Show Me Christian County

10/02/2026

It’s Missouri Manufacturing Day! 🏭

Manufacturing is an important part of Christian County’s economy, representing 6.4% of our workforce and projected to grow about 1% each year.

And across Missouri, more than 8,400 manufacturing businesses employ nearly 285,000 people.

Today, we’re recognizing the people and businesses behind this important industry.

Know a manufacturer that deserves a shout-out? Tag them below! 👇

09/28/2026

🚨 Grant Opportunity Alert

Farming is a big part of our region, and opportunities like this can give local farms another way to grow.

The Farm to Stay Grant Program from Airbnb and American Farmland Trust will offer approximately 25–30 grants of up to $10,000 to farmers and ranchers looking to create or expand farm stays and experiences.

Applications are expected to open in late November 2026.

Know a local farmer or rancher who might be interested? Send this their way!

Learn more: https://farmland.org/farm-to-stay

09/25/2026

September is Workforce Development Month!

When we talk about economic development, we often talk about businesses, buildings and new investment.

But behind all of that are people.

Workforce development helps connect people with education, training and career opportunities while helping local employers find the talent they need.

This month, we’re recognizing the employers and partners investing in our local workforce.

Who’s doing a great job investing in their people? Tag a local employer below! 👇

09/24/2026

🚨 Last call for advertising in the 2027 Christian County Area Guide!

We’ve had some additional inquiries about ad space, so we’re extending the original reservation deadline to October 16.

📅 Final ad reservation deadline: October 16
🎨 Final creative due: October 30

A big thank you to everyone who has already reserved advertising space in the 2027 Christian County Area Guide!

If you’ve been considering advertising in this year’s guide, now’s the time. To reserve your space, email [email protected] or send us a DM.

09/23/2026

McDonald’s is officially open in Ozark Marketplace! 🍟 We celebrated with the Ozark Chamber of Commerce during their ribbon cutting earlier today.

Congratulations to Daphne and her team on the new location. We’re excited to welcome them to the growing development!

When our team first looked at this property, it was mostly grass and greenfields. Today, Ozark Marketplace is home to multiple businesses, with more development on the way.

Show Me Christian County is proud to have played a small part in the early stages and excited to see what continues to take shape here.

A special shoutout to Brad and the Thessing Commercial team for seeing the potential in this property and investing in Ozark.

09/17/2026

Growth continues in Ozark!

Morgan Industrial Technology (MIT) is expanding its operations with a new 15,000-square-foot facility in Ozark, Missouri.

The additional space will support MIT’s technical operations and increase the company’s capacity for ongoing development, providing room for continued growth right here in Christian County.

Investments like this are an exciting reflection of the opportunities available to businesses choosing to grow and expand in our community.

Congratulations to the MIT team on this exciting next chapter! We’re proud to see local businesses investing in their future, and in Christian County.

Check out more in the article from SBJ! https://tinyurl.com/bdev3wzu

The company is adding a 15,000-square-foot building to its existing campus.

08/20/2026

Show Me Christian County was proud to celebrate the groundbreaking of Marabella, an exciting new development coming to Ozark!

This 229-acre master-planned community will feature resort-style amenities, abundant green space and community gathering areas, neighborhood commercial spaces, and a variety of housing options designed to serve residents through all stages of life.

We’re excited to see Marabella take shape and what this development will bring to the Ozark community.

Thank you to the Marabella team and everyone who helped make this milestone possible, including the City of Ozark, MO - Municipal Government, Ozark Electric Cooperative, Great River Engineering, and the Ozark Chamber of Commerce.

Congratulations to all involved! 🎉

07/30/2026

The Show Me Christian County staff and board extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Tracy Slagle, a long-time SMCC board member and a good friend.

Tracy's deep love for the communities she served was evident in everything she did. We were honored to receive her guidance, insight, and care, and will miss her dearly.

If you would like to honor Tracy, a memorial visitation will be held at Emmaus Springfield, Springfield, MO, Friday, July 31, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. A Celebration of Life service will be held at SBU’s Pike Auditorium inside Maybee Chapel in Bolivar, MO, on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of plants and flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Polk County Cares at P.O. Box 718 Bolivar, MO 65613.

It is with both heavy hearts and grateful spirits that we announce the passing of Tracy Anne Slagle, a dynamic and beloved figure who left an everlasting mark on her community and all who knew her. Tracy was born on October 25, 1962, in Springfield, MO, to Dorrell C and Helen Marie (Scrivener) Luce,...

07/29/2026

Check it out: More than 30 employers will participate in a hiring event in Christian County tomorrow, 7/30 at Ozarks Tech Richwood Valley Campus.

Thanks to Missouri Job Center - Ozark Region for hosting!

Here's a final look at the employers participating in the Christian County Hiring Event on Thursday. Stop by Ozarks Tech Richwood Valley Campus in Ozark from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and talk to these employers face-to-face about your next new job. See you there!

06/24/2026

Exciting news for Sparta and surrounding neighborhoods!

SPARTA! 📣
You've waited patiently and it's finally time to sign up for fast, reliable, local fiber internet!

With three options to choose from, signing up is quick and easy!
- Go to WhiteRiverConnect.com and search your address
- Call 855-318-2628
- Or stop by our Branson offices, located at 2449 East State Highway 76

Kick the constant buffering and data caps to the curb! It's time to experience the White River Connect difference for yourself!