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Cape Girardeau, MO – Southeast Missouri Regional Economic Development, Inc. (SEMO REDI) and the Perry County Economic Development Authority (Perry County EDA) have entered into a formal Memorandum of Understanding to advance economic development across Perry County and the broader Southeast Missouri region.

The partnership formalizes a collaborative framework in which both organizations will work together on outbound business recruitment, shared market intelligence tools, and a joint regional marketing strategy to attract talent, businesses, and investment to Southeast Missouri.

“Perry County Economic Development Authority has placed real trust in SEMO REDI by entering into this partnership, and we don’t take that lightly,” said Shad Burner, CEO of SEMO REDI. “We’re excited to work alongside the Perry County EDA as partners, aligned on the same goals and committed to delivering results for businesses and communities across our region.”

As part of the partnership, SEMO REDI will market Perry County sites through its outbound recruitment efforts, including attendance at site selection conferences and trade events. Perry County will also be incorporated into direct outreach to SEMO REDI’s growing network of site selectors and business prospects, ensuring that available sites in the county get in front of the decision-makers who matter most.

“Economic development doesn’t stop at county lines, and this partnership reflects that reality,” said Crystal Jones, Executive Director of the Perry County Economic Development Authority. “When regional organizations work together, everyone benefits. We are stronger as a unified region than we could ever be working in isolation, and this MOU is a meaningful step toward that vision.”

The agreement took effect August 1, 2026, with an initial term running through July 31, 2027.

SEMO REDI is excited to continue building regional partnerships like this one across Southeast Missouri, strengthening the collective capacity of local economic development organizations to compete for investment and create opportunities throughout the region.

Southeast Missouri Regional Economic Development, Inc. (SEMO REDI) is a regional economic development organization serving Southeast Missouri. SEMO REDI works to attract business investment, support existing businesses, and promote the region as a competitive destination for economic growth.

The Perry County Economic Development Authority is a local economic development entity serving Perry County, Missouri.