Dunklin County Economic Development

Office Contact
Melissa Combs, Director of Economic Development
100 Courthouse Square Room 202
Kennett, MO 63857
Phone: 573-344-6162
Email: mcombs@dunklincounty.org

Mission
Our office's goal is to service existing employers and recruit prospective businesses to Dunklin County. We focus on Strategic Planning, Real Estate Development, Workforce Development, Public and Private Finance. We showcase the unique agricultural, industrial, and retail opportunities driving commerce in Missouri's Bootheel. Our personnel have developed relationships with elected officials, utility providers, and community stakeholders to foster positive growth and create packages attractive to prospective employers.

News

Goldman Sachs to offer Free Training to Small Businesses November 20, 2023

Goldman Sachs is partnering with State Fair Community College in Sedalia in offering 10,000 Small Businesses to small businesses in rural Missouri. The course offers practical business training, access to capital providers, and personalized support services. The first and last sessions will be in person and all other sessions are online. Goldman Sachs Foundation will cover travel and lodging costs. Eligible applicants are small businesses with at least two employees, who have been in business for 2+ years and generated at least $75000 in the most recent fiscal year. Applications are due December 1. Apply now at: gs.com/10ksb-missouri.

Dunklin County Hazard Mitigation Plan

Dunklin County is in the process of updating the Dunklin County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The existing plan, approved by FEMA five years ago was developed in accordance with the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. To maintain eligibility for certain FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants, the Act requires jurisdictions to develop a plan to assess their risks to hazards and identify actions that can be taken in advance to reduce future losses. The law requires Hazard Mitigation Plans to be updated every five years.

The hazard mitigation planning process is heavily dependent on the participation of representatives from local government agencies and departments, the public, and other stakeholder groups. Appropriate participants in the planning committee include, but are not limited to: emergency responders, county clerks, city clerks, elected officials, public works directors, floodplain managers, stormwater managers, county and city planners, economic development directors, GIS staff, business partners, private-non-profit representatives, school principals, school facilities directors, and school superintendents.

The Bootheel Regional Planning Commission has taken the lead in developing this plan. The points of contact are Christy LeGrand and Christine Young, Community Development Specialists. To successfully complete this project and ensure your organization is eligible for FEMA hazard mitigation assistance funding, we need your participation and input. Jurisdictions (including county and city governments and school districts) that do not participate in an approved Hazard Mitigation Plan are NOT eligible to apply for FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Assistance grants.

Jurisdictions with questions regarding the plan should contact Christy LeGrand at clegrand@bootrpc.com.

Grand Opening of Cim-Tek Filtration's Kennett Facility Celebrated by State and Local Dignitaries Kennett, MO (July 18, 2023)

Cim-Tek Filtration, a leading manufacturer of filtration products, celebrated the grand opening of its new site in Kennett, Missouri. Production at the new facility began recently and this expansion will allow the company to continue to innovate in filtration and develop new products available worldwide from production facilities in Bement, IL, Monticello, IL, and now Kennett, MO.

“Cim-Tek Filtration’s expansion in Kennett is an exciting development for the Southeast region and another example of continued business investment in our state,” said Governor Mike Parson. “Whether in an urban center or rural area, Missouri has the resource advantages companies need to find success. We’re proud to add this family-owned business to our growing list of leading manufacturers who are choosing our state for its skilled workforce, infrastructure, and low business costs. As Cim-Tek opens its new facility, we wish them much success in the Show-Me State.”

The expansion is estimated to create up to 77 new jobs once completed, with 15 new jobs having already been added in Kennett. The new jobs added through Cim-Tek Filtration’s expansion will pay an average annual salary that is well above the county average wage.

“We have had great success here in Kennett, refurbishing the facility and beginning production.” said Jeff Ayers, CEO of Cim-Tek Filtration. “We look forward to growing our business while expanding our production capabilities here in the USA. We would again like to thank the state, county, and city partners, as well as many others, who have helped make this expansion possible.”

“This grand opening is exciting for our community and a reflection of the commitment from the city, county and state to attract high quality manufacturing jobs to the area.” said Melissa Combs, Dunklin County Director of Economic Development. City of Kennett Mayor Jake Crafton added, “We are proud to welcome Cim-Tek Filtration to our city, and we look forward to the Kennett plant creating quality jobs for our citizens for many years to come.”

Cim-Tek Filtration used the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. Cim-Tek’s expansion was also supported by the Dunklin County Commission and the Missouri Innovation Corporation.

About Cim-Tek

Cim-Tek Filtration is a global leader in advanced filtration solutions that protect the world’s fuels, lubricants, and other industrial fluids. Drawing on 67 years of experience designing and manufacturing superior filtration products and accessories, Cim-Tek is committed to providing customers with the best protection against fluid contamination around the world. Learn more about Cim-Tek Filtration at cim-tek.com.

Land Inventory

Looking for Commercial or Industrial property? Check out our available listings at LocationOne.

Are you a Dunklin County landowner interested in selling or leasing? Contact Director Melissa Combs to learn about listing your property to prospective investors.