John Smith and Barry Boyer join casino investor group board of directors

Two well-known corporate executives, John Smith and Barry Boyer, have joined Steve Gray and Drew Skogman on the board of directors of the casino investor group Cedar Rapids Development Group LLC.

Gray, founder of Gray Ventures Partners LLC, explained on Thursday that the investor group of more than 170 investors has "several big decisions" to make in the next 90 days now that the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission last week said it will let the investors submit an application for a state casino license to operate in Cedar Rapids.

As a result, "It is important to have a strong board and strengthened corporate governance," Gray said in announcing the appointment of Smith and Boyer to the investor group's board of directors.

Smith is chairman of the board and past president/CEO of CRST International. Boyer is chairman of Van Meter Inc. where he had been president/CEO.

"We are excited to have John and Barry join our board of directors," Gray said in a statement. "These community leaders and their families have been actively involved in the business community and with numerous community organizations over the years. We believe their leadership, experience and insights will add tremendous value to this project for Linn County."

Boyer said he was pleased to take a leadership role in a project that will add new jobs, provide more entertainment options and revitalize the community.

Smith said the plan for a casino directly across the Cedar River from downtown will help support an effort to make the core of the city stronger.

In recent weeks, Smith announced plans to build a new office building in the downtown along the river to house a new corporate headquarters for CRST.

Drew Skogman is vice president of Skogman Homes.