Special MRED marketing development meeting held

A special meeting of the MRED (Moniteau County Regional Economic Development Council) Wednesday, Aug. 10, drew about 20 people to the California City Hall to join with Callis & Associates in the work towards development of the marketing material which will come out of the $30,000 USDA Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG). The funds are being utilized to assist the county economic development council in completing feasibility and marketing studies for the gigabit broadband internet service that is currently available for Moniteau County through Co-Mo Connect.

Those present at the 2-1/2 hour meeting were updated on the project being funded with help from the grant funds. Consultant Bob Donnelly, Missouri Technology Business Development Ecosystem, LLC, Branson, presented information resulting from the recent residential and business surveys about the use and availability of broadband and internet.

There were 357 responding households, with 25 percent reporting no internet use. Among those who responded were reports of 68 internet home businesses, 17 retail businesses and seven "advanced manufacturing businesses."

There are several reasons given by those who reported no internet use. Nearly two-thirds reported not having internet. For some this is due to cost, for some no internet connection, and others use it at work or elsewhere. About a third reported not knowing how to use it.

Cliff Callis of Callis & Associates discussed developing a marketing plan for the area, with strengths and opportunities for individuals, and small and large businesses in the area.

Callis said there are reasons for wanting to do business in Moniteau County. "Our job is to tell the right people," he said. Among the strengths are that the area is within 50 miles of Jefferson City, Columbia and the Lake of Ozarks. It may be an ideal relocation for those who "might not like to be in the city, but are in the city because of the general lack of access to the internet." The development of Co-Mo Connect is changing that. The new product development which is internet dependent is extensive. Specifically mentioned were remote garage door openers, security systems, baby monitors, refrigerators and much more.

Some want the advantages offered by high internet capability to help them use the latest technology, but also want the advantages of smaller, communities where the quality of life is better. And then, as pointed out by California Mayor Norris Gerhart, "There are a lot of people who really don't want to change."

The best way is to provide information to increase the knowledge of people as to what is actually possible with the greater internet availability. This may prove to attract new businesses. Some businesses, if they can be attracted to the area, may then attract satellite businesses to bring in more people. It was pointed out by several of those present that additional retailers, such as clothing or shoe stores, will have to have a greater population base before they are going to open in the area.

The discussion led to some suggestions of a "community outreach" effort to provide information about what people can do with technology to improve their daily lives and what the community as a whole can do with advanced technology.

MRED Chairman Mike Kelley said the community outreach was reasonable. He then continued with, "We shouldn't lose focus on the marketing plan to get businesses to locate or expand here. Individual or community needs are not the purpose of the grant."

It needs to be determined what can attract people and businesses to the county. These points should be emphasized on the MRED website. There also has to be information available which could be provided to businesses and individuals which are looking to relocate, and are seriously considering this area. The fiber optics internet availability is a good beginning. But the information ready to present should include possible available business and manufacturing locations, affordable and adequate housing and the proximity to areas of other activities.