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KIRKSVILLE, MO -- Kirksville’s industry was in focus Friday morning as part of an on-going series presented by the Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Kirksville Regional Economic Development Director Phil Tate and several industry leaders explained challenges and accomplishments of 2009.

Tate says he’s excited and optimistic that the economy in Northeast Missouri has survived the economic downturn felt throughout the state and nation.

“The fact that our economy has been stable and continues to be stable is a good thing in light of and comparison to what has been going on in Missouri and in our nation, as far as the recession.  Now, we are somewhat reflective of what goes on in those elements, but what we have to do is continue to do what we’ve been doing,” said Tate.

They also gave insight into the future of Kirksville’s economy. According to the morning’s speakers, the future is looking bright for the state of industry in Kirksville.

“We have a couple of local projects that are small projects that we’re working, but we do have a couple local.  I’m not at liberty at this point to talk about what they are or who they are, but I can say I think there’s going to be an announcement on one local small project just in the next two or three weeks,” says Tate.

“It just takes time.  We are in a couple contracts, I can’t talk about them because they’re classified, that are very large.  And one of them was supposed to be issued a year ago that would’ve…one contract alone would’ve employed full staff three and a half years.  That’s been delayed…it hasn’t been forgotten, but it’s been delayed," says David Fuhr, Wi-Fi Sensors, Inc. Chief Operating Officer.

Fuhr says Wi-fi is also working on another project for the U.S. Car Group which consists of all the U.S. automakers. He says the company is developing technology io improve the robotics of building cars.

Leaders gave suggestions on how industry can move forward.

"We have to continue the kind of efforts in economic development, in tourism, in downtown improvement, in economic development type of principles we continue to promote.  It’s a local effort.  We have a great local effort in this community and that effort has to continue,” said Tate.

“For the growth to continue…if you want your city to grow, you’ve got to stop the negative stuff.  We hear that all the time.  Pick-up any newspaper and you should be talking about the positive efforts the community is doing," said Fuhr.

Fuhr noted one of the positive community efforts he was proud of was the recent push to get Google to build a fiber network in Kirksville.  He says that show a proactive relationship.