By Tim SchmidtRecord Managing EditorWarrenton aldermen Tuesday night finalized the city’s annual contribution to the Greater Warren County Economic Development Council.The board voted 6-0 authorizing the mayor to execute a service agreement between the city and the GWCEDC. As part of the agreement, the city will contribute $11,000 to the group.The contribution is an increase of $1,000 over last year, a decision that was made to offset the cost of accounting procedures required by the city.Josh Beck, representing the GWCEDC at Tuesday’s meeting, informed city officials the organization remains active in pursuing job-creating projects. The group currently has 19 active projects and in the past month hosted two companies for tours of the area. Four new proposals also have been made to prospective companies, Beck said.“I think great things are in store and much of that is from the support we have received from the business community but also the governments,” he told the board.Formed in 2011, the nonprofit private and public sector partnership is designed to strengthen the economic base of the area by pursuing job-creating projects and growing existing businesses.So far, the GWCEDC has been able to attract two new companies to the area. CertainTeed is constructing a manufacturing and distribution facility just east of Jonesburg. The company is planning to invest $100 million in the new facility, which will result in 100 jobs. The H.T. Hackney Company opened a satellite food distribution center at a vacant building in Truesdale.Also at Tuesday’s meeting, Beck mentioned a successful project involving the SAF Holland facility in Warrenton. He indicated the plant will be expanding and adding jobs, though a formal announcement has yet to be made.“It’s pretty remarkable what you have accomplished in the short time you have been operating,” Mayor Jerry Dyer said.Besides Warrenton, other local governments that are contributing to the GWCEDC are Warren County, Wright City, Truesdale and Jonesburg.Other members include the Warren County R-III and Wright City R-II school districts, three local Chambers of Commerce and more than 60 area businesses.

Josh Beck, representing the GWCEDC.