MSDC director: Saline Green project continues to make progress
Giving his director's report to the Marshall-Saline Development Corporation board during its regular meeting Tuesday, March 9, Executive Director Roy Hunter said that the principal investor in Project Green, also known as the Saline Green Project and the EcoAlgae project, said the project has had "some very positive movement ... over the last 30 days."
Hunter added that the investor "remains very positive that the project will move forward this year."
Hunter had no new information to report on Monsanto's expansion project, as he has not been made aware of any changes in budget allotments.
Project Atlas has chosen a site in Kansas. Hunter said no details are available currently regarding why that site was chosen over one in Saline County other than the fact that this county is at the eastern edge of the company's market area.
Project Scorpion has seen "a tremendous amount of activity" since the last board meeting, "but nothing has been confirmed as to a location and date of proposed expansion of operations," wrote Hunter in his report.
The company interested in using MSDC's shell building has met with Hunter several times, he said, and has contracted with an outside consulting firm "to review current operations of warehousing and how best to improve both warehousing and transportation."
Hunter expects a report from the consulting firm in June, he said.
Although Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery funds will not go toward renovation of Interstate 70, Hunter is still in contact with parties interested in conducting business operations at Marshall Junction when renovation on the exchange is complete.
Project Slice is new to MSDC's plate. Hunter said the company is "interested in expanding into the central Missouri area."
This project, if it comes to fruition in Saline County, will see "50-plus good-paying jobs," he said.
Hunter reported that he has received a request for information from a company in a project named Project Barge.
"We will investigate the potential and determine if we will submit a proposal," he said.
MSDC is still working with the three local entrepreneurs with plans for individual businesses in Saline County.
"All three of these projects show promise," said Hunter.
MSDC has also been in contact with three Marshall High School classes regarding their reunions, Hunter said.
Hunter has been asked by representatives of Kansas City Power & Light to visit with general managers of companies in the area and ask them questions from a list in order to fill out a survey, which takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete, he said.
"Whether it's 10 employees or 1,000 employees, it doesn't make any difference. It's the same list of questions," said Hunter.
The software system into which the answers will be entered will flag "things you need to be concerned about," such as a possible problem or opportunity for expansion, he added.
He requested that board members look at the questionnaire and give feedback.
"If I came to you with this and it was your company, how would you feel about answering the questions?" he asked.
The Regional Entrepreneurship Initiative Showcase will be held from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 27, at Martin Community Center, said Hunter. Registration for the full day, which includes three classes, a keynote speaker and a table for the trade show, is $40.
For classes only, the cost is $20. Those interested in attending should call Drew Weisberg at 660-463-7934.
The trade show will run from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and is open to the public at no cost.
Besides Hunter, Board President Jene Crook and board members Kyle Gibbs, Gene Fangmann, Bill Riggins, Greg Swift and Stan Moore were present for the meeting.
The next board meeting is scheduled for 7 a.m. Tuesday, April 13, at MSDC's office, located at 1455 W. Arrow St.
Contact Geoff Rands at marshallreporter@socket.net
**Related stories:
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www.marshallnews.com/story/1541002.html
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