Who is the CEDC?
The Carthage Economic Development Corporation was started in 1993.
In 1993, the main focus of any economic development organization was the creation of industrial projects that would lead to jobs and additional employment.
Thirty years later, the CEDC is still focused on job creation through industrial recruitment and expansion. However, as an organization, we understand that development is much more than just industries and the number of smokestacks.
Other focuses of the CEDC are the creation of new housing projects, retail recruitment, workforce development, business startups, infrastructure projects and more. Basically, anything that will make Carthage a more business-friendly climate and can contribute to business success aligns with the goals of the CEDC.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is made up of volunteers from the Carthage area, many of whom have been serving the community for decades.
Officers
Jeff Williams, Chairman Mark Gier, Vice Chairman
Stan Schmidt, Secretary/Treasurer
Members-at-large
G. Stephen Beimdiek Pete Metcalf Chance Morgan
Mayor Dan Rife Brian Schmidt
Ex-Officio Directors
Dr. Luke Boyer Chuck Bryant Greg Dagnan
Tom Flanigan Julie Reams
CEDC Staff
Jeff Meredith, CEO, joined the Carthage Economic Development Corporation in 2023. Prior to his role with the CEDC, Jeff had sixteen years of experience working for chambers of commerce, and has a plethora of experience from non-profit board service. His most recent role was the Executive Director of the Monett Chamber of Commerce from 2012-2022.
During his chamber years, Jeff was exposed to many different concepts related to economic development including workforce training, downtown development, business retention & expansion, entrepreneur development & economic gardening.
In 2017 Jeff received the IOM designation from the US Chamber of Commerce signifying receipt of the Certificate of Nonprofit Organization Management. In 2019, Jeff graduated from the Economic Development Institute provided by Oklahoma University.
In 2022, Jeff graduated with his Masters of Business Administration from Northwest Missouri State University, earning him the MBA designation. A self-proclaimed numbers nerd, Jeff enjoys analyzing data and seeing how to best help businesses succeed through financial knowledge and analysis.