A Houston man was recently elected to the “10 County Plan” board.
Miles James was named treasurer of the group –– formerly known as the Rural Ozark Area Development Alliance –– during a May 1 meeting in Willow Springs. He was selected alongside: Mary Sheid, president, West Plains; David Norman, vice president, Ava; and Rocky Kingree, secretary, Van Buren.
What began eight years ago with discussions over coffee has now become an official entity with 31 board members representing 31 communities from the 10 south central counties of the Ozarks. While the organization has been referred to by several names, the board will determine an official name over the next few months as the vision and mission statement of the organization is refined.
The essential components of the plan remain the same, the group said:
––Promote completion of high school and college readiness.
––Prevent regional brain drain.
––Strengthen social and family support services for healthy children and families.
––Create high tech and sustainable communities.
––Develop employment opportunities.
Brian Fogle, president of The Community Foundation of the Ozarks and guest speaker, stated; “This is an historic day and if the board lives up to its full potential, this region will be forever positively transformed.”
Members of the board constitute a broad spectrum of educational, manufacturing and community advocates. In addition to the officers, members of the board include Brenda Ledgerwood of Alton, Matt Pendergrass of Caulfield, Katie Bowden of Birch Tree, Joe Loyd of Bunker/Centerville, Frank Stringer of Cabool, Joe Garrison of Couch, Don Hamby of Dora, Christie Roberts of Ellington, Mike Ennis of Eminence, David Pointer of Gainesville, Jason Hill of Greenville, Sharon Marler of Hartville, William Perkins of Koshkonong, Michael Bowersox of Licking, Ray Reese of Lesterville, Marvin Looney of Lutie, Jean Coday of Mansfield, Jon Smith of Mountain View, Ernie Ehlers of Mountain Grove, John Kelly of Norwood, Chad Henson of Piedmont, Sharon Vaughn of Summersville, Harvey Allen of Thayer, Michael Green of Mountain View, Kristina Kauffman of Willow Springs, Joseph Bruce of Winona and Lou Wehmer member at large of Willow Springs.
Wendell Bailey, former state representative and Missouri state treasurer, has been the catalyst for the formation of the “10 County Plan” board. The 10-county area is “the least educated and lowest income area of the state and we are determined to change that,” he said.