EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, MO – A new webinar series launching in 2025 aims to highlight the power of collaboration in rural Missouri communities. The CEC Monthly Exchange Webinar Series, held on the first Friday of each month at 1:30 p.m., will bring together community leaders, organizations, and individuals to share successful stories of partnership that have driven economic and social progress in small towns and rural regions.
With no fee to attend, this series is open to economic development professionals, nonprofit leaders, local officials, business owners, and anyone passionate about rural development. Each session will feature real-life case studies of collaboration, followed by a Q&A session where attendees can exchange ideas and build valuable connections.
Excelsior Springs Kicks Off the Series
The first webinar of the year spotlighted the City of Excelsior Springs, the host community of the 2025 CEC Conference. Featured speakers included Melinda Mehaffy, Economic Development Director for the City of Excelsior Springs; Brian Rice, Director of the Excelsior Springs Area Chamber of Commerce; and Lyndsey Baxter, Director of Downtown Excelsior Partnership (DEP). The panel discussed how their collaborative efforts have revitalized downtown Excelsior Springs, secured critical funding, and created a more vibrant community.
Excelsior Springs: A Model of Collaboration
Excelsior Springs has developed a strong framework for community and economic development through strategic partnerships between the City of Excelsior Springs, the Downtown Excelsior Partnership (DEP), and the Excelsior Springs Chamber of Commerce. Leaders in the community prioritize collaboration over individual recognition, ensuring a unified approach to progress. Regular weekly meetings between city officials and local organizations foster transparency and coordination, allowing for streamlined decision-making and problem-solving.
The city actively supports local projects by leveraging shared financial resources, including federal CARES Act and ARPA funds, which have been allocated to initiatives such as free advertising, event support, and marketing for local organizations. Collaborative grant writing has also played a crucial role in securing funding for major infrastructure and community projects. To further enhance economic development, Excelsior Springs has implemented Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) like the Westside CID, which generate funds for infrastructure upgrades through sales tax revenue.
A shared vision is central to the city’s strategy, with the Thrive program aligning the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce, DEP, and municipal government toward common goals. This commitment extends to resource pooling, as demonstrated by the city’s provision of office space and storage for DEP, which helps reduce costs and maximize efficiency. The Chamber also owns a trolley used for various community events, further reinforcing their collaborative efforts.
Event coordination is another key aspect of Excelsior Springs’ success, with a centralized community calendar preventing scheduling conflicts and encouraging greater participation. The city also emphasizes the importance of preparedness by maintaining shovel-ready project plans, ensuring they can quickly secure funding when opportunities arise. Partnerships with external entities such as Clay County have led to critical infrastructure improvements, including floodway studies.
Tourism remains a focal point for economic growth, with local leaders dedicated to enhancing visitor experiences through revitalized attractions and community events. Encouraging civic engagement is also a priority, as residents are urged to participate in city council meetings to stay informed and involved. Success stories are regularly shared through local media, such as the Excelsior Citizen, helping to promote a sense of community pride and awareness.
These collaborative efforts have allowed Excelsior Springs to strengthen its local economy, revitalize underutilized properties, support businesses, and develop essential infrastructure. By showcasing this successful model, the CEC Monthly Exchange Webinar Series aims to inspire other rural communities to adopt similar strategies.
For more information or to register for upcoming sessions, contact Jackie Spainhower at 816-752-8662.
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