Mississippi River Hills Region
An interim Roundtable (coordinating body
for the region) has been formed, currently working on organizational issues --
bylaws, fundraising plan, etc. The Roundtable consists of representatives
and alternates from each of the six counties as well as each of the stakeholder
groups. Currently there are six stakeholder groups: agricultural
producers, hospitality industry, wineries and vineyards, economic development,
artisans, and retailers (of regionally produced goods).
Mississippi River Hills has held several training events
"First Steps - Fast Trac" as well as an agri-tourism conference.
Review their 2007 Action Plan.
April, 2007 Update
- The Mississippi River Hills Association was
born March 20th and by-laws have been adopted. There are 14 people
committed to serving on the board of directors and officers were elected.
- There is a sustainability plan in the works
which will include a fundraising plan.
- We are interviewing two firms in St. Louis
to do our marketing work. Another company has expressed interest in
working on our web site.
- We are exploring a regulatory change with
the Missouri Department of Agriculture for name protection for "MRH".
- We have had success holding classes on how
to sell items on E-Bay and grant writing basics.
- Interviews are underway for an assistant to
provide support services to the project.
- Recently held a farmers market training
where over 30 people attended. Discussions included the importance of
not under pricing your neighbors and ways to market your products.
- We are working on a survey for potential
users of a commercial kitchen business incubator.
- Currently recruiting for VISTA positions.
We are developing ideas for ways to increase incentives such as providing
housing.
- Our web site was donated by a local provider
and is up and running at
http://MississippiRiverHills.org.
- Online maps are available on the web site.
- Over 100 maps were distributed at
Legislative Day on March 14th.
- We have a display being used at regional
events such as soils and crops conferences.
- We have an MU intern secured for the Fall
semester and they will work on the guide to local foods.
Project description for the Mississippi River
Hills Region
Video profile of the MRH
agri-tourism economic development effort
Discover
the Mississippi River Hills
This map is your guide to the foods, wines, agricultural products and cultural
attractions of a distinctive "ecoregion" of eastern Missouri that includes the
counties of Jefferson, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Perry, Cape Girardeau and
Scott. Use it to plan day trips with family and friends or show visitors and
newcomers what interesting places await them.
You can order a map online or pick one up at an MU Extension county center in
the region.
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