JEDCO to Host Community Open Discussion Day on May 29

In an effort to address growing public questions and misconceptions, the Jasper Economic Development Corporation (JEDCO) will host an Open Discussion Day on Thursday, May 29, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Jasper Welcome Center, located at 500 S. Wheeler Street.

The full announcement released by JEDCO is included in its entirety at the end of this article.

The event is designed to give citizens an opportunity to speak directly with members of the JEDCO Board of Directors, learn more about the organization’s role, and discuss its impact on local economic development.

“There has been much misinformation about JEDCO’s ability to grow Jasper’s existing businesses and attract new ones,” the board stated. “JEDCO’s legal limitations are misunderstood and its relationship to the Jasper City Council has been misrepresented.”

Attendees will be able to meet with several of JEDCO’s fifteen volunteer directors, ask questions, enjoy refreshments, and voice any concerns. The board noted they may extend the event hours if there are requests from the public.

For those unable to attend on May 29, a follow-up opportunity will be available during the regularly scheduled JEDCO meeting on June 3 at 5:30 PM, which will also include time for public discussion.

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Full Statement from JEDCO:

"This is a very important paid announcement to all citizens of Jasper. There has been much misinformation about JEDCO’s ability to grow Jasper’s existing businesses and attract new businesses. JEDCO’s legal limitations are misunderstood and its relationship to the Jasper City Council has been misrepresented. To help the citizens of Jasper understand JEDCO’s importance to Jasper, the JEDCO Board of Directors would like to invite all citizens to an Open Discussion Day on Thursday, May 29th, from 9am to 5pm in the Jasper Welcome Center located at 500 S Wheeler St. We will extend the time if there are requests. For citizens that cannot come on the 29th, there will be a JEDCO meeting at 5:30pm on June 3rd that will have time for open public discussion. Please come, enjoy refreshments, and talk freely with some of JEDCO’s fifteen volunteer directors on Thursday, May 29th between 9am and 5pm. It is possible to feel good about Jasper again. Learn the truth about JEDCO’s history, potential, and plans."