Janie Dunning, the Missouri State Director of USDA Rural Development, hosted a mock check presentation on Friday morning at Sheltered Industries of the Meramec Valley in Sullivan, MO. Sheltered Industries of the Meramec Valley, Inc. received $27,000 to fund a project through the Rural Business Enterprise Grant program to purchase a new feeder line for a shrink wrap packaging machine which will provide for an additional 10 jobs at the workshop.
The event was attended by several city and state officials along with members of the workshop board at 8:30 a.m. on Friday.
Dunning commented Friday morning after touring SIMV, “This is just a beautiful facility, it’s overwhelming and you can see firsthand what a benefit of a project like this can do.”
“This funding, which will result in the creation of 10 new jobs at Sheltered Industries, is exactly the kind of job-creating investment we need in this tough economic climate,” said U.S. Senator Kit Bond. “Unfortunately, our rural communities have been hit disproportionately hard by this recession. I commend local leaders for seeking out and accessing resources like the Rural Enterprise Grant Program which can provide critical assistance at this time.”
“Sheltered workshops provide job opportunities for Missourians who may not otherwise have had them,” U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill said. “I am pleased this federal funding will allow the Sheltered Industries in Sullivan to purchase new equipment to improve the workplace for its employees.”
U.S. Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer said, “This grant provides folks with the tools to be productive while improving the quality of goods going out the door, both of which are critical elements to the success of these important industries.”
Dunning said, “Funding important projects like this by Rural Development mirrors President Obama’s initiatives for rural America and Rural Development’s commitment to the future of rural communities. Appreciation is also extended to our Federal elected officials for supporting USDA Rural Development. They have been strong proponents for the necessary funding for essential services for rural Missourians.”
Dana Campbell, president of the Sheltered Industries of the Meramec Valley, Inc. Board, said, “By providing funding for new equipment, workers will be able to advance their capabilities, our customers will benefit from faster service and the workshop can provide additional opportunities for some very special people. That’s important to our community and to our economy. We are proud to work with the USDA and appreciate their thoughtfulness of our mission.”
State Rep. Charlie Schlottach was on hand to speak to those in attendance at the check presentation. “This is just an uplifting experience and proof again that sometimes government gets things just right.”
Schlottach added, “It’s very impressive to think that SIMV started out with $40,000 and is now a $2 million facility.”
Eric Giebler, executive director of SIMV, expressed his appreciation to his staff for completing the grant process and the USDA for their assistance. He added that the workshop will now be able to add up to 10 more jobs for SIMV.
Sullivan mayor, J.T. Hardy, commented that the employees of SIMV are just inspirational and work hard to achieve their goals. Hardy then read a proclamation regarding SIMV.
Anyone interested in obtaining information regarding assistance available through USDA Rural Development may visit the homepage at h11p://www.rurdev,usda,gov/mo/ or can contact Jack O. Kearbey, Area Specialist, at the Rolla Sub-Area Office of USDA Rural Development at 1050 Highway 72 East, Rolla, MO 65401 or by calling (573) 364-2088, ext. 4.