Thirty-nine years of building something that lasts.

La-Z-Boy expansion by adding a new 150,000 sf warehouse and 10 new jobs in Neosho Industrial Park

Collaborating with the Newton County Tourism Council on the agreement bringing the Space Museum and Gus Grissom Center to Neosho, based on Neosho’s Rocketdyne space background

Re-establish the Neosho Economic Development Committee to bring professionals in Neosho together regularly

Collaborating with Newton County Tourism Council on the production of a documentary on Camp Crowder

Contribution to the NACC towards Placer a.i. subscription in helping bring business to Neosho (example: Big Whiskey)

Expansion of existing distribution company (Industrial Park), 8-10 new jobs

Completed 15th year of managing the Neosho License Bureau

Contributed $11,000 to MOKAN (Regional Economic Development (MO, OK, KS))

Partnered with the City of Neosho in purchasing a Hotel Feasibility Study (50% contribution / $5,250)

Actively assisting with a Broadband consulting firm in bringing broadband to the underserved, rural areas of Newton County (namely Agri-businesses)

Working with Planners to utilize a CDBG-DR grant in bringing low-income housing to Neosho

New industry Thermal Seal Duct Systems to be operational soon with an addition of 10 jobs

New animal feed pellet production business (Proj Maize) in process of locating to Neosho estimating 29 new jobs

Completed 14th year of managing the Neosho License Bureau

Assist with Neosho Child-Care initiative

Assist with Neosho/Newton County Broadband enhancement

Assist an Aero-Farming company in finding property

Contributed $10,000 to the Hawthorn Foundation (Missouri Economic Development)

Contributed $500 to NewCaps (Neosho High School program)

Center for Advanced Professional Studies

Actively working in conjunction with the City to bring a new Hotel to Neosho

Contributed to Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council

Contributed to Downtown Square flower initiative

Contributed $10,000 to Hawthorn Foundation

Contributed $500 for T-Shirts for NewCaps

Donated $750 the the NACC Fall Golf Tournament

Contributed $11,000 to the MOKAN (Regional Planning Commission & Economic Development District)

Thermal Seal land sale / for new manufacturer in Neosho Industrial Park

Completed 13th year of managing the Neosho License Bureau

Submitted bid to renew contract on Joplin License Bureau

Neosho License Office voted “Small Business of the Year” by the Neosho Chamber of Commerce

La-Z-Boy expansion (end of 2021) / PDC Ribbon cutting 2022

Contributed to Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council

Contributed to Downtown Square flower beds

Contributed $11,000 to the MO/KAN (Regional Planning Commission & Economic Development District)

Contributed $10,000 to Hawthorn Foundation

Contributed to NewCaps T-Shirts

Contributed to Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council

Contributed to Downtown Square flower beds

Contributed $11,000 to the MO/KAN (Regional Planning Commission & Economic Development District)

Contributed $10,000 to Hawthorn Foundation

Contributed to 2020 NHC Tournament

Contributed to Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council

Contributed to Downtown Square flower beds

Partnered with Chamber of Commerce on a Spring Job Fair

Contributed $11,000 to the Joplin Regional Partnership

Contributed $10,000 to Hawthorn Foundation

Presented Grow Neosho Award to GTC Broadband

Completed 10th year of managing the Neosho License Bureau

Contributed to Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council

Contributed to Downtown Square flower beds

Partnered with Chamber of Commerce on a Spring Job Fair

Contributed $11,000 to the Joplin Regional Partnership

Contributed $10,000 to Hawthorn Foundation

Attended ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) in Las Vegas with positive results

Helped with Web Wood Assisted Living Zoning Requirements

Completed 9th year of managing the Neosho License Bureau

Presented Grow Neosho Awards to:  SDW Global, Branco

• SDW Global
• Branco

Helped with fund raising with Neosho Innovation Project

Contributed $10,000 to Hawthorn Foundation

Contributed to Downtown Square flower beds

Contracted with Buxton for marketing research

Partnered with Chamber of Commerce on a Spring Job Fair

Contributed $11,000 to the Joplin Regional Partnership

Assisted Seneca’s Milnot plant soliciting potential prospects

Attended ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) in Las Vegas with positive results

Completed 8th year of managing the Neosho License Bureau

Assisted Web Wood Assisted Living Center attain correct zoning

Negotiated new extended lease contract that ends in 2022 with Scholastic, Inc.

Contributed $10,000 to Hawthorn Foundation

Contributed to Downtown Square flower beds

Completed 7th year of managing the Neosho License Bureau

Contributed $11,000 to the Joplin Regional Partnership

Sponsored one seat with Hawthorn Foundation

Contributed to Newton County Historical Society/Renovation of Museum

Partnered with Chamber of Commerce on two Job Fairs at The Civic

Integral part in JLUS (Joint Land Use Study) program

Contributed along with Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council for Neosho Housing Study

Presented Grow Neosho Awards to

• Haas Warehousing
• Mass Depot
• Nutra Blend
• Neosho Freightliner

Engaged MSSU Small Business Center on Marketing plan

Working with Joplin Regional Partnership on Business Extension and Retention Data Base

Attended MEDC Lakeside with Locators & Annual Conference

Integral part in continuing Newton County as fully-certified Work Ready Community (CWRC)

Supported National Manufacturer’s Day for local industry and manufacturers

Integral part in achieving Newton County as fully-certified Work Ready Community (CWRC)

Provided funding for Housing Study with Harry S. Truman Coordinating Council

Negotiated new lease contract with Scholastic, Inc.

Contributed to Downtown Square flower beds

Completed 6th year of managing the Neosho License Bureau and was re-awarded the contract with the State

Contributed $11,000 to the Joplin Regional Partnership

Sponsored one seat with Hawthorn Foundation

La-Z-Boy Opportunity Training Center was completed

Intermodal project Crowder Global Gateway in process

Sponsored one seat on the Hawthorn Foundation Board

Contributed to Downtown Square flower beds

Completed 5th year of managing the Neosho License Bureau

Contributed $10,000 to the Joplin Regional Partnership

Submitted a NAP Grant to the State on behalf of Crosslines Ministries

Continuing the process of better rail service

Sponsored two seats on the Hawthorn Foundation Board (partnership to Economic Development).

Contributed to Downtown Square flowers

Contributed to Missouri Art Alliance

Contributed to Newton County Tourism

Completed four years of overseeing the Neosho License Bureau

“Neosho Area Business Voice” broadening viewer base

Contributed to Crowder College MARET’s Center

Contributed $10,000 to the Joplin Regional Partnership which is comprised of five counties working together to make business expansion or location successful and profitable. They assist in:

• Site Selection Assistance
• Incentive and business tax information
• Key contacts in business and local government
• Demographic, wage and economic data
• Navigation through local government requirements

In process of developing better rail service

Sponsored two seats on the Hawthorn Foundation Board (partnership to Economic Development).

Sponsoring Leadership Neosho 8-week training program

Contributed to Downtown Square flowers

Contributed to Missouri Art Alliance

Contributed to Newton County Tourism

Completed three years of overseeing the Neosho License Bureau

Contributed to Newton County Homeschooling Project

Created website “Neosho Area Business Voice”

Contributed to Crowder College MARET’s Center

Members of the Joplin Regional Partnership Initiative

Contributed $3,000 to the city for Downtown flowerbeds

Contributed to Southwest Missouri Art Alliance

Contributed $10,000 to the Joplin Regional Partnership which is comprised of five counties working together to make business expansion or location successful and profitable. They assist in:

• Site Selection Assistance
• Incentive and business tax information
• Key contacts in business and local government
• Demographic, wage and economic data
• Navigation through local government requirements
• Access to workforce training and recruitment resources

Two Hawthorn Foundation Board Memberships-$20,000

Continued oversight of the Neosho License Bureau

Donated to Crowder College MARET’s Center

Contributed to the City of Neosho’s Bicycle Pedestrian’s Trail Project

Contributed to Neosho Arts Council

Members of Joplin Regional Prosperity Initiative

Supported the City of Neosho for two employees for the GOLD Leadership Program

Donated to the City’s Quiet Zone Project

Donated to the Newton County Sr. Citizens Program

Donated to Missouri Transportation Alliance

Hawthorn Board Membership- $10,000.00

Member of Joplin Regional Partnership for Economic Development

Donated to the City’s Airport- a new industrial lawnmower ($14,000) which reduced City’s man hours for mowing by 2/3’s

The Neosho/Newton County License Office will complete two years of operation in June with very high marks for customer satisfaction and very comfortable facility. This has been very good for Neosho and the downtown area. 

One of the corporate sponsors to help with the National Fish Hatchery’s Grand Opening

The supporting group and a contributor for Neosho Arts Council

Newton County Tourism supporter

Perhaps one of the most significant projects for NABIFI Exec Committee in cooperation with the Chamber Executive Committee is the Capital Funding Campaign to replace the $108,000 lost from the City Contract with the Chamber. To date we are $37,400 from our goal of $108,000 which was the contract in 2009.

Supported the City of Neosho for one employee to attend Conference for Downtown Improvement

Maintained and doubled the office size of the Neosho License Office saving local jobs and helped keep traffic to Downtown area

Purchased property at 187 East Spring St. (Future Farmers Market)

Purchased ½ interest in 80 acres on Highway AA.

Secured the old Frye & Gray facility for the City of Neosho.

Sponsored two seats on the Hawthorn Foundation Board (partnership to Economic Development).

Sponsored and assisting Neosho in completing their City Comprehensive Plan.

Furnished furniture and computers to Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development staff

Provided free rent and utilities to the Department of Economic Development

Assisted with the fundraising and provided financial services for the Newton County Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) group that was formed to help the tornado victims of the May 2008 F4 tornado. To date this organization has awarded more than $110,000 to victims of the tragic event. It continues to work today to aid in the re-establish of the lives of our neighbors and assist with the cleanup effort.

Contributed to Neosho Christian School System

Sold approximately $279,000.00 in Tax Credits and reinvested in 80 acres along AA Highway for future “Warehousing Park” for industrial use.

