The Board of Directors for the Washington County Industrial Development Authority met on September 3, 2024. The board had a variety of topics and projects to discuss, including the 2023 Audit and the anticipated completion of the Industrial Park Improvement Survey. The new survey will provide updated and comprehensive mapping of all park properties and infrastructure. Both the audit and improvement survey should be completed by the October meeting.
The Board also reviewed information provided by ECOSTRAT and agreed to learn more from other communities who have participated in the Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone rating program and to discuss options with MRPC before any further decisions are made. It was reiterated that if the Board determines to take further action, a grant will be pursued to cover the majority of the proposed cost of around $86,000. A BDO Zone rating would initiate international marketing for business attraction in the bioeconomy space, based on regional feedstock.
Consulting Director, Rowe, provided an update from Archer-Elgin on the water supply study, noting the timeline has been pushed back due to other high-priority and deadline specific projects happening in the City of Potosi. Rowe also updated the Board on various tasks related to upcoming campaign planning and spoke positively about her recent meeting with the Washington County Commission where the Economic Development Policy (EDP) was introduced and discussed. Mrs. Rowe provided a detailed calendar of additional meetings to continue the roll out of the EDP throughout the county.
The Board approved a $1000 sponsorship for the Career Mountain event at Potosi High School in October. The event supports the IDA objectives to build the local workforce, starting at the high school level. Create a solid workforce also means creating and taking advantage of platforms for exposing students to local opportunities and careers in manufacturing as part of the national manufacturing day events. Mrs. Rowe will represent the IDA at the event and will speak to all upperclassman on October 17. The IDA will also host manufacturing tours on November 8 for educators, bridging the gap between industry and education in Washington County.
Minutes may be viewed by clicking this link:
