The Pulaski County Growth Alliance (PCGA) had a very successful year in 2023 and is excited for continued growth for Pulaski County in 2024. In addition to the projects mentioned below, PCGA reorganized after the Motor Vehicle office contract was awarded to an out of state entity, which affected the organization's funding of paid staff who networked and met with individuals and organizations to encourage economic development. Since then, the PCGA has reorganized itself into an all-volunteer organization that is comprised of people who set economic development of our county as a high priority.
As we reflect on all of the great things that have happened over the course of the past 14 months, PCGA has focused on the following:
• Career Fair - Networking county-wide businesses with job seekers
• Monthly Meetings - Meetings now incorporate speakers related to economic development, county-wide programs, and Pulaski County business owners' success stories, to the agenda. The speakers at our meetings have truly made this a special year for PCGA, with a significant increase in attendance. Speakers from the Missouri Department of Economic Development, local universities, colleges and non-profit organizations along with local and national elected officials have all provided valuable insights and information on the impacts our local economic development.
• Sports Feasibility Study - This year marks the first year in PCGA history where we embarked on a joint project with Pulaski County Tourism, to fund a Sports Facility Study for our county through the Meramec Regional Planning Commission.
• Grants - Sharing of grant opportunities on the PCGA Facebook page
• New Membership - The addition of new members
Membership Opportunities
One of the Alliance’s current goals is to increase membership in order to hire a paid director. Currently efforts are organized by Anita Ivey from the City of Saint Robert who has done an outstanding job. The ability to hire a dedicated person to promote economic development throughout the county is vital. If you are interested in continuing your membership or joining the PCGA, the membership opportunities are as follows:
Tier 1: $1000 or Greater - As an ex-office member on board, website listing with logo and link, networking events, opportunity to serve on committee
Tier 2: $500 - Website listing and link, networking events, opportunity to serve on committees.
Tier 3: $250 - Website listing and link, networking events.
Pulaski County Sports Complex Feasibility Study Final Presentation
The Meramec Regional Planning Commission, in partnership with the Pulaski County Tourism Bureau and the Pulaski County Growth Alliance, is pleased to invite you to the Pulaski County Sports Complex Feasibility Study Final Presentation being held Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at the Hampton Inn meeting room, 103 St. Robert Plaza Dr. in St. Robert.
In February 2023, Meramec Regional Planning Commission received a Financial Assistance Award from The Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) for a sports complex feasibility study to be done in Pulaski County. Pulaski County representation has since been working with consultants Hunden Partners of Chicago to develop a comprehensive market, demand and financial feasibility study for a sports complex built in the
county. Representatives of Hunden Partners will be in-person during this final presentation to present findings, explain the implications for Pulaski County and answer any questions. The presentation and final report will include in-depth analysis of economic, demographic, tourism, hotel, restaurant, employment, public demand and financial data.
If you plan to attend, in-person or virtually, please RSVP to opogue@meramecregion.org so we can arrange accommodations accordingly.
Monthly Meeting
The Pulaski County Growth Alliance held its monthly board meeting on Feb. 21.
In attendance were Glen Smith, chairman and mayor of Crocker; Mike Dunbar, Security Bank of Pulaski County; Deborah Decker, Pulaski County Health Department; Christie Leverton, alderman for City of Crocker; Beth Wiles, Pulaski County Tourism; Janell Rowel, Pulaski County Tourism; Danielle Schneider, St. Joseph Medical Center; Allee Crabb, Missouri Department of Economic Development; Misty Bias, EXP Realty; Daniel Whittle, Pulaski County Assessor; Travin Shelton, Bank of Missouri; Bri Sides, Jade Realty; Geoff Knoll, EXP Realty; Cassie Ball, Noble Team Realty; Anita Ivey, City of St. Robert; Mark Parker, City of St. Robert; Cecilia Opper, WSR Sports; Nancy Sipes, Drury University; Kerstin Ellis, Delphi Brands; Michael Ussery, Senator Schmidt's Office; Israel Doba, City of Dixon; Dr. Charles Slider, City of St. Robert; Tyler Bolen, City of Richland; Britney Davis, Compass Health; Dave Earnst, Pulaski County Clerk; Doug Potts, City of Waynesville; Darrel Todd, media.
Geoff Knoll gave a presentation on residential lending and interest rates from the perspective of the residential real estate community. Bri Sides with Jade Realty also provided additional points and added to the discussion. County Assessor Daniel Whittle provided a synopsis of what the Pulaski Assessor's office is seeing within their residential valuations. Travin Shelton with Bank of Missouri provided a general overview of retail lending and the effect ambiguous interest rates are having on real estate and commercial lending.
The January meeting minutes were also approved during this meeting.
Ivey mentioned that Beale did not get a financial report but PCGA has a balance of $19,645 in the bank and recently received a $5000 contribution from St. Robert.
In other news, Deborah Decker reported that the Self-Care Fair has eight vendors and 90 registered so far. Janell Rowel indicated the youth team is advancing to State competition and Beth Wiles informed the board that the feasibility study report from Orin at MRPC will be modified (with an in-person final presentation in the future).
MRPC received a Military Installation Resiliency Grant (MIRG) of $500,000 to study feasibility and future for Fort Leonard Wood. They anticipate a March 1 start date, with a match of $2500 to the study. A motion was proposed for approval by Ivey, Deborah Decker made a motion, 2nd by Tyler Bolen.
