Stover and the immediate vicinity is what the American people want. The masses are tiring of polluted air, crime, congested roads and taxes stifling the American dream. It’s inevitable the local area will grow over the next decade; it’s how we decide to accept the changes that are truly coming. We can cling to our ways and lament how things were better “back then” or we can accept change with a positive outlook and be ready to prosper as the billions (yes, billions) of dollars in construction projects in the immediate and surrounding area come to fruition in the coming years.

From our humble beginnings over a century ago, Stover has grown into a community with many interests and activities. Everything one might need can be found right here. I know people that only “Shop Stover” – claiming, “If Stover doesn’t have it I don’t need it.”  The days of having to travel to a larger city just to shop have become a thing of the past.

Currently, a variety of businesses are poised to meet the demands of the coming construction boom in the Lake of the Ozarks region. Look at the way our real estate prices have appreciated over the past few years. Investors and speculators know or are learning just what we have here and they also understand the nation’s changing demographics. Prudent existing companies and start-ups alike could serve themselves well by relocating to Stover and take advantage of our personnel, financial and recreational resources.

Even with our recently appreciated real estate prices, we are still one of the most affordable areas in the country. Outsiders are justly watching us and planning their next move. For the remaining years of this decade, when one combines the population and geographic centers of the United States, they find themselves right in the heart of Bulldog Country. The secrets out and here they come. In fact, I’d bet you know someone who recently moved here from Illinois, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania or even – I know, it’s hard to write…California.        

We have some of the best people in the world right here in our community - and a community we are. A person’s word is still true and a handshake can seal a deal. We live hard, work hard and play hard. We help our neighbors and volunteer our time to many worthy causes. We have businesses that’ve had their doors open for over 100 years and we have others still in the planning stages.

This year we have over 50 members in the Chamber of Commerce, members who support the community and realize the boom is at our door step. Like so many other small, rural towns across America we have had our lean times, but we are on our way back. Only now, we’ll be having a whole lot of company. We welcome you and look forward to helping you build your very own American dream.           

We are Stover and we’re open for business.

Bill Fairbairn, Past President

Stover Chamber of Commerce