SCOTT CITY EARNS GRANT TO STUDY LOCAL BUSINESSES

SCOTT CITY -- Scott City has been awarded just over $1,300 to fund a five-month study of local businesses and the need for further economic development.

The city was one of 21 in Missouri to receive a grant out of more than 70 that competed.

The $1,350 Economic Excellence development grant is funded in part by Southwestern Bell Telephone.

Scott City is currently working with Southwestern Bell to promote an emergency 911 system that will go before city voters Nov. 5

Mayor Shirley Young, who wrote the proposal for the grant, said the city will use the money to compile a list of city businesses, their number of employees and any concerns or needs, and print a service directory for the town. Awards will also be given to businesses that demonstrate plans for growth.

Young said the awards will create healthy competition among business owners.

"The results of the (study) will show areas of strengths as well as weaknesses," the mayor said. "This provides a target for the Industrial Development Board and Chamber of Commerce to seek the specific needs of businesses and industry."

Young said prospective business owners will be able to use the directory to find out what types of business or services are lacking in the city.

Scott City does not have a city administrator or economic developer. Young said economic conditions are stable, but growth is needed.

The city has also just completed construction of water and sewer lines to its industrial tract, located at Nash Road. Young and other city officials hope the area will be the site of new industry.

The directories will be completed and awards given by March.

Other sponsors of the Southwestern Bell Economic Excellence program are the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Hawthorn Foundation, Missouri Chamber of Commerce and the Missouri Industrial Development Council.

Young said the fact that the city is working with Southwestern Bell on a 911 system had nothing to do with the awarding of the grant.

The city will be handed a check at an Oct. 20 Community Betterment convention in Columbia.