Perry County Economic Development Authority

06/03/2026

𝓨𝓸𝓾'𝓻𝓮 𝓘𝓷𝓿𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭! The Missouri and Illinois Departments of Transportation will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of the Don Welge Memorial Bridge on Saturday, July 11, at 11 a.m. The ceremony will take place on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River at the newly constructed bridge.

The Don Welge Memorial Bridge spans the Mississippi River and connects Perryville, Missouri, and Chester, Illinois via Missouri Route 51/Illinois Route 150.

In March 2023, the Ames Team—comprised of Ames Construction Inc. and Parsons Transportation Group—was selected to design and build the Don Welge Memorial Bridge. The project features a three-tower, cable-stayed bridge and represents a combined investment of approximately $307.1 million by MoDOT and IDOT.

More details are available at: https://www.modot.org/node/90070

06/02/2026

Groundbreaking ceremony today at Perryville Regional Airport - KPCD for the new Ranken Southeast Aircraft Maintenance Technical School. The City of Perryville will rehab 2 existing hangars to house the facility, which will train aircraft mechanics right here in Perryville!

This nearly $4M project is supported by a $2.8M grant from the Economic Development Administration.

05/13/2026

🚨🏃‍♀️ BIG NEWS! 🏃‍♂️🚨
This year’s 5K is now the 🏁 Race Across the River! 🏁 — a once-in-a-lifetime chance to cross the brand new Don Welge Memorial Bridge on the morning of its grand opening! 🌉✨ Save the date so you don't miss out!
📆JULY 11TH 2026!
⏰ Race starts at 7:00 AM
👟 For all ages — run, walk, jog, or stroll!
👶 Stroller division included
⚠️ No same-day registration — don’t wait!
This is a HUGE opportunity you don’t want to miss!
👉 Register early and be part of something unforgettable! 💥
https://runsignup.com/Race/MO/Perryville/MidAmericaRehabSRaceAcrossTheRiver2026

04/28/2026

If you are an employer looking to learn more about the NEW Child Care Works program and how it can help you attract and retain employees, please register to attend one of these virtual sessions being held Thursday, April 30th! 👇👇

10 am session: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/WllCBeZ8QROrqLJFwPYN4Q #/registration

2 pm session: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xlhismnCSLqeqxiweOdUzQ #/registration

04/22/2026

We have extended the deadline for our Perry County Affiliate Grantmaking Program!! Deadline is May 7, 2026!

Perry County Community Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 grant round!! A total of $1500 is available for programs and organizations in the Perry County area.

The Perry County Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for individuals in Perry County through thoughtful grantmaking and community leadership. 501(c)3 public charities or other IRS approved entities (government entities, school districts and churches) serving Perry County are eligible to apply.

https://www.cfozarks.org/affiliates/perry-county

04/15/2026

Register for this workshop to receive FREE business support! 👇🏻👇🏻

On May 6, we'll dive into three workshops to help you grow your business. Join us in Perryville for one, two, or all three sessions.

10am - Strategic Growth
11:30am - Creating Your Brand Experience
1pm - Funding for Business Growth

Register at https://missouri.ecenterdirect.com/events/26861

Bring your own lunch.

04/07/2026

Join us in Perryville on May 6th! Registration information is below.

Business Growth Workshop Days – Back for Year 3!

Join Missouri SBDC at SEMO for National Small Business Week and gain actionable insights in Strategic Growth, Creating a Brand Experience, and Funding for Business Growth. Best of all? It’s free to attend!

𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 & 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

➡️ Sikeston – May 5 | 104 E. Center St.
https://missouri.ecenterdirect.com/events/26860

➡️ Perryville – May 6 | 508 N. Main St.
https://missouri.ecenterdirect.com/events/26861

➡️ Poplar Bluff – May 7 | 1111 W. Pine St.
https://missouri.ecenterdirect.com/events/26862

Attend one, two, or all three sessions. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your business and sharpen your skills!

04/06/2026

Read more here >>> https://tinyurl.com/2wk3vtka

03/30/2026

Employers and child care providers, please join us to learn more about Child Care Works!

You must register to attend by emailing Crystal Jones at [email protected].

03/18/2026

Something exciting is in the works! 👀

We’ve been busy behind the scenes planning a historic celebration… and we can’t wait to share more with you soon.

COMING SOON: Details on the Opening Celebration for the new Don Welge Memorial Bridge, replacing the existing Chester Bridge.

While we’re not quite ready to announce the official date, sponsorship opportunities are now available! If your business wants to be part of this once-in-a-generation moment and make history with us, let us know! 👇👇