Where Opportunity Meets Community
MISSION Strengthening Southern Boone County’s economy by connecting businesses with the resources, connections, and support they need—creating jobs and improving quality of life in our community.
Values
Growth | Community | Opportunity
We believe in fostering sustainable economic growth, strengthening community connections, and creating opportunities for businesses and residents throughout Southern Boone County.
How SBEDC Began
In April 2012, the Southern Boone Economic Development Council (SBEDC) was founded by a dedicated group of small business owners, city volunteers, and city officials who shared a vision for Southern Boone County’s future. Led by Kim Ponder, these community leaders recognized the need for an organization that could showcase our area’s unique strengths and attract investment in ways that went beyond traditional chamber of commerce activities.
The founding group was driven by a simple but powerful question:
How can Southern Boone County show people just how awesome this area is?
From the beginning, SBEDC took an innovative approach—organizing bus tours for leaders from outside the area to experience firsthand what makes our community special. This initiative evolved into our signature Leader Breakfast, which continues to bring together business leaders, elected officials, and community stakeholders today.
Focus Areas
SBEDC serves as the economic development arm for Ashland and Hartsburg, working to connect businesses with resources, collaborate with regional partners, advocate for business-friendly development, and promote Southern Boone County as a premier location for business growth and quality of life.
The Council strengthens the local economy through three primary focus areas:
➨ Business Retention & Expansion
SBEDC cultivates collaborative relationships with regional partners to support existing businesses and attract new industry to Southern Boone County. Through direct representation at REDI board meetings and networking events, and close collaboration with the Southern Boone Chamber of Commerce and Ashland Betterment Coalition, the organization stays connected to the business community’s evolving needs.
➨ Entrepreneurial Climate
By leveraging resources from REDI and other state and regional organizations, SBEDC supports new business ventures. The Council advocates for and educates local entrepreneurs, providing access to critical resources and connections that help new businesses thrive.
➨ Real Estate Development
SBEDC actively identifies and encourages the preparation of sites for retail, industrial, and office development. By creating and maintaining a registry of shovel-ready sites and available buildings, and establishing strong relationships with area landowners, the organization promotes strategic economic development throughout the region.
Major Milestones
2012 Foundation
SBEDC officially formed in April, bringing together community leaders committed to economic development.
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2012 Daniel Boone Library
Our first major project secured a permanent location for the Daniel Boone Library in Ashland, enhancing educational resources for the community.
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2015 YMCA Opens
In April, the YMCA of Mid-Missouri opened its Ashland facility in a shared building, providing vital health and wellness resources to Southern Boone County residents.
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2018 Baptist Homes Development Begins
Baptist Homes of Ashland began phase one of development, launching a multi-phase project that would eventually include apartments, duplexes, a care facility, and chapel—significantly expanding senior living options in our community.
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2021 YMCA Expansion
In March, overwhelming community support enabled the YMCA to move into a 17,860 square foot facility—more than double its original space—to better serve the growing needs of Southern Boone County families.
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2024 Ranken Technical College
In January 2024, Ranken Technical College opened its doors, bringing vocational education to mid-Missouri. Initial programs in Carpentry & Building Construction Technology, Industrial Maintenance Technology, and Fabrication & Welding provide crucial workforce development opportunities.
Role in the Community
SBEDC serves as the economic development arm of Southern Boone County, serving the communities of Ashland and Hartsburg. The Council works to:
- Connect businesses with resources and opportunities
- Collaborate with regional partners on economic initiatives
- Advocate for business-friendly policies and development
- Facilitate communication between businesses, government, and community organizations
- Promote Southern Boone County as a premier location for business and quality of life
By bridging the gap between business needs and community resources, SBEDC creates an environment where both commerce and community can flourish.
Leadership
SBEDC is led by a dedicated board of volunteers who are deeply invested in Southern Boone County’s success. Our board members bring diverse expertise from across the business and community sectors.
Board of Directors
Ann Colgrove
President
Banker Emeritus
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Ann Colgrove has lived in Southern Boone for 20+ years.She is past president of the Southern Boone Chamber of Commerce. She enjoys engaging with the community and supporting economic development here in Southern Boone.
Vicki Kemna
Vice President
Boone Electric Cooperative
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Like many in Southern Boone County, Vicki Kemna is a transplant and relocated to rural Ashland in 2012 because of the area’s convenient location between Columbia and Jefferson City. She has worked for Boone Electric Cooperative, the electric utility for portions of Ashland and rural Southern Boone County, for 33 years and is currently the Assistant GM/CEO. Her background is in journalism, public relations, marketing, and human resources. She is past president of the Southern Boone Chamber of Commerce and looks forward to continuing her work to serve the business community in Southern Boone County.
