[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: City Manager Names Economic Development Director

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: City Manager Mike Matthes, 573-874-6338
REDI Chair Todd Culley, 573-449-4181
Stacey Button, 928-606-9925

City Manager Names Economic Development Director

COLUMBIA, MO (October 13, 2014) - (COLUMBIA, MO) -- City Manager Mike Matthes today announced the appointment of Stacey Button as the City's Director of Economic Development, effective January 5, 2015.  Currently the Director of Economic Vitality in Flagstaff, AZ, Button will replace Mike Brooks, who is retiring in November.

           The Economic Development Director, by agreement, also serves as President of REDI, Inc., a public-private membership agency that promotes economic development in the Columbia-Boone County region.  The four principal REDI partners are Boone County, the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, the University of Missouri and the City of Columbia.

Button will be paid $130,000 annually, have a car allowance and receive the standard employee benefit package from City funds.  In addition, Button will receive a moving allowance that includes up to two trips to find housing.

           Matthes said that Button comes almost tailor-made for Columbia and Boone County.  "In Flagstaff, Stacey leads a wide-ranging economic development office that also embraces tourism and the Flagstaff Airport," Matthes said. 

           "She has tremendous experience nurturing entrepreneurs and business incubation and a great partnership with Northern Arizona University.  I am extremely excited to have found an individual whose talent matches our local aspirations," Matthes said.

"I am thrilled for this opportunity," Button said.  "I felt an immediate connection to the community and to the people I met as part of this process.  I am impressed by the collaboration and partnerships that are in place and look forward to continuing and enhancing economic development initiatives in Columbia and the greater region."

           Mike Brooks said he was happy with the quality of the applicants for the position and praised the selection committee that managed the recruitment process.  "I think they made a great choice," Brooks said.  "Stacey understands the important role of entrepreneurs in creating a vibrant economy.  We've established that strong focus here, and I know she is committed to it."

           Button will arrive at an "opportune moment" to capitalize on partnerships built during Brooks' tenure, said REDI Chair Todd Culley.  "With her professional experience, work ethic and ability to achieve data-driven outcomes, I look forward to greater wealth for the whole community under Stacey's leadership."

           Button has more than 20 years of experience, including six years as the Flagstaff economic vitality director.  She also served as that City's convention and visitors bureau director and worked in sales and advertising.  Button earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Arizona University and is pursuing designation as a Certified Economic Developer.

Resume attached

 

- 30 - 



This release has the following attachments:

http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/CMS/pressreleases/downloadfile.php?id=807



 -30- 

______________________________________________________

You have received this message because you subscribe to the City of Columbia's Web Mail service. To view linked material click on provided links or copy and paste them into your browser's address menu.
______________________________________________________

Archived press releases can be viewed online at:
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Public_Information/Press_Releases/
______________________________________________________

If you would like to stop receiving messages, modify list options, or subscribe to other lists visit the Web Mail section of our Web site and follow the instructions provided. 

http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Web_Mail/