This Month's Latest Tech News in Springfield, MO - Saturday May 31st 2025 Edition

Springfield's tech sector is booming as Missouri cements its status as one of the nation's fastest-growing tech economies, bolstered by strategic investments and collaborative workforce initiatives.

The recent “Technology2030” report spotlights Missouri as a top-10 state for tech manufacturing job growth, noting that emerging fields like AgTech, AI, cybersecurity, and FinTech are fueling more diverse job opportunities and accounting for over 10% of the state's GDP according to the Missouri Chamber Foundation.

Statewide, leaders are focusing on start-up incentives, talent recruitment, and expanding tech education pathways, with bipartisan support for public-private partnerships and STEM-focused upskilling as highlighted by recent legislative action.

Meanwhile, major investments like Kansas City's $25 million Northland Workforce Development Center are equipping nearly 900 students with hands-on experience in healthcare, logistics, advanced manufacturing, and more, reflecting a strong commitment to maintaining momentum and building regional talent pipelines with upgraded facilities and modern curricula.

As Springfield and the broader region look to stay competitive in a global market, these concerted efforts align local education, business, and government to drive tech innovation and workforce readiness.

The MEMA 2025 Aftermarket Technology Conference is set to transform Springfield, Missouri, into a center of tech-driven innovation from October 5-7, 2025, bringing together an array of industry leaders, OEMs, startups, and solution providers.

Recognized as the top event for North American aftermarket technology, the conference will highlight advances in e-commerce, data analytics, AI, blockchain, AR/VR, EV charging, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

This year's partnership with O'Reilly Auto Parts adds major momentum, featuring an executive welcome, speed networking, and an exclusive tech town hall. The agenda offers live demonstrations, concurrent technology tracks across automotive, business, commercial, and remanufacturing sectors, as well as the high-profile MEMA Aftermarket Startup Challenge, where entrepreneurs pitch to both investors and attendees.

Key awards - including the Aftermarket Technology Innovation Award - will spotlight industry-defining ideas and companies. As Chris Gardner, Senior Vice President of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, noted,

“The 2025 Aftermarket Technology Conference will bring together innovators and leaders who are shaping the future of the aftermarket. With O'Reilly Auto Parts as a key partner this year, attendees will gain even deeper insights into how technology is transforming every corner of the supply chain - from shop floors to customer engagement. Missing the event means individuals and their companies will fall behind the technology curve.”

Registration is now open and further details are available through the official MEMA Aftermarket Technology Conference announcement, the industry's showcase at MEMA's official conference page, and this comprehensive 2025 conference preview by MOTOR.

O'Reilly Auto Parts is proactively reshaping its IT workforce as part of a modernization strategy, cutting just under 11% of its information technology staff - impacting over 100 employees - but emphasizing the move is not aimed at cost reduction or downsizing.

Company leadership, including Public Relations Director Sonya Kullmann Cox, stressed the decision is about “aligning the skills of our team members to the work ahead” rather than simply trimming expenses.

Employees affected by the restructuring, announced April 23, 2025, received severance packages, extended health benefits, and support with both internal job placement and external job searches.

Company statements and community discussions highlight that the layoffs resulted from a push towards new technology solutions and an increased need for specialized IT skills, as detailed in this Springfield Daily Citizen report on O'Reilly's IT cuts.

Financially, O'Reilly's Q1 results showed a 4% year-over-year increase in sales and gross profit, but a decrease in net income by 8% due to higher expenses, underscoring the company's intent to invest strategically despite challenging margins (USA Today analysis of O'Reilly's IT changes provides further context).

The company continues to actively recruit new talent for 23 open IT positions as part of its transition to next-generation solutions (KY3's coverage of the IT department restructuring).

“This was not an effort to cut the size of our team or reduce expenses. O'Reilly will be recruiting individuals who have specific IT skills and experience needed for the work ahead.”

This targeted approach signals a broader trend: Springfield companies are prioritizing workforce reskilling and realignment for future readiness in the face of rapidly changing tech demands.

