Greetings!

Here is your copy of the September Sunday Post. Please share this with friends and colleagues, especially those involved in community and economic development.

I am currently serving as the Interim President/CEO of the Moberly (MO) Area Economic Development Corporation.

Please scroll to the bottom and read the Quote of the Month!

Check out the updated Business Headlines from this past month.

Thank you!

Jim Fram, CEcD, CCE, FM, HLM

Consultant & Difference Maker

jimfram@cgplans.com

(501)318-4231

Missouri Governors' Conference

I attended the 68th Annual Governors' Conference on Economic Development in Kansas City this past month. It was a great opportunity to visit with my many friends in economic development in the Show-Me State.

In the bottom photos are Kaylee Paffrath, Trish Koetting, and Lisa Driskel-Hawxby from Columbia REDI.

Upcoming Conferences

I'm attending the International Economic Development Council's Annual Conference in New Orleans from October 25th to 28th.

I will participate in an AEDO (Accredited Economic Development Organization) discussion on Tuesday morning of the conference.

New Chamber Professional Boot Camp

If you are new to Chamber management or want a refresher, this outstanding program takes place in Little Rock on October 13-14. Register Here >>>

Tip of the Month

Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Executives: Here is one of the best Chamber Tips ever for a new membership category, from Steven Jones, President of the El Dorado Union County (AR) Chamber: They have created the "Community Legacy Membership," which allows retired business owners and community leaders to stay connected, mentor future leaders, support local growth, and continue shaping the future of El Dorado and Union County. Your career may be behind you, but your impact is just getting started. The dues are only $100 annually!

Places, People, Progress

Tamara Tateosian, CEO of the Callaway (MO) Chamber of Commerce, picked up the Award recognizing her organization for achieving ACT Work Ready status. This presentation was made at the Governor's Conference on Economic Development.

Rachel Munday, assistant vice president for economic development at Missouri State University, will be interviewed for SBJ’s monthly live interview series on Oct. 20.

What We Do...

Community Growth Strategies LLC provides the following services at reasonable fees to Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development organizations, Cities, Regional Groups, and Counties:



• Strategic Planning
• Board Planning Retreats (Board Training & Facilitation)
• Interim Leadership (President/CEO, Executive Director)
• Special Projects (Peer Reviews, Confidential Surveys)
• Executive Coaching (Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Leaders)
• Advise and Coordinate on Special Projects & Events
• Teach "IEDC's Ethics in Economic Development"
• Presentations include: "It's Not Your Grandfather's Economic Development" and "Building Your Roadmap."

In addition to posting for clients on social media, mentoring, coaching, and advising existing and former clients on day-to-day challenges, my activities include the following:

Missouri

• I am a member of the Missouri Economic Development Council.
• I am a member of the Missouri Northeast.
• I am a graduate of Missouri Northeast Leadership.
• I am an investor in Columbia REDI.
• I will serve as Interim President/CEO of the Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation while they search for new executive leadership.

Arkansas

• I am a member of the Arkansas Economic Developers & Chamber Executives (AEDCE).
• I will be a presenter at the Arkansas Chamber Executives' Bootcamp.

Oklahoma

• I am working on a Special Project for the Bartlesville Regional Chamber of Commerce.
• I am a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma (Class XXIV).
• I will be facilitating a day-long staff visioning session for the Choctaw Nation Economic Development team.

Volunteering

• I serve on the International Economic Development Council's Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) committee. I will participate in AEDO team site visits with applicant organizations.
• I serve on the Board of Directors of the Bollinger Foundation, which benefits families of deceased economic developers.

Business Headlines

Each month, I monitor business publications and news outlets in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and, of course, the U.S. This section will give readers a snapshot of economic development-related happenings in our service area.

Please feel free to copy and paste these into your organization's newsletters. Please give us credit for the information.

Missouri Business Headlines for September 2026 CLICK HERE>>>

Arkansas Business Headlines for September 2026 CLICK HERE>>>

Kansas Business Headlines for September 2026 CLICK HERE>>>

Oklahoma Business Headlines for September 2026 CLICK HERE>>>

U. S. Business Headlines for September 2026 CLICK HERE>>>



This edition's Quote of the Month: “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a while – including you.” Dave Kilby

Jim Fram | Community Growth Strategies | (501) 318-4231 | Email jimfram@cgplans.com Website