Christian County Updates

In this month’s newsletter, we’re excited to share significant development updates from Billings, Clever, Nixa, and Ozark. We also highlight IARA tax credits for hiring interns or apprentices and spotlight upcoming events, including SCORE’s Acce$$ to Money and the Ownit Small Business Workshop.


We appreciate our partners' support to drive positive change in Christian County.

Developmental News & Updates

In addition to our current active project list, which includes projects such as site development, business attraction, redevelopment, and expansion, SMCC is involved in various development endeavors throughout the county. Please see below for a brief update on development endeavors and discussions occurring countywide.

  • Billings
  • Billings City Park celebrated $200K improvements with August 24 ribbon cutting funded by National Park Service grant SMCOG grant and local contributions including new sports courts ADA play equipment honoring Lew Rauch's legacy
  • New Billings Childcare Program Strengthens Community and Workforce: In partnership with OACAC, SMCC proudly supported the initiative by conducting community surveys to quantify the need
  • Clever 
  • Chief Mike Evans appointed July 16 after 22 years with Springfield PD plans to implement neighborhood watch business watch and see something say something programs
  • Nixa 
  • City of Nixa Hires New Director of Communications: Summer Rascoll-Jones
  • Ozark
  • Garrison Springs Community Forest opened with a ribbon cutting on Aug. 20
  • CoxHealth Rehabilitation Hospital - 63-bed facility announced in Ozark, with SMCC's site logistics support

Intern and Apprentice Recruitment Act (IARA)

Reminder: IARA Application Period Has Started!

Application Periods:

  • Preliminary: Now Through - November 15, 2024
  • Full: January 1 - February 15, 2025


IARA Program: State tax credits for hiring interns or apprentices.

Funding Limits:

  • $1,500 per intern/apprentice
  • $9,000 max per company annually
  • $1 million program cap per year


Eligibility:

  • Interns: 60 hours/month for 2 months, enrolled in a Missouri institution, 30+ credit hours
  • Apprentices: U.S. Department of Labor program, 144 hours of instruction, 2,000 hours of training

 

For further information on qualifications and application details, click here.

Available Sites & Buildings

The location of your business is crucial to its success. Situated in the heart of the region, Christian County offers excellent access via highways and air routes, making it an ideal hub for your business operations. Below, you'll find a selection of available properties and buildings in our area. While we make every effort to keep our listings up-to-date, we welcome any information about other available properties—please contact us to help keep our database current.


Show Me Christian County is dedicated to providing a centralized resource for viewing available locations within the county, with direct links to the original listings.

View Sites & Buildings

SCORE'S Acce$$ to Money

SCORE's Acce$$ to Money event is on September 18th from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Jay Wasson Idea Loft at the efactory in Springfield, MO. The event features over 30 entrepreneurial and finance experts, including keynote speaker John Oke-Thomas. Attendees can join panel discussions, workshops, and pitch competitions, offering valuable opportunities for those seeking business funding. 


For more details and registration: click here.

A Workshop for the Small Business Owner

This workshop is designed to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to take your business to the next level. Whether you're a startup founder, entrepreneur, or small business owner, this workshop offers actionable insights to help you succeed.


📅 Date: Friday, September 27th

📍 Location: Signarama Community Room, Nixa Chamber Office

902 Mt. Vernon, Nixa, MO

⏰ Check-In: 8:30 AM

🎟️ Cost: $100/person

Register Here


Learn from local 417 professionals as they share insights on social media strategies, growth mastery, workplace management, SEO, and more. Don't miss this opportunity to gain actionable knowledge that can propel your business forward!

Stay Engaged

SMCC Board Meeting

The next board meeting will take place at 10:00am on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024 at Nixa City Hall. This is an investor-only meeting.


Be sure to mark your calendars. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join us for our next First Tuesday meeting on October 1st, 2024, at Nixa City Hall. Bring your ideas to the table for an open discussion. Your presence and input are valued. To invite a guest, please contact SMCC.

Planning Ahead to 2026

Buckle up for an eventful 2026! With Route 66's centennial, the US Semiquincentennial, and the World Cup, our community will shine. Expect a tourism surge, with bustling activity along the historic route and in nearby hotspots. Let's prepare now to make the most of these opportunities. Learn more.

What is Economic Development?

Think you know your economic development? Put your knowledge to the test with our fun, Jeopardy-themed trivia! It's a quick and engaging way to challenge yourself and maybe even learn something new.

A zoned development site with ready access to infrastructure.

A) What is a pre-zoned area?
B) What is a shovel-ready site?
C) What is a construction-ready plot?
Facebook  Instagram  Linkedin