Register for the webinar series
Join us for the 2025 CEC Monthly Exchange Webinar Series, a webinar series dedicated to showcasing the power of collaboration in rural Missouri communities. In 2025, we spotlight successful stories of collaboration that are driving innovation, strengthening connections, and creating lasting impact in our small towns and rural regions.
Attendees will hear real stories with real impact directly from community leaders, organizations, and individuals who have successfully worked together to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. At the end of each webinar, we leave time for Q&A sessions with speakers and peers to exchange ideas and build networks.
Whether you're an economic development or nonprofit professional, local official, business owner, or simply passionate about rural development, the CEC Monthly Exchange Webinar Series is your go-to for inspiration, learning, and connection.
Series info
April 4 - Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce
"Engaging Your Community: Social Media & App Strategies for Local Impact"
Join us for an insightful session on how the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce keeps the community engaged through strategic social media and a dedicated community app. Learn practical tips and real-world strategies from chamber leaders and small business owners who are successfully building connections and driving engagement.
Panelists:
- Lauri Lyerla – CEO, Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce
- Sarah James – Owner, Magnolia & Sunshine
- Mary Margaret Butler – Representative, App My Community
May 2 - City of Hannibal and the CEO Program
The story of Hannibal Area CEO started with the Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council connecting with the Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship. A steering committee was formed consisting of business, school and other community leaders from the Hannibal area in early 2022. Partnering with Midland Institute, that group built the foundation for the program including building a local CEO board to oversee the program and recruiting investors (donors) to fund the program making it free for schools and students. The collaborative, community driven nature of CEO is one of its key success principles. The active support of the business community is mission-critical. The CEO students visit over 40 businesses each year and have over 40 guest business speakers. The business community serves as the true teachers of business and life success. Every student has a business mentor during their journey as the launch both a class business and an individual business they leave the class with. This collaborative investment in the next generation of not only money but also time, energy and advice, transforms the students in many ways.
Panelists:
- Maria Kuhns - Hannibal Area CEO Board Chair, Executive Director of Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council. She's also an Alum of the Effingham County (IL) CEO Program.
- Brad Kurz - Hannibal Area CEO Investor, Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Brad brought the idea of CEO to Hannibal after learning about the program. He served on the steering committee and the launching CEO board.
- John French - Superintendent - Lewis County C1 School District. John served on the Hannibal Area CEO Steering Committee and continues to serve on the Board.
- Katelynn Ferguson-Minor - Hannibal Area CEO Class of 2024 Alum
- Chris Egelston - Community Engagement Leader for the Midland Institute For Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneur, Keynote Speaker, Infotainer, Corporate Magician / Entertainer