Green Horizons

The University of Missouri Extension would like to announce the hiring of a new Forestry & Business Development Specialist in Southeastern Missouri. Kyle Cunningham, located in Fredericktown, will serve Madison, Iron, Wayne, Reynolds and Carter counties.

Cunningham’s primary focus will be to increase the level of active forest management on private woodlands; promote the sustainable utilization of the forest resources; and assist in the development and growth of the forest industries in the region. In partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation, Cunningham will offer educational programs and business counseling to woodland owners and forest products businesses. Possible program topics include: basic woodlands management, forest taxation, small business management, forest products marketing, forest certification, carbon credits, non-timber forest products, and bio-energy.

While the forest industries are a major part of Cunningham’s focus, his services as a business development specialist are available to all entrepreneurs and existing businesses in his assigned counties. These services, frequently offered at no charge, will include educational programs and individual counseling in: business plan writing, marketing planning, advertising strategy, product design, budget planning, financial loan packaging, and even international programs.

For more information or to request assistance, contact Cunningham at 573-783-3303 or cunninghamkh@missouri.edu, or your local extension office.