Nov. 6--Economic recovery is going to be "a bumpy road," but a state economic development official said Boone County can position itself to capitalize on development when the economic rebound occurs.

Mike Downing, formerly the director of Missouri CORE, or Connecting Our Regional Economy, spoke yesterday to a group of Boone County elected officials and presented an overview of economic development efforts.

"The economy of Boone County is very strong compared to other areas of Missouri," said Downing, who is deputy director of policy and finance for the Missouri Department of Economic Development. He said the area has an "institution-based economy" because of ties to university and government employment, and that acts as a buffer against long-term economic downturns.

County Collector Pat Lensmeyer, who is the first to see the results of lagging sales tax revenue, which is the county's largest funding stream, asked Downing what the keys were for local economic development. Downing said the University of Missouri likely will be a drawing card.

"They have world-class research with phenomenal potential," Downing said, emphasizing that local development plans should focus on technology and "next-generation jobs."

He also said it was vital for communities and other entities to work together, rather than independently.

"There's just not much" development "going on right now," he said, noting how the economic pinch has impacted Boone County. The county's average unemployment for the past 10 years was 5.5 percent, but the latest figure for September showed unemployment at 9.3 percent.

"We've got to be singing out of the same hymnal, because there are too many communities that really have their act together," he said. Downing reminded officials that economic development is a global competition, not just competition with neighboring counties or states.

Lensmeyer said she already sees good "cohesiveness" between the county and its municipalities. Downing's presentation "reinforced the good things that we have going," she said.

As far as when the economy will rebound, Downing said, "you could talk to 10 economists and get 10 different answers."

Reach Jodie Jackson Jr. at 573-815-1713 or e-mail jjackson@columbiatribune.com.

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