MAEDC February 2026 Wrap-Up: Connection, Collaboration & Opportunity

February was a busy and impactful month for the MAEDC team - from statewide policy conversations to national retail attraction programming and regional manufacturing leadership. Here’s a look back at where we were, who we connected with, and how these experiences will support economic growth in our region.

Attending the 2026 MEDC Economic Issues Summit - Jefferson City, Feb. 10–11

We kicked the month off in Missouri’s capital at the 2026 MEDC Economic Issues Summit hosted by the Missouri Economic Development Council (MEDC). This annual summit brought together economic developers, state agency leaders, and policy influencers to dive into the issues shaping our state’s economic landscape - from public policy priorities and legislative updates to data center investment and workforce readiness.

Highlights included robust conversations around legislative priorities for 2026, partner updates from statewide organizations, and insights into maximizing site readiness for future projects. The event served as a valuable platform for strengthening relationships with key partners while ensuring MAEDC stays plugged into the conversations that drive opportunity building across Missouri.

ICSC @ Red River - San Antonio, Feb. 17-18

Next up, our team attended ICSC@RED RIVER 2026, a premier retail real estate and marketplaces conference held in San Antonio, TX. This event is a hub for retail professionals, developers, brokers, and community leaders focused on retail attraction and placemaking - essential components of vibrant, growing local economies.

At ICSC @ Red River, we connected with industry leaders, explored emerging trends in retail development, and engaged in discussions about strategies to attract new retail investment to our region. These conversations help inform our approach to retail attraction as part of broader community and economic development efforts.

Panelist at the Missouri Association of Manufacturers Trade Show & Conference -Branson, Feb. 23–25

Wrapping up a packed month, MAEDC leadership participated as a panelist at the Missouri Association of Manufacturers Trade Show & Conference in Branson, MO - a key event bringing together manufacturers, service providers, and community partners from across the state.

This multi-day conference offered a rich agenda of keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities centered on innovation, workforce strategy, supply-chain resilience, and industry growth. Our participation underscored the importance of strong manufacturing sectors to Missouri’s economy and connected MAEDC with companies and partners critical to regional expansion and job creation.

Looking Ahead

February’s engagements strengthened MAEDC’s connections across economic development, retail, and manufacturing sectors - all while informing our strategies for business attraction, retention, and expansion throughout the year. As we move into March and spring planning season, we’re energized by the insights and relationships gained this month and remain committed to driving strategic growth across the Moberly Area.

Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities to connect