Bonni Waters is retiring after nearly three decades with the Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation.
Her journey
with the JREDC began in 1996 as an administrative assistant. Over the years,
her role evolved, first to market research analyst and eventually to vice
president. Waters has helped to shape the
organization’s strategies, ensuring that Jacksonville and the surrounding
region remain competitive in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
Waters said that she takes great pride in her work on key projects, including a Jacksonville
promotional video and Scott County’s website development.
“I’ve always loved
being in a supporting role,” she said. “Whether it was research, marketing
or simply making sure things ran smoothly, I felt like an integral part of
everything we accomplished.”
Waters is
assisting part-time until a replacement can begin employment, helping with
meeting notices, financial reports and training the new hire.
Beyond work, she said she’s eager to embrace the freedom that retirement brings. An avid quilter and embroidery enthusiast,
she looks forward to picking up projects she previously put on hold. Waters and her husband, Kenny, also plan to take extended trips across the country.
“I’ll miss the team and being part of something bigger
than myself,” Waters said. “But I’m excited for what’s next.”
The mission of JREDC is
to create, expand, recruit and retain job opportunities for Morgan and Scott
counties. The investor-based group traces its beginnings to 1964 when the
Jacksonville Area Industrial Corporation was formed with the objective of
creating jobs by acquiring new industries and assisting the growth of existing
industries.
This article appears in Best Places To Work 2025.