Logan County welcomes Cresco Labs Medical Cannabis Cultivation Center

[June 09, 2015]  LINCOLN - Saturday morning dawned a pleasant, sunny summer-like day, a great day for outdoor activities and for new beginnings. Northeast of Lincoln, Logan County Board members David Hepler, Robert Farmer, Charles Ruben, Gene Rolfs, Andy Anderson and David Blankenship, as well as Logan County Development Partnership's executive director, William Thomas, welcomed the new Cresco Labs with a groundbreaking ceremony at 9:30 a.m.

This spring Cresco won the state of Illinois approval for Illinois State Police District 9 to build a medical cannabis cultivation facility.

One of the excellent benefits for the business being constructed north of Lincoln at the intersection of old Rt. 66 and 1800th Street, is the quick and easy access to Interstate 55. Product can easily be shipped to any number of distribution centers off the I-55 hub.

Excavation and site preparation for the facility actually began a few weeks ago, but the Logan County Board wanted to extend a formal recognition and appreciation to the company for choosing Lincoln and did so on Saturday morning with ceremonial shovels in hand.

Board Chairman David Hepler welcomed everyone saying, "Good morning, one of the more enjoyable duties of being County Board Chairman is the opportunity to participate in events such as we have here today."

Chairman Hepler recognized Cresco Labs as "a cutting-edge company bringing 21st century technology to a traditional agricultural environment."

Hepler said their purpose, like any business is to deliver a product or service to the marketplace in a manner that returns a profit. "More importantly however, their mission is to help thousands of our fellow citizens relieve their suffering, lead fuller lives and overall enjoy a better quality of life," he said.

Chairman Hepler said, "On behalf of the Logan County Board and the 30,000 people we represent, please let me formally welcome Cresco Labs to our community as a corporate partner, a neighbor and our friend."

Following the groundbreaking, the Logan County Economic Development Partnership hosted a Public Informational Meeting at Lincoln College's Davidson-Sheffer Gymnasium. The public, as well as local response agencies, were invited to learn more about the nature and operation of the facility.

The business will offer many levels of employment.  The new facility is expected to begin partial operation early this fall starting out with about 20 jobs. Job opportunities will continue to expand as crops mature and enter harvest, and as more areas of the facility are developed and business ramps up.

[Jan Youngquist]

[Read more details on the informational meeting, "Cresco Labs aiming for ‘the gold standard’ at new Lincoln facility "]