MRED entrepreneur events discussed at regular meeting

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

The upcoming entrepreneurship-encouraging events of the Moniteau County Regional Economic Development Council (MRED) were discussed at the regular board meeting Nov. 8. The meeting was held at The Pueblo restaurant in Tipton. There were 20 people present.

Mike Kelley, MRED president/CEO, spoke about the next StartUp Moniteau MRED networking event scheduled for Nov. 16 at Advanced Chimney Techniques in Jamestown. There will be another in California Dec. 7 at California City Hall. Both events are from 6-8 p.m.

The events are designed to expose local entrepreneurs to resources which can hopefully turn their idea into an actual business enterprise, through connecting the aspiring business beginners to networking with others with resources. The plan is to eventually have at least one event in every community in the county. There is a six-week Launch U course available.

Kelley reported to the board that there is a new Location One Information System, which is much better than the previous one. It provides easier access to possible locations for business locations for startups and expansions.

He reported working with two Tipton-area businesses, helping plan expansions. He also spoke of the improvements to the website. A job opportunities section is on the website.

So far, there are two businesses listed with logos, which when clicked on, will bring up local job opportunities.

He mentioned a visit with someone from the U.S. Department of Labor in late November to discuss setting up a registered apprenticeship program. Kelley discussed an upcoming Heartland Economic Development Course April 22-26 in Lee's Summit. This is a presentation by the University of Iowa.

The cost will be $885, plus cost of the room. It should be worthwhile, but he is not certain at this point that he will be able to go. After a brief discussion, the board urged him to go, and approved paying for Kelley's attendance at the session. The next month's meeting, which will be the committee meetings, will be in California Dec.13.