Partnerships strengthen regional economies SET initiative helps communities join forces to foster growth.

COLUMBIA, Mo.-- Economic development efforts are more likely to succeed when nearby communities or adjoining counties work together, says Sharon Gulick, director of University of Missouri Extension's Community Economic and Entrepreneurial Development (ExCEED) program.

"In today's shifting global marketplace, economic development requires innovative approaches and new partnerships," Gulick says. "Progress is more likely when communities and counties work together as a region to assess their resources and then design and implement plans that build on their assets and comparative economic strengths."

USDA Rural Development has selected Missouri to participate in this year's Stronger Economies Together (SET) initiative. "This exciting opportunity will provide an intensive engagement with two regions to design and implement a practical and viable regional economic development plan," she says.

Missouri SET will be led by a statewide training team from MU Extension, Missouri USDA RD, the Missouri Department of Economic Development, regional planning commissions and other partners.

Applications are now being taken from regions in Missouri. The deadline to apply is May 7. Regional applications typically come from groups of business leaders, economic development directors, elected officials and others representing a multi-county region, Gulick says.

Participating regions will receive coaching, customized economic data and analysis, and access to expertise to support the creation of a regional economic development plan.

The program's 20-hour training curriculum helps regional leadership teams manage the economic development planning process, including identifying partners, detecting regional competitive advantages, defining goals, engaging communities and measuring outcomes, says Gulick.

Regions must encompass at least three counties and be predominantly rural--51 percent by population or 75 percent by geographic area.