Bonni Waters Retires After 29 Years with the JREDC

For nearly three decades, Bonni Waters has been an integral part of the Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation (JREDC), playing a vital behind-the-scenes role in advancing economic growth and supporting major projects. Now, she reflects on her career, the changes in the industry and the exciting new chapter ahead.

A Career Built on Dedication and Adaptability

Bonni’s journey with the JREDC began in 1996 as an administrative assistant. Over the years, her role evolved, first to market research analyst and eventually to vice president. Her contributions have been significant, helping to shape the organization’s strategies and ensuring that Jacksonville and the surrounding region remain competitive in a rapidly changing economic landscape.

Looking back, Bonni takes great pride in her work on key projects, including a Jacksonville promotional video and Scott County’s website development. These initiatives, among many others, helped showcase the region’s strengths to prospective businesses and investors.
“I’ve always loved being in a supporting role,” Bonni shares. “Whether it was research, marketing or simply making sure things ran smoothly, I felt like an integral part of everything we accomplished.”

Navigating Change in Economic Development

Throughout her tenure, Bonni witnessed firsthand the evolution of economic development strategies. From manual processes to the rise of digital marketing and online site selection tools, she embraced the changes, recognizing the need for communities to stand out in an increasingly competitive global market.

She hopes to pass her ability to adapt, learn and grow with the industry to her successor. “The key is flexibility,” she advises. “Don’t get discouraged by mistakes, learn from them and keep moving forward.”

Retirement Plans: A Mix of Relaxation and Adventure

While stepping away from full-time work, Bonni won’t be completely leaving JREDC just yet. She plans to assist part-time until a replacement is hired, helping with meeting notices, financial reports and training the new hire.

Beyond work, she’s eager to embrace the freedom that retirement brings. Her plans include deep cleaning her home — “room by room,” as she puts it — before rewarding herself with time behind her sewing machine. An avid quilter and embroidery enthusiast, she looks forward to picking up projects she previously put on hold.

Travel is also high on the list. Bonni and her husband have a love for extended trips. From the Dakotas to Tennessee to Alaska, their adventures have taken them across the country — though she jokes about her struggle to spot wildlife. “I went to Jackson, Wyoming, expecting to see a moose. Nothing. Gatlinburg? No bears. Alaska? Still no moose! But on our last cruise, I finally saw one in the wild. It was worth the wait.”

Leaving a Lasting Impact

While Bonni may be retiring, her impact on JREDC will be felt for years to come. She’s outlasted multiple presidents and has been a steadfast presence in the organization, contributing to its growth and success.

As she prepares for this next chapter, she expresses gratitude for the people she’s worked with and her experiences. “I’ll miss the team and being part of something bigger than myself,” she says. “But I’m excited for what’s next.”

And as for that, “what’s next”? Whether it’s quilting, traveling or simply enjoying the freedom of an open schedule, Bonni is ready to embrace it all, on her own terms.

Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation (JREDC) is Eager to Assist

JREDC is your time-saving connection to resources to accelerate your project by providing the facts and figures businesses need: statistical data, general community data, topic-specific information and comparative data. Email JREDC or phone 217.479.4627 for specific information on available buildings and sites, financing and incentives, labor market information, tax information, demographics, traffic counts, retail sales data, economic indicators and trends and zoning information.

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