The Perryville Development Corporation has announced a new direction for its work, putting greater emphasis on community development projects that aim to strengthen the local economy and improve quality of life across Perry County.
The shift comes after the organization’s board of directors restructured in 2024, reducing membership from 20 to nine in order to streamline decision-making. Along with the smaller board, the PDC has added an advisory group of local professionals with expertise in construction, finance, small business, and public infrastructure.
“This new structure allows us to be more focused and agile,” said Eric Warren, president of the Perryville Development Corporation. “With this new direction, we are deepening our commitment to community collaboration and building partnerships that will drive positive, long-term impact.”
Together, the board and its advisors will help identify and support projects in several areas:
■ Workforce development through training and career readiness programs.
■ Housing initiatives that expand both affordable and market-rate options.
■ Small business and entrepreneurship support to encourage local innovation.
■ Commercial development aimed at retaining and attracting businesses.
■ Infrastructure improvements that make Perry County a more attractive place to live and work.
So far in 2025, the PDC has provided more than $35,000 in financial support to community projects. The organization says it is seeking partnerships with local groups, businesses, nonprofits, and government entities to further its mission.
The PDC’s renewed emphasis builds on a 70-year history. Founded in 1954, the not-for-profit corporation originally came together to purchase and develop land for what became the Perryville Industrial Park. Over the decades, it has played a role in industrial recruitment, airport expansions, the creation of the Higher Education Center, and a wide range of infrastructure improvements in partnership with the city and county.
Now, with a broader mission, the organization intends to carry that legacy forward by expanding beyond traditional industrial and commercial development to include projects that touch daily life in Perry County.
