MCC-Penn Valley hosts Economic Development Forum

On Sept. 24, MCC-Penn Valley hosted one of six planned team forums for regional leaders from business, labor, higher education and economic development entities to solicit their feedback for the construction of a comprehensive economic development strategic plan. The event was planned by the Kansas City Regional Planning Team of the Missouri Strategic Initiative for Economic Growth coordinated by the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED). Over 70 participants utilized an audience response system to provide interactive responses to questions and statements.

Forum topics included data on the state and regional economy and key issues affecting business growth. Officials from DED electronically collected recommendations and priorities on proposed strategies from the participants. A second round of regional forums, scheduled for mid-December, is planned to finalize the recommendations for specific tactical plans to implement the strategies.

Governor Jay Nixon closed the forum by pledging his support of MCC and stressed the importance of community colleges as a key part of the solution to creating a sustainable, 21st century growth economy.