Montrose, IA – The Chairman of the Southeast Iowa Regional Economic and Port Authority says the panel should not exist if it is not going to be involved in economic development efforts.
Lowell Junkins says the same goes for Lee County Economic Development Group.
He says both organizations should have played more of a role in discussions with enterpenuer Ken Hendricks of Beloit, WI.
Hendricks recently announced his plans to build a wind-turbine tower manufacturing plant along Keokuk's riverfront.
Junkins used the end of this week's Port Authority meeting to air his frustrations with Keokuk Mayor & Port Authority Vice Chairman Dave Gudgel, who was involved in the negotiations with Hendricks and his company.
Gudgel, who was not in attendance, says he has spoken with several of his fellow port authority members about Junkins' comments, but is not ready to comment at this time.
Junkins says the Southeast Iowa Regional Economic and Port Authority will likely discuss a communication policy for members duirng its November meeting.
Additional Information
* Junkins is the former Executive Director of LCEDG.