Currently retaining 500 jobs by renovating the spec building for Scholastic and relocated the facility due to flooding.

Took eleven citizens through the Leadership Neosho 8-week training and follow-up on group’s project.

Developing with Newton County Tourism Council, through fund raising efforts, a total of six murals throughout the county to increase tourism income in the area.

Participated in development of Neosho’s new Airport Terminal, including a new weather aviation system (A.W.O.S.) for pilots.

Continued working with the city on downtown redevelopment/D.R.E.A.M. Initiative.

Participated with Empire District Electric and the Joplin Business & Industrial Development Corp. in a joint venture advertisement in an area development magazine.

Participated with Empire District Electric and the Joplin Business & Industrial Development Corp. in a joint venture advertisement in Fortune Magazine. This was made possible through the generous private donation by another foundation.

Provided funding for one part-time employee at the Chamber

Sponsored one seat on the Hawthorn Foundation board ($10,000.00 contribution annually).

Sponsored luncheon and hosted Governor Matt Blunt when he visited Neosho for announcement of his designation of Neosho as a Missouri DREAM Initiative community

Provided funding for one part-time employee at the Chamber

Sponsored an informational day, bringing in Taimerica staff for presentations on the Targeted Industry Study to the Chamber Board, Economic Development Committee, and the public at City Hall for the council and public

Co-Sponsored with Joplin Chamber, the Southwest Missouri Development Alliance, and the Hawthorn Foundation the trip for Rep. Ron Richard, Chairman of the House Economic Development Committee, and Rudy Farber, Chairman of Hawthorn Foundation, to join Missouri Department of Economic Development staff and represent southwestern Missouri in an industrial prospect visit at Nissan plant in Tennessee

Facilitated sale of Spec Building #1 at 5040 Doniphan Drive, completed early November 2006, which was quite complex because of the industrial park’s designation on the NPL

Provided funding and staffing assistance for Thomas Hart Benton Festival to be held April 21-23.

Acted as 501 (c) 3 umbrella for the Newton County tourism group until they obtained their own not-for-profit status.

Assisting with grant application and administration for construction of airport terminal in industrial park. Instrumental in the airport terminal project by applying for and coordinating the tax credits from the Missouri Development Finance Board as well as being the organization to sell the tax credits in the amount of $276,850.

Research & pursuit of potential funding sources for historic district redevelopment & promotion utilizing such programs as Missouri Main Street, as well as private and public grants & programs

Funded advertising for public participation meetings to develop long-range plan for the community.

Provided funding for legal guidance in the establishment of a C.I.D. which drew numerous retailers to development in the Hwy 60-59 area.

Took ten additional citizens through the 8-week Leadership Neosho 2006 program

Provided legal counsel specializing in the field (King-Hershey of Kansas City) to further the process of establishment of a C.I.D. (Community improvement District) as well as advance the T.I.F. (Tax Increment Finance). This resulted in the new shopping center by Wal-Mart/Big Spring Center.

Built a 2nd Spec Building to attract companies and create new jobs. This Spec Building is not in conjunction with the City of Neosho, allowing us to work with another foundation with interest savings, etc.

Continued to provide legal advice for implementation and administration of the T.I.F. District and implementation of tax credits.

Provided legal counsel specializing in this field (King-Hershey of Kansas City) to the City for establishment of a C.I.D. (Community Improvement District), as well as advice on existing T.I.F. (Tax Increment Finance) and T.I.F. projects.

Worked in conjunction with the Newton County Commission to obtain $133,000 in grant money from the Missouri Dept. of Economic Development for the demolition of the old mill behind the Newton County Museum and the development of a park on the site.

Worked in conjunction with the City of Neosho to obtain $285,000 in grant money from the Missouri Dept. of Economic Development for the Jefferson Street drainage project to alleviate flooding in the downtown & surrounding area.

Planning of a second Spec Building on Second Avenue

Took twelve additional citizens through the 8-week Leadership Neosho 2004 program

Provided legal counsel specializing in this field (King-Hershey of Kansas City) to the City of Neosho for guidelines for the downtown historic redevelopment district. These guidelines served as the basis for the City of Neosho’s ordinance establishing the committee and district

Worked in conjunction with the City of Neosho to obtain $500,000 in tax credits from the Missouri Finance Board for downtown sidewalk and light improvements

Obtained funding for the construction of a 30,000 sq. ft. Spec Building to be used to attract new companies to Neosho.

Took fifteen additional citizens through the 8-week Leadership Neosho 2002 program

Rejuvenated the Leadership Neosho Program and took fifteen citizens through an 8-week program

Received a Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credit grant of $100,000. These funds were loaned to qualifying businesses on the square in building renovations at very favorable terms.

Raised $300,000 to fund a store front Y.M.C.A.

Raised $150,000 to retire the debt on the Neosho Industrial Park

Assisted in $365,000 fundraising project for Newton County Senior Center ($65,000 public funds and $300,000 private investment)

Aided Neosho Municipal Auditorium Restoration Committee in raising funds to restore Neosho Municipal Auditorium.