The city of Excelsior Springs is reaching out to the community to ask for support in securing the opportunity to host the prestigious 2025 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) conference.

Excelsior Springs Economic Development Director Melinda Mehaffy and Excelsior Springs Area Chamber of Commerce President Brian Rice attended a previous CEC conference and knew then the city wanted to apply to host the event in 2025.

“You have to have attended at least one conference to be eligible to apply,” said Mehaffy. “The application process required us to outline why we should be chosen, what spaces we had available and how many individuals can be seated.”

After submitting its application, the city was chosen as one of the three finalists to be put to a vote to determine the host city for the event.

The University of Missouri Extension has cited Excelsior Springs as a potential site due to the city’s combination of historical charm and modern amenities, alongside an enthusiastic community ap…