The program to bring Moniteau County to the status of an ACT Certified WorkReady community began Jan. 1, 2012, and expired June 30. Officially, the county had not attained the goals necessary for certification. The announcement was made that the request for a one-year extension of the program was approved.
The announcement was made at the July 8 meeting of the Moniteau County Regional Economic Development Council (MRED), held at Bobbio's in Tipton. In announcing the extension, MRED Chair Mike Kelley announced that the county has not yet reached the threshold criteria for "transitioning" workers using the ACT National Framework.
The term "transitioning" refers to those workers who are looking for work after previous jobs ended, and have completed the three-hour tests to obtain the WorkReady certification. The certification is an indication of the ability to go on a job and be able to do the the work. An effort will be made to see if the Moniteau County residents who test in other localities, since there is no testing center in the county. It is believed that those from the county are being counted where they take the tests, rather than where they actually reside.
A brief discussion was held about how the work of the committees is proceeding under the newly restructured organization. The Marketing committee is moving forward, with the other committees - Business Attraction/Development, Retention and Workforce Development - still evaluating goals to seek for the year.
The information was provided that a small implement company has indicated possible interest in seeking a franchise dealer in the California area. A letter of support for the county was authorized to be sent.
The USDA rural development grant applied for was discussed. If the 25 percent match grant is received, totaling $40,500, MRED is prepared to provide the $10,500 match needed. The particular grant applied for is a gigabit broadband development opportunity. The Mid-Missouri Regional Planning Commission (MMRPC) assisted in putting the application together. If this grant is received, a consultant will be necessary and Kelley is compiling a list of those to interview for the position.
Ken Johnson, Co-Mo Electric CEO/General Manager and Co-Mo Comm President, said an inventory of possible locations and facilities available in the county would be helpful to any company considering relocating, develoing or expanding.
Johnson also spoke of the appreciation of the Co-Mo companies for the recognition by MRED of the availability of the new fiberoptic technology being installed by the company. He said the company business has been keeping him busy, and he did not realize MRED was discussing business and expansion and development in the county with emphasis on the new fiberoptic system.
The time and place of the August meeting will be announced later.