Tri-State Development operates as a collaborative effort among stakeholders to support economic initiatives within the 36-county region of Northeast Missouri, Southeast Iowa, and West Central Illinois. The organization supports the region by cultivating collaborative relationships, promoting interdisciplinary problem-solving, fostering the expansion of academic-organization-industry initiatives, and developing an environment for collective impact to address the current and emerging political, economic, and social challenges in the region. Civic and industry leaders, elected officials, education professionals, and community organizations work together to identify challenges and promote initiatives that drive regional growth.

鈥淭he Annual Tri-State Development Summit provides an opportunity for a region-wide focus on the challenges impacting economic development in our communities, such as workforce shortages, lack of available childcare, the housing crisis, and access to broadband internet. By coming together to learn from one another and to work toward solutions we create opportunities for growth and positive outcomes,鈥� said Leslie Sieck, executive director of the Tri-State Development Summit and vice president for economic and workforce development at C-SC.

This year鈥檚 event begins with an introductory workshop for economic development for community leaders at 1 p.m. on Sept. 13. This workshop will provide community members with the knowledge needed to help identify and assist with economic development priorities in their communities. A networking event will follow the workshop. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet other members of the organization, exchange business cards, and enjoy appetizers and a cash bar.

The summit continues on Sept. 14 with registration and breakfast at 8 a.m. followed by opening remarks at 8:30 by Sieck and Quincy Mayor Mike Troup. Lou Zacharilla, founder of the Intelligent Community Forum, will deliver the keynote address. The program includes a number of breakout sessions and presentations. The full day鈥檚 events can be viewed on the website at .

The Tri-State Development Summit is open to the public and all are invited. Registration is now open. Please visit for more information.

C-SC President Dr. Douglas B. Palmer is enthusiastic about the new Vice President position for Economic and Workforce Development because it signals the College鈥檚 commitment to sustainability and growth of the region. 鈥淲e are very pleased to have Leslie leading the conversations and connections as we work toward a strategic approach to our region鈥檚 economic health and vitality,鈥� states Palmer.聽 鈥淎s we searched for the Executive Director to lead the Tri-State Development Summit, we determined that a focused leadership position that drew upon the resources of the College would further allow for deeper engagement in developing public and private collaborations that would assist in establishing and accelerating regional impact and growth.鈥� Payne鈥檚 experience in business development, combined with higher education fundraising, will be valuable tools when creating partnerships for the Tri-State Development Summit, an organization that represents 36 counties throughout Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa.

The excitement of Payne鈥檚 appointment is shared by Mr. Thomas A. Oakley, philanthropist and founder of the Tri-State Development Summit, who strategically housed the Summit at 乱伦社区. Oakley shared, 鈥淚 had worked with Leslie Payne for several months with no thought that she would consider the role of Executive Director of the Tri-State Economic Development Summit.鈥� He noted that the 鈥減osition will require a unique set of qualifications to restore and rebuild the Summit organization from top to bottom.鈥澛� With Payne鈥檚 appointment beginning April 1, 2022, Oakley looks forward to Payne鈥檚 leadership of the Summit. He said, 鈥淚 am thrilled, beyond words, that she will lead our effort, recognizing she definitely has all the necessary skills to do the job in a truly outstanding way!鈥�

Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council (HREDC) Executive Director Corey Mehaffy shared his congratulations on the new appointment and said, 鈥淎 dedicated person steering the collaborative working relationships among our communities will be incredibly beneficial for our tri-state region as we collectively focus on drawing attention to the resources and opportunities that this area has to offer to businesses, organizations and investors. The Tri-State Development Summit, led by Leslie, will be an important partner to all of us in this region, and I鈥檓 very pleased to have her leading this important effort.鈥�

Payne shared, 鈥淚 am honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve as the first Executive Director of the Tri-State Development Summit and the first Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development at 乱伦社区. Our region is rich with resources and options for collaborative and strategic relationships to address the needs and take advantage of the opportunities for building a strong regional economy and workforce.鈥