Sam's Club is transforming its shopping experience nationwide by eliminating traditional checkouts in favor of an AI-powered, app-based system. Shoppers now scan products using the Sam's Club mobile app as they shop, and an AI scanner - part of the club's new “Just Go” technology - verifies payment and cart contents, eliminating the need for receipt checks or checkout lines.

According to FOX Business's in-depth analysis of Sam's Club's AI investments, this system has already been rolled out at over 120 locations, with plans for all 600+ stores to follow by year's end.

The AI exit solution leverages computer vision to confirm purchases, reportedly letting members leave 23% faster and offering a frictionless retail experience, as detailed by Retail Tech Innovation Hub's report on Sam's Club AI-powered exit technology.

Sam's Club's leadership says this technological leap is designed to benefit both members and its 100,000 associates by freeing staff from repetitive exit checks, enabling more value-added service.

President and CEO Chris Nicholas notes,

“This is one of the fastest, most scalable transformations happening in retail today. We're investing with intention - in our fleet, our associates, and the member experience - to become the world's best club retailer.”

However, as reported by the Los Angeles Times coverage on AI and privacy concerns in retail, privacy advocates raise concerns about the growing use of AI in shopping, especially regarding data collection and customized pricing.

While Sam's Club asserts its commitment to low, transparent pricing and denies surveillance pricing practices, consumer watchdogs emphasize the need for ongoing vigilance as AI becomes more central to retail operations.

Springfield's collaborative push to address healthcare worker shortages took a significant step forward this month as the Alliance for Healthcare Education - a partnership spanning CoxHealth, Missouri State University, Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC), and Springfield Public Schools - celebrated its inaugural cohort of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) graduates.

The program, part of an early “Year Zero” initiative, prepares high school juniors and seniors for high-demand healthcare roles while earning college credits, and will scale up in fall 2025 to include expanded Bachelor of Science in Nursing and radiography pathways.

This comes as Missouri launches new legislative and funding support for healthcare training: the Career Tech Certificate Program, backed by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, will offset student tuition and fees in high-need fields such as CNA and EMT, while statewide investment, including nearly $13 million in grants, is propelling upgrades in faculty, simulation technology, and program capacity (Missouri Chamber bill aims to equip students for high-demand careers; Alliance for Healthcare Education's inaugural CNA ceremony).

Southwest Missouri alone faces approximately 500 annual registered nurse openings, highlighting the urgency of these changes.

“Parents took a leap of faith trusting us with their students in this first-ever cohort, and that trust fuels our work. With this collaboration, the Alliance is firmly positioned to become the number one producer of healthcare professionals in Missouri.” - Aaron Light, Dean of Health Sciences, Ozarks Tech

Funding programs such as MoExcels continue to drive workforce-focused innovations across Missouri colleges, helping meet the region's acute demand for qualified healthcare workers (Missouri awards $5M to expand nursing programs).

This month, Missouri's legislature passed the groundbreaking Higher Education Core Curriculum Transfer Act, streamlining college pathways for Springfield students and others statewide.

Under the new law, beginning with the 2028-29 academic year, students will be able to transfer up to 60 credit hours seamlessly across Missouri's public colleges and universities in five high-demand majors: General Business, Elementary Education, General Psychology, Nursing, and General Biology or Biological Sciences.

As Chancellor Hal Higdon of Ozarks Technical Community College notes,

“This is a win for every student in Missouri who has worried about their hard work not counting toward a four-year degree.”

The legislation mandates a common course numbering system and the development of a centralized information website for transfer pathways, eliminating widespread credit loss and confusion for students who start at community colleges.

Additionally, the act addresses workforce development, boosts financial assistance through Access Missouri, and opens the door for institutions like Missouri State University to independently offer doctoral degrees, ending the University of Missouri System's exclusive grip.

According to a News-Leader analysis on streamlined college credit transfers, the move is heralded as a “watershed moment” for Missouri higher education.

Comprehensive bill details, including key votes and timelines, can be found via FastDemocracy's legislative tracker for Senate Bill 150.

