Last summer, Osage Valley engaged the services of Ady Advantage to conduct an economic development work plan for our service territory. As a result of this process, Osage Valley is working with each of our seven counties to seek ways to address strengths and weaknesses highlighted in the workplan and to provide opportunities to enhance the economic capacity of each county.
Bates County has a strong existing business community that could benefit from economic development retention and expansion resources, and we are geographically located with prime interstate and rail access to be attractive to companies looking for expansion and relocation opportunities. We are entering into a time when entrepreneurship is on the rise, small businesses are having unique opportunities to grow, and global companies are looking to expand distribution and warehousing solutions all while workforce availability continues to be an issue.
To help us determine ways to support our existing businesses, grow our workforce, and prepare for new development, we have asked economic development advisor, Sallie Hemenway, to conduct an economic development workshop for Bates County. This workshop is for economic developers, city and county officials, and business and civic leaders that are interested in growing our community. The workshop will address the fundamental concepts of economic development along with key trends and implications for rural communities.
