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Mike Nichols is New DED Rep to Region
Fort Leonard Wood, MO – May 12, 2006 ---- The monthly meeting of Missouri’s Fort Leonard Wood Region (MFLWR) was held at the St. Robert Municipal Center. Norm Herren, vice chairman of the MFLWR, welcomed all to the meeting and to St. Robert.
Erv Morriss introduced Susie Snyders of Rolla. She is a candidate for the District 16 senate seat. Susie stated that she was a strong supporter of economic development and knew that the region has much to offer to new or growing companies. Erv also introduced Bill Ransdall who is running for presiding commissioner of Pulaski County. Erv pointed out that Bill has been a longtime supporter of economic development in the region.
Sharon Gulick introduced Mike Nichols from the Department of Economic Development (DED) staff. Mike will be taking over Sharon’s roles as she joins University of Missouri Extension to become the Director of the CEED (Community Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Development) Program. Mike new roles will include MFLWR participation, Leonard Wood Institute board, the Hawthorne Foundation’s Defense Business Council, and the Missouri Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission. His DED regional responsibilities will now include all three region counties.
Norm Herren presented membership certificates to Hogan construction and the Pulaski county Board of Realtors for their contributions to the association. Buz Harvey accepted for Hogan Construction. James Lord, President of the Realtors Board, accepted for his organization. Norm commended them both for their generous contributions.
Sue Halter, Deputy Garrison Commander of Fort Leonard Wood, provided the FLW Update. She said that all construction projects on post are on schedule. The new post exchange will be completed in August with grand opening in September or October. The Chemical, Biological, Radiation and Nuclear (CBRN) Responder Training Facility is under construction. It is scheduled to be completed in June 2007.
On May 5 the FAA ran a final reliability test flight and the system is operational. The regional airport at Fort Leonard Wood is now the only all-weather airport between Springfield and St. Louis.
The change of command for Colonel JC Abney, the Garrison Commander, will be June 27. His replacement will be Colonel John Megnia, a Chemical Corps officer.
The arrival of the 94th Engineer Battalion from Germany is still scheduled for June and July. Equipment is arriving now. Over 700 soldiers plus their family members are expected to arrive from Germany and other locations during the spring and summer. Ten families have already arrived. The colors for the unit will be uncased in a July ceremony.
Bruce Harrill provided the Airport Committee report. He stated that the Joint Airport Board, which includes St. Robert and Waynesville, is working with the Army to acquire 20 more acres for the commercial side of the airport. An environmental study is now on-going to support the development. They are also installing self-service fuel pumps for aircraft after-hours. They currently have about $450 thousand to support airport upgrades. They should know next month if they were successful in getting $1.2 million from the FAA for further airport upgrades as part of the FAA Military Airport Program.
Dr. Ed Musgrove gave the School’s Report. He said that the Waynesville schools will be out May 18 with high school graduation on May 19. Dr. Judene Blackburn, the incoming superintendent, went to Germany this month to visit with and brief 94th Engineer Battalion families. Larry Sexton asked about the capacity of the new high school to handle the growing number of students. Ed stated that the school will have about 1,500 students next year. It was designed for 1,600. If eight classrooms are added to it, it can handle 2,000 students. Ed stated that after the meeting, those interested could take a tour of the new Freedom Elementary School, under construction nearby. East Elementary will retain its name (not change to Liberty).
Norm Herren and Bruce Harrill reported on the joint membership/finance committee meeting that was held this month. They said that there was a great deal of discussion concerning growth and expansion that is continuing.
Ron Selfors reported on the progress by the Jeff City Presentations Committee. The committee is planning a region update briefing in Jeff City to the Department of Economic Development leadership and staff on June 19. Claudia Sands, Sprint, volunteered to cover the cost of the lunch for the DED staffers. The committee will meet again to finalize the program and once more for a final rehearsal prior to the trip.
Chris Heard reported on the metrics committee. His committee is charged with determining what the success measures are for the association. He said that the committee will meet one more time in May to finalize the benchmarks. They will be presented to the board in June.
Chris Heard discussed the marketing committee. He says that the committee is looking at both external and internal communications. They have finalized a region brochure to go with letters to site selectors and target companies. Ron Selfors reported that traffic to the website (www.MidAmericaLocations.org) increased again in April. Elizabeth Bax reported that the Rolla Regional Economic Council (RREC) website for Phelps County is now operational. The address is www.rollaecondev.org.
Elizabeth also stated that she recently participated in a gaining community panel at the Department of Defense Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Conference in Atlanta. She was again able to tell a very positive story about the success the region had in the BRAC 95 process, in part due to the leadership of this association and its members. Chris Heard also participated in the conference. He said that he discussed the area with Mike Davis, the deputy director of the DOD Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA). As a result of that discussion Chris said that the area should look at requesting OEA funding for a study to examine ways the area can diversify its economy which is now heavily dependent on Defense. He is preparing a letter from the mayors of St. Robert and Waynesville to OEA requesting support for such a study.
Steve Tupper, University of Missouri Rolla, provided a briefing on the Regional Transportation Initiative. This initiative has two parts. The first is the establishment of commuter van or bus service from Lebanon and Rolla to Fort Leonard Wood. The Army is offering a $105/month stipend to any DOD employee who would elect to use public transportation to commute to work. A UMR student study has recently been completed that analyzed the transportation needs, various implementation concepts and the marketing challenges to make it a success. Development of an implementation plan is underway. The second part is a science and technology opportunity to look at using hydrogen-powered buses as the vehicles for the system. Hydrogen has a great deal of national interest and needs to be used in an operational environment that can be researched. UMR has a study grant to investigate establishment of such a demonstration program. Additional funding will be required to actually acquire the buses, develop a refueling capability, and conduct the operational tests. Larry Sexton pointed out that the Missouri Transportation Commission will have its September meeting at Fort Leonard Wood. This would be a good opportunity to brief them on the initiative and get their support.
Ron Selfors reminded everyone that Steve Tupper and he will be co-hosts for the new regional economic development radio program on KUMR on Friday, May 26, at 8:10am. He hopes everyone will tune in and listen.
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, June 13, 1:30PM in the Waynesville High School Library. Call 573-329-8505 or visit the news section of the website (www.MidAmericaLocations.org) to confirm time and place.
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