Sikeston officials discuss getting more business to relocate in Scott County

BENTON, Mo. -- When it comes to attracting business in Scott County, commissioners and city of Sikeston, Mo., officials agree a united front is needed.

During Thursday's meeting, Ed Dust, Sikeston director of economic development, Sikeston Mayor Jerry Pullen and city manager Doug Friend met with commissioners to discuss action for current and future industries that look at relocating within Scott County.

"We just want to keep everything in sync," Pullen said. "We've had a good relationship over the past few years, and we want that to continue."

At the moment, a business looking to relocate is considering two sites in Scott County -- one in the northern portion and one in Sikeston. Commissioners and city officials said they want to keep one another informed of the situation in this and any similar situations in the future.

"We're such a big county and we think it's better to have two shots at something," said Commissioner Dennis Ziegenhorn. "We don't want to ever have the feeling that we've favored one over the other. We're all in this same thing together. We don't want to compete, because wherever it goes [in Scott County], it will trickle down and benefit all of the county."

Presiding Commissioner Jamie Burger agreed "without reservation." He, too, said the county is fortunate to have these opportunities, which he attributed to the location as well as the highways which run through Scott County.

"And we've got so many resources and good people," added Commissioner Donnie Kiefer.

Dust said that so far this year, he's had more requests from industries than in all of 2008.

"They want to be ready when the economy turns around," he said. "They're getting their ducks in a row and when this economy gets turned around, you'll see a big turnaround in retail and commercial growth."

Dust, too, emphasized the importance of cooperation. "These guys with companies are pretty wise and they'll see if we are all working together or not," Dust said.

Ziegenhorn suggested meetings between the commission and city officials throughout the county through the year to keep the communication lines open.

"We need to know what you're doing, and you all need to know what's going on up here," he said. "If we all need to get a trip together to go somewhere and get an industry, let's do it. We will all benefit, no matter where they land in Scott County."