|
Region Says Farewell to Steve Jenkins
Fort Leonard Wood, MO – December 15, 2005 ---- The monthly meeting of Missouri’s Fort Leonard Wood Region (MFLWR) was held at the Waynesville School District Office in Waynesville. Bob Kreuter, chairman of the MFLWR, welcomed all to the meeting. On behalf of the Waynesville School District, Dr. Ed Musgrove, the Superintendent, welcomed the MFLWR board to the district.
Special guests at the meeting included the Honorable Bob May, State Representative for the District; Richard Cavender, Executive Director of the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC); and Rick Prugh, Vice President of Missouri Enterprise.
Bob Kreuter awarded Steve Jenkins an MFLWR Certificate of Appreciation for his outstanding regional leadership and vision. Steve is the economic developer for Lebanon and Laclede County and President/CEO of America’s Heartland Economic Development Corporation. He has accepted a new position with the economic development corporation of Corpus Christi, Texas, and will be leaving this month. Bob praised his hard work in support of the regional marketing effort. “Steve’s leadership and energy will be greatly missed. We know he will also do well for Corpus Christi.” Steve thanked the association for the recognition and encouraged the group to continue the regional effort. “You are on the right path. Your hard work will pay off if you continue your great team effort.”
Sue Halter, Deputy Garrison Commander of Fort Leonard Wood, provided the FLW Update. She said that Operation Exodus, the movement of almost all trainees home for the holidays, will occur on Monday. The trainees will return on January 3.
All construction projects on post are on schedule. The new Burger King and Church’s Chicken facility is now open. A ribbon cutting will occur in January. The National Guard aviation facility is completed. Senator Bond will dedicate the facility in January. The new post exchange will be completed in July and open in August or September. The Chemical, Biological, Radiation and Nuclear (CBRN) Responder Training Facility is under construction. It is scheduled to be completed in April 07. Funding for the next set of training barracks is scheduled for fiscal year 2008.
The instrument landing system passed its final FAA certification test flight. In February the final procedures should be published by the FAA and the system will be operational.
The main body of the 94th Engineer Battalion is still scheduled to arrive in June or July. This battalion will have about 800 personnel associated with it.
At the invitation of Bob Kreuter, Rick Prugh gave a presentation on Missouri Enterprise’s state-wide mission, programs and impact. He discussed the four major program areas in which Missouri Enterprise is involved: innovation, manufacturing, agri-business and environment. Missouri Enterprise helps over 200 Missouri companies each year. For the state’s investment of $2.3 million in fiscal year 2005, it leveraged $8.1 million in other investments, generated $303 million in economic impact, created or retained 941 jobs, and got back $5.5 million in additional general tax revenue. Clearly Missouri Enterprise is a major regional and state asset.
Luge Hardman provided the Airport Committee report. She stated that the Joint Airport Board, which includes St. Robert and Waynesville, has decided to invest much of its current $365 thousand in federal grants in the construction of T-hangers and new office space for general aviation operations at the airport.
Steve Jenkins reported on the proceedings of the Regional Marketing Committee. Steve stated that the Regional Workforce Study draft reports are now available for review by the counties. The final study results will be available in early January.
Ron Selfors reported that the region’s website should soon be operational. Buz Harvey has completed his editing of the site. There are several display and printing technical issues which are being worked with the website designer. A news release will be distributed when the site becomes operational.
Missouri’s Fort Leonard Wood Region is a not-for-profit association which promotes economic and community development in the Fort Leonard Wood Region. The region extends along the I-44 Technology Corridor from Lebanon to Rolla/St. James. It includes the three counties of Laclede, Pulaski and Phelps. Its membership includes cities, counties, school districts, utility companies, businesses and other associations. Fort Leonard Wood, University of Missouri Rolla, United States Geological Survey, the regional planning councils and the Missouri Department of Economic Development also participate.
Fort Leonard Wood Region meetings are normally held on the second Tuesday of the month, and the public is always invited. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 1:30PM at the University of Missouri Technology Park at Fort Leonard Wood. Call 573-329-8505 to confirm time and place.
-30-
|
