Economic Development
ACT Work Ready Communities (WRC) empowers states, regions and counties with data, processes and tools that drive economic growth. Participants are leveraging the ACT® WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate® (NCRC®) to measure and close the skills gap — and building common frameworks that link, align and match their workforce development efforts.
Planting The Seeds For Economic Growth
The tri-county area (Cedar, St. Clair & Vernon Counties) is home to innovative folks with a strong work ethic.
El Dorado Springs was originally settled because of the health-giving springs but soon those settlers discovered an abundance of resources, vast farmland and pristine waterways. Today agriculture continues to be an important segment of the area’s economy.
The recreational use of our beautiful natural resources has been an asset to locals and visitors alike. The area is a popular destination for hunters, fishermen, hikers, birdwatchers and many others. Between our Missouri Department of Conservation lands, Nature Conservancy, Corps of Engineers, and other areas that feature rolling prairie, forests and rivers, folks are offered peaceful, pastoral scenes throughout the local landscape. This, coupled with noted historical areas, unique venues and a variety of shops, draws numbers of tourists and visitors to the area each year.
Medical facilities such as Cedar County Memorial Hospital offer hometown healthcare from specialty clinic services to their heated indoor therapy pool. Plus the CCMH Medical Mall, CMH Clinic and Mercy Clinic offer hometown care from doctors, nurses and office staff that locals know and have a great comfort with. The Community Springs Nursing Home and other assisted living facilities offer our loved ones the ability to stay close to home when home isn’t an option any more.
Located in the middle of nowhere,
but the center of EVERYWHERE!
El Dorado Springs is at the crossroads of three well traveled highways. State Highway 32 travels south and east to Stockton and one of the nation’s top sailing lakes, then on through Bolivar, Buffalo, Lebanon and points east. State Highway 82 delivers you to the communities of Roscoe and Osceola with lots of Osage River and woods to see along the way. The major thoroughfare is Highway 54 which connects El Dorado Springs to the rest of the country. U.S. 54 runs northeast-southwest for 1,197 miles from western Illinois to El Paso, Texas. Travelers can traverse Highway 54 just 18 miles to Interstate 49/MO 71 and 22 miles to Highway 13 for speedy north/south access.
Key Industries
Agriculture
The tri-county area is highly suited for farming and ranching on both large and small scales. Farms and ranches focus primarily on row crops, beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry and sheep. This is also a good nut producing region with an abundance of black walnuts and pecans. More agriculture info pages 42-43.
Crushed Stone
Local quarries provide road rock, base rock, clean rock and related products.
Manufacturing
El Dorado Springs is home to various manufacturing companies that utilize our skilled and dedicated workforce. Harleman Manufacturing’s rock augers, Foam Fabricators’ packing products, Dairi Concepts’ cheese products and Barrington’s metal fabrication are just a few industries.
Utilities
Utility services are provided and maintained by the city, Cedar County Public Water District #1, Sac Osage Electric Co-Op, and Spire Energy. See page 5 for contact information.
Retail & Wholesale
A steady and growing retail market is served by chain and local markets, regional and national stores, and discount stores in a multi-county regional market. The area features a good variety of antique, craft, clothing and other specialty shops that offer a unique range of shopping opportunities for local residents and visitors to the area. See listings in Member Directory and at www.ElDoradoSpringsChamber.com for the most up-to-date information!
Tourism
With breathtaking natural beauty and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, plus history, unique shopping, dining and lodging options, it’s no surprise that tourism is growing in and around El Dorado Springs! The local Chambers of Commerce in El Dorado Springs, Nevada, Osceola and Stockton exhibit area information with focus on their respective communities.
Economic Development/Financing
The city of El Dorado Springs and the Cedar County Commission employ a joint Economic Development Director through the Kaysinger Basin Regional Planning Commission. This person works with local existing businesses to retain and expand lines, production and employee bases, recruit new prospective industry to the area, as well as tourism and retirement.
EL DO MAC, the El Dorado Springs Municipal Assistance Corporation and the El Dorado Springs Industrial Development Authority are organizations comprised of select elected officials and business leaders that act as financing mechanisms for potential economic development projects.
El Dorado Springs features two Industrial Parks. The 50 acre East Side Industrial Park is located on the eastern edge of town and includes building sites for potential projects just off U.S.
Highway 54. The First Street Industrial Park on the western side of town is fully developed. Both have access to water, sewer and electricity. The Chamber of Commerce is willing to supply any information needed to prospective businesses, and the city of El Dorado Springs is aggressively enthusiastic to meet the needs of local expanding businesses or potential new industry locating to the area.
Business Resources
The El Dorado Springs Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting both small and large business in the tri-county area. Joining the Chamber grants members access to training,
networking, and marketing opportunities not offered elsewhere. Various organizations throughout the region can aide those
interested in starting a business or who currently own a business and need access to training, financing, consulting or employment services. Visit the Chamber of Commerce for more specialized assistance for your business!
El Dorado Springs Memorial Airport
The El Dorado Springs Memorial Airport is one of the best public-use airports of its size. The 3300 x 50 ft hard surface runway with radio controlled lights was reconstructed in 2000 and is located on Airport Road just 2 miles southeast of El Dorado Springs.