A key figure in economic development efforts in Columbia and Boone County for more than 29 years retires on Friday.
Columbia Regional Economic Development Incorporated (REDI) executive vice president Bernie Andrews was praised during Wednesday’s REDI board meeting. Mr. Andrews appreciates the praise and tells 939 the Eagle that REDI has been well supported by community and business leaders:
“And that’s the best thing about this job getting to work with just people that are so dedicated to the community and improving the community. Just great people … and that’s what I’ll miss the most about this job,” Mr. Andrews says.
Bernie Andrews says he and his wife will remain in Columbia when he retires.
Mr. Andrews praises the success of Chapter 100 over the years in Columbia/Boone County, saying it has paid dividends:
“Economic development is very competitive. We need to compete to create jobs and retain jobs with the companies here. And yeah it’s been a great program to help us,” Andrews says.
Chapter 100 has been used for several big projects over the years, including Kraft Heinz in 2015, EquipmentShare in 2022 and Schneider Electric in 2025. Schneider Electric is using Chapter 100 for its $73-million expansion at its plant on Columbia’s Route B. The expansion is expected to create 241 new jobs, which will pay about $50,000 annually.