SEMO REDI, Perry County EDA formalize regional business recr. . .
Southeast Missouri Regional Economic Development Inc. and the Perry County Economic Development Authority have formalized a partnership intended to coordinate business recruitment, marketing and site. . .
Southeast Missouri Regional Economic Development Inc. and the Perry County Economic Development Authority have formalized a partnership intended to coordinate business recruitment, marketing and site promotion across Perry County and the broader Southeast Missouri region. The organizations signed a memorandum of understanding that took effect Aug. 1 and will run through July 31, 2027. Under the agreement, SEMO REDI will include Perry County in its outbound business recruitment work, market available county sites at site-selection conferences and trade events and incorporate the county into outreach to site selectors and business prospects. Recruitment and site marketingThe agreement calls for SEMO REDI and Perry County EDA to share market intelligence tools and develop a regional marketing strategy aimed at attracting workers, companies and investment. SEMO REDI CEO Shad Burner said the organization views the agreement as a commitment to work with Perry County EDA toward common regional goals. “Perry County Economic Development Authority has placed real trust in SEMO REDI by entering into this partnership, and we don’t take that lightly,” he explained. “We’re excited to work alongside the Perry County EDA as partners, aligned on the same goals and committed to delivering results for businesses and communities across our region. ”SEMO REDI, a regional economic development organization based in Cape Girardeau, works to attract business investment, support existing businesses and promote Southeast Missouri for economic growth. The organization was formed from the Cape Girardeau Area MAGNET economic development group in 2022, with an expanded focus on regional cooperation. County and regional coordinationCrystal Jones, executive director of Perry County EDA, said the memorandum reflects the value of economic-development efforts extending beyond individual county boundaries. “Economic development doesn’t stop at county lines, and this partnership reflects that reality,” Jones said. “When regional organizations work together, everyone benefits. We are stronger as a unified region than we could ever be working in isolation, and this MOU is a meaningful step toward that vision. ”Perry County EDA serves as the county’s local economic development entity. Burner said SEMO REDI officials plan to continue pursuing similar partnerships across Southeast Missouri.