Leadership Northeast Travels to the Pecan Capital of Missouri
The Leadership Northeast Team traveled to Brunswick, Missouri last week to learn about Missouri agriculture, Agriculture Technology, and Broadband. As the official Pecan Capital of Missouri, the area is known for its top-quality production of distinctively flavorful native pecans, specially sourced from ingredients manufacturers, exported internationally, and sold locally in retail shops. During their stay, the team had the opportunity to tour AgriServices of Brunswick, an essential agricultural services provider that plays a pivotal role in supporting local farmers. AgriServices of Brunswick offers an extensive array of services, including crop consulting, precision farming, soil testing, seed and fertilizer sales, and agronomic advice. Their team of knowledgeable experts provided valuable insights into the ways the company collaborates closely with farmers, employing various resources to optimize yields, enhance crop quality, and maximize profitability. Daren Dowell, the PR and Economic Development representative at Chariton Valley, and a member of the Leadership Northeast class, also presented during the visit. He shed light on the crucial role played by Chariton Valley in bridging connectivity gaps and bringing broadband services to rural communities. Dowell discussed Chariton Valley's expansion plans for fiber and outlined their goals for future projects, highlighting the organization's commitment to fostering connectivity and supporting economic development in the region. "From local eateries providing breakfast and lunch to small businesses and entrepreneurs, Leadership Northeast has truly opened my eyes to the potential of our rural communities. I look forward to future sessions and incorporating the knowledge I've gained into the work I do for the communities we serve at MAEDC," says Kaylee Paffrath, Director of Business Development for MAEDC. "One of my favorite parts of the trip was learning about the Central Missouri Loop, a tourism initiative and scenic driving route in the central region of Missouri." The loop encompasses a network of highways, backroads, and destinations that visitors can explore, providing a comprehensive experience of the region's offerings. The official website for the Central Missouri Loop, https://www.centralmoloop.com/, provides detailed information about the route, including maps, points of interest, suggested itineraries, and resources for travelers. It highlights various attractions along the loop, such as state parks, historic sites, wineries, museums, outdoor recreational activities, and local businesses. The next session will take place on August 3rd in Palmyra.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to
Missouri Small Businesses
Release Date: May 19, 2023
Contact: Mark W. Randle, (916) 735-1500, Mark.Randle@sba.gov
Release Number: MO 17922-01
MO 17928-01
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Small nonfarm businesses in the following counties are now eligible to apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. These loans offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by drought that occurred in the following primary counties in Missouri, announced Director Tanya N. Garfield of SBA’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West.
Primary Counties
Barton and Vernon
Incident Type Drought
Incident Date 5/2/2023- Continuing
Deadline 1/8/2024
Neighboring Counties: Bates, Cedar, Dade, Jasper and Saint Clair in Missouri; Bourbon, Crawford and Linn in Kansas.
Primary Counties
Benton, Boone, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Moniteau, and Morgan
Audrain, Callaway, Camden, Chariton, Henry, Hickory, Miller, Osage, Pettis, Randolph, Saint Clair and Saline
Incident Type Drought
Incident Date 5/2/2023- Continuing
Deadline 1/16/2024
SBA eligibility covers both the economic impacts on businesses dependent on farmers and ranchers that have suffered agricultural production losses caused disaster.
Small nonfarm businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and small businesses engaged in aquaculture qualify. Most private nonprofit organizations of any size may qualify for Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2 million.
Eligibility for these loans is based on the financial impact of the disasters only and not on any actual property damage.
By law, SBA makes economic injury available when the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture designates an agricultural disaster. The Secretary declared declaration 17922 on May 8 and declaration 17928 on May 15.
Businesses primarily engaged in farming or ranching are not eligible for SBA disaster assistance.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/.
Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at
(800) 659-2955 or
email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.
To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
The Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments is partnering with Online for All for a Week of Action to raise awareness of and encourage enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Throughout this week they will be sharing information about what the ACP is and how you can enroll. First up: Eligible households receive - a $30 monthly discount off high-speed home internet (or $75 monthly on Tribal lands) - a one-time $100 discount toward the purchase of a laptop, desktop or tablet through a participating provider Find out if you qualify at GetACP.org For technical assistance or help to register, contact Dana Thies at 573-565-2203 or dthies@marktwaincog.com
Have you heard about the Moberly Area Industrial Park (MAIP)? #MAIP is home to the State of Missouri's 6th Certified Site, making it a premier destination for industrial development. The certified site is 58.49 acres, and the park contains a total of 167.83 adjacent uncertified acres. This prime industrial land is adjacent to 4-lane US Highway 63. The MAIP is located within the Moberly City Limits, zoned industrial and is certified as an AT&T Fiber Park. The Park is served by 12 inch water main and offers significant capacity in water/wastewater, electricity and natural gas.
The Connection Exchange is a welcoming service that brings a gift to new residents, new business owners, general managers, and executive directors. We connect you to all our business community has to offer! This is a free service.
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