Most cities rely on chambers for economic development

Thursday, April 5, 2012

The Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce continues to be the economic development entity used by both city and Cole County, but that relationship has been questioned in recent weeks.

Some residents have questioned the reporting mechanisms used to show how city and county contributions are spent, which led to the chamber turning over roughly 25 reports to the city showing the last five years of annual and quarterly reports, as well as supplemental reports and audits.

But the practice of a city or county contracting with the local chamber for economic development services is not uncommon in the state.

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JCLifer 1 year, 1 month ago

And most cities in this state are in very poor financial condition with lots of people un and under-employed.

Sounds like a good strategy: If you are happy with what you got, just keep doing the same things.

melbrooks 1 year, 1 month ago

While many cities face financial challenges these days with declining taxable sales, the Missouri Municipal League indicates the financial condition of most cities in Missouri is sound.

Can you provide something which supports your assertion?

JCLifer 1 year, 1 month ago

Drive around and look at all the closed up businesses, boarded up buildings, vacant factories, etc. This economy is devistating...

melbrooks 1 year, 1 month ago

Well, now you've shifted from cities being in poor financial condition to the state of the local economy.

A "drive around" assessment is pretty anecdotal. While the economy is certainly not great, I don't see lots of "closed up businesses, boarded up buildings, vacant factories"--care to be specific?

Unemployment is down in Cole county, from 7.4% in Feb. of last year to 6.0% in Feb of 2012. Employment in the Jefferson City area is hovering around 76,000. Not much growth, but not much loss.

I'm not suggesting this is a great economy at all. I doubt anyone is satisfied with the performance of the local economy. But based on the numbers, you're overstating the situation.

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