STLCC's Chancellor Jeff L. Pittman explained,

“This legislation creates consistency within lower-division courses and will save students time and money on their educational pursuit.”

For further insights on the statewide impact and university provisions, read the Missouri Independent's in-depth coverage of university degree authority changes.

Missouri State University has found itself at the intersection of leadership turbulence and institutional scrutiny after President Richard "Biff" Williams faced a faculty-led vote of no confidence, following allegations rooted in his prior role as president of Utah Tech University.

The faculty senate voted 36-12 in favor of the resolution after lengthy discussions on whether Williams' actions - most notably a "mindless prank" involving vegetables arranged in a sexually explicit manner as alleged in a federal lawsuit against MSU's president - aligned with MSU's values of ethical leadership and inclusive excellence.

While Williams apologized and denied any intent to harm, the external Title IX review ultimately found “no sustained findings” of sexual harassment, as reported by KY3 News report on Title IX review findings.

The board of governors has maintained support, despite calls for greater transparency and concerns among faculty and students about campus climate and Title IX protections.

Summing up faculty sentiment, one member stated,

"President Williams only showed remorse for getting caught... He appears to lack an understanding of why his actions are problematic and why people are so upset about it." - Shurita Thomas-Tate

The no-confidence vote, while symbolic and carrying no direct executive power, echoes a rare precedent at MSU, the last being in 1992.

For details on the resolution and its broader implications for university governance, see the Springfield Daily Citizen's comprehensive report on MSU faculty no-confidence vote.

Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) has named Dr. Aaron Light as its next Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, marking a historic milestone as Light is the first OTC graduate to assume this leadership position.

With over two decades at OTC, Dr. Light has advanced from student to faculty, director, dean, and now provost, demonstrating a commitment to both academic and community growth.

Under his tenure as Dean of Health Sciences, he was instrumental in launching Missouri's first bachelor's degree at a community college and driving significant expansion in student enrollment, program offerings, and industry partnerships.

Chancellor Hal Higdon praised Light's “visionary leadership” as “propelling transformative growth” at the college, while Light himself reflected,

“I'm honored to step into the role of provost at the college that has been my home for over two decades. From my days as a student to serving as faculty, program director, and dean, I've witnessed firsthand the incredible journey of growth – from classrooms in malls to six thriving campuses and centers. It's a privilege to help shape the next chapter of this remarkable institution.”

Effective July 1, pending board approval, Light's promotion not only highlights upward mobility within Springfield's tech and education sectors, but also embodies OTC's ongoing mission to foster talent and accessibility.

For further details on Light's credentials and contributions, visit the official OTC announcement, a thorough profile in the Springfield News-Leader's coverage of Dr. Light's appointment, and an in-depth local report from the Springfield Daily Citizen.

Springfield's tech ecosystem is experiencing a strategic boost as local agencies Mostly Serious and JMARK unveiled a new alliance designed to elevate digital services across the region.

This collaboration comes amid a surge of regional momentum, exemplified by the Springfield Tech Council's inaugural Springfield Tech Week - which brought together professionals, students, and industry leaders for networking, skill-building, and hands-on events such as the STC Squared Tech Conference and cybersecurity tours.

The city's dedication to showcasing homegrown innovation was further highlighted through impactful partnerships, like Pitt Technology Group's recent initiative with Code Scientists, which now delivers advanced AI and data solutions to Ozarks businesses.

For those seeking details about Springfield Tech Week and its role in connecting the community, visit the Springfield Tech Week event listing.

Read more about the regional impact of the Mostly Serious and JMARK partnership via the official strategic investment announcement.

For ongoing updates, event recaps, and a calendar of growth initiatives shaping Springfield's technology sector, explore the Springfield Tech Council's news and articles hub.

Registration is now open for the highly anticipated 2025 Aftermarket Technology Conference, scheduled for October 5–7 in Springfield, Missouri. Recognized as the premier North American event for automotive and business technology, the conference connects thought leaders from IT, engineering, analytics, and the vehicle sector to explore advancements in AI, electric vehicles, AR/VR, ADAS, blockchain, e-commerce, and data analytics.

