Burnout and Boundaries: Building Sustainable Workforces in 2026

Tue., May 26, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Frontline Training Solutions – Online, Online, Springfield

A free webinar on recognizing burnout, setting boundaries, and building workplaces where people can do their best work. Burnout doesn’t start with exhaustion. It starts with silence—when people stop asking for help, stop setting boundaries, and start believing that this level of pressure is normal. Burnout isn’t a personal failure. It’s a workplace problem, and in 2026, burnout is one of the biggest challenges leaders face. Voluntary turnover that is driven by burnout is estimated to cost employers 15-20% of their total payroll budgets each year—equating to hundreds of millions of dollars lost annually. Explore what’s really driving burnout, why boundaries matter for your organization’s health, and what leaders can do about it. Walk away with a clear framework for understanding burnout, practical tools for protecting healthy boundaries at work, and real strategies you can start using right away.

Local Journalism Matters open house, ribbon-cutting ceremony

Thu., May 28, 4-6 p.m.

Illinois Times, 1240 S. Sixth St., Springfield

Local Journalism Matters is the new nonprofit organization for Illinois Times and Springfield Business Journal. As Local Journalism Matters starts this new endeavor that, with the community’s support, will create the daily news source the community deserves, it invites readers to an open house to say thank you to Fletcher Farrar for his 48 years of dedicated service to community journalism. Meet new Local Journalism Matters CEO Kate McKenzie and hear about the vision for the future of news in the region. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony and brief remarks at 4:30 p.m. RSVP by May 25 to kmckenzie@illinoistimes.com.

Chatham Area Chamber Business After Hours

Thu., May 28, 5-7 p.m.

XGolf, 3201 S. Veteran’s Parkway, Springfield

Open to all Chatham Area Chamber members and those who interested in joining. Appetizers will be available as well the opportunity to play in one of the golf simulator bays. Hosted by the Chatham Area Chamber.

Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at XGolf Springfield

Thu., May 28, 5-7 p.m.

XGolf, 3201 S. Veteran’s Parkway, Springfield

Enjoy indoor golf and conversation at XGolf Springfield.

Ribbon Cutting for Care Planning Institute

Wed., June 3, 12:30 p.m.

Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, 501 E. Capitol Ave., Suite A, Springfield

Celebrate with the staff of Care Planning Institute as they host a ribbon cutting at the chamber office.

Y Ninja Corporate Challenge

Fri., June 12

Kerasotes YMCA, 4550 W. Iles Ave., Springfield

Companies and groups, big and small, compete in a day of contests to win the Challenge Cup and raise money for the YMCA of Springfield.

Friends of the Farmers Market Brunch

Sun., June 14, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Union Square Park, 212 N. Sixth St., Springfield

Celebrate local farmers, indulge in a scrumptious brunch spread featuring farm-to-table dishes and mingle with fellow supporters of the community market.

Chamber on Tap – Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc.

Thu., June 18, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc., 2750 W. Washington St., Springfield

Small Business Awards 2026

Tue., June 23, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Crowne Plaza, 3000 S Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield

The chamber’s annual Small Business Awards, presented by Hickory Point Bank, honors the most outstanding entrepreneurs whose ingenuity, hard work and innovation have created and promoted a successful and growing business in the Springfield area. The luncheon also provides a great opportunity to network with your clients and friends. The chamber recognizes small business owners and directors for their outstanding achievements in four different categories: nonprofit director, emerging business owner, small business owner and lifetime achievement. Attendees include area business owners and leaders, local and state elected officials and small business advocates and employees. Register today and join us in honoring our small business award nominees.

Corporate Cup Challenge

Thu., July 16, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Fri., July 17, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Piper Glen Golf Club, 7112 Piper Glen Drive, Springfield

The 31st Annual Chamber Corporate Cup Challenge Golf Outing will be held at Piper Glen Golf Club over a two-day period – Thursday, July 16 and Friday, July 17, 2026. Each day the shotgun start will begin at 12:00 noon and will be limited to the first 27 teams that register (each day). The Corporate Cup Challenge Golf Outing, features Springfield area businesses competing against one another in a shotgun, scramble format. The outing provides a fun-filled opportunity to entertain clients and network with other business leaders. The Corporate Cup is divided into two flights. The top three teams in each flight will walk away with great prizes, but only the best of the best will win the right to keep the Corporate Cup Challenge traveling trophy for the year! In addition, there will be an industry specific competition for banks and credit unions. All players will receive a tee gift for participating in the outing.

Forty Under 40 Awards Ceremony

Thu., July 16, 5-7 p.m.

UIS Student Union, 2251 Richard Wright Dr., Springfield

This is an invitation-only event recognizing the 2026 class of Forty Under 40.

Athena Awards

Thu., July 23, 5:30 p.m.

Erin’s Pavilion at Southwind Park, 4965 S 2nd St, Springfield

The ATHENA Leadership Award is presented to an individual who is honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills.