Jackson leaders hope industrial park aids in economic development

In a time when job cuts, business failures and stock market drops are becoming the norm, Jackson leaders believe recent improvements to an industrial park is another example of economic development in the city that is bucking the national trend.

Owned by the Jackson Industrial Development Company, the 33-acre industrial park off Route PP is home to soccer fields, American Railcar Industries and B&B Door Co. Community leaders recently met at the site for a ribbon cutting that celebrated improvements within the park.

Those facelifts included improving the roadway of Route PP, constructing a new entrance into the park and building new access roads within the grounds. Those new access roads included an extension to Jackson Soccer Park, adjacent to the industrial park.

JIDC president Tom Strickland believes the improvements mirror the progress being made in Jackson's expanding economy.

"We're trying to attract new industries here and by accomplishing these new improvements, it has allowed us to let the region know that we are expanding and welcoming their business to relocate to this beautiful city," said Strickland, owner of Strickland Engineering in Jackson. "I wouldn't be surprised if we have a major industry relocate to the park or another part of the city within a year."

Funding for the Route PP improvements was made possible by a $220,000 Missouri Department of Economic Development grant, which also helped create 22 new jobs at American Railcar Industries, which recently expanded their operations into the park. Construction of the new entrance and access roads in the park was made possible by funding through Jackson's $31,228 and JIDC's $66,891 contributions.

"We've had a slowdown in the industry over the years," Strickland said. "Anytime we can attract new business or an expanding one, it means more jobs.

"This in turn means more income for families," he said. "And that means more revenue for the city, which can expand services and provide more stability to the community. We are in need of good jobs and that's what an industrial park brings."

While less than half of available land remains for a company to relocate to JIDC Industrial Park, Jackson has yet to find a tenant for its 60-acre industrial park on U.S. 61 about three miles from the Fruitland exit of Interstate 55. The city purchased the property from the Mayme Jenkins family in March 1998.

"While we've shown the property to a few potential tenants, no one has indicated a real interest in occupying space there," said Jackson Mayor Barbara Lohr. "The reality is economic times are tough right now but we're doing our best to create a climate that is conducive to new industry."

Lohr said the population inside Jackson is 11,947, a large enough pool of workers for businesses looking to relocate to the area.

"Businesses often talk about their interest in relocating to a community with enough rooftops," Lohr said. "And we're at that number right now."

Cape Girardeau Area Magnet executive director Mitch Robinson said despite a weak economy throughout the nation, he is optimistic about the overall outlook of Jackson's financial future, citing other developments such as a new 80,000-square-foot Signature Packaging plant in 2007 and a July announcement that an additional 40 jobs would be added at the Newell Rubbermaid production facility.

"Like all businesses, we'll see some fail and some grow not only in Jackson but throughout the region," Robinson said. "But that's typical of any business cycle.

"We'll just have to do our best to support small businesses," he continued. "And as we all know, small businesses are the heart and soul of our country."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137