Jefferson City is one of four cities competing in the rural category for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines Strong Communities award. This award honors the projects, the people and the programs that promote small business growth and retention in rural and urban communities.
The Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce, Cole County and the city, along with other representatives and investors, worked to show Jefferson City was the right place to open their new facility. They are on target to fill 200 jobs by the end of 2016.
Hawthorn Bank, who purchased the former RR Donnelley location, submitted the initial application for the Strong Communities award.
Hawthorn plans to give any award money to the chamber for the use within economic development efforts.
A public vote is part of the final election process, and the community is encouraged to go to www.fhlbforcommunity.com/voting until Oct. 16 to vote for Jefferson City. The winner will receive a $15,000 award to promote small business and economic development in their communities. The runner-up in both the rural and urban categories will receive $3,000.