6/11/2010, 4:00 a.m. ET

RAY SCHERER

The Associated Press

 

(AP) — COSBY, Mo. - Lack of a soda machine helped inspire Regina Calderwood to open new businesses for her neighbors in rural Andrew County.

Ms. Calderwood owns and operates Gina's Cafe and Catering and Best Seat In The House, a chair-covering business, under one roof in Cosby, Mo. The Main Street cafe's first day in business was May 30, with its full menu offered to customers starting June 1. The Best Seat operation has been in business for eight years, and opened in its new location recently.

A former resident who decided to return, Ms. Calderwood found that the Cosby she once knew no longer existed.

"I noticed there wasn't anything here anymore," she said. "The town didn't even have a soda machine, which was installed in front of the building right before the restaurant opened."

The initiative in a town of just 144 residents illustrates how some Northwest Missourians aren't allowing population declines and a poor economy thwart their ambitions.

Gina's Cafe has excited area residents.

"These people need to be serviced," Ms. Calderwood said. "It's a win-win (situation) for the town. A lot of the farmers come in for lunch. ... I really don't want to see our town dry up."

Organization helps out

Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation helped link her with other small-town restaurant owners, who offered their advice. The nonprofit organization offers free and confidential business coaching in six counties. "Why re-invent the wheel?" Ms. Calderwood asked, referring to the program's resources.

Facilitator Annette Weeks said the organization's clients aren't dismayed by their rural location and economic conditions.

"The businesses I work with, they're still confident in what they're doing," Ms. Weeks said. "Our businesses are very dedicated and loyal to their communities."

Elsewhere, residents in Albany, Mo., have kept pace with various projects that have improved the community, according to economic development director Kathy Morgan. One example is last year's opening of the Countryside Inn, owned by Bonnie and Rob Noble. It took a year for the couple to consider building and owning a 10-room motel on U.S. Highway 136.

"We stuck our necks out," Mrs. Noble said.

The onset of the recession admittedly caused some jitters after the momentous decision to open for business. But the Nobles have persevered. The inn has proven popular with groups such as wedding guests, school alumni, salesmen and hunters. Countryside has also been able to count on visitors from New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, California and other states.

"We've had a wonderful first year," Mrs. Noble said. "The community's been wonderful to us."

Also in the city, Ms. Morgan said the 34th edition of Frontier Holidays continues its role of luring former residents back home for a special visit.

"We call this our staycation," she said. "It's a great reunion."

Albany continues to immerse itself in projects that range from a new recycling collection center and energy efficiency building upgrades to water system improvements.

"We're looking down the road," Ms. Morgan said. "Water is going to become the new oil."

The city has also applied for state funding to finance runway and other improvements at Albany Municipal Airport, where future expansion is also a possibility to handle increased traffic and larger aircraft.

Competition is the key

Competition for new business is a never-ending enterprise in Northwest Missouri, said area economic developer Terry Rumery, who's based out of Chillicothe, Mo. "Rural counties have a battle every day," he said. "Rural communities realize they're not going to land Ford Claycomo plants."

The Coronet Window Company chose to move its manufacturing wing from North Kansas City to Caldwell County, Mr. Rumery said. A mini-industrial park, consisting of 40 to 45 acres, is being planned for Hamilton, Mo., he said.

Yet lack of financing and people continue to hinder new business development in the rural areas, Mr. Rumery added.

"The hardest part is what everybody's fighting-the ability to get loans," he said.

The phenomenon of graduating high school students who decide to leave to pursue careers still vexes small communities.

"I think that's our Achilles heel," Mr. Rumery said.

The Caldwell County Area Business Association is in the midst of developing projects that could include historical tourism, said John Deis, its president. No deadlines have been imposed on setting goals, however.

"We can't do it all at one time," he said.

Plans for a new judicial office center in Hamilton is a reason for county officials to become optimistic.

"That'll bring new business," Mr. Deis said.

Making progress

Other rural portions of the region are making progress with their own economies.

Atchison County is preparing for the opening of a DeBruce Grain Inc. elevator this fall in Rock Port, Mo., said Eileen Irvine, interim economic development director. A new grocery store that recently opened in the city has received an overwhelming response, she added.

Projects in Grant City, Mo., have helped build some momentum in tiny Worth County. The most recent success has been the opening of Sherri's Pharmacy Services by Sherri James. She chose to open the business despite some concerns.

"It's pretty scary, just the fear of the unknown," Ms. James said.

The pharmacy appears to be luring customers through the front doors of other Grant City businesses, she added.

"Maybe we can keep more of our tax dollars in Worth County," she said.

Grant City Mayor Debbie Roach said Northwest Missouri's small areas have no option but to tap into available grants and other resources. The city-with a population of 926-continues to pursue assistance in developing broadband services for its residents.

"Every little community faces the same thing," Ms. Roach said. "You've just got to keep plugging away."

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Information from: St. Joseph News-Press, http://www.stjoenews-press.com

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