Annual MRED meeting indicates success for the year

Moniteau County Regional Economic Development Council logo, California, Mo.
Moniteau County Regional Economic Development Council logo, California, Mo.

The Moniteau County Regional Economic Development Council (MRED) Board of Directors held its annual meeting at Burgher Haus restaurant April 12.

Outgoing Chairman Mike Kelley presented the 2016 Annual Report.

"MRED is an organization devoted to improving the economic well-being and quality of life for our communities," the report stated.

The organization began with a checking account balance of $15,796.11 and finished the year with an account balance of $16,251.54. Membership dues amounted to $44,750.20 and USDA (United State Department of Agriculture) grant money amounted to $20,000. Funds expended included $6,666 for a research and feasibility study and $32,000 for a marketing plan and a website redesign.

The research and feasibility study included a county-wide survey by Bob Donnelly of Missouri Technology Business Development Ecosystem LLC. The object was to look at the possibility of data storage facilities, as well as entrepreneurial development.

Using this information, Callis Integrated Marketing found a direction for the marketing plan. Among other things, it was discovered that Moniteau County had a lot more metal fabrication businesses than most similar areas.

The website www.mred.biz was redesigned and made more user-friendly.

Tours are being planned of local employers by high school counselors for interested students.

In addition, a list is being put together, which ideally, will have all of the available properties for business expansion and development. An attempt will be made to get the northern part of the county on board and involved in the effort to bring in more economic development to benefit the county.

New officers elected are: Chairman Calen Bestgen, Vice chairman Don Vanderfeltz, Secretary Becky Lawson, and Treasurer Norris Gerhart.

Kelley will start May 1, as part-time economic developer for the organization. He is retiring from a position with the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

He has been MRED board chairman for several years and has been involved with the organization, since its beginning. For about a year, he has been the MRED contact person, for those expressing interest in relocating to, or expanding in, Moniteau County. In addition, Kelley was instrumental in obtaining USDA grants for updating the website and producing a promotional brochure.

"As part-time economic developer, I will do a lot for the organization," Kelley said, "but to be effective, MRED will still need an effort by the committees. Economic development for the county is a team effort."