By Blake Jackson
The University of Missouri Extension will host its 2026 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference in Maryville from September 15-17.
The CEC Conference unites leaders and practitioners focused on rural entrepreneurship and economic development. The 2026 theme, “Show Me MOmentum: From Main Street to Farm Gate,” will highlight how communities connect downtown businesses, workforce development, and agriculture-driven innovation to bolster local and regional economies, said CEC Conference co-chair Ashley Allen-Brown, an MU Extension regional economic development specialist.
Designed as an immersive, place-based experience, the conference allows participants to engage directly with local entrepreneurs, organizations, and businesses while exploring strategies communities use to enhance economic resilience and attract investment, Allen-Brown explained.
“The CEC Conference brings together economic developers, entrepreneurs, elected officials, educators, nonprofit leaders, lenders and regional partners from across Missouri and beyond,” Allen-Brown added. Attendees share an interest in building entrepreneurial capacity and supporting long-term economic vitality in rural areas.
Hosting the event gives Maryville and Nodaway County a chance to showcase local assets and partnerships to a statewide audience, highlighting how the region supports business growth, workforce development, and quality of life.
“Maryville has been home to me in the past, so it is exciting to welcome the Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference to a community that shaped both my personal life and professional career,” said Jackie Spainhower, MU Extension community development specialist in Nodaway County.
DeAnn Davison, Maryville director of tourism and host community chair, said the event will let visitors experience the city firsthand. “With ongoing investment in our buildings, new ventures and infrastructure, our progress is rooted in strong partnerships and a deep sense of community pride,” she said.
The CEC Conference is MU Extension’s flagship initiative, complemented by year-round webinars that provide practical approaches to rural entrepreneurship and economic development. “CEC is more than a conference; it’s a way for rural communities to learn from one another and see what’s working on the ground,” Allen-Brown said.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-nes
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