Kodiak Sports, LLC has been presented with Community Develoment Block Grant funding by the city of Joplin, according to an announcement by Kirstie Smith of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. Kodiak will be receiving money in the form of a low interest loan (3%) for $120,000 and a forgiveable loan of $40,000 to be used for manufacturing and packaging equipment and a quality assurance lab.

The city of Joplin made the agreement with Kodiak's owner Jeff Hicks in return for creating 35 new jobs over the next two years. Part of the agreement mandates that the workers be retained for two years after the loan has been repaid.

While Hicks' parent company, Kodiac Parts, serves as a supplier for trucks and refrigeration, Kodiac Sports will fill in the void left when Brass Eagle, the area's leading paint-ball manufacturer, closed for business. Hicks plans to purchase two production lines from a California company to manufacture paint-balls as well as nutritional supplements, such as fish-oil capsules.

In upcoming months Kodiak Sports is anticipating a hire of 15 to 20 people with operations beginning one month later. In addition to filling manufacturing positions, the company is seeking an office receptionist whose duties include operating a multi-line telephone system and computer, greeting and announcing customers and vendors, marketing and bookkeeping support, and maintaining office supplies. Familiarity with E-Bay, Quickbooks accounting and Microsoft Office is a plus.

Applicants are asked to apply for employment at the Missouri Career Center, 730 S. Wall Ave., Joplin. For more information about applying phone (417) 629-3000.

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