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
Pete Metcalf Chance Morgan Ron Ross
Mayor Dan Rife Mark Johnson Mindi Wilks
Ex-Officio Directors
Dr. Luke Boyer Chuck Bryant Traci Cox
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.
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.
In 2024, Jeff joined an elite group of Missouri economic developers when he earned his MoCED designation, which is a certification program offered by the Missouri Economic Development Council.
Jeff currently serves as the District 6 Co-Chair for the Missouri Economic Development Council, is a member of the Carthage Area United Way Board of Directors, and is a member of the Vision Carthage Economic Vitality committee.