Table Rock chamber debuts economic growth plan

The Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce has debuted a five-year economic growth plan.

Called Launch Stone County, the initiative seeks $1.1 million over the five-year period to improve the community in the areas of business retention, expansion and recruitment; workforce development and housing; marketing for tourists; and community development, according to a prospectus released this month on the chamber's website.

"This is a very high priority and would take Stone County to the next level," said Dwayne Falk, president of Table Rock Community Bank and one of the campaign co-chairs, in the prospectus. "Economic development resources will have a huge impact, and there is no better organization than the chamber to lead this charge."

Launch Stone County's goals include:
• the hiring of an economic development director.
• working with businesses to determine workforce challenges.
• soliciting a countywide housing study.
• developing an inventory to identify local workforce skill requirements.
• designing and developing a tourism information center.
• creating an annual marketing plan.
• adding an intergovernmental cooperation council.
• identifying potential public-private facility improvements.

Needed funds would be sought from businesses, organizations, community leaders and stakeholders, according to the prospectus.