The Moniteau County Regional Economic Development Council meeting July 11, at Downtown Cafe, Tipton, was led off by a presentation on Prep The Page LLC, an organization designed to assist in connection of communities and resources, by Lee Langerock, project specialist.
She explained that the organization promoter of productive support that directly benefits business and economic development services. Prep The Page provides business resources to offer start-up entrepreneurs and existing business. The organization began in February 2017 and Langerock joined about the same time.
She discussed how the organization works to find what the community needs, and can help new businesses starting and retention of existing businesses and help them all grow.
Following her presentation, President Mike Kelley reported on his activities on behalf of the MRED. He said work continues on the Moniteau County Apprenticeship Program.
"The program is a mountain right now," he said.
The program is designed to help prepare graduates for future careers in Moniteau County businesses. The drawback is that the Moniteau County program must be one of the first non-technical school groups tackling the issue of apprenticeship. It has turned out to be a lot of work.
There is also a continuing effort to arrange for tours of businesses in the county by new teachers. He also found that there is a place in Kansas which trains chimney sweeps, something that may help Advanced Chimney in its apprenticeship program.
Among those in attendance was Elaine Anderson, with University of Missouri Extension. The extension will be represented in Moniteau County at the Farm Services Agency, 410 West Buchanan St., 8:30 a.m-2:30 p.m. Wednesday and 8:30-10:30 a.m. Thursday.
The next meeting is Aug. 15 at Burgher Haus.