DED merges divisions to boost state’s business

After four months of incorporating a private sector model into its business strategy, DED has created the Business and Community Services Division – a merger of the former divisions of Business Development and Trade and Community Development.

Sallie Hemenway serves as director of operations for the new division. She previously served as director of the Community Development Division.

Mike Downing is the new director of promotions after serving as manager of business development within the Business, Development and Trade Division.

“The Department of Economic Development is now poised to better serve our clients while putting Missouri in a stronger position to compete in the global market,” said DED Director Greg Steinhoff in a news release.

The new structure required some staff realignment and changes to job classifications and job descriptions, all of which is mostly complete, and additional staff could be hired later, according to the DED release.

In the new division, four new teams have been built around sales, marketing, finance and compliance.

The sales team, headed by Kevin Stover, is responsible for finding and responding to regional and national economic development opportunities. The team also will partner with local officials to create jobs, stimulate private investment and increase local revenues.

The marketing team is headed by Jodi Krantz and works directly with the sales team by promoting Missouri as a great place to work and do business.

The finance team, led by Judy Gehrke and Ann Perry, will put together financial incentive packages to attract industry and jobs to the state.

Andy Papen heads the compliance team, which will monitor the use of state and federal programs to make sure recipients meet compliance standards.

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