Economic Development and Tourism Goals

Council Goal

Promote the City of Lebanon as the preferred destination for retail and commercial businesses, tourism, and regional aviation activities through aggressive pursuit of partnerships and effective branding and marketing.

Increase Exposure and Recruitment of Events and Attractions

  • Utilize successful advertising efforts focusing on Fort Leonard Wood, Bennett Spring State Park, Route 66, and Lake of the Ozarks, while evaluating new opportunities.
  • Implement advertising strategies based on visitor profile studies to target identified feeder markets; monitor results for effectiveness.
  • Promote and engage in events attracting visitors, such as the Route 66 Festival and the upcoming Route 66 Centennial in 2026.
  • Leverage affiliations with Fort Leonard Wood organizations to enhance visitor opportunities.
  • Explore partnerships and clarify roles with the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business District (DTBD), and Lebanon Regional Economic Development, Inc. (REDI).
  • Collaborate with the Chamber to enhance marketing efforts in the Bennett Spring State Park area.
  • Develop and implement strategies to attract active and retired military personnel to become Lebanon residents.
  • Expand programs like Rock the Block, Friends of the Fort, Spouses’ Tour, and quarterly soldier recognition; promote the Community Sponsorship Program (CSP) to area employers.
  • Participate in onboarding orientations for newly stationed personnel.
  • Create a new hospitality training program in partnership with REDI and MU Extension.
  • Maintain a presence on the Fort Leonard Wood Regional Tourism Website and associated social media platforms to target the Fort Leonard Wood audience.

Expand Employment Sectors and Maintain Manufacturing Presence

  • Continue business retention and expansion efforts in the manufacturing sector through regular communication, training offerings, and special events.
  • Market the Lebanon Industrial Park via listings on commercial websites, direct outreach, and responses to leads from Missouri Partnership and site selection consultants.
  • Regularly review incentive policies to align with current and future needs.
  • Partner with local educational institutions (OTC, Lebanon R-3, GOCAPS, JAG, LTCC) to support workforce development.
  • Develop awareness campaigns related to professional careers in the trade sector by reviewing existing programs, creating new events, and evaluating effectiveness.
  • Maximize growth opportunities in Lebanon’s healthcare sector through partnerships offering modern training programs, targeted marketing campaigns, housing development recruitment, and attraction of healthcare professionals.
  • Establish an entrepreneur-friendly environment by analyzing best practices, fostering relationships with business incubation programs, and partnering with educational institutions and programs.

Airport Development

  • Complete taxiway rehabilitation project.
  • Resolve lighting issues as outlined by MoDOT Aviation.
  • Pursue opportunities for available land access near the old East-West runway.

Community Advancement Initiatives

  • Conduct Use Tax education campaigns.
  • Develop gateway signage and bridges to enhance city entrances.
  • Establish walking trails connecting Cowan Civic Center and Hoke Land.
  • Assess the need for debt packages to address parks, electric division, and new developments.
  • Evaluate the feasibility and future of a city-owned fiber network.