Have a safe and peaceful holiday season

As we say farewell to 2010, and head into the New Year, I’d like to take the opportunity to express my thanks and appreciation to the Rolla City Council, all of our City employees and the businesses, organizations, colleges and institutions that make up our great community.

Working together, and collaboratively, we have once again demonstrated that we are all capable of accomplishing so much more when we do so as one community. 2010 will be a year I hope that will be a memorable one for many of you, as there were so many milestones such as the first annual Celebration of Nations, the launching of the Missouri S&T Innovation Park, Bryant Drive Extension, and numerous outstanding new restaurants and businesses, that we can look back on as catalysts that will propel us forward into the year 2011.

Sales tax revenue is up almost 5% compared to the same time last year, and other economic indicators such as a significant increase in commercial construction, development of Innovation Park, and record enrollment at Missouri S&T, point to the potential of a prosperous 2011 in Rolla and Phelps County. With the momentum we have created in 2010, and the promise of a new Kohl’s store just beyond the horizon, the possibilities look bright for 2011.

In closing, I’d like to remind everyone to please be mindful of the weather and road conditions, and exercise caution while driving and traveling throughout the community. A safe holiday, is just about as important, if not more so, than a healthy and peaceful holiday. And looking toward the New Year, I’d like to remind everyone that the next Rolla City Council meeting will be held on Monday, Jan. 3, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Rolla City Hall, 901 N. Elm Street.

Wishing you a peaceful and safe holiday season!