REDC Welcomes New Project Assistant Amelia Messer

Richland Economic Development Corp. (REDC) has hired part time Project Assistant Amelia Messer after being without a project assistant since Dec. 1, 2022.

At the end of March the local church Amelia Messer had worked at for the last six years reduced her hours and she began to look for other employment options.

As it happened, her mother Leslie Messer, REDC director, was in need of a project assistant. Leslie Messer discussed it with executive board members before encouraging her daughter to apply. Amelia Messer was interviewed by the REDC's president and vice president March 30 and was hired based on her qualifications as an administrative assistant and her energy; her first day with REDC was April 1, 2023.

"It was important there was no consideration of my feelings so the best candidate could be hired," said Leslie Messer, who recused herself from the hiring process.

Amelia Messer graduated from Savage High School in 2009, and graduated from Dickinson State University in 2014 with a major in university studies and a minor in graphic design.

Project assistant responsibilities include managing and depositing financial contributions, website updates, facilitating meetings and taking minutes during those meetings, and assisting those who call or stop in.

"I like it quite a bit. It's a good learning experience and keeps me on my toes," she commented. "It's a great work atmosphere and it's nice to work in a place where people are happy to see you when you walk in the door."

"The project assistant is really the heartbeat of the organization. She is the first face people see when they come in, and she is the one who is answering their calls," Leslie Messer stated. "Having the position filled makes it much easier for me to focus on projects."

"Working at REDC I'm able to see the behind-the-scenes aspects of the community and how all the gears fit together to make the economy work, and that's what I'm most excited about," added Amelia Messer.