A cooperative effort between the city of Jackson, Lee-Rowan Co., Missouri Department of Economic Development, and SEMO Regional Planning has resulted in some great news for Jackson and its economic future.

Two announcements were recently made at a Jackson City Hall news conference. The first was that the Missouri Department of Economic Development had awarded the City of Jackson a $500,000 community block grant to fund infrastructure improvements along Lee Ave., in Jackson. The second was that Lee-Rowan Co. which is located along Lee Ave. would be expanding its Jackson facility and would be adding at least 100 new jobs to its work force.

In making the announcement Lee-Rowan Co. president George Hamilton said the decision to expand in Jackson was an easy one because of their outstanding local work force and the cooperation they continue to receive from the City of Jackson and the State of Missouri.

The City of Jackson looks forward to continuing its support of Lee-Rowan Co. and in working with other industries that may wish to expand or locate in Jackson.

The City of Jackson was proud to accept an award from St. Francis Medical Center for our work in making sidewalks and public facilities handicapped accessible. Over the past several years our City crews have worked toward making our sidewalks in the business districts and other public areas handicapped accessible by putting sloped edges on the street corners.

On Oct. 14 & 15, I will be conducting a tour of all City departments. Administrator Steve Wilson and several members of the Council will join me in this tour.

The purpose of the visits will be to get a hands-on look at ongoing projects and to talk with Jackson employees about each department's needs for the upcoming budget year.

Jackson has more than 100 employees, many of whom have been with the city for many years. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated, loyal work force in Jackson.

The Jackson Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the City of Jackson recently hired a Chamber Executive Director. Ken Parrett who holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration comes to us with the needed leadership skills to lead the Chamber into what promises to be a very exciting future.

Ken's tasks will include offering support to existing business and work toward the location of new business in Jackson. Now is the time to offer our business community some support and help with our continued commercial and industrial growth.

Our semi-annual clean up/fix up week is scheduled for Oct. 12-16. This twice a year service offers our citizens a change to get rid of items that normally would not be picked up at the curb.

We hope everyone will once again take advantage of this program to help keep Jackson clean and proud.

Jackson senior citizens can now enjoy a dance the fourth Wednesday of every month from 3-5 p.m. at the Legion Hall. The Jackson Parks & Recreation Department is coordinating this monthly senior activity.

The Council meets every Monday night at 7:30 p.m. at Jackson City Hall. Your input, ideas and suggestions are always welcome on how we can make Jackson an even better place to work and live.

Paul Sander is mayor of Jackson