Mehner appointed to state development board

Cape Giradeau Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO John Mehner was appointed Tuesday to the Missouri Development Finance Board by Gov. Matt Blunt.

Mehner, 48, will take a Republican seat on the 12-member board, replacing James Hill of St. Louis, whose term had expired. Mehner's appointment is subject to Senate confirmation.

In an news release announcing the appointment, Blunt said Mehner's "experience in civic service and the private sector will serve Missourians well on the board."

Mehner holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Southeast Missouri State University and a master of science degree from Southeast in public administration. His appointment is for a term that will expire Sept. 14, 2011.

The Missouri Development Finance Board oversees financing programs for businesses, local governments and state agencies, issues industrial development bonds and notes and provides financing through loans and grants to local political subdivisions to fund public infrastructure improvements.

Mehner's appointment brought a statement of support from state Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, who promised to seek quick confirmation in the Senate. "His knowledge of finance on a civic level as well as his experience in the private sector will be beneficial as he works on a range of financial programs and taxing issues affecting Missouri businesses, local governments and state agencies," Crowell said in a prepared statement.

For more information, check back at www.semissourian.com or read Wednesday's Southeast Missourian.