City of Centralia Industrial Commission met April 15.
Here is the minutes provided by the commission:
Chair Jim Rueter was absent – Assistant City Manager Derek Sherman called the meeting to order at 12 p.m.
Members Present: David Agee, Bob Feig, Ty Orr, City Manager Forrest Langenfeld, Dick Cary, Bo Baer, and Mayor, Herb Williams
Members Absent: Jack Mann, Bill Sprehe, Travis Etheridge, Jerry Beguelin, and Jim Rueter
Also Present: Reporter Conner Wood & Reporter for WJBD
Public Comment: None
Approval of Minutes: Commissioner Agee moved and Commissioner Orr second a motion for approval of the minutes from July 16. With all in favor the motion passed.
Ongoing Business: Langenfeld gave a brief history of the origin, purpose, and successes of the Industrial Commission. Additionally, Langenfeld mentioned the variety of experience each industrial commissioner brings to the table to assist the city in development. Sherman mentioned the available property database the city and the need for cohesive development marketing. Also, Sherman mentioned continuing industrial visits and enhancing the visits by collecting data through business retention & expansion surveys.
New Business: Introduction of the new Assistant City Manager, Derek Sherman.
Discussion: Economic Status of Centralia Industrial Development
1. Commissioner Feig stated that jobs are available but going unfilled in the Industrial Park. Also, he mentioned the need for more homes, hotels, and awareness of development incentives. Commissioner Feig brought up the fact that business owners would come to this meeting, so that the Industrial Commission could show their appreciation.
2. Mayor Williams mentioned the community needs workforce housing to assist in filling the available employment opportunities within the city. Additionally, Mayor Williams mentioned his work with Kaskaskia College to get training for workers.
3. Commissioner Orr discussed that businesses have worked with KC, but the some of the training did not meet the industrial businesses needs. He suggested looking at other job training opportunities and other benefits to locating a business in Centralia.
4. Commissioner Cary agreed that getting people together to begin collecting ideas and building our development plans together.
5. Commissioner Agee said we need to keep the line of communication open, so that we do not lose out on development opportunities.
6. Discussion continued on bringing back the Industrial Commission’s business appreciate nights to bring in business owners and gain more information to help guide development efforts and show support for the business community.
Commissioner Orr moved and Mayor Williams second a motion to adjourn. With all in favor, the meeting adjourned.
https://cityofcentralia.org/vertical/sites/%7BFC680FE7-BE5C-4903-A103-67AF5EF51655%7D/uploads/4-_April_15_2021_Industrial_Development_Commission_Minutes.pdf
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