Downing announced as MEDFA's 2016 Richard A. King Award recipient

The Missouri Economic Development Financing Association (MEDFA) recently announced that Mike Downing, director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, has been selected as the recipient of the organization's 2016 Richard A. King Award. The award will be presented during the MEDFA Annual Conference, October 13-14, in St. Louis.

Downing, a Bragg City native, is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), as authorized by the International Economic Development Council, and a true believer in developing strong partnerships. He works tirelessly with local and regional economic developers as well as like-minded institutions, educational and research organizations, and other agencies in the business of growing the State of Missouri.

From leading expansion negotiations with major global companies like Cerner, Monsanto and Boeing, to participating in several successful trade missions around the world to increase trade and connect Missouri businesses with foreign markets, to playing a crucial role in the state's automotive resurgence, Downing is in the business of helping businesses, and Missouri's economy, grow.

Established to honor the memory of one of MEDFA's 'Founding Fathers' and most dedicated supporters, the Richard A. King Award is presented annually to a person, company, project or municipality that has made a significant contribution to economic development in Missouri.