MRED works to support local businesses

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 is working on making young people aware of work opportunities in the local area.

At the monthly meeting May 9, at El Pueblo, Tipton, President Mike Kelley spoke of meetings with Jamestown and California school administrators to encourage the schools and businesses getting together to inform the young people of the variety of job opportunities for graduates in Moniteau County businesses.

"The goal is to get businesses into schools and schools into businesses," Kelley said. A list is planned of businesses offering opportunities and have representatives of some of those businesses meet with juniors and seniors at their schools over lunch hours on some Fridays during the school year. If needed, more meetings can be arranged.

It is hoped to get the new staff members and newly-hired teachers to tour the area businesses, to see what kind of opportunities are offered.

The Moniteau County Apprenticeship Program funding has been approved by the state. Burgers' Smokehouse and Cargill are on board with the program. At least two other Moniteau county businesses are interested.

Kelley contacted the company, which owns and operates Mo Wood, just east of California. The plant is expected to be closed by the end of May. He contacted the Missouri Department of Economic Development Employment Transition Team, often known as the Rapid Response Team. A meeting was set up with the employees to help them in the future. There are 15 people affected.

Following discussion, the board approved paying $255 for Kelley to attend the Missouri Economic Development Annual Conference to be held at Lake Ozark June 12-14. The June MRED meeting date has been changed by a week, because of the conference.