Columbia’s economic development director celebrates one year; Columbia REDI still searching to replace retired Bernie Andrews

By Brian Hauswirth
paul eisenstein headshot

The Columbia Regional Economic Development Incorporated (REDI) president is celebrating his one-year anniversary.

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Columbia economic development director Paul Eisenstein was sworn in during a Columbia city council meeting (March 17, 2025 file photo courtesy of city spokeswoman Sydney Olsen)

939 the Eagle News covered REDI’s Wednesday board meeting, where Paul Eisenstein delivered an update. He praises REDI staff for their work and also says the search continues to replace longtime REDI executive vice president Bernie Andrews, who retired in mid-February. Eisenstein tells the board that they have some candidates, adding they’re looking for someone with site development experience.

He also briefed the board on efforts to get a traffic signal on busy Route B, near Schneider Electric. He’s hoping to get a cost-share agreement with MoDOT.