The Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas is continuing its exploration of future economic development in the local community.
Last month, the RDA Board of Directors approved a motion to sign a six-month agreement with Research On Investment to continue work on targeting industries. The work includes generating potential leads on new businesses that could expand to the Emporia community.
At this time, RDA President Kent Heerman says the process may take six to seven months to complete. Heerman says when it comes to a business wanting to expand in the local area, there are a number of factors that the business will consider.
Heerman anticipates some leads may begin to develop by next month, however, they will not be announced at that time. Heerman expects ROI will be able to generate up to 20 potential leads by the time their work is complete.
In other business, discussions also continued on the RDA’s succession plan. RDA Board Chairman Jim Kessler tells KVOE News the board is very close to a finished product.
According to Kessler the plan currently states that in the event the president is unable to fulfill their role either due to illness or stepping down, the presidency would go to the RDA Board Chair, in this case Kessler, until the RDA Board of Directors could meet to appoint a long-term interim President.
Kessler is very confident they will have a complete plan ready to present to the RDA Board for possible approval at their next meeting.
The RDA Board Directors will reconvene for their next monthly meeting in October at the Trusler Business Center.
