The 2025 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference ended with a call to action – one centered on civic pride, collaboration and the simple power of caring for the places people call home.Excelsior Springs leaders, volunteers and visitors from across Missouri and neighboring states gathered for the closing session, wrapping up two days of workshops and discussions which explored ways small communities can strengthen entrepreneurship and foster local investment. The final program combined gratitude for the city’s hosting efforts with a challenge for attendees to return home ready to act.Organizers thanked volunteers, business partners and city staff for the hundreds of hours spent preparing the event. Participants were reminded to complete a follow-up survey that would be emailed this week. Lead conference organizer Ashely Allen-Brown explained the feedback would help guide the future of the statewide program.“It helps us improve eve...