MPUA is hosting a series of workshops on Economic Development for Member Utilities

The background for this series of workshops is to support hometown utilities as a critical partner in community economic development. Utility providers need to be among the first at the planning table to discuss all issues relating to community growth. This series is designed to support municipal utilities in Missouri to understand the people the resources supporting economic development. The goal is to use this knowledge to engage city decision makers in a pro-active manner and gain a spot in the initial discussions on planning for the future.

Workshop #1

The starting point, and the common point, for all things relating to economic development is the Missouri Department of Economic Development. The objective of this presentation is to familiarize you with DED functions and offerings. Lori Becklenberg will provide this overview, and share information on other closely linked, statewide organizations, that may serve as a resource to support the economic development goals of your community.

Watch the workshop online here. 

Workshop #2

New commercial or industrial development simply does not occur without the utility infrastructure to support the activity. The time to turn around your response to an economic development request for information is frequently very short. The objective of this workshop is to help you prepare for any requests to your community. Subash Alias will provide guidance on the kind of information that utilities can provide to business prospects looking at your community.

Watch the workshop online here. 

Workshop #3

While there are several MPUA communities doing excellent work in economic development, we will be joined by Ben Jones, Springfield City Utilities, to talk about their best practices in business recruitment, and expansion.  Ben will share an overview of their incentives, programming and protocols that have been a key factor in the economic growth in the region. 

Watch the workshop online here. 

Workshop #4

The success of your economy depends on constantly improving the quality of life in your community.  Hometown Utilities need to be aware of the menu of options available to pay for new infrastructure or support new opportunities.  Megan Miller, Gilmore Bell, will provide an overview of available options, as well as relevant examples of how these programs have been used to support your neighboring cities. This virtual meeting is open to any MPUA Utility members who want to attend.

Watch the workshop online here.

Learn more about workshops in 2024

Workshop #5 - November 14