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Local News

Atlas 46 CEO Speaks About Economic Development


The CEO of Atlas 46 attended the Montgomery County Board meeting Tuesday, Apr. 9, to discuss the potential he sees for economic development in the area.

Brian Carver told the board that his five-year plan includes bringing 500 jobs to the county. His company currently employs 18 at their Hillsboro location, which opened in February, and Carver said he hopes to have 50 employees by the end of the year. Atlas 46 manufactures premium gear for construction and trades jobs. They have been in business for three years but are already selling their products globally.

Creating an epicenter of American-made products in Montgomery County is another one of Carver's goals. One of the aspects of the area he has found most attractive, he said, is that the talent and dedication levels of the people are much easier to find than in the St. Louis area. He also said a number of his Fenton employees have requested to move to the area in order to work in Hillsboro.

Another interest Carver has is rehabilitating old buildings, and he said he is working with the City of Hillsboro on renovating some of the old, vacant properties in town.

Hillsboro Mayor Brian Sullivan and Litchfield Mayor Steve Dougherty also attended the meeting and spoke about the county's development. Sullivan commended Bob Buda for helping connect Atlas 46 to the area. Buda is with the Montgomery County Growth Initiative, a group of citizens tasked with attracting outside businesses to the county.

Dougherty said he is glad to see the county involved in new ideas, and that economic development is the answer to a lot of issues plaguing the county. He stressed the importance of eliminating animosity between communities in favor of working together to continue the county's development.

Some board members told Carver, when asked, what they would like to see his company do to continue to give back. Glenn Bishop said he would like to see some of the internet sales used to promote Montgomery County. Bob Sneed said he would like to see the company communicate with the schools to build up confidence in vocational job opportunities. Ron Deabenderfer also referenced the schools, expressing his desire to see area high school graduates remain in the county.

Sandy Johnson said that, while she knows Hillsboro and Litchfield are a focal points, she would like to see expansion into other communities as well. Carver said he will be focused on that as he brings other businesses to visit the area.

The next Montgomery County Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, at 5:30 p.m.

RFD