ST. CHARLES, MO. - After nearly 16 years as Director of Economic Development for the City of St. Charles, Nadine Boon has resigned from the City to pursue another exciting career. Under Boon’s tenure, St. Charles growth and development has expanded with new business parks, major retailers and a diversified economic base that put St. Charles on the map as a progressive, business-friendly community. Her last day will be September 10th after which she has planned months of travel, and then she will join a private sector firm.
“My experience in the development process has been very fulfilling and rewarding in this dynamic, historic community,” states Nadine Boon. “Economic development is a team sport of state and local allies – brokers, bankers and developers. I have especially enjoyed working with the City’s other departments to attract new businesses and retain our existing businesses. Main Street and the people who put so much love and care into it hold a special place in my heart.”
The City of St. Charles has seen the development of Fountain Lakes Commerce Center, Elm Point Business Park, 370 Corporate Park and the arrival of Bass Pro and other major retailers in the past several years. Now the development of Streets of St. Charles and Harbor San Carlos on the riverfront are the newest projects that will attract new revenues to the city. “I’m very proud and humbled by my role in the community,” commented Boon.
Mayor York said, “Nadine’s expertise in economic development is legendary throughout the state of Missouri. She knows just about everybody! Her passion for working through even the littlest detail is what has helped St. Charles blossom and grow. She is always optimistic that our City is the best in the region and thus will attract the best businesses to our community, and she has proved that time and again.”
In her capacity of Economic Development Director, Boon has served on several boards that also promote activities in the community. Some of those boards are the Foundry Art Centre, the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce, SSM St. Joseph Advisory Board, the Missouri Festival for the Arts (Mosiacs), the Incubator Advisory Board of the EDC of St. Charles County and the New Frontier Bank Executive Advisory Board. She is also a member of several state and national professional organizations. Boon is past president of the St. Charles Rotary Club.
Currently, Boon is President of the Missouri Economic Development Financing Association (MEDFA), state wide organization that promotes and protects financing tools in the state.
She is President and founder of St. Charles Riverfront Arts, Inc. (SCRA) that holds three annual art events in downtown St. Charles.
“St. Charles is my permanent home,” explains Boon, “and I look forward to being an active part of this wonderful community for many years, along with my husband, Artist Fraser Leonard, as I embark on the next phase of my life.”