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NewsAugust 27, 2014

KENNETT, Mo. -- Kennett's new economic developer is looking forward to beginning work Sept. 15. Jim Grebing, market manager of the International Trade and Investment Office of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, recently was hired by the Kennett Board of Public Works. He's been working at MoDED about a year...

Steve Patton

KENNETT, Mo. -- Kennett's new economic developer is looking forward to beginning work Sept. 15.

Jim Grebing, market manager of the International Trade and Investment Office of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, recently was hired by the Kennett Board of Public Works. He's been working at MoDED about a year.

In his current duties, he works with the Export Missouri Initiative, which helps state companies find new customers and sell their products in overseas markets.

"Missouri companies do about $14 billion a year in exports," he said. "Some 6,000 companies, many of them smaller, export. If you've got the ability to expand, it's a good way to grow."

This is Grebing's second stint at MoDED. Previously, he served as director of marketing and communications. Between his times with the state, Grebing worked as the director of tourism and economic development for Hermann, Missouri. He also was director of communication for former Missouri secretary of state Bekki Cook and spent many years as a newspaper reporter.

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While looking at other job opportunities, Grebing was drawn to Kennett.

"Kennett is familiar. Cape is home, and it's been a goal to not get further away from Cape. We have family in the area, and this gets us back to Southeast Missouri," he said. "We know a lot of people and have friends in Kennett. It's a great community, a hub for a lot of activity in the Bootheel."

Specifically, a different approach to economic development, working at City Light Gas and Water, intrigued Grebing.

"I'm looking forward to coming in and working with the board, David [Wilkins], and all the partners. A lot of area utilities now are doing economic development. It makes sense. When new companies look at an area, the information they want relates to utilities. It certainly makes sense."

BPW decided this year to take on the responsibility of economic development. It had been the job of the Kennett Chamber of Commerce. Grebing will be an employee of CLG&W. A primary focus of economic development in Kennett will be on existing businesses.

"Companies are not building 500-employee plants anymore. We'll focus on existing business, helping them retain jobs and expand opportunities to grow," he said.

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