The DeWitt County economy is looking good these days.

Several area businesses have opened over the past several months. Along with several businesses opening up, one business in northern DeWitt County is going through a rather large expansion. Ruth Stauffer, Executive Director of the DeWitt County Development Council explains Syngenta of DeWitt County, located near Wapella is going through a rather large expansion here. She adds this expansion is going to add several jobs to the area.

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On top of adding jobs, Stauffer is excited at the quality of jobs being added. She explains Syngenta is a research facility, with several PhD jobs and many more employees with Masters Degrees. She adds this will not only bring in new jobs but new residents to the community.

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Along with Syngenta's expansion, there are other new businesses opened up, and opening up in the county. One business that is simply changing hands is The Lighthouse Thrift Store, which Stauffer feels is going to be a great transition.

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Stauffer notes, while there's not always new businesses opening, there is often times businesses that leave, or change hands, such as The Lighthouse Thrift Store. She notes there are several businesses in the county that have left, but fortunately there is are businesses stepping in to fill the void of those other businesses leaving.

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New businesses over the past several months that have opened, relocated, or changed hands include Jason Frantz, State Farm Insurance Agent, Round Again Sports, West Innovations, Crossfit Influence, The Lighthouse Thrift Store, and soon to come, Sav-Mor Pharmacy.
Stauffer estimates close to 50 jobs have been created by the new businesses and expansion happening in the county.