4 - Chamber Q&A: Who's Actually Doing Economic Development Work in This County?

Q: Does McDonald County government fund economic development?

A: Not a dollar. The Chamber receives no County appropriation for this work.  Despite this, we're the only organization in McDonald County that consistently shows up to tackle this task. Not occasionally, not when it's convenient. Consistently, year after year, because at this point, if the Chamber doesn't step up, nobody does.

Q: What does that actually look like on the ground?

A: Take workforce certification. The Chamber was instrumental in McDonald County earning ACT Work Ready Community status back in 2016, and we've kept it current, most recently maintained in December 2024. Through this designation, it means roughly 1,950 local residents have earned a National Career Readiness Certificate, and about 34 area employers,  including Cooper Gear & Manufacturing, recognize that credential when they hire. For a company deciding whether to relocate or expand here, that's proof of a verified talent pipeline, not just a promise. Pair that with our push that promoted the county's fiber-readiness, and we're handing site-selection teams two of the exact signals they're screening for.

Q: What about keeping young talent from leaving before they even start working?

A: That's where our Chamber Trades Committee work with the U.S. Department of Labor comes in. Through Registered Apprenticeship programs, built alongside Crowder College and local manufacturers, the Chamber helps area companies train apprentices on the job while they earn a portable, national credential. Just as important: it opens a door for high school students who'd otherwise be locked out of the workforce purely because of their age, letting local employers start building their next generation of skilled talent before graduation instead of losing them to another county or state.

Q: So who's the one connecting all of this?
A: Every time. No County money changes hands.  The Chamber donates hundreds of staff hours, excellent relationships, and follow-through, connecting employers to ACT, USDOL, Crowder College, and the state apprenticeship office so local businesses don't have to navigate it alone.