Justice Bill Nelson, chair for the Mississippi County Planning and Development Committee, opened the Thursday meeting welcoming committee members and members of the Great River Economic Development Foundation Board.
Several issues were discussed including incentive money to hire within the county and the Missouri Bootheel, adding a position to GREDF, upgrading the county website, and giving an update of the recommendations from the consultant firm, TadZo LLC.
GREDF President Clif Chitwood talked about incentive money for hiring county and Bootheel residents. for the new paint project at Nucor. He said it could bring awareness for not overlooking qualified persons from Mississippi County and the Bootheel. He suggested $18,000 for those hired from Mississippi County and $9,000 for workers hired from the Bootheel with an estimated cost of $675,000.
Committee members voted unanimously to take the proposal to the Finance committee.
Mr. Chitwood then discussed the tactical advancement plan presented by TadZo, a consultant firm that recently did a study throughout the county. He said 135 people participated in the project.
Mr. Chitwood said the 20-year-old website is in need of updating.
Following a discussion, the committee was in agreement to take the project to the Finance committee and full court.
Mr. Chitwood talked about the great success of creating and attracting jobs to the county, going on to say they have not done as well attracting people to live in the county.
He talked about hiring an external vice president to help run small businesses and entrepreneurship program with outreach program, working with HR people, building relationships, attracting people to the county.
He also recommended promoting Tamika Jenkins to internal vice president.
Chitwood went on to say hiring a new person would give Tamika more time to write grants. She is a certified grant writer and with a new person, she would have more time to pursue grants.
He reviewed job descriptions for both positions, saying the salary cost of the new position, which is $87,500, and Tamika's increase total $150,000. An advancement plan with both position descriptions were presented to the justices for review.
Board members Dr. James Shemwell of ANC, Lisa John-Adams of Nucor and Brad Harrison of Mississippi County Electric Cooperative, all expressed their support of adding a position.
After a discussion, committee members voted unanimously to present the increase of $150,000 to the Finance committee, to add a position.
Justice Michael White informed the committee members work on the new business, A&J Avionics at the Manila Airport, has started.