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2013 Most Influential Women Honoree: Dori Grinder

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As an Ozark native, Dori Grinder blends a historical framework with her vision for the community’s future as the executive director of the Ozark Chamber of Commerce.

“I love being able to be in the position with other decision makers to help define and shape what Ozark and Christian County will be 20 years down the road,” she says.

When Grinder became executive director three years ago, she found people were eager for a strong leader to advocate on their behalf. She began meeting with city leaders from Ozark and Nixa, as well as elected county officials, to brainstorm ways to improve their communities.

“What started as a simple exchange of ideas over lunch has evolved into the development of the Christian County Economic Coalition,” Grinder says. “In 2012, these partners decided it was time to get more serious about how we wanted to position ourselves for future development.”

The partnership hired a Texas firm to conduct an assessment of northern Christian County along Highway 14.

“I believe the leadership from each partner working with their own boards and decision makers made this possible and created a platform for working together on future projects,” Grinder says.

Grinder is especially proud to have been part of the effort to find a new location for the chamber offices and the opening of the Carl G. Hefner Enterprise Center, a business incubator created with the assistance of entrepreneur Doug Pitt, among others. Grinder says she hopes to see the chamber in its new location before Thanksgiving.

“We will be moving to a new location that will give us a more professional appearance and higher visibility in our community,” Grinder says. “I am extremely excited to be actively pitching this thrilling project to members of our community.”

Grinder also is working with city leaders on a continued focus for downtown through a Downtown Revitalization and Assistance for Missouri grant. Grinder has helped create a new farmers market and an art walk to bring traffic to downtown Ozark.

“We are lucky that Ozark still has a bustling business district and a beautiful historic square, so events come naturally to this charming area,” she says.

Grinder views her position as one where learning how to connect people with the correct resources is critical to effective leading.

“I believe the best way to be influential and a strong leader is to listen. I feel by listening to concerns a business might have, I am able to connect that businessperson with the people who can answer their questions,” she says. “I might not know the answer, but by listening carefully, I can connect that person with the correct contact who can help resolve their issue.”[[In-content Ad]]

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