The Moniteau County Regional Economic Development Council (MRED) board of directors met Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Burgher Haus restaurant in California.
The board members present at the regular monthly meeting discussed with Executive Director Ken Parrett increasing the effort to expand membership in the organization, possible changes in the by-laws and the EEZ (Enhanced Enterprize Zone) Board meeting.
The discussion on increasing membership, especially to include more smaller businesses, centered on the possibility of changing the membership investment structure to attract smaller businesses, and having groups of members visit the prospective members, rather than Parrett making the visits by himself.
Changes in the by-laws were discussed in consideration of resolving the quorum issue. The quorum numbers required by the by-laws are such that some board meetings are held without a quorum present for the whole meeting. At the Nov. 12 meeting, no quorum was present, meaning that no business requiring a board vote could be held.
The EEZ Board meeting is planned for December, but so far, no date has been chosen. Part of the delay involves the fact that Baker Equipment has not been able to get the purchase contract signed, so the company can take possession of the property.
Parrett also reviewed the efforts to bring the Moniteau County Work Ready program up to the level it needs to be for the testing of the "emerging and transitioning" levels. The "emerging" needs 43 more. Funding is available and it should be easy to attain that number. The "transitioning" level needs 63 more people, who must volunteer to take the test.
There are three workforce categories - emerging, current and transitioning. Emerging National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) holders include those who are getting ready to enter the workforce.
The current level includes those presently in the workforce. The transitioning level is those who are presently looking for work. There are four levels of certification - bronze, silver, gold and platinum. A three-hour, on-line test is required.