A Weekly Note from Mayor Gary L. Graham
“Traditional Values, Progressive Thinking”
The Scott/MidAmerica Leadership Council (SMALC) is a new organization that was organized a few months ago. It’s Executive Board is made up of the Mayors representing the communities that surround Scott Air Force Base (Mayor Gerald Daugherty from Mascoutah, Mayor James Vernier from Shiloh, Mayor Scott Abner from Lebanon and myself), as well as Woody Gray from Mascoutah.
SMALC’s mission is to foster a regional economic development partnership between Scott Air Force Base (SAFB), MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and the Southwestern Illinois Region by forging public/private relationships that will ensure the future of Scott Air Force Base.
Collectively, the organization is a regional voice at the county, state, and federal level of government and is committed to responsible economic development in the region, including the protection of SAFB from encroachment and the fostering of a Foreign Trade Zone at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.
Membership in the organization is open to all companies, organizations and individuals. Membership levels range from $500 to $2,000. Quarterly economic forums are held that provide members with the opportunity to network with Scott Air Force Base leaders, the four Mayors who serve on the SMALC Executive Board, and county, state and federal officials.
As part of SMALC's Quarterly Economic Forum series, the SMALC Executive Board hosted a tour of their cities on July 11, 2006 for Col. Alan Hunt, Jr., 375th Airlift Wing Commander; CMSgt. Carl Hunsinger, 375th Airlift Wing Command Chief; and Col. Brad Spacy, 375th Mission Support Group Commander. Following the tour, SMALC members enjoyed meeting and networking with the Commanders and Mayors during a reception at Scott Club. If you would like to join SMALC and take advantage of these important networking opportunities, please contact Pam Funk at O’Fallon City Hall at 624-4500, ext. 9-1112.
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