MU Extension Business Specialist in Industry Recycling
To Visit Region Oct. 29

Jackson, Mo. — Southeast Missouri businesses interested in turning their waste products into sources of revenue generation will be able to tap the knowledge of a St. Louis-based recycled-materials expert at 9 a.m. Oct. 29, in Fredericktown.

Lee Fox, head of the Missouri Market Development Program, will appear at the Black River Electric Cooperative (2600 Highway 67) to talk about his industrial recycling program and to answer questions about generating revenue from waste products, according to Richard Proffer, University of Missouri Extension regional business development specialist based in Jackson.

Fox's effort, part of MU Extension's Business Development Program, aims to help companies increase revenue from recycled materials.

"Many manufacturing businesses create waste material that can be converted to a revenue stream instead of being trashed in the local dump," says Proffer, who coordinated Fox's appearance.

Fox has previously worked with several Southeast Missouri companies and says: "There is a definite opportunity for companies in this region to benefit from the program. We just need to connect, match resources and then apply for the funds to help them improve their end-waste management process."

The Missouri Market Development Program was created to promote recycling by using economic development efforts for businesses and projects that use materials recovered from solid waste. The program's financial assistance, up to $50,000, is aimed at expanding the manufacturing capacity of Missouri's companies by using recovered materials, says Proffer.

To reserve a seat at the presentation or to schedule an individual counseling session with Fox, contact Proffer at the Cape Girardeau County Extension Center, 842 W. Jackson Trail, Jackson, MO 63755; phone 573-243-3581; or e-mail (profferrd@missouri.edu).

This story was featured in the October 2007 newsletter