The Moniteau County Regional Economic Development Council is working on changes to take before the voting membership at the annual meeting to be held in April.
At the monthly meeting March 14, at Downtown Cafe, Tipton, the proposal was made to reduce the membership of the board of directors to seven people, with an alternate for each. This makes it more likely that a board quorum would be present to vote at each meeting.
It was also discussed of having board members serving three-year terms. That requires board members elected as of April having a up to a three-year membership on the board. Then, next year, the one-year board position would become a three-year position, and in two years, the new two-year board position would become a three-year board membership. The other three positions are currently permanent board seats. They are held by elected officials - the presiding county commissioner and the mayors of California and Tipton. The proposal is that each of those three will have an alternate, as will the other three members. The seventh board member - the president of the board - only votes in case of a tie.
An update was given on the Registered Apprenticeship Program. Mike Kelley, MRED president/CEO, announced the administration of Gov. Eric Greitens had approved a grant of $88,000 to help with the program. Cargill and Burgers' Smokehouse are onboard with the program. The apprenticeship program requires a certain amount of work-related training and a certain amount of training for credentials. Kelley explained that the previous model called for the credentialed training to be from a technical school. The new model is different in that it can be appropriate coursework taken at community colleges.
The success of the recent StartUp Moniteau MRED networking events was mentioned. These were 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.
There was also a six-week LaunchU course. Five local entrepreneurs took part. After completion, four entrepreneurs pitched their ideas to three judges. The second place winner, Chelsea McGill, already has begun to put the idea - a coffee shop to be called "Grind" into practice. A location has been selected on Oak Street in California, and it currently being decorated.
The group continues to make plans to work with the schools and the businesses together. It is hoped to have local business people stop by the schools at lunch or otherwise meet some of the students to let them know what occupational opportunities are available in the county. Additional plans are for new school staff members be taken on a tour of the businesses in the county in order to familiarize them with what is work is available in the county.
Kelley recently was told that Moniteau County only needs two more people to considered a Certified Work Ready Community. Since being certified in this way could draw a business to the area, there was a discussion on working with the schools to find a couple of young people to take the certification testing to take the county to the next level. Such certification provides businesses an efficient, reliable way to identify skilled job candidates and can drive more economic growth.
The annual meeting is planned for April 11.