California Chamber plans for community events and entrepreneurs

Mike Kelley updated the California Area Chamber of Commerce on the Moniteau County Regional Economic Development (MRED) Council's activities.
Mike Kelley updated the California Area Chamber of Commerce on the Moniteau County Regional Economic Development (MRED) Council's activities.

The California Area Chamber of Commerce received an update from the Moniteau County Regional Economic Development (MRED) Council at its regular board meeting Aug. 13.

Mike Kelley, who recently was hired as the council's part-time president and CEO, said the organization's focus will be helping existing businesses expand and supporting new entrepreneurs.

With the help of a USDA Rural Business Development Grant and improved website and marketing tools, Kelley said the organization is ready to make an impact.

This fall, the MRED will begin a three-phase Start-Up Moniteau program to encourage local entrepeneurship. The first step will be networking opportunities to identify interested entrepreneurs.

Next, connections will be made with successful entrepreneurs telling their stories to the future small business owners.

And the final phase will be a pitch competition, where the potential entrepreneurs deliver their ideas and the best idea receives a prize to help their business plan off the ground.

"We've got to get entrepreneurs out in the open so that we know who they are," Kelley said.

In other business, the board:

  • Voted to donate $100 to the Moniteau County Alliance for Kids to support the Back To School Fair Aug. 1, which will provide backpacks filled with grade-specific supplies to more than 400 area students.
  • Learned that the June golf tournament raised about $4,500 profit with 26 participating teams and 38 hole sponsors.
  • Was updated on progress to host the Ozark Ham and Turkey Festival again Sept. 16.
  • Secured final plans for the community eclipse viewing event Aug. 21 at the Moniteau County Fairgrounds.