Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce has members in the business community that run the gamut from small businesses to big ones, and with ownership the same way.

But Chamber CEO Mike Murphy tells the WTAX Morning Newswatch it’s just not the same trying to build a relationship with a large company.

“We have some major corporations in Springfield that are based here.  We have great relationships with them,” said Murphy.  “Then, we have some major corporations who do business here that are not business here.  We have some of them as members, but it’s a lot more challenging when the decision maker is not here locally, and seeing what we’re doing, and trying to do, and help us support the mission (of the chamber).”

Murphy was answering a question about the potential acquisition of at least some of the Green Family of car dealerships by Kunes (CUE-ness) Country, which has locations in four states.

He says he hopes Kunes becomes a good part of the community.

“When the headquarters is 500 or 1,000 miles away, it’s a lot harder to build that relationship with the decision-makers,” said Murphy.  “That’s the only thing I would say is a little concerning.  We’ve had a really good relationship with the dealers at, all the different dealers at Green, and throughout Springfield.”