In partnership with O'Reilly Auto Parts, the event will feature an executive welcome by O'Reilly's President Brent Kirby, exclusive networking sessions, and a technology town hall spotlighting supply chain innovation.

The agenda is packed with future-focused presentations and four concurrent tracks covering automotive, business, commercial vehicle, and remanufacturing technology.

Notable highlights include live demonstrations from industry-leading solution providers, speed networking, and the third annual MEMA Aftermarket Startup Challenge, where finalists pitch to both investors and attendees.

Awards like the Aftermarket Technology Innovation Award and the Think Tank Awards will recognize outstanding contributions in the field. As Chris Gardner, MEMA's Senior Vice President of Programs & Technology, emphasizes in a recent announcement,

“The 2025 Aftermarket Technology Conference will bring together innovators and leaders who are shaping the future of the aftermarket. With O'Reilly Auto Parts as a key partner this year, attendees will gain even deeper insights into how technology transforms every corner of the supply chain - from shop floors to customer engagement. Missing the event means individuals and their companies will fall behind the technology curve.”

For more details and registration, visit the official 2025 Aftermarket Technology Conference event announcement, explore a full breakdown of featured tracks and networking plans at Motor's comprehensive 2025 Aftermarket Technology Conference preview, or explore the underpinning industry significance as outlined by the MEMA Aftermarket Technology Conference showcase.

This month, Springfield spotlights the AI-powered ‘Unfinished Legacies' campaign, advancing drug awareness amid surging opioid misuse and fentanyl-related deaths across the U.S. Artificial intelligence is driving significant progress in identifying and supporting individuals at risk for opioid use disorder (OUD), as evidenced by a recent NIH-supported clinical trial: patients screened with an AI tool had 47% lower odds of hospital readmission within 30 days compared to traditional consultations, saving an estimated $109,000 in healthcare costs over the study period see full NIH analysis.

AI's role isn't limited to hospital screening - researchers nationwide are leveraging machine learning to accelerate the discovery of novel medications that block kappa-opioid receptors, offering hope for more effective treatments for opioid dependence and withdrawal explore AI-driven drug research.

Meanwhile, community-led initiatives like Columbia University's HEALing Communities Study employ AI to tailor public health messaging, optimize naloxone distribution, and empower local stakeholders in high-risk regions, demonstrating how technology can bridge gaps in overdose prevention and care read about community AI initiatives.

As synthetic opioid overdoses now stand as the leading cause of death among Americans ages 18-45, the intersection of advanced technology, compassionate care, and locally-adapted outreach marks a pivotal evolution in Springfield's - and the nation's - response to the opioid crisis.

Springfield's technology sector is rapidly advancing through coordinated investments, partnerships, and community-driven initiatives, setting a promising trajectory for the years ahead.

This month, the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) confirmed over $2.6 million in new funding for tech startups, leveraging its proven record of $53 million invested in 160 companies and over 8,000 new jobs created statewide - despite shifting state budget priorities that will mainly impact future grant programs but leave active initiatives supported through previous funding cycles (MTC and State Funding for FY26).

The Springfield Tech Council is enhancing local connectivity through monthly networking, talent retention strategies, and innovative partnerships such as Pitt Technology Group joining forces with Code Scientists to expand AI and data solutions for local businesses (Springfield Tech Council's Opportunities).

At the grassroots and K-12 levels, the expansion of Springfield Public Schools' Launch Virtual Learning platform - now serving 400 Missouri school districts - underscores a commitment to educational access and workforce preparedness across the state, with leaders emphasizing that

“opportunity shouldn't be determined by a student's ZIP code”

and spotlighting the impact of collaborative, inclusive programming (Launch Virtual Learning hits milestone).

As workforce and tech education initiatives align through continual engagement among educators, industry, and policymakers, Springfield is forging a path of resilient growth, adaptability, and innovation, ready to meet the demands of tomorrow's economy.