MRED strategic planning meeting was held March 11

More than 20 area business people, local leaders and concerned citizens participated in the Moniteau County Regional Economic Development Council (MRED) strategic planning session Wednesday, March 11, in the Community Room at California City Hall.

Moderating the event were Ed Siegmund, of the Mid-Missouri Regional Planning Commission (MMRPC), assisted by David Bock and Katrina Williams. Included among those present were many of the business leaders of the area.

The group was divided up into four groups which were asked to determine areas of strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for the future of the county. The groups then discussed and compared the points made. Among the major strengths agreed on is that the area represented by MRED has good transportation opportunities (highway, railroad and river), fiber optics installed, involved community leaders, and good schools.

A major weakness seen by those present is "retail leakage," defined as the local residents doing much of their shopping in other areas. In fact a 2007 survey showed that less than a third of the retail purchases of county residents were made within the county. This may have become worse since the new four-lane Highway 50 was opened for traffic. It is probably closely related to the fact that about half of the county residents who are employed commute to another county for work. Another item discussed as a weakness is a limited available work pool. The results obtained from this session will be considered and discussed at future MRED meetings. MRED Chair Mike Kelley, Tipton, believes the county is poised for growth and is starting to be noticed, in part since it is designated as an Enhanced Enterprise Zone and beginning to reach the point of being able to show those interested companies that there is a qualified workforce that could step into any position they have. Plans are to consider the strengths and the weaknesses to improve the organizations move towards the goal of improving the development of the economy in the county. There are several areas for possible positive movement. There are a number of places available for commercial development, the median age of the residents is fairly young at about 38 and there is an industrial park. The county has seen new businesses and growth, especially in several agriculture related areas.

Positive points for future growth and development include excellent transportation with access to the railroad and a new four-lane highway connecting cities in the county to other larger urban areas. The county has an extensive installation of fiber optics. In addition, with MRED, the county has an active economic development council which is able to assist in guiding the direction of development.

According to Siegmund, several keys to successful economic development in small towns include strong leaders working together for the good of the area, a "can-do" attitude, encouraging an entrepreneurial approach and maintaining local control. It is also important to recognize that the local economy is largely connected with the broader economic situations in the country, the hemisphere and the world.