West Plains Economic Development Corporation (WPEDC) held their monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at the GOCAT Facility.
As part of the meeting, West Plains Economic Development Director, David Bossemeyer, provided a report on the following topics:
Economic Development Director Report:
- Reviewed a recent report from the Missouri Department of Economic Development
- Working with the city to review existing CID’s.
- Expected soft opening of Tractor Supply in February
- Burke Outlet looking at lease
- Harbor Freight has signed lease
- Prospect toured the old vet supply building yesterday
- Spoke with someone who has an interest in converting an old hotel (Ridgecrest) into apartments
- Contractor and manufacturer directory is on the website now
- Lighthouse Group: 57,700 emails sent to approximately 3,400 companies with an open rate of approximately 3.4% since May 2018.
Other Business Discussed:
- Billing statement collections were discussed in attempt to secure amounts pledged as support.
- Board members are encouraged to email Dan or Myles their thoughts on the next three year strategic work plan.
- 360 virtual tour was discussed by Bossemeyer.
- Dalton mentioned that EDA received CARES Act funding. A portion of these can go towards this effort. It is likely that 100% funding for this could be achieved.
- Motion and second to pursue EDA funding through SCOCOG and authorize board officers to sign. Motion passed.
- Since recruitment will slow, working with existing businesses on retention and expansion will be very important
- Document how skills are developed in schools from a young age up to graduation
- There is an effort to develop more hot spots throughout West Plains and R7 and the county through the CARES Act administered through the county. Letters of Support for both efforts will be appreciated. Motion made and seconded to issue a letter from the EDC in support of these projects. Motion passed.
- Stehn reported that with funding possible through a variety of sources, it looks as though the overpass project could happen this time around
- Singletary reminded the group that an annual meeting needs to be held this year. This will be in conjunction with the September board meeting
- A reminder was given that Silvey and Singletary terms expire at the end of the year and the board will need to consider nominations before end of the year
The next meeting date will be Tuesday, September 8, 5:00 p.m. at the West Plains Public Library.
Anyone interested in serving on one of the committees may contact Tom Stehn at the West Plains City Hall or Myles Smith at Howell-Oregon Electric Cooperative.
The West Plains Economic Development Corporation, was formed as a public/private partnership to boost the economic development prospects in the area. The board consists of representatives from the business sector, the community, and the City of West Plains – all of whom will work closely with Dave Bossemeyer on economic development projects for the area.
