City Council Recognizes John Boos, Hears About Efforts of The Alliance

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Published on April 5 2017 4:42 pm
Last Updated on April 5 2017 5:11 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Effingham City Council members Tuesday commended local manufacturer John Boos and Company for its ongoing expansion.

John Boos President Joe Emmerich was presented a Business Appreciation Award by Mayor Jeff Bloemker in recognition of the firm's commitment to Effingham for 130 years and its relocation from downtown to new corporate and manufacturing facilities on South Route 45.

(JOHN BOOS PRESIDENT JOE EMMERICH WITH EFFINGHAM MAYOR JEFF BLOEMKER)

Emmerich reported that the relocation of the wood plant is to begin in May with 40% of its wood plant workforce at the new location and a completion of the relocation to the new facility by the end of the summer.

The mayor noted that John Boos employs 232 people and is globally-known for its products. Emmerich showed a short form video promoting the company recently produced by Effingham native Austin Brooks, who is now based in St. Louis.

The mayor thanked Emmerich and the company for their decision to remain in Effingham when the decision was made to develop new facilities.

Industrial development was a theme of Craig Nielson of The Alliance, the locally-based economic development group seeking to grow the manufacturing base in Effingham County.

Nielson was joined by Alliance Chairman Chuck Deters in seeking another annual contribution of $50,000 from the City to continue their efforts. Nielson said The Alliance is working to locate manufacturing firms, but said those industries are asking where they will find an employee base and where those employees will live. Nielson said it isn't productive to bring in an industry that only takes workers from existing industries. He said The Alliance is working on a plan to obtain grant funding for a self-help housing plan. It would involve employees helping one another in constructing housing they would then occupy. The plan would lessen the cost to the employees. Nielson said they are also looking to identify where housing could be developed. He said they are looking at a variety of housing including apartment developments that would appeal to young and middle income residents. He gave the example of the hospital working to find places to live for medical students that are training at St. Anthony's.

Nielson said The Alliance is also working to continue local industry visits throughout the county, a computer coding school, and possible sites for a spec manufacturing building.