With communities competing to attract new companies and create jobs, a local effort is being made to focus on economic development in Warren County. Spearheaded by a group of 15 business owners with input from elected officials representing the Warren County Commission and local municipalities, the Greater Warren County Economic Development Council has been formed. The nonprofit private and public sector partnership has been designed to strengthen the economic base of the area by pursuing job-creating projects and growing existing businesses. Scott Hays, president of the new council and owner of Hays Food System in Truesdale, noted that similar economic development councils have been formed in surrounding counties - St. Charles, Lincoln and Montgomery - but that a void existed locally. Though Warrenton and Wright City each employ economic development directors, there has not been an active presence countywide identifying new business contacts or marketing the area. Hays noted council members have been working quickly, though diligently, to launch the organization in either December or January and begin a membership drive. "I think because the private and public sectors are working so well together, that it will make the biggest difference on why Warren County will get on the map," said Hays, a former O'Fallon alderman and member of the St. Charles County Industrial Development Authority which is now the Economic Development Council of St. Charles County. The local economic development council has contracted with Community Edge, LLC, led by Josh Beck, to assist founding members in the planning process. Prior to operating his own consulting firm, Beck was vice president of business recruitment for Missouri Partnership, the state's public-private business attraction and marketing organization. He also has been instrumental in the creation of a similar organization in Montgomery County. Beck stated it's beneficial for the private and public sectors to pool their resources and contacts together to spur economic development. "You got to be prepared when the opportunity comes calling," Beck said. "That is what this group is focused on. We are focused on outreach but also making sure the community is prepared." Hays said the organization's inaugural members are excited to receive so much positive feedback from the elected officials. The Warren County Commission recently committed $24,000 toward the new organization to help cover startup costs. Other local governments have been participating in numerous discussions to help finalize the group's structuring plan. Currently, members are establishing bylaws and membership dues. The next phase, expected to be wrapped up next month, will be recruiting members from existing businesses to be part of the economic development council. Though a large focus will be on marketing the county and region to prospective new clients, Beck and Hays point out that existing businesses will not be overlooked. The organization's membership will be open to all existing businesses countywide. "Everybody can have a seat at the table if they want a seat at the table," Hays said. "We will hopefully have a huge general membership." As part of the group's initial marketing plan, a website will be created along with a portfolio showcasing what local property is available. In addition, members will attend trade shows to talk with prospective business clients and consultants. Locally, the group also expects to hold community events for members and lean on business owners for testimonials to back up the solicitation efforts made by the organization or local municipalities. In the future, Hays is confident the organization's founders and members will look back at 2011 as the start of a success story for economic development within the county and region. "This thing will succeed," Hays remarked. "I can promise you that. Once we land that first company or help an existing company expand or grow, that will be good news."