MAEDC’s Kaylee Paffrath Serves as Panelist at First Regional Economic Development Summit

The Moberly Area Economic Development Corporation (MAEDC) was proud to be represented at the first-ever Regional Economic Development Summit, hosted by the Mark Twain Regional Council of Governments (MTRCOG) on March 31, 2026, in Perry, Missouri.

MAEDC President & CEO, Kaylee Paffrath, participated as a panelist during the summit’s closing Economic Development Panel, where regional leaders came together to share real-world insights, challenges, and opportunities facing rural communities today.

A Collaborative Day Focused on Growth

The summit brought together economic developers, community leaders, and state and federal partners for a full day of learning and collaboration. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including:

• Funding opportunities and grant resources

• Workforce development and retention strategies

• Infrastructure and community investment tools

• Practical approaches to overcoming local challenges

The day concluded with a panel of economic development professionals who provided actionable insight to help communities move projects forward and strengthen local economies.

Kaylee Paffrath Shares Local Perspective

During the panel discussion, Kaylee highlighted the importance of regional collaboration, site readiness, and proactive planning in today’s competitive economic development landscape.

She also emphasized:

• The need for communities to be “project ready” before opportunities arise

• The value of strong partnerships with state, regional, and local stakeholders

• The importance of workforce alignment and employer engagement

• Real examples of how rural communities like Moberly can compete for large-scale projects

The panel served as an opportunity to not only share successes, but also discuss real challenges communities face and how to navigate them effectively.

Why This Summit Matters

Events like the Regional Economic Development Summit are critical for building stronger, more connected communities across Northeast Missouri. By bringing together experts and practitioners, the summit provided attendees with tools and strategies they can immediately apply in their own communities.

From funding programs presented throughout the morning to discussions on workforce and community development, the event reinforced a shared goal: creating sustainable growth across the region.

MAEDC remains committed to working alongside regional partners like MTRCOG to support economic growth, strengthen workforce pipelines, and position Randolph County for future opportunities.

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We appreciate the opportunity to be part of this inaugural event and look forward to continued collaboration across the Mark Twain Region.