Tri-State Development operates as a collaborative effort among stakeholders to support economic initiatives within the 36-county region of Northeast Missouri, Southeast Iowa, and West Central Illinois. The organization supports the region by cultivating collaborative relationships, promoting interdisciplinary problem-solving, fostering the expansion of academic-organization-industry initiatives, and developing an environment for collective impact to address the current and emerging political, economic, and social challenges in the region. Civic and industry leaders, elected officials, education professionals, and community organizations work together to identify challenges and promote initiatives that drive regional growth.

“The Annual Tri-State Development Summit provides an opportunity for a region-wide focus on the challenges impacting economic development in our communities, such as workforce shortages, lack of available childcare, the housing crisis, and access to broadband internet. By coming together to learn from one another and to work toward solutions we create opportunities for growth and positive outcomes,” said Leslie Sieck, executive director of the Tri-State Development Summit and vice president for economic and workforce development at C-SC.

This year’s event begins with an introductory workshop for economic development for community leaders at 1 p.m. on Sept. 13. This workshop will provide community members with the knowledge needed to help identify and assist with economic development priorities in their communities. A networking event will follow the workshop. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet other members of the organization, exchange business cards, and enjoy appetizers and a cash bar.

The summit continues on Sept. 14 with registration and breakfast at 8 a.m. followed by opening remarks at 8:30 by Sieck and Quincy Mayor Mike Troup. Lou Zacharilla, founder of the Intelligent Community Forum, will deliver the keynote address. The program includes a number of breakout sessions and presentations. The full day’s events can be viewed on the website at .

The Tri-State Development Summit is open to the public and all are invited. Registration is now open. Please visit for more information.

C-SC President Dr. Douglas B. Palmer is enthusiastic about the new Vice President position for Economic and Workforce Development because it signals the College’s commitment to sustainability and growth of the region. “We are very pleased to have Leslie leading the conversations and connections as we work toward a strategic approach to our region’s economic health and vitality,” states Palmer.  “As we searched for the Executive Director to lead the Tri-State Development Summit, we determined that a focused leadership position that drew upon the resources of the College would further allow for deeper engagement in developing public and private collaborations that would assist in establishing and accelerating regional impact and growth.” Payne’s experience in business development, combined with higher education fundraising, will be valuable tools when creating partnerships for the Tri-State Development Summit, an organization that represents 36 counties throughout Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa.

The excitement of Payne’s appointment is shared by Mr. Thomas A. Oakley, philanthropist and founder of the Tri-State Development Summit, who strategically housed the Summit at 91ֱ��. Oakley shared, “I had worked with Leslie Payne for several months with no thought that she would consider the role of Executive Director of the Tri-State Economic Development Summit.” He noted that the “position will require a unique set of qualifications to restore and rebuild the Summit organization from top to bottom.”  With Payne’s appointment beginning April 1, 2022, Oakley looks forward to Payne’s leadership of the Summit. He said, “I am thrilled, beyond words, that she will lead our effort, recognizing she definitely has all the necessary skills to do the job in a truly outstanding way!”

Hannibal Regional Economic Development Council (HREDC) Executive Director Corey Mehaffy shared his congratulations on the new appointment and said, “A dedicated person steering the collaborative working relationships among our communities will be incredibly beneficial for our tri-state region as we collectively focus on drawing attention to the resources and opportunities that this area has to offer to businesses, organizations and investors. The Tri-State Development Summit, led by Leslie, will be an important partner to all of us in this region, and I’m very pleased to have her leading this important effort.”

Payne shared, “I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to serve as the first Executive Director of the Tri-State Development Summit and the first Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development at 91ֱ��. Our region is rich with resources and options for collaborative and strategic relationships to address the needs and take advantage of the opportunities for building a strong regional economy and workforce.”

The new organizational structure will include an annual meeting held in each of the three states sequentially, and will rebuild the task forces for transportation, the Mississippi River, education, agriculture, tourism, workforce development, connectivity, housing, and other vital areas in order to grow the economies of the entire region. The original and continued intent of the Tri-State Development Summit is to speak with one voice to 3 Governors, 6 United States Senators, 5 United States Representatives and all the State and local elected officials in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri.

The Summit was first established in 1996, following the 1993 major flood on the Mississippi River that resulted in the bridge at Hannibal being closed for 76 days and the bridge in Quincy for 72 days. “These closures,” explains Oakley, “demonstrated the dependence of the region on the River. As a result, the Tri-State Development Summit was originated as a collaborative vision over 25 years ago by a group of regional leaders. The mission of the Summit was to ensure that our entire region work together to address the issues that would allow the entire, approximate 100-mile circle of the tri-state region to grow and thrive economically.”

Oakley adds, “Unfortunately, in recent years, because of lack of funding and the loss of many of the original Summit leadership group, much of the efforts the task forces has declined, with the exception of a Summit meeting held every two years, which in its self has accomplished a good deal.”

“What’s unique about this new partnership,” adds Palmer, “is that there will be a cohesive, daily focus with all sectors coming together to drive positive change. Leadership from higher education institutions will join with economic development organizations, along with a select group of advisors, and specialist in various key areas, that are seeking economic growth in our region. We will be working together to create a pipeline for workforce development initiatives and long-term economic enhancements. Our community and industry leaders will outline task force priorities that will create new opportunities for each of us to contribute. This is an exciting time for us to work together to make significant strides for our shared, collaborative benefit.”

The transformational gift to establish the Tri-State Development Summit at 91ֱ�� will provide for a full-time Executive Director who will serve as the key management leader responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plan of the Summit.

“The impact of this gift by Mr. Oakley cannot be overstated,” said Palmer. “What we are creating here is a unique partnership that brings together experts across disciplines and multiple state and county lines in order to make a real, collective impact that will benefit not one of us, but all of us; building a level of distinction for our region that we believe will unlock opportunities for this generation and the next as we tap into the investments of education, community and economic development, infrastructure, policy research and so much more all while addressing the important issues facing our area.”

The Tri-State Development Summit at 91ֱ�� is currently conducting a search for an individual to serve as the Executive Director. To learn more about this opportunity, please contact Leslie Payne, Vice President for Advancement and Marketing, 91ֱ�� at LPayne@culver.edu.