MRED discusses Startup Moniteau progress

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 board met last Wednesday, discussing progress with filling seats for this year's edition of MRED's Startup Moniteau program.

As of last Wednesday's meeting, five of seven seats were spoken for. This year, every participant walks away with a portion of the $9,000 available in startup funding upon completion of the LaunchU educational program, not just winners of the program's yearly pitch competition.

"We're having good success with (Startup Moniteau) right now, and we're looking to have another stellar year," MRED president Mike Kelley said.

In regard to another ongoing program, Kelley said Central Missouri Business Leaders has "fizzled out" due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. For much of the year, the group has not met, after holding monthly gatherings previously, and turnout was low at a recent tour at the Gokey USA facility in Tipton.

"I don't know what to do with it," Kelley said. "I mean, we have the event at Gokey and it wasn't very well-attended."

Kelley said he thought the issue may lie in the meeting date and time, but he previously sent out a survey in which respondents indicated the usual specifications were the preference. The group discussed the virtual option used once earlier this year due to the pandemic as an option to improve attendance moving forward, if those meetings are to continue.

The pandemic has canceled many things, both for MRED and other groups and organizations throughout the county, but the Jamestown C-1 School does have a lunch and learn scheduled for February.

Another ongoing topic, the Economic Development Administration grant money MRED is set to receive, was also discussed. The $30,000 from that grant will go toward a campaign marketing local manufacturers and retailers via print, radio, television and social media advertising.

Finally, Kelley mentioned that the Professional Edge study through students in the University of Missouri's school of business seems to be moving forward, though he has not yet heard back from the group about its progress.

MRED's next regular monthly meeting is set at noon Nov. 11 at a location to be determined in California.