The Marshall Saline Development Corporation discussed the possibly of creating a community plan for Sweet Springs at their Tuesday, July 8, meeting.

"We have joined with a number of our community and regional partners to develop a community plan for Sweet Springs," said Executive Director Roy Hunter. "The first step in this effort will consist of an open meeting in Sweet Springs."

"Members of the board are encouraged to participate in this effort," he continued.

The (strategic discussion) meeting will be held Thursday, July 24, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in the Sweet Springs Elementary School gym.

MSDC, Sweet Springs Economic Development Council, Kansas City Power and Light, Missouri Valley Community Action Agency, Saline County Commission, The Small Business Administration and Smart Solutions will collaborate to host the forum.

The meeting is open to the public. A light dinner will be served; anyone interested in receiving the meal must RSVP by calling 660- 335-4564.

Hunter then continued his director's report by informing the board of an upcoming speaking engagement at University of Central Missouri.

"I have accepted an invitation to address a roundtable discussion hosted by the Entrepreneurial Studies and Development and the Small Business and Technology Development Center at (UCM) on July 15," he said. "I will be discussing rural economic development on both the state and local level."

Hunter also noted that the Marshall Service Center project is nearly completed.

MSDC will hold their next meeting July 24 at 7 a.m.

Contact Travis Watts at marshallreporter@socket.net