Stone County Economic Development

Update

A Note From Economic Development Director, Jeremy Goggans

Economic development may sound like a small phrase, but the work behind it has a big impact. There are many conversations, projects, and partnerships happening at the same time. While we cannot always share every detail right away, please know there is important work happening every day to help move Stone County forward.

Our office is focused on business retention and expansion, housing, workforce, tourism, and placemaking. We work with businesses by listening to their needs, understanding their challenges, and connecting them with helpful resources and partners like the Missouri SBDC, efactory, and others.

Workforce development is also a priority. Table Rock Career Center is a key part of preparing students with real skills for local jobs, and we are also working with partners on challenges like childcare, which impacts both employers and employees.

Tourism remains Stone County’s top economic driver, and we continue helping tell the story of why visitors should choose Stone County, from Table Rock Lake and the James River to resorts, marinas, attractions, and outdoor recreation.

Most of all, our businesses, communities, and county matter. Your engagement matters. I look forward to the conversations ahead as we work together to shape the future of Stone County.

Respectfully,

Stone County’s future depends on strong businesses, strong communities, and smart planning. That is why two important efforts, Launch Stone County and Our Stone County, are working in alignment to support the long-term success of our county.

While the work connects, the two efforts are not the same.

Launch Stone County was developed in 2024 as the Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce’s five-year economic development strategy. Its focus is on business and civic needs, including business retention, expansion, and recruitment, workforce development, housing, visitor marketing, and community development. Through Launch Stone County, the Chamber works with public and private partners to support business growth, attract investment, and strengthen the economic future of Stone County.

Our Stone County is a new, community-led coalition focused on community and social needs. Its work centers on three priorities: affordable housing, water quality and conservation, and community gathering spaces. These priorities came from community input and reflect the quality-of-life issues residents care about most.

Together, these efforts help tell a more complete story of what Stone County needs to thrive.

Economic development is not only about attracting new businesses or supporting existing ones. It is also connected to whether workers can find housing, whether families have access to clean and reliable water, and whether communities have places where people can gather, connect, and build relationships.

At the same time, community needs are strengthened by a healthy local economy. Strong businesses create jobs, investment, and opportunity. Civic planning helps communities prepare for growth. Workforce development helps residents build skills and helps employers meet their needs.

Launch Stone County and Our Stone County approach this work from different angles, but both point toward the same goal: a stronger, more connected Stone County.

The Chamber is proud to support and align with efforts that help Stone County grow with purpose. By connecting economic progress with community priorities, we can help build a future where businesses, residents, and communities all have the opportunity to succeed.

Learn more about Our Stone County here.

We’re partnering with the Show-Me Network to bring a series of no-cost training sessions to entrepreneurs across Missouri. These sessions will help individuals explore their business options, build strong credit and financial habits, and strengthen their overall business practices. This statewide initiative connects Missourians to the resources they need to start, grow, and succeed.

April’s economic data shows an economy that is still moving forward, even with continued challenges.

Nationally, U.S. GDP grew by 2% in the first quarter, and businesses added 178,000 jobs in March. Retail sales also increased, though higher gas prices played a role.

In Missouri, employment dipped slightly in March, following a larger decline in February. However, construction and leisure-hospitality continue to show gains.

Overall, the economy is not moving quickly, but it remains steady and resilient.