- About
About

THE ORGANIZATION
Mission
To promote the economic prosperity of Washington County
Vision
To increase the overall quality of life through economic prosperity
by the enhancement of the local quality of life through increased job opportunities, educating and training a strengthened work ethic within the local workforce.
Purpose
The Washington County IDA’s original bylaws outlined the purpose of the organization. “The purposes for which this corporation was organized were to develop, advance, encourage and promote, subject to the limitations imposed by the Industrial Development Authority Act, as amended from time to time, commercial, industrial, agriculture and manufacturing facilities in Washington County, Missouri and its residents.”
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the purpose shall include the following:
- To acquire, construct, reconstruct, enlarge, improve, furnish, equip, maintain, repair, lease finance and sell plants, buildings, structures and facilities, whether or not now in existence, including without limitation the real estate and the required fixtures, equipment and machinery, used or to be used as a factory, assembly plant, manufacturing plant, processing plant, fabricating plant, distribution center, warehouse building, office building or facilities for the prevention, reduction or control of pollution; and
- To do and perform any and all other things necessary or desirable with respect to a Project (as defined in the Industrial Development Authority Act, as amended from time to time) or Projects to the extent permitted by or contemplated by the Industrial Development Authorities.
- In general, to carry on any other activities in connection with each and all of the foregoing or incidental thereto; and to have and exercise each and all of the powers and privileges, either direct or incidental, which are given and provided by or are available under the laws of the State of Missouri in respect of industrial development corporations; provided, however, that the corporation shall not engage in any activity for which a corporation organized under the Industrial Development Authority Act may not be formed under the laws of the State of Missouri.
THE TEAM
Consulting Director
Jaclyn Rowe
Board of Directors
President - Donald Thompson (current term 2017 – 2023)
Vice President – Reggie Rowe (current term 2017 – 2023)
Secretary – Fran Pashia (current term 2019 – 2025)
Director – Marty Simpson (current term 2021 – 2027)
Director – Chris Horton (current term 2019 - 2025)
Director – Craig Portell (current term 2017 – 2023)
Director - Chris Farrell (current term 2022 - 2028)
Washington County, Missouri, located just southwest of the St. Louis metro, is home to a hard-working group of workers who enjoy excellent training opportunities. Employers love the fact that the area workforce is loyal and very stable and anchoring to employers.
Training at the K-12 level and at two area higher education institutions are offered in the area as educators work closely with employers, continually listening to employers and adjusting offerings to serve their needs.
Naturally, due to the one-hour proximity to St. Louis, there is a base of prospective workers who would prefer working in Washington County rather than spending hours driving to and from work each day. Our location is central to the population of the United States, offering strong advantages to manufacturers and distributors who ship product nationally.
“It has been a wonderful experience expanding our partnership with Washington County IDA, it is evident that Krista and her crew are innovative in finding new ways for industrial growth and new avenues. It is my experience that money allocated towards the industrial park has been efficiently utilized for positive growth. This is evidenced by the success of the incubator building, the development and expansion of Midwest textiles, and the roadway expansion project. Krista worked tirelessly with the Missouri Department of Economic Development and other State and Federal Organizations to secure funding for improvements in the Industrial Park. Taylor Engineering looks forward to working with Krista and the Industrial Development board to progress Washington County forward and provide exciting positive change in the near future.” Joe Gable, P.E., Taylor Engineering
“JayCee Dental Creations is happy to be located in Washington County. Our “Home Grown Business” has gained an established market and with the growth of our industry, we’ve been facing challenges for workspace and room to grow our laboratory. The Washington County Industrial Development Authority stepped up in a big way and we are looking at a new building with plenty of room and expand for our future. The IDA and Executive Director, Krista Snyder have been an invaluable asset for or manufacturing business. The local Industrial Development Authority has opened doors with both regional and state economic development assets that we never knew existed. JayCee Dental Creations is excited about the next chapter of our development, and we’ve got to thank the IDA, Krista Snyder, and the state of Missouri for the support.” Respectfully, Charles H. Grissom Jr., JayCee Dental Creations
“Krista is a fantastic local economic developer who works hard to bring jobs and growth to Potosi. I particularly enjoy how intentional, intelligent, and committed she is in all that she does. Potosi and the surrounding region is lucky to have her in their corner.” Shad Burner, Director for Federal Initiatives, Missouri Department of Economic Development
“Our firm has had the pleasure of working with Krista and her team for nearly a decade in developing and growing the Washington County and Potosi area. Krista and the Board truly work in the best interest of the community and are continuously looking for new projects to enhance the region. Under the direction of Krista, this area is poised for expansion and opportunities for businesses looking to grow and thrive.” Jeff Medows, PE, CM Archer|Elgin Engineering
“The Washington County IDA makes things happen for the betterment of Washington County and its businesses. This group of community leaders has made significant investments in infrastructure over the years, especially at the county airport. Most recently, the IDA was able to provide the matching funds for a major federal grant to upgrade the natural gas line into Potosi. This was necessary to ensure future business growth in Washington County. Krista Snyder, the economic developer, is a pleasure to work with. We have worked on many grants together over the years. She initiates and follows through. You can count on Krista to get the job done.” Bonnie Prigge, Executive Director, Meramec Regional Planning Commission
“Krista thinks outside the box to help companies be successful in her community. I’ve always been impressed with her drive to not give up. She will find a solution and bring it to the table.” Michelle Hataway, Division Director, Missouri Department of Economic Development