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GREDF Introduces New President

The new head of a Quincy-based economic development organization says working regionally is a key to future success.

Marcel Wagner, Jr.’s first official day as President of the Great River Economic Development Foundation was Monday.

He replaces Jim Mentesti, who retired after being with GREDF for more than 25 years.

Wagner comes to Quincy after spending the last twenty years leading the Allen Economic Development Group in Lima, OH.  He retired from that position in January.

Wagner says he is ready to hit the ground running, adding that his first 100 days on the job will be spent meeting with as many business, political and community leaders as possible.

He says that includes those in southeast Iowa and northeast Missouri.

“It’s important for communities to understand that if a company locates here or locates 30 miles down the road, it benefits everyone in the area.”

While in Ohio, Wagner was involved in the development of a foreign trade zone, the sale of five spec buildings and the start-up of several entrepreneurship centers.

Wagner’s hiring is the culmination of a six-month national search for GREDF’s new president.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.