in their field, and dedication to improving the quality of life in Springfield.
