It seems like we've been everywhere but the moon since our last newsletter update! From Jefferson City, to Lebanon, to the buffalo ranch at Shook Farms, we were all over Missouri in February. But our work is good work, and we're always glad to engage with our partners and investors across the state and beyond.

While February was full of events, there is much more to look forward to in March. We've got our next full board meeting taking place at the Nixa library branch on Wednesday the 22nd at 10am. The following day, we'll be trekking up north for the Southwest Missouri Economic Development Summit hosted by the Missouri Department of Economic Development. We encourage interested partners and investors to consider attending.

The SMCC staff pictured with Chad and Tiffanie Shook, Sparta Mayor Jenni Davis, and Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe

SMCC staffers with Nixa and Ozark city administrators at the Missouri Capitol

And don't forget: we are still planning to have a "Christian County Day" at Jefferson City to continue our legislative advocacy. More information is to come; contact Rachel or myself if you're interested in joining us!

As we are still on the go in this thriving season of economic development, be sure to follow us on social media to stay up-to-date on all things Show Me. It's been incredible to see the amount of growth and engagement we've had on our various platforms; please continue sharing our posts and events as we tell the ongoing story of Christian County!

Kristen Haseltine

President/CEO - Show Me Christian County

417-496-5987 (cell)

Visit us at showmeccmo.com

Show Me Christian County Full Board Meeting

The next Show Me Christian County full board meeting will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at the Nixa Branch of the Christian County Library, located at 208 N McCroskey St, Nixa, MO. Be sure to mark your calendars!

Southwest Missouri Economic Development Summit

The Show Me team is inviting any interested partners and investors to attend the Missouri DED's Economic Development Summit on March 23 at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. Registration for the event is free!

Click here for more info or to register!

Christian County Advocacy Day

The Show Me team will be having a "Christian County Day" as we travel to Jefferson City to meet with elected officials on behalf of our partners and businesses. We are inviting members of our Government Relations Committee as well as interested partners to join us in a day trip to the state capitol projected for April as we coordinate schedules with representatives and government officials. Please contact Rachel Campbell, Office Administrator, if you are interested in joining us!

The City of Nixa is now accepting proposals for a planning & development comprehensive plan. Submissions are set to close at 10 a.m. on March 15, 2023.

More info available here.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development received funds from the American Rescue Plan Act to assist with economic recovery efforts. The following grant applications are open or will open soon. Please follow the link for more information about these grants.

• Entertainment Industry (finalizing guidelines, launch in March)
• Nonprofit (drafting guidelines, launch in March)
• Cell Tower (drafting guidelines, launch in April)

Did you know that Missouri One-Start offers NO COST recruitment services for businesses looking to add to their workforce? The organization also offers paid marketing assistance, such as social media promotion and micro-website creation.

For more information and to find out if your business is eligible for free assistance, visit missourionestart.com today!

The Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant Program is accepting applications through March 12! This grant awards $40,000 to 25 restaurants each year. Follow the link below to apply or nominate a restaurant!

Click here for more info!



4 by 4 Brewing Co. Ribbon-Cutting

4 by 4 Brewing Co. held a ribbon-cutting at their new Fremont Hills location! Three Chambers of Commerce and our economic development team were present for the christening of this awesome new venture!

Missouri Main Street Connection quarterly workshop - Lebanon, MO

There was a strong showing by Christian County at the Missouri Main Street Connection quarterly workshop! Members of HRD, Sparta Historic District, and Show Me Christian County were in attendance to learn more about community marketing!

Whataburger Ribbon-Cutting

Welcome to Christian County, Whataburger! We were honored to be part of the ribbon-cutting for Ozark's new Whataburger restaurant.

Finley River Outpost Groundbreaking Ceremony

SMCC had the privilege of facilitating the groundbreaking ceremony of this exciting new development in Sparta, MO. Chad and Tiffanie Shook have big plans for agritourism and hospitality here in Christian County!

Ozark Leads - Marketing & Economic Development

The Show Me team took the reins on March's Ozark Leads class on marketing and economic development! It's always a joy for us to be able to educate and engage our community.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Missouri has seen incredible employment and economic growth. From total non-farm employment falling to 2,560,000 in April 2020, Missouri employment had increased by nearly 400,000 workers in Dec. 2022.

Missouri remains ahead of nationwide statistics in labor force participation (62.6%) and low unemployment rates (2.8%). Though there is still work to be done, it is heartening to see enormous economic and employment recovery take place!

And a big shoutout to the Missouri Department of Economic Development for researching and sharing this information with us!

Every month, we title our newsletter after a song that seems fitting. Can you name the artist who originally recorded this month's song, Road Trippin'?

Your options:

• Foo Fighters
• Goo Goo Dolls
• Weezer
• Red Hot Chili Peppers