Page 61 - FDI Alliance International Magazine Summer 2020 Digital Interactive Issue

■ St. Joseph, Missouri

says Narr. The Chamber is the ‘one-stop” International medical products firm Boehringer year apprenticeship that ends with an industry
resource for entrepreneurs and small firms in the Ingelheim produces veterinary medicines in certification or Associates degree. Schwenke
region. Pre-COVID the Chamber conducted St. .Joseph, part of the growing ag-tech sector in pointed out geomapping software company,
numerous networking events for businesses to the region. To help grow entrepreneurship the Pro-Star, that took advantage of the program
share ideas and support. When the pandemic Chamber plans to restart, as soon as possible, and now has a full-time coder.
ended those in-person events, the Chamber its Cup of Joe monthly coffees which brought in
switched to an array of on-line networking, 60-80 participants to discuss opportunities for Moving forward, the Chamber is focused on
information, and training resources. Most tech. growing the advanced manufacturing and tech
importantly, the Chamber worked with county base as well as manufacturing and services
government to create a $700,000 grant fund There is a lot to be said for locating or beginning supporting outdoor and active lifestyles. “We
for small firms. So far, the county has not lost any a small business on the west side of the Rocky are an attractive place for many who want to
small businesses to the pandemic and several Mountains, according to Diane Schwenke, leave big urban areas after their experience with
new small businesses have started. Adds Narr, CEO at the Grand Junction Chamber of COVID impacts” added Schwenke.
“Our door is always open for new businesses to Commerce. The city of 64,000 people (120,000
start or move to Chillicothe”. MSA population) is a great place for remote These communities are just examples of many
workers and entrepreneurs due to the outdoors smaller metros and rural communities that offer
An hour drive to the west of Chillicothe is St. amenities and strong business support. “The quality living and strong support. With a bit of
Joseph, Missouri, the anchor city for its own Business Incubator Center is a one-stop shop research small firms, entrepreneurs, and remote
metropolitan area of nearly 140,000 people that provides free business assistance and workers with interest in starting a business can
north of Kansas City. St. Joseph is a major coaching for small firms and those that want to find a great network of support and comfortable
manufacturing and food processing center, but start a business” said Schwenke. She added the lifestyle away from the major cities.
small businesses are key to supporting the larger BIC provides access to financing and space for
operations according to Patt Lilly, President of start-up companies. The Chamber itself has a For more information:
the Chamber of Commerce. “Small companies priority to ensure there is a capable workforce Marion: www.mcdowellchamber.com
are the infrastructure that allows our larger now and in the future as the economy rebound. Chillicothe: www.chillicothemo.com
companies to grow and thrive here”, Lilly says. One program is Career Wise, which matches St. Joseph: www.saintjoseph.com
The Chamber works closely with the area Small high school juniors with businesses for a three- Grand Junction: www.gjchamber.org
Business Development Center to offer ongoing
counseling and training for entrepreneurs.
In response to the pandemic, the Chamber
created the Champions of Commerce program.
The first part of the two-pronged approach ROB O’BRIAN, CEcD O’Brian & Associates.
educates small businesses about how to keep Rob O’Brian served as President of the Joplin Area Chamber
their staff and customers safe. The second of Commerce for twenty-three years. Rob founded O’Brian
part educates residents how to stay safe while and Associates in early 2018 to advise and assist communities
encouraging them to shop at those Champion on economic and workforce development.
businesses. While helping small firms respond to
COVID, the Chamber is also focusing on tech 417.438.0100 (c) Rob@obrianassociates.com
entrepreneurship, especially in animal health.

61. FDI ALLIANCE INTERNATIONAL