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Springfield, MO
The Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce in Branson West has hired its first economic development director.
Kyle Cook has been appointed to the role, according to a news release. He started this month after working nearly eight years at Springfield-based real estate development firm Miller Commerce LLC, according to his LinkedIn profile.
At the chamber, Cook is responsible for implementing Launch Stone County, the organization's five-year economic development strategic plan with focus areas that includes business retention and expansion, workforce development and tourism marketing. Chamber President and CEO Sheila Thomas said via email that businesses have pledged nearly $1.25 million, spread over five years, to implement Launch Stone County after it was announced last summer.
“Kyle is bringing a level of expertise and a new set of skills to our team that will perfectly match the defined goals in our Launch Stone County plan,” Thomas said in the release. “He will be lending his assistance to all businesses and municipalities in Stone County as we focus on growing our county’s economy.”
Cook is among six staff members at the chamber, which has an annual operating budget of $1.2 million, said Thomas.
Prior to joining the chamber, Cook worked as Miller Commerce's director of design and construction and director of operations, according to the release. He also previously served as a department manager for Terracon Consultants Inc.
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