The Board of Directors for the Washington County Industrial Development Authority met on October 6, 2026. The board had a variety of topics and projects to discuss, but here are highlights from the meeting:
IDA Board Meeting Highlights
October 6, 2026
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Opportunity Zone 2.0 update: Director Rowe informed the board that over 200 applications were submitted accross the state for Opportunity Zones. The director submitted an application to the State of Missouri for consideration which included a tract of land covering Hopewell, Springtown, Irondale, portions of Mineral Point, and portions of Potosi. Decisions on which tracts the Governor moves forward to DC were scheduled for August and Director Rowe is still waiting for a response from the State. More information about Missouri Opportunity Zones 2.0 may be found here: https://ded.mo.gov/programs/business-community/opportunity-zones.
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Industrial Park Rules updated: The board signed a formal resolution amending the Industrial Park Rules & Regulations to include policy regarding the potential development of data centers in the park. The policy addresses data center performance standards for noise polution, water and electricity usage, boundary set-backs and more. A copy of the Washington County Industrial Park Rules & Regulations may be found here: Washington County Industrial Park Rules and Regulations FINAL(1)
- Upcoming business-development engagement: Director Rowe informed the board of an upcoming visit from the Missouri Department of Economic Development. A four-member team will visit Washington County to tour Red Wing Shoe, discuss economic activity, and to determine industry needs across the county. Additionally, Director Rowe will also continue to visit Washington County manufacturers to collect information on potential expansions and to serve the needs of our local industry as part of Manufacturing Month in October.
- Insurance request for bids: The Director informed the board that the insurance bid request was published in September with a bid opening scheduled for December 1, 2026.
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Leadership Updates: Director Rowe updated the board on recent events and meetings, including the September 18 meeting of the newly formed Washington County Industry & Education Partnership. This second meeting once again had great attendance and participation. James Pritchett presented information on Registered Youth Apprenticeships and Jenna Snodgrass from the Central Ozarks Private Industry Council presented information on the state’s Youth Opportunities Program and On-the-Job-Training programs. Director Rowe also spoke with the board about the active tourism initiative. The group is hosting regular monthly meetings, open to the public, while also finalizing By-Laws with intention to formalize under a 501c3 structure.
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Community Engagement: The Board voted to once again sponsor the Career Mountain event at Potosi High School as part of Manufacturing Day. Director Rowe formally registered the event at #MFGDAY and will continue to promote the benefits of strengthening the local workforce and building a talent pipeline. Another point of emphasis was on the structure of other economic development organizations and a community-wide, comprehensive approach to growth strategies. The Board spent time discussing potential options for how to adapt to best practices seen around the state.
Director Rowe updated the board on various tasks from the previous month before moving into executive session.
Minutes may be viewed by clicking this link:
IMPORTANT DATES:
December 1, 2026: Regular Board Meeting
January 15, 2027: Industry and Education Partnership Meeting
RSVP’s for events, additional questions, or comments may be directed to contact@washingtoncomo.com.
