Longtime Regional Development Association President Kent Heerman will close the books on his 28-year career at the helm of the organization next week. Prior to his official departure, the Emporia community showed up to the Trusler Business Center Friday afternoon to wish him farewell.
The center hosted a special reception for Heerman which included refreshments and plenty of time for local leaders, residents and colleagues of Heerman to offer their best wishes to him in his retirement. Heerman spoke with KVOE News during the festivities and says with all the preparation he has been doing to assist the transition of leadership he has not had much time to reflect on his near three-decade career.
He says that has changed this week.
Taking Heerman’s place is new RDA President Chuck Scott who assumed his role on Jan. 17. Scott has commended Heerman’s work many times since being chosen as his replacement and says the respect Heerman has garnered over the years is well deserved.
During Heerman’s tenure, the RDA and city leaders has helped businesses develop over 2,500 jobs with over $1 billion in new equipment investments alone. Heermann says the RDA has helped set the stage for over 2.6 million square feet of business space and potentially billions of dollars in economic impact for Lyon and surrounding counties.
Heerman’s final day will be this coming Tuesday.
