University of Missouri Extension will host a Regional Economic Development Summit for Barry, Dade and Lawrence counties Tuesday, Sept. 3, at the MU Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center in Mount Vernon.
City and county representatives, nonprofit organizations, civic leaders, business owners and individuals are invited to attend the free event to learn about the resources offered by the presenting organizations, said MU Extension regional economic development specialist Lisa Robinson.
“So many groups and individuals are ready to improve themselves and their communities,” Robinson said. “They are not aware of the programs and resources available to them. The summit will be the launch for introducing the tools and resources to work toward programming in each community to accomplish their specific goals.”
Robinson will present on MU Extension’s business and communities programs. Extension specialists in agriculture and environment, health and safety, and youth and family will be available to answer questions.
Presenting organizations include:
- Southern Missouri Innovation Network (Innovate SOMO) with Efactory and Codefi
- Missouri Department of Economic Development
- Missouri Department of Economic Development, International Trade and Investment Office
- Southwest Missouri Council of Government (Regional Planning Commission)
- USDA Rural Development business and community programs
- Missouri Small Business Development Center at Missouri Southern State University
- Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
- Crowder College Training and Development Solutions
- Springfield Regional Economic Partnership
Chambers of commerce from Barry, Dade and Lawrence counties will provide updates on economic development in their counties. Federal and state legislators will be recognized.
For more information and to register for the summit, visit http://muext.us/REDS24.