The silence is still deafening. As Jasper’s electoral candidates continue to sidestep the question of what a reworked, strong JEDCO looks like, the community is left wondering if the status quo is all we can expect.
The Jasper Economic Development Corporation (JEDCO) has been a fixture in our community since 1993, tasked with the mission, as candidate Bob Mayhar put it, “to bring business and grow existing business.” Yet, as businesses shutter their doors and community needs go unmet, one has to ask: Is JEDCO fulfilling its purpose, or has it become a swamp in desperate need of draining? A recent comment about a possible shoe store, which was once proposed but never materialized, highlights this disconnect — where is JEDCO when it comes to practical, community-focused initiatives like this?
ProValus has often been praised as JEDCO’s biggest success story — but at what cost? The city contributed over $3.1 million, and JEDCO added another $1.65 million, bringing the total investment to nearly $5 million. These figures were confirmed in a KJAS article by the city finance manager and the former city secretary, underscoring the staggering financial commitment from taxpayers. On top of that, ProValus received $354,825 in employee incentives — funds specifically tied to employment benchmarks. The building itself, which cost an additional $267,000 to purchase, was later deeded to ProValus. This represents a significant financial burden for a single project. And for what? A promise of jobs that came with heavy financial strings attached. With incentives like that, what business wouldn’t want to come here — or is that kind of offer reserved only for businesses that benefit the few?
But it doesn’t stop there. Gated Rentals, another ambitious project, is set to receive up to $365,000 in incentives, according to their executive EDA. While JEDCO seems eager to fund high-profile ventures, these big-ticket projects often fail to resonate with the day-to-day needs of the community. When multimillion-dollar resources are spent on outside companies, it leaves many wondering: What is being done for the local businesses that are the heart and soul of Jasper?
Meanwhile, the community waits for real, practical initiatives like the Shoe Sensation store, which could directly address everyday needs. According to a KJAS article from September 4, 2024, JEDCO’s mention of the Shoe Sensation project in the same conversation as ProValus and Gated Rentals felt more like throwing the community a bone than a sincere commitment. Where is JEDCO’s focus when businesses in our town are shutting down one by one? Isn’t their mission to ‘bring business and grow existing business’?
The problem runs even deeper. The same man who signed the 1993 articles of incorporation remains president today, along with board members who have overseen years of questionable decisions. Since a dubious adjustment in 2008, this leadership has clung to the status quo rather than delivering the change Jasper desperately needs. A “reworked, strong JEDCO” will remain an empty promise as long as it’s led by the same people responsible for years of stagnation and misplaced priorities. This isn’t about minor tweaks — it’s about rebuilding trust and demanding accountability.
In Alma Powers’ one-on-one with Clark McLane, the candidate’s call for an audit of JEDCO sounds promising on paper. But an audit by the same firms who always deliver “good news” would be nothing more than window dressing. If McLane really wants to show he’s serious about change, let’s talk about a forensic audit — one that digs into the details, shines a light on inefficiencies, and finally answers the questions this community has been asking for years. Anything less is just a political soundbite.
The disconnect between JEDCO’s activities and community needs is impossible to ignore. According to the KJAS article from September 2024, JEDCO currently sits on a $3 million reserve. How can they justify this when businesses in Jasper are closing and the community continues to struggle? Even basic infrastructure — like fixing potholes — remains neglected while resources are stockpiled or poured into outside companies. The resources are there, but the will to use them meaningfully seems absent.
It’s time for JEDCO to return to the mission it was created for. But this isn’t just JEDCO’s problem — it’s an issue for every candidate running for office. The silence from the electoral field isn’t just frustrating — it’s a glaring failure to address one of the most pressing issues facing Jasper. The people of this community deserve leaders who will stand up, answer tough questions, and commit to tangible action.
The future of JEDCO depends not on lofty mission statements or vague commitments, but on delivering real change and results. It’s about restoring faith in an organization that has failed to live up to its potential. Jasper deserves leaders who are willing to fight for change — not just recycle the same tired answers.
Anything less is a disservice to the people who call this town home. Anything less, and the people should consider dissolving this corporation and redirecting the tax money flowing through its coffers toward vital projects that directly benefit all of Jasper’s residents.