The University of Missouri (MU) Extension has announced a Regional Economic Development Summit for Barry, Dade and Lawrence counties on Sept. 3 at the Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center in Mt. Vernon.

This outreach program, from 8:15 a.m. to noon, promotes the tools and resources of MU Extension with the federal, state, and regional entities who participate with communities in economic development activities.

MU Extension Field Specialist Lisa Robinson will present on the topic of ‘Extension’s Business and Communities.’ Additional field specialists who represent Extension topics of ‘Agriculture and Environment,’ ‘Health and Safety,’ and ‘Youth and Family’ will be available to answer questions.

All city and county representatives, non-profit organizations, civic leaders, business owners, and individuals are invited to attend and learn about the resources offered by the presenting organizations. The focus is on economic development: ‘Improving the economic well-being of your citizens.’

Presenting organizations include:

• Southern Missouri Innovation Network (Innovate SOMO) with efactory and Codefi

• Missouri Department of Economic Development, SW Region

• Missouri Department of Economic Development, International Trade, and Investment Office

• Southwest Missouri Council of Government (SMCOG) (Regional Planning Commission) * USDA Rural Development – Business Programs and Community Programs

• Missouri SBDC at MSSU

• Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD)

• 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 respective counties. Federal and state legislators will be recognized.

Robinson has served as a Field Specialist in Regional Economic Development since August 2023. She has learned from her interactions in the counties that there is a desire to focus on economic development in the counties of Barry, Dade and Lawrence.

‘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.’

For more information and to register for the economic development summit, people may visit https://tinyurl.com/3k-9j7ckp. There is no fee, and the registration deadline is Sept. 1.