Marketing materials presented to MRED

After the MRED meeting in Tipton on Nov. 9, the proposed marketing materials are checked out by Mike Kelley, left, chair of the MRED Board, and Cliff Callis, of Callis & Associates, Sedalia.
After the MRED meeting in Tipton on Nov. 9, the proposed marketing materials are checked out by Mike Kelley, left, chair of the MRED Board, and Cliff Callis, of Callis & Associates, Sedalia.

The MRED (Moniteau County Regional Economic Development Council) board approved an initial marketing plan presented at the regular meeting, Wednesday, Nov. 9, held at Downtown Cafe. The plan was presented by Cliff Callis, of Callis & Associates. The discussion led to a few minor changes, but for the most part the plan was approved.
As approved, the marketing plan will initially go towards the in the category of metal fabrication and metal cutting companies. A survey, conducted earlier by Consultant Bob Donnelly, Missouri Technology Business Development Ecosystem, LLC, Branson, indicated that type of business is more than two times the national average in Moniteau County. The marketing effort is expected to go forward in just a few weeks, targeting the companies which were identified and listed in Donnelly's survey.
There is a initial card to be sent out and a four-page color brochure to be sent to this interested. The information brochure highlights the fiber optics gigabit technology possibilities, other strong reasons for locating in the region and information about the county and the cities. Emphasis is placed on the access to technology and the ease of rural living. The brochure also includes testimonials from several business people located in Moniteau County. The board approved about $10,000 for the marketing work.
Additional materials are being added to the redesigned website at www.mred.biz. is still being . It is a work in progress. It is also considered necessary to put more information and possible building or business locations on "LocationOne." information on what is available at the Tipton and California industrial parks should be added to have something anyone interested in locating in the era can go to.
The efforts of the various committees concerning marketing, business attraction, business development and business retention for the county was discussed. The workforce development project has run into problems with transitioning and emerging workers. The testing takes several hours. In theory, a Work Ready Community can measure, and close, the gap of skills needed in the members of the workforce in the area by matching the workforce development efforts with the skills need in the local businesses and industries.
The next meeting is planned for Dec. 14 in a place not yet determined.