Brookfield, Missouri
Unlike the other communities, Brookfield
is utilizing the "Home Town Competitiveness" approach championed by the Center
for Rural Entrepreneurship in Lincoln, NE. Substantial progress has been
made with formation of task forces, conducting existing business visits, forming
a community foundation and efforts on youth entrepreneurship. Review their
Action Plan for 2007.
They currently have one VISTA position.
June 2007
April, 2007 Update:
- A recent business expansion resulted in 43
new jobs, 45 retained jobs, $1 million in additional payroll, the
lease/purchase of the community's spec building and $2.5 million investment.
- Brookfield has engaged nearly 100 community
members over the course of their project.
- The community leadership academy was a huge
success with 17 graduates. The class was an overwhelming success.
The next session, beginning in September, already has 15 enrolled
participants.
- The Community Foundation has been formed and
is called the Hometown LEGACY Foundation. A board of directors has
been appointed and meets monthly. The kick-off of the foundation's
capital campaign awaits the final approval of the 501c3 status.
- A business visitation program has been
initiated.
- A downtown revitalization initiative is
underway.
- A vacant building was donated and sold
providing a $27,000 profit to apply to development efforts.
- Two students from Brookfield won first and
second place in the Entrepreneurship Week USA Northwest Missouri Art
Contest. The Northwest Missouri State University Small Business
Development Center sponsored an art contest and a business idea contest as
part of Entrepreneurship Week USA. There were 34 entries from area
students and two judging panels, including youth judges.
Project description, submitted by the Brookfield
Area Growth Partnership (PDF)
CEED main page
