Alton, Mo. – Thursday, July 20, 2023, the Alton Chamber of Commerce met at Court Square Cafe for the monthly meeting. While eating, the attendees discussed three main topics: small businesses, the City park, and the upcoming Walnut Festival.
Small Business Assistance
Mel Steele from West Plains came and spoke. He represented SBDC, Small Business Development Center. He enumerated ways they help small businesses get started and grow. SBDC works closely with the University of Missouri.
City Park
The chamber discussed possibilities for the proposed city park. This is located next to the Alton library. Individuals are working on a survey to determine what the public wants and expect. Currently, the city owns the property and is willing to lease it to the chamber for a park.
Walnut Festival
Some discussion was about the Walnut Festival in October. No run this year. Many vendors. They did announce that fifteen years ago, there were about 30 vendors. Last year, the Black and Gold Walnut Festival had 82 vendor booths.
Eclipse
Some talk went around about the Great American Eclipse in April 2024. While some wondered how many visitors would come to see darkness, others confirmed how tent places were getting booked and how Alton needs more RV sites.
The next scheduled meeting will be on the third Thursday in August.
