MRED Board approves marketing firm

Chairman Mike Kelley of the Moniteau County Regional Economic Development Council (MRED) Board of Directors informed the board that the USDA required bidding for the contract for leading the marketing plan under the grant received.

Bids were sought, with the only response being the original from Callis Integrated Marketing, Sedalia. At the meeting held April 13 at Nic Nac Cafe the board approved the contract with the company, subject to approval by the USDA.

The contract will utilize the $30,000 national USDA grant to develop a plan for use of the high-speed Internet available due to the installation of fiber optics by Co-Mo Connect.

A request was made for Enhanced Enterprise Zone abatements by Martin Engineering, which is constructing a larger facility on property purchased east of Tipton.

Allan Mortenson of Burgers’ Smokehouse spoke to the board and others present about the use the Burgers’ company has made of the high-speed fiber-optics by Co-Mo Connect. It has not only increased the speed and accessibility of the Internet for information and business, it has lowered the cost of the company’s Internet service.

Consultant Bob Donnelly (Missouri Technology Business Development Ecosystem, LLC, Branson) reported the plan to send out two surveys. One survey to businesses and the second to households asks about the availability, satisfaction with, and use of the Internet in the county.

The next meeting is planned for May 11, with the location to be announced later.