By BRENT MARTIN
St. Joseph Post
Developers of the Ag Expo Center in eastern St. Joseph have given up on the proposed location, selling it for development of a business park.
Ag Expo Center officials say the site has been sold to developer Steven Craig.
Those behind the Ag Expo Center say steps are underway to continue it as a venue for educational opportunities, youth leadership, and agriculture at a new location.
“Ag Expo has always said if a developer came along that would bring great benefit to the community the Board of Directors would consider a change of location and/or venues. Mr. Craig’s purchase meets that test,” Ag Expo Center Executive Director Gerald Sprong said in a written statement released by the center. “The park will be a tremendous asset for the community, and will extend the economic impact Ag Expo has already brought.”
Ag Expo Center leadership announced a change in direction in July. Craig entered into an agreement to buy the present site later that month.
Officials state in a news release that “Steps are underway to continue the Ag Expo Center as a venue for educational opportunities, leadership for area youth and agriculture at a new location.” Officials say the project’s goals remain the same: to improve the lives of area youth and build upon the region’s longstanding agricultural heritage.
“As we continue to evolve the project to meet the region’s needs and goals, it makes sense to maximize the original site location toward further economic development with Steven Craig,” Sprong stated. “Ag Expo Center is proud that through its efforts as a catalyst the entire area benefits from the development of the land to date – as well as the development that is to come with its sale to Mr. Craig.”