For Immediate Release
Cameron, Missouri, February 2022: The Chamber Economic Development Committee met on February 2nd for the regularly scheduled meeting. The Committee has been active over the past month working with various projects and professionals to promote Cameron.
The Chamber committee is currently assisting with 9 active prospects for businesses looking to expand, relocate, or startup in the Cameron Community. Several volunteers have been actively looking for buildings for some of these endeavors seeking to operate businesses in the area. The group offered up support and suggestions to market Cameron to these prospects. The teams also discussed the activities over the past month.
On January 26th the Economic Development Committee hosted an educational session at McCorkle’s community room about the creation of Foundations. Attorney Robert Cowherd spoke to attendees about the formation and principles of Community Foundations as well as Private Foundations and how these entities can assist with projects for Charities, Non-Profits, and Tax-Exempt organizations that benefit the community. Cameron currently has several Foundations: The Aiden McVicker Charitable Fund, The Rose Lowenstein Foundation for Childhood Cancer Awareness, the Cameron Regional Hospital Foundation, and the Cameron R-1 Education Foundation. Each of these entities gives back to causes throughout the community. A discussion ensued about the legacy an individual can leave through estate planning and Foundation formation. If community members would like more information about how to start a foundation, how to give or support to a current charity fund or assist in this effort, please reach out to the Cameron Chamber Office where we can connect you to additional resources.
Then on February 1st, a group of 11 volunteers and city staff from the Cameron community traveled to Jefferson City for Great Northwest Day. Great Northwest Day is an effort where all communities in Northwest Missouri highlight their communities’ successes and concerns to the legislature. In the morning several of the team heard from Governor Parsons about his 4 legislative priorities for the current session: Broadband, Childcare, Education, and Infrastructure. In the afternoon, consultant Terry Rumery organized meetings with Representative Randy Railsback, Representative Dean VanSchoiack, Representative Josh Hulbert, Representative Jay Eggleston, and Senator Dan Hegeman where they discussed local topics relating to Cameron and the surrounding counties. Issues such as the empty prison, water, transportation/roads, education, and tax initiatives were discussed. The group expressed appreciation to the legislators for their letters of support for several recent Community Development Block Grants, that if received will greatly impact our community. And finally, that evening Cameron leaders teamed up with Dekalb County to host a booth where individuals discussed expansion, concerns and highlighted our area. The Clinton County Initiative also hosted a booth focusing on growth and development in our region. Our community was well represented.
Upcoming events:
To expand knowledge about resources, the Missouri Department of Economic Development will host a webinar on February 4 to discuss the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
In March, the Chamber Economic Development Committee will host an informational meeting about the Use Tax/Wayfair Tax. The committee is still exploring dates and locations for this event. At this learning session, Stuart Hayes, Director of Administration and Policy from the Missouri Municipal League will speak about the parameters of an Internet Sales Tax and its impacts and benefits on the local community, local retail businesses, and patrons. The team is also currently working on a video and several informative pieces about this initiative to help inform voters before the April vote.
On April 1st the Cameron Area Chamber of Commerce will host its Annual Banquet. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend this great event as we celebrate our members and community.