Progress Report: Major new Republic industry hiring, preparing to open

REPUBLIC, Mo. - Like most realty agents across the nation, Alan Wolken of Southwest Realtors in Republic has been anticipating better economic times.

 "This year has been a little tighter, as far as finding buyers," Wolken said.

But good days are now becoming more common in Republic.

"We are selling the homes before we get the dirt broke on some of them," explained Wolken, who is now banking on new business as more development moves to town.   

The biggest project of all is promising a boom most communities could only hope for.

After four years of planning and building, hiring is now in full-swing at the new McLane Co. grocery distribution center.  The facility is set to open in the coming weeks.

Making an average salary of $35,000, many of these workers will need new homes to live in, and new places to shop and eat.

"It is really good for the region.  This will gosh, bring people into the community that would not be here, hopefully we will be having some people relocating to the area," said Gail Noggle, director of economic development for Republic.

Noggle explained the city is talking with several potential retailers and home builders interested in coming to town.

The application process for McLane is being conducted online and through the Missouri Career Center in Springfield.

Republic leaders say operations at McLane will kick into high gear, once the hiring and training process is completed in the coming weeks.