Who we are

President/CEO Bradley Testerman started with the Economic Development Partnership in June 2024.  The EDP was incorporated June 23, 2022, and received its 501(c)(3) designation on Jan. 5, 2023.

The Economic Development Partnership (EDP) is a public/private partnership with the City of Bolivar, Polk County and private entities. Our Board of Directors is made up of representatives from the City of Bolivar, Polk County, and the Industrial Development Authority of Bolivar (IDA), and also includes representation from the Bolivar School District, Southwest Baptist University, Citizens Memorial Hospital /Health Care Foundation, Southwest Electric Cooperative, Liberty Utilities, Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce. Rounding out the 13-member board are two Directors representing the financial and not-for-profit sectors, and the last includes an at-large representative. 

Mission Statement: The Economic Development Partnership – Bolivar and Polk County coordinates and facilitates the development of a strong, diversified and competitive economy in the city and county. As a public/private partnership, the EDP focuses on addressing the needs and opportunities of existing businesses, providing assistance to new and expanding businesses, fostering workforce development, supporting an entrepreneurial culture, while advocating for a business-friendly climate in Bolivar.

Click Here to view our 2021 Annual Report

Staff

Bradley Testerman, President/CEO

Rebecca Baker, Administrative Assistant

Board of Directors

  • Nick Seiner, Board Chairman – Representing Southwest Electric Cooperative, Inc.
  • Shannon Hancock, Board Vice Chairman – Representing Polk County
  • Leon Wirth, Board Secretary – Representing Southwest Baptist University
  • Tracy Slagle, Board Treasurer – Representing Liberty Utilities
  • Michael Methvin, Board Member – Representing Bolivar R-1 Schools
  • Michael Calhoun, Board Member – Representing Citizens Memorial Hospital / Healthcare Foundation
  • Pat Douglas, Board Member – Representing Industrial Development Authority of Bolivar, MO
  • Paul Folbre, Board Member – Representing Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce
  • Kelly Parson, Board Member – Representing OakStar Bank
  • Thomas Relford, Board Member – Representing City of Bolivar
  • Steve Skopec, Board Member – At-Large Representative
  • Micah Titterington, Board Member – Representing Not-for-Profits
  • Christopher D. Warwick, Board Member – Representing City of Bolivar