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Lathrop Gage Supports Regional Economic Development, Inc., in IBM Center for Boone County

6/3/2010

The Columbia, Mo.-based Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI) has announced jointly with IBM that the computer manufacturer will open a technology service delivery center that will bring 800 jobs to the region. Lathrop Gage is the sole law firm from the county that provides financial support to REDI, with particular leadership from David Shorr (Environmental - Jefferson City), who serves as partner in charge of the firm's Jefferson City and Columbia offices.

IBM's new facility will make use of a former manufacturing plant in Columbia, and plans to eventually have a $44 million annual local payroll. According to the Department of Economic Development, this new project would rank among the nation’s top 10 job creation projects in 2010.

Lathrop Gage has had a tradition of providing financial and volunteer support of mid-Missouri organizations. In addition to REDI, the firm supports the University of Missouri's Flagship Council, the Foodbank of Central and Northeast Missouri, and the Downtown Jefferson City Association. Mr. Shorr is also vice chair of the Boone County Regional Sewer District.

Dave Griggs, chairman of REDI, called the announcement as “the single-most significant impact in private sector jobs for Mid-Missouri in the history of Columbia.” The job creation initiative was accomplished with a series of state and local economic incentives that include a sales tax exemption for personal property and a 50 percent property tax abatement.

Mr. Shorr is the past Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the State of Missouri's environmental protection, state parks, and natural resources agency. He served on the cabinet of Missouri's late Governor Mel Carnahan. He also served as Missouri Director of Environmental Quality for former Attorney General John Ashcroft when he was the Governor of Missouri. Currently, he represents clients in regulatory matters in the environmental, energy, and utilities arenas and handles complex cases involving the scope of legal authority and government public policy. He also handles regulatory matters involving health care, insurance, and telecommunications.

The firm's Jefferson City and Columbia attorneys regularly participate in complaint cases before the Missouri Public Service Commission, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Missouri Department of Insurance and all the other Executive Departments and have represented clients with regulatory issues before the Missouri Court of Appeals and the Missouri Supreme Court. From mid-Missouri the firm is able to serve clients who have a critical need for legal services involving the State of Missouri legislature, elected offices and administrative agencies. Over the past 20 years, Lathrop Gage has appeared in every major rate case in Missouri involving gas, electric or telephone service.

About Lathrop Gage:
A full-service law firm, Lathrop Gage LLP has almost 300 attorneys in 10 offices nationwide – from Los Angeles to New York. In 2009, Chambers USA ranked Lathrop Gage’s corporate, environmental, intellectual property, litigation, real estate and labor and employment teams among the best in the Midwest. For more information, visit www.lathropgage.com.