Jason Reynolds
Past President
Angell & Co. Insurance
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Jason is no stranger to life in a small but growing community as he was born and raised in northern Boone County in the town of Centralia. In 2015 he and his family moved to Ashland to open an additional branch of Angell & Co. Insurance, an independent agency. He delights in knowing and working with the community members around him and is eager to be a part of the economic development here in Southern Boone.
Matt Boyce
Secretary
MFA Incorporated
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Matt Boyce appreciates the small community feel with excitement for growth that he finds in Southern Boone. He and his family were drawn to the area in 2005 due to the great school system and the friendly community. “Southern Boone County has a huge potential, and I am excited to see new opportunities and growth in this area.” He is the Senior Director of ITS at MFA Incorporated.
Brandon Glascock
Treasurer
South County Realty / The Glascock Agency
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Brandon is a native of Southern Boone County and a Broker for his family-owned company South County Realty, as well as an Insurance agent for our Independent Insurance Brokerage, The Glascock Agency. He graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a degree in Finance and Economics and received my Masters of Business Administration from Columbia College. He is actively involved in the community and sits on the Board of Directors for the Southern Boone County Fire Protection District, as well as the Southern Boone Economic Development Council. He is a long-time member of the Ashland Optimist Club, Ashland Masonic Lodge, and serves in various roles for the Columbia Board of Realtors and Missouri Realtors. He is passionate about welcoming folks to SoBoCo!
Paul Zacharias
Board Member
MU Small Business Development Center
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Christopher Felmlee
Board Member
MO School Board Association
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Chris, a retired public educator with the Center for Educational Safety and the Missouri School Boards’ Association, brings extensive experience to public education and economic development, having served as a superintendent for over 18 years. Before this role, he spent five years as an elementary principal. He began his career as an elementary teacher, dedicating two years to teaching second grade and another two years to Kindergarten. His journey in education also includes a stint as a paraprofessional. As superintendent at Southern Boone, Chris successfully led the passage of five bond issues, overseeing the construction of over 107,000 square feet of new facilities and establishing a college campus in collaboration with Ranken Technical College in St. Louis. Additionally, he is an active school board member for the Southern Boone County R-I School District and has recently earned the MSBA advanced board member certification.
Virginia Steiger
Board Member
Prost Builders
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Virginia first learned of Ashland when she was attending college in Columbia in 1981. Working for Prost Builders as Public Outreach Vice President since 2022, she soon joined the Southern Boone County Chamber of Commerce during the construction of the new Ranken Tech facility and formed business relationships with local leaders and members. The Chamber introduced her to the Southern Boone County Economic Development Committee, which provided her with additional opportunities to help be a force for good in Southern Boone County. As a Board member of the Chamber and the SBCEDC, she is an avid supporter of businesses in Southern Boone due to the welcoming community, the wonderful inhabitants, the businesses who work hard, the laudable school system, and her great co-workers who live here.
Kyle Michel
Ex-Officio
City of Ashland
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Kyle Michel serves as the City Administrator for the City of Ashland. Kyle and his wife Anna moved to Ashland in 2022 to take on his role with the City. Kyle provides knowledge and assistance to SBEDC as it relates to business development, attraction, and expansion and serves as the liaison between SBEDC, the City, and other economic development entities.
Lisa Driskel-Hawxby
Ex-Officio
REDI
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SBEDC operates as an all-volunteer organization with no executive director or paid staff. This lean structure allows us to direct maximum resources toward programs and initiatives that directly benefit our business community.
Key Partnerships
Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI)
SBEDC’s most critical partner, REDI provides essential resources, expertise, and connections that amplify economic development efforts. Through direct representation at REDI board meetings, Southern Boone County maintains a strong voice in regional economic development initiatives.
Southern Boone Chamber of Commerce
SBEDC works closely with the Chamber to understand business needs, coordinate community events, and support member businesses through complementary programs and services.
Ashland Betterment Coalition
This partnership helps enhance quality of life in Ashland through community improvement projects that make the area more attractive to businesses and residents alike.
How We’re Funded
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, SBEDC relies on the generosity of community members, businesses, and grant funding to support our mission. Our primary fundraiser is the annual Leader Breakfast, where sponsorships and donations from local businesses and community supporters enable us to continue our work.
Ways to Support SBEDC
- Leaders Breakfast Sponsorship: Our signature annual event brings together community and business leaders
- Annual Donations: General support for our ongoing economic development initiatives
- Project-Specific Contributions: Support for targeted initiatives and programs
- In-Kind Support: Professional services, meeting space, and other non-monetary contributions
Every contribution, large or small, directly supports our mission to strengthen Southern Boone County’s economy and improve quality of life for all residents.