The Board of Directors for the Washington County Industrial Development Authority met on July 7, 2026 and again on September 1, 2026. The board opted to forgo the August meeting for summer break. The board had a variety of topics and projects to discuss, but here are highlights from the meetings:
IDA Board Meeting Highlights
July 7, 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 direcotr submitted an application which included Hopewell, Springtown, Irondale, portions of Mineral Point, and portions of Potosi, was submitted to the State of Missouri for consideration. Decisions on which tracts the Governor moves forward to DC are scheduled for August. More information about Missouri Opportunity Zones may be found here: https://ded.mo.gov/programs/business-community/opportunity-zones.
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Industrial Park rules updated: The board unanimously approved amendments to the Washington County Industrial Park Rules and Regulations, strengthening the operating framework for the park specific to data center inquiries. A formal resolution will be drafted and signed at an upcoming meeting.
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Support for workforce and public-safety capacity: The IDA agreed to provide a letter of support for the Washington County Ambulance District’s Delta Regional Authority grant application to expand its training facility.
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Upcoming business-development engagement: Executive Director Jaclyn Rowe will lead local business owners to the MO S&T Protoplex on September 3 to learn more about their programs and services for advanced manufacturing.
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Leadership Updates: Director Rowe updated the board on issues discussed at the Annual Missouri Economimc Development Conference which was held on June 2 – June 4 at Lake of the Ozarks. Director Rowe emphasized the initiatives around workforce development and the need to better connect local industry to opportunites for talent recruitment around the region. Another point of emphasis was on the structure of other economic development organizations and a community-wide, comprehensive approach to growth strategies.
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:
September 1, 2026
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Opportunity Zone 2.0 Update: Director Rowe informed the board that no communication has been provided from the state regarding the Governors decisions on OZ 2.0 tracts as of this time. Information on Opportunity Zones may be found here: https://ded.mo.gov/programs/business-community/opportunity-zones.
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Economic and workforce initiatives: Executive Director Jaclyn Rowe reminder the board about the September 3 visit to the MO S&T Protoplex with 16 local business owners and September 3 meetings with the Missouri Job Center and Registered Youth Apprenticeships advocate ahead of an Industry & Education Partnership meeting. She also reported progress on the county tourism initiative and other current and near-term activities.
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Insurance procurement authorized: The board approved publishing an insurance bid request in September, explicitly welcoming cost-reducing alternatives.
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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 Washignton County Industry & Education Partnership. This second meeting will take place at the Potosi Lions Club and the Director antcipates great attendance again. Scheduled speakers include James Pritchett to present information on Registered Youth Apprenticeships and Jenna Snodgrass from the Central Ozarks Private Industry Council to present information on the state’s Youth Opportunities Program and On-the-Job-Training programs.
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:
October 6: Regular Board Meeting
October 14: Career Mountain at Potosi High School
October 29: Advancing Apprenticeships training
November 3: Regular Board Meeting
RSVP’s for events, additional questions, or comments may be directed to contact@washingtoncomo.com.
