August 27, 2015
Hannibal, MO – Over the past several months, the Northeast Missouri Economic Development Council, which provides economic development services for the Hannibal region, has initiated the creation of six different committees in an effort to enhance the regions prosperity.
The 16-person Council voted the formation of these committees during July’s monthly meeting. Committees include Retail Recruitment, Workforce Development, Internet and Social Media, Upscale Housing and Apartment Development, Business Retention and Expansion, and Entrepreneurial Start-Up and Development. The formation of these committees has been a continuing task for the NMEDC, who has been working towards this goal since March.
Committees will work closely with the Chamber of Commerce to provide a coordinated effort, as well as with county, city, and state officials. Another objective is to develop and maintain a cohesive relationship with the area’s manufacturers, businesses, and educational institutions such as Hannibal LaGrange University, Moberly Area Community College, and Hannibal, Palmyra, Marion, and Ralls County school systems.
The NMEDC Board is composed of four Executive Committee members including Tom Boland (President), Hal Benedict (Vice President), Gordon Ipson (Secretary), and Bob Stevenson (Treasurer). Regular council members include Mark Grieshaber, Anthony Allen, Darin Redd, Jerry Trower, Jeff LaGarce, Roy Hark, Randy Park, Rick DeStefane, Matt Munzlinger, Kari Goodman, Larry Welch, and Julie Leverenz.
“We are all intensifying our efforts in the entire Marion-Ralls County region to work very closely with any and all interested individuals, companies, government, and educational entities to form and further strengthen our relationships,” states Tom Boland, council president. The council’s focus is on retaining and expanding the area’s existing strengths while recruiting new businesses.
“We have great people here,” Boland continues. “A very strong base from which to grow and prosper even more. I encourage everyone to get involved in this forward movement that is at hand.”
To find out more about the Northeast Missouri Economic Development Council and these committees, you can contact the Executive Committee members or Executive Director George Walley.
