Missouri Leaders Discuss Economic Development With Warsaw Mayor, City Planner
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Jennifer Peryam-jperyam@timesuniononline.com
Government leaders and city officials from Columbia, Mo., met with Warsaw leaders Friday afternoon to receive advice on attracting manufacturing jobs to their city.
The eight-member group included the city's mayor, planning director, chair of planning and zoning commission, chamber of commerce chair, county presiding commissioner, area economic development division chair and city council members.
Jay Lindner, director of leasing for Forum Development Group, Columbia, Mo., who is a member of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, e-mailed Wiggins last month to request to visit Warsaw to learn about Warsaw's ability to attract businesses.
The group visited Purdue University's Research Park and flew into Warsaw Municipal Airport Friday to tour Zimmer.
They met at the Warsaw-Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce with Wiggins, Warsaw City Planner Jeremy Skinner and Warsaw-Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce President Joy McCarthy-Sessing to discuss economic development.
"The entrepreneurial spirit has spawned growth and business in our community," Sessing said.
She informed the group that Kosciusko Development Incorporated was formed in 1984 and emphasizes retention and expansion.
She said employee training has helped foster business growth and quality employees in Warsaw.
Wiggins said the Warsaw City Council has been receptive to tax abatements encouraging job expansion and attracting employees to Warsaw.
Skinner discussed Warsaw's manufacturing zoning with the group.
He said many sites in Warsaw are zoned for manufacturing with some industrial zoning.
"When the building and planning department reviews a request for a new facility we try to be flexible and recognize the developer's needs as well as our community's concerns," Skinner said.
