ON THE MOVE: PERRYVILLE AND PERRY COUNTY CONTINUE TO ENJOY GROWTH

The building blocks to economic growth have to be set early and have to be maintained and expanded upon for a region to continue to keep pace with today's fast-paced economy.

Perry County has done many things to continue growth in the area. Many tasks are still to be completed and to be realized, but growth is occurring in the county and it has a lot to do with past accomplishments, present projects and future hopes and needs.

A look back

There have been many different important factors in the growth of Perry County and Perryville.

Tom Tucker, executive director of the Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission, pointed to Perryville's annexation in the late 1970s of almost 3,000 acres for development.

Some of the land was acquired for an industrial park by the Perryville Industrial Development Corp. The not-for-profit organization built the first major road through the industrial park. Access plus utilities led to growth throughout the acquired lands.

Tucker also said there have been many important bond issues on infrastructure that have proved to be vital components to Perryville and Perry County economic growth.

Perryville city administrator Craig Lindsley reeled off some important past accomplishments that have moved Perryville forward.

First, he mentioned the city's replacement of infrastructure and street replacement. Second, the updating of the natural gas system was an important step. Finally, the importance of expanding the city's water system.

Bob Ray, executive director of the Perry County Industrial Development Authority, said the establishment of Perryville's enterprise zone within the industrial park and the expansion in the past two years of the zone as keys to Perry County growth.

Projects on the table

No area or city will continue to grow into the future if it rests on past accomplishments. Perryville and Perry County are involved in some important projects that will continue to maintain the area's positive economic growth.

Lindsley said the $9 million Perry County civic center under construction will house, among other things, a pool, a center for the arts and a branch of the regional library.

Ray also said the importance of the county's presence on the Internet as a way to showcase what Perry County and Perryville have to offer potential employers.

"We are also in a retention program with our existing businesses. We've got a super Wal-Mart going in and the seminary property development has made plans," Ray said.

Ray said that the Perry County Industrial Development Authority is developing seminars to assist existing industries and businesses. Recently a labor law seminar was held to inform Perry County industries and businesses.

Tucker's response also reflected the importance of the retention program in Perry County by Bob Ray and the Perry County Industrial Development Authority.

Tucker also said that they are not turning their backs on new business and industry while they service current employers.

A look ahead

For any area to maintain viability and attract new businesses and people, the unknown frontier of the future must be planned for and must give people something to shoot for.

Ray said the development of a newcomer's guide will help new residents make the transition to living in Perry County. He also cited the retention program and the Internet site as keys to Perry County's future.

Tucker sees the need for affordable housing and a labor force as the major issues for Perry County in the future.

Tucker also said that educational outlets and the benefits from area education systems need to continue to strengthen if the students of the future are to be able to compete in the world.

Lindsley pointed out the need to update the water plant built in 1928.

"I suspect either this year or next year a bond issue will come before the people addressing the water plant," he said.

He added that expanding sewers to future subdivisions and other infrastructure improvements will always dictate the success of the city in the future.