Lake of the Ozarks Regional Economic Development Council

The Lake of the Ozarks region has one of the best qualities of life in the United States. Because we have such a wonderful place to live, it's also a great place to relocate your business in Missouri . One of the most significant attributes for the region is its natural scenic beauty along the 1150 miles of Lake Shoreline. Located in south central Missouri, the Lake of the Ozarks is one of the largest manmade lakes in the world and is surrounded by the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Here are some more reasons why Lake of the Ozarks is the Best Recreational Lake in the United States. Stay Where You Want - The Options are Unlimited Lake of the Ozarks lodging offers accommodations with a wide array of lodging choices. This ensures every traveler will find the right place to stay at the right price for them. Whether you're preferences are full service lake resorts, reliable and well known hotel/motel chains, extended stay & vacation homes, or beautiful campgrounds ...

In 2016, the Lake of the Ozarks Regional Economic Development Council was busy with several projects and programs in addition to the many ongoing activities. LOREDC programs and activities are based on the fundamental goal to proactively lead and initiate economic growth to the Lake of the Ozarks through cohesive and cooperative representation, while complementing efforts of the individual communities of the region. Keep reading for an overview of last year's LOREDC accomplishments. Regional Housing Study  In early 2015, LOREDC partnered with RDG Planning & Design to develop a comprehensive Lake of the Ozarks Housing Study to outline the current housing conditions and address the housing needs of Camden, Miller and Morgan counties. LOREDC understands how housing development affects the economic forces of the community on both a local and regional basis. The housing study was completed in 2016 and was made possible because of the many business and community financial ...

The LOREDC 2017 Annual Membership Meeting was held on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at The Lodge of Four Seasons. During the meeting, members of LOREDC and the local community presented updates on financials, membership, marketing, the housing study and more. Meeting Agenda After a nice buffet breakfast, Time Jacobsen, LOREDC President called the meeting to order. There was an approval of the minutes, as well as a financial report. Tim Jacobsen then provided the membership update. Lori Hoelscher presented the marketing committee update. Following those updates was the LOREDC Grant Recipient Presentation by Mayor Olivarri with the City of Osage Beach. Jeff Hancock gave us a housing study update. Then Representative Diane Franklin offered a legislative update. Lina Conner of the Council of Local Governments gave us an update on the council and their efforts. Next was the presentation of awards, followed by LOREDC Board of Directors Nominations and the Election of LOREDC Board of Dire...

The Lake of the Ozarks Regional Housing Study represents an in-depth study of the housing conditions in Camden, Miller and Morgan counties, as well as Laclede County. Building on the population and economic characteristics we discussed in last month's blog , today we dive into household size and other household characteristics.  Housing & Household Assessments Households around the Lake of the Ozarks region tend to be smaller, reflecting the older median age and the type of housing these populations demand. Young families are locating in the population centers and rural areas off of the Lake. A region's occupancy and housing age can tell a lot about the makeup of the housing market, gaps and opportunities. Occupancy  Most of the rental housing for the Lake of the Ozarks region's workforce is located within the population centers of Versailles, Camdenton, Lebanon and some in Osage Beach and Eldon. Vacancy rates in the region are much higher than traditional mar...

The Lake of the Ozarks Regional Housing Study represents an in-depth study of the housing conditions in Camden, Miller and Morgan counties, as well as Laclede County. The communities of the study area display unique personalities and housing challenges. The study examines the unique situations of each county and the major population centers within those communities, using this analysis to derive common themes that can be addressed by cooperative actions. Keep reading to learn more about the housing study and the results that were found. Why a Housing Study? As the Lake of the Ozarks Regional Economic Development Council (LOREDC) assembled economic development plans and initiatives for the region, housing came up frequently as a major economic development factor. To be successful, the area must provide a variety of housing types. While the area has successful attracted a growing population, housing has not exactly followed the same trend. More and more communities are realizing...

In 2007, the Build Your Own Business Project was accepted into the University of Missouri Extension Community Economic and Entrepreneurial Development Program (ExCEED). The project includes four counties: Benton, Camden, Miller and Morgan. ExCEED program leaders requested that the Community Policy Analysis Center (CPAC) provide basic economic information to the Build Your Own Business Project and three other regions accepted into the program at the same time. The ExCEED program assisted CPAC faculty to design the studies and underwrote the cost. Key Findings  Population - Total population in the Build Your Own Business Project Region was 103,747 in 2006. The region's population is projected to increase between 1.08% and 1.43% per year over the next ten years, bringing the total 2016 population to a range from 115,557 to 119,619. Personal Per Capita Income - In 2006, the personal per capita income for Build Your Own Business Project was $25,930. Historically, personal p...

Why Missouri?  While Missouri is home to 10 Fortune 500 companies and just as many of America's largest private companies as designated by Forbes, the state is equally dedicated to the growth of smaller businesses as well. Missouri is all about economic and business growth. The state has maintained a solid business environment over the years and that stability helps companies that are new to the state plan for growth even before relocating business to Missouri . Let's take a look at a few of the advantages to doing business in the "Show-Me" State. Missouri Labor Force  Missouri has one of the most valuable workforces you will find anywhere across the country. Based on high school graduation rates, Missouri has a better educated workforce than most other states. This means our workers have the basic competencies to support advanced manufacturing and logistics. Missouri is home to nationally ranked Washington University in St. Louis, and nearly 140 other degre...