Driskill Resigns from MO DED

Post by **dangerboy** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 9:32 pm

Joe Driskill is resigning as director of the MO Dept. of Economic Development to become director of the state's technology development effort. He never seemed very helpful for the KC area, in particular when we asked for help competing with the Kansas suburbs. Plus he was outright opposed to MODESA.

His new job will include life sciences development, so now that area will probably suffer against competition from Kansas and St. Louis.

http://kansascity.bizjournals.com/kansa ... ily33.html

Good2Great · Post by **Good2Great** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 11:06 pm

This is a fantastic development!!!! The guy is a stuffed shirt...in fact, I've heard he mows in a white starched shirt.

His departure is a MAJOR WIN for Missouri Eco Devo Pros!

KCPowercat · Post by **KCPowercat** » Wed Dec 10, 2003 11:22 pm

alright, good news.....now sounds like the Life Science people get to deal with him.

G2G...I think you need a new job....lead this state where it's supposed to be led.

Good2Great · Post by **Good2Great** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 1:07 pm

I'm up for a challenge.

First let's craft some aggressive incentive policies avaialable to all firms that qualify according to state statute. No more rule bending or legislative changes at the last minute. Either the company in question is in a target industry with a suitable number of jobs and capital investment or its' not.

Second, if Kansas wants to play ball...let's f-ing play ball! Craft a series of inducments aimed at retaining firms. As soon as MO can dulute the impact of the "new business" incentives in KS, the sooner we can put this border jumping bullsh*t to rest.

Third, start marketing this state like a mother! KS has field reps in Chicago, LA, NY and HONG KONG interacting with site selection consultants and major real estate brokerage firms every day. You can't recruit from a desk in Jefferson City. Firms will not stumble onto Missouri....Missouri must find them!

Whoop ASS!

Post by **dangerboy** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 1:29 pm

Update... Former KC City Councilmember Kelvin Simmons will be the new Econ. Dev. Director. Great news for KC to have a local guy in this very important position.

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/7468648.htm

zonk · Post by **zonk** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 1:41 pm

[quote="dangerboy"]Update... Former KC City Councilmember Kelvin Simmons will be the new Econ. Dev. Director. Great news for KC to have a local guy in this very important position.

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/7468648.htm[/quote

Good to have a connection...but sounds like this back room deal for KS.

Good2Great · Post by **Good2Great** » Thu Dec 11, 2003 2:17 pm

Right ON!!!!!

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/s ... t+director