Dunklin County’s Director of Economic Development Melissa Combs earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer MoCED on October 8, 2024.  The certification comes from Missouri Economic Development Council (MEDC) and the Missouri Department of Economic Development (MODED) who have undertaken a thorough review of how Missouri compares with other competing states and have developed a Missouri Certified Economic Developer Program, MoCED.

The MoCED designation represents the Missouri economic development practitioner’s commitment to advancing Missouri’s economy and elevating the economic development profession. The MoCED designation certifies that the Missouri economic development professional has a broad understanding of Missouri’s economic development assets and can serve as knowledgeable resources and liaisons for businesses and communities as they look to grow and thrive in Missouri.

The objectives of the certification program are:

• To provide resources to the Missouri economic development practitioner to answer questions relevant to doing business in the State of Missouri.
• To ensure effective representation of Missouri economic development organization(s) by economic development professionals educated in the specifics of Missouri.
• To continually elevate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of professionals in Missouri’s economic development industry.
• To reward the accomplishment of Missouri economic development professionals.

To be eligible for the certification, Missouri economic development professionals must:

• Complete a Basic Economic Development Course (BEDC) or have ten years of experience in the field of economic development.
• Have at least two consecutive years in the economic development field in Missouri either paid, volunteer, or combination.
• Be an active member of Missouri Economic Development Council (MEDC).
• Complete the required four pre-exam courses or workshops as offered through MEDC.
• Pass the certification exam that tests the Missouri economic developer’s knowledge in ten core content areas:
  • Economic Development Processes and Preparation
  • Economic Development Terminology
  • Missouri’s Business Climate
  • Missouri Data: Stats and Sources
  • Missouri Incentives and Technical Assistance Programs
  • State Agencies and Organizations
  • State Characteristics
  • State Government
  • Transportation Assets
  • Utility Terms and Conversions

MoDOT, working with RPCs and MPOs, has developed a High Priority Unfunded Needs list to guide the development of projects into funded projects as state and federal transportation funds increase.

Dunklin County features multiple items on the list, featuring the expansion of US HWY 412 due to safety and economic development concerns.  To view the list follow this link: https://www.modot.org/sites/default/files/documents/High-Priority%20Unfunded%20Needs%202024.pdf

An environmental study is being conducted on the project now and is expected to be completed Fall 2024.

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. 

Bootheel Regional Planning Commission has taken the lead in developing this plan.  Dunklin County’s plan is viewable at: https://bootrpc.com/dunklin-county . 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 [email protected].

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.

Posted: July 18, 2023

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.”