Boone County’s presiding commissioner says Columbia Regional Economic Development Incorporated (REDI) deserves some credit for the massive growth in Columbia/Boone County in the last 38 years.
Presiding Commissioner Kip Kendrick delivered a presentation at this week’s REDI board meeting: he notes Columbia REDI started in 1988:
“Since that time there’s an 80 percent population growth across the county. 95 percent population growth within the city of Columbia, 40 percent Centralia. Ashland is off the charts from about 1,200 to 5,100 residents,” Commissioner Kendrick says.
He tells 939 the Eagle that Hallsville’s population has more than doubled. He praises the economic development work and job opportunities that Columbia REDI has done and says Columbia REDI has helped grow the area by creating job opportunities:
“REDI isn’t … is not necessarily a causation. It’s not necessarily a direct line, but they’ve been so impactful in the economic growth, economic opportunities for the region. Not just bringing industries here but supporting entrepreneurs and startups who have become very large employers in Boone County,” says Kendrick.
Commissioner Kendrick spoke to 939 the Eagle News this week at Boone Electric, after delivering a presentation at the REDI board meeting.