Economic Development Director Sally Burbridge presented the monthly report from the Economic Development Office. There are three new businesses that have opened or will open in Salem; Chance’s Barber Shop which is already open for business, the Saucy Chook, which is a new bar and restaurant and Ozark Viking Meadery which is set to open next year. She also reported that her office is ready to begin training for the new website, but there have been some technical issues with migrating the data from the old website. Building at the new industrial site has been delayed at least one year in order to uphold regulations that protect endangered bat populations. It has not been confirmed that these bats are present, but a wildlife study will need to be completed before the project can continue. On a brighter note, Burbridge reported that Dent County has returned to pre-COVID levels of unemployment numbers.
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