Eight counties | 36 cities | one region

ST. ROBERT—Brian Hazelwood served in the United States Army for over 25 years. When it came time for retirement, his family settled in the Fort Leonard Wood area. Upon seeing a need for activities that local youth could enjoy with friends and family, he decided to open The Retroplex Entertainment Complex in St. Robert.

The opening of the Retroplex provided a variety of activities for the public, including a roller staking rink, electronic gaming area, laser maze and a children’s designated play area. Aside from providing an outlet for family fun, the Retroplex created 11 new jobs and continues to strive to help the local community whether that means giving over 1,000 free passes to local area schools as incentives for their students or giving over 40 free family passes to Fort Leonard Wood, the fire department or the Chamber of Commerce to help with fund-raising initiatives.

“We’re doing what we can to support the local community,” Hazelwood said. “It’s a good family friendly area that everyone can come and enjoy – from birthday parties to family outings.”

Hazelwood secured financing through the Bank of Crocker and the Meramec Regional Development Corporation (MRDC) Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). The RLF is a long-term, fixed loan typically between $25,000 and $100,000, but no greater than 50 percent of the total project. With an RLF loan one job per $20,000 loaned must be created. These loans can be used for purchases of land or buildings, renovations, machinery/equipment, furniture and fixtures, working capital or inventory and soft costs. MRDC works in partnership with local banks on all projects.

The Retroplex is located at 512 Old Route 66, St. Robert, MO or visit www.theretroplex.com for more information about hours, rates or special events.

For more information on MRPC’s small business loans program, contact Maria Bancroft at 573-265-2993 Ext. 114 or at mbancroft@meramecregion.org.

Formed in 1969, MRPC is a voluntary council of governments serving Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties and their respective cities. A professional staff of 25, directed by the MRPC board, offers technical assistance and services, such as grant preparation and administration, housing assistance, transportation planning, environmental planning, ordinance codification, business loans and other services to member communities. To keep up with the latest MRPC news and events, visit the MRPC website at www.meramecregion.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/meramecregion/.

Roller skates line the shelves waiting to be checked out at the Retroplex Entertainment Complex in St. Robert. The Retroplex offers a variety of activities for family fun aside from the roller skating rink.