The decision by Arkansas Electric Cooperatives Inc. (AECI) to invest $7-million into a new Boonville distribution center is praised by the ranking Democrat on the Missouri House Special Committee on Rural Issues.
State Rep. Adrian Plank (D-Columbia) was at this week’s Columbia Regional Economic Development Incorporated (REDI) board meeting at Boone Electric, where the announcement was made. Representative Plank is thrilled and wants to see more focus on rural economic development:
“We’ve worked really hard in the state of Missouri to really cripple our rural communities when it comes to infrastructure and economic development. When it comes to corporate farming and things like that,” Representative Plank says.
He grew up in rural mid-Missouri’s Huntsville. AECI plans to invest $7-million into the project, creating six new jobs. The new distribution center will feature 50,000 square feet of warehouse and office space. Representative Plank is the top Democrat on the Missouri House Special Committee on Rural Issues:
“I think it’s extremely great that Boonville is getting that. I mean it’s seven employees, but every little bit helps. It helps in keeping people in these rural communities,” says Rep. Plank.
Boonville’s mayor is also thrilled. Mayor Ned Beach says the project will strengthen the town’s role as a prime location for expanding companies.