Alton, Mo. –The Alton Chamber of Commerce met on August 21, 2025, at Collins Coffee on the square. Some things that were discussed was OzSBI, the Walnut Festival, the Pocket Park, and the Halloween Trunk-or-Treat.
OzSBI
Ricky Baker, a representative from OzSBI in West Plains, came and spoke at the meeting. Baker talked about an 8-9 week course that teaches individuals about how to start a business from the initial idea to developing a business plan to operating the business. He also talked about the SmartStart Workshop which is a 3-hour class that also teaches individuals how to start their own business and how to manage the registration process.
Pocket Park
The grant for the Pocket Park was not approved, but the grant will continue to be re-submitted. The Chamber talked about fundraising for the park if a grant cannot be secured within the next year.
Walnut Festival
Southern Bank will be judging the pumpkin contest and the West Plains Bank will be judging the other contests. Sound equipment and services have been secured for the day. A new t-shirt is also in the works.
Fun Run
The fun run and bicycle race are still being planned. The Alton Cross Country Team as well as Couch students will be spotters along the route. A tentative start time for the run is 6:00 pm.
Halloween
The Chamber also discussed the annual Halloween Trunk-or-Treat. It was decided that they will once again have it this year, possibly having a costume contest as well.
