Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas President Kent Heerman is now the latest community leader to announce his impending retirement.
Heerman made the announcement during the RDA Board’s meeting Friday morning saying “it’s time to pass the baton.”
Following the announcement, RDA Chairman Jon Geitz established a search committee that will be charged with finding Heerman’s replacement.
During Heermann’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.
He says he plans to do all he can to assist in a smooth transition in the coming months.
In other business Friday, the RDA Board approved a recommendation for demolition of the Renewal Energy Group biodiesel facility to be sent off to the Emporia City Commission for final approval. The partnership between the community and REG began back in 2007 when the city reached an agreement with the company with construction beginning shortly after.
The Great Recession would soon follow the agreement halting the project with the facility less than half completed. The company has also cited frequent changes in federal biodiesel policy, including adjustments in tax credit guidance, as a reason the plant remains unfinished.
Heerman says the city maintained the partnership as it did provide significant assistance to the community.
According to Heerman, the demolition project will see the facility completely brought down to ground level with the removal of underground footings also taking place. The city will cover a portion of the expenses — $175,000 — with REG’s contractor covering the bulk of the cost of just over $240,000.
Plans are for demolition to begin in July.
The RDA Board will reconvene for their monthly meeting in July at the Trussler Business Center.
