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 The meeting represented a continuation of an agreement between
the two governing bodies last year that they would meet periodically
and share information about what each group is doing in the
community. This session’s agenda items for the meeting included
updates from several guest speakers, including Bill Thomas of the
Logan County Economic Development Partnership.
Prior to Thomas speaking, Jennifer Daly of the Greater Peoria
Economic Development Council had addressed the group, also offering
updates of the work being done by the GPEDC in general, and
specifically as it applies to Logan County.
Thomas opened by saying that he may be repeating some of the items
already talked about by Daly because, in the past few months he has
been involved with a few projects in partnership with the GPEDC.
Mount Pulaski Business Association
Thomas said the creation of the Mount Pulaski Business Association
was an example of the LCEDP working with the GPEDC to help guide
business owners in the Mount Pulaski community in the creation of an
association.
Thomas said the LCEDP and GPEDC assisted the group with establishing
a mission statement and setting goals for the future. He said the
association is doing well and has already initiated one of its
projects to boost the business economy in Mount Pulaski.
 He explained that the Business Association is responsible for the
creation of the Vinegar Hill Market, which is held on the second
Saturday of the month. The event offers an opportunity for those
involved in home based businesses, or smaller businesses outside of
town, in the county, and even from extended areas such as Decatur
and Bloomington, to offer their wares in Logan County. It also
attracts shoppers to the existing businesses in Mount Pulaski, with
the goal of boosting shopper traffic in the small community.
Business retention visits with GPEDC and Lincoln/Logan County
Chamber of Commerce
Thomas said that he and Sally Hanley with the GEPDC have been
meeting with Cathy Wilhite, Director of the Lincoln/Logan County
Chamber of Commerce. He noted that he and Wilhite are building a
business relationship and that Wilhite would be attending an LCEDP
board meeting. The three will also be working together to pay
business retention visits to business owners throughout the county
and in Lincoln.
Tele-pharmacy updates
Thomas said the goal of establishing a tele-pharmacy in Atlanta is
ongoing, and the Tele-pharmacy Project in Mount Pulaski has been
completed.
Mount Pulaski built a combination doctor’s office and pharmacy near
Vonderlieth Living Center this year. Construction has also started
on the tele-pharmacy in Atlanta.
Thomas explained that tele-pharmacies are a means of offering a
needed service to smaller communities, with less cost involved
because the pharmacist in not on site. He explained that
prescriptions could be brought into the pharmacy and given to a
technician, who can then communicate with the pharmacist via
computer. The pharmacist verifies the prescription and authorizes
the technician to fill the prescription. Via remote access, the
pharmacist is able to monitor the filling of the prescription and
check it for accuracy before the medication is given to the
customer.
The customer may also be permitted time to talk with the pharmacist
about their description as needed.
Wind farm Updates
There are currently four wind farm projects in the works. Thomas
said one is up and running, and one has received approval of its
conditional use permit by the Logan County Board.
A third company is preparing to hold a landowner open house on
Wednesday, September 28th. And finally, the Relight project is also
on the move, having found an investor to partner with them, so they
will be able to continue moving forward.
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Sysco Foods workforce issues
Thomas explained that he had learned that there was a human resources problem at
Sysco, and he had worked with the GPEDC to help find a solution. Sysco managers
had explained that they are having a hard time filling their positions for truck
drivers.
Thomas said he reached out to Heartland Community College, Illinois Central
College, and the GPEDC, to help develop a workforce for Sysco. Thomas said
communication between the colleges and Sysco was developed. The result, Sysco
notifies both schools of openings for drivers. The colleges in turn also promote
Sysco as a prospective employer to their CDL students and alumni.
Thomas noted he was well pleased with the outcome, as it provided a win-win
situation for the colleges, students, and Sysco.
Atlanta Interstate-55 project
Thomas said the work to expand development around the Interstate 55 exit area in
Atlanta is still moving forward. He said plans are underway to build a Senior
Living facility in the area with a groundbreaking to occur in 2017. Work also
continues to develop a multi-use commercial building.
Leveraging tourism for economic development
Thomas explained that he is active in promoting Route 66 Tourism, and belongs to
organizations to promote tourism on Route 66 in Illinois. He said the group is
working to establish a state-wide connection and are working to jointly promote
Route 66 activities from Chicago to East St. Louis. He said the goal was for
every convention and visitor’s bureau across the state to know what is going on
in every part of the state as it pertains to the promotion of Route 66 Tourism.
He also shared a 2017 tour that will travel Route 66 next year. He noted that
during World War II, Route 66 was a Military Convoy Route. In the summer of
2017, the Military Vehicles Preservation Association is going to re-create a
military convoy to pass through this area. Thomas said he was working to assure
that the convoy would make stops in Logan County.
Thomas said that the group is also working with Representative Tim Butler to put
together a Route 66 caucus to educate all state representatives and senators who
represent areas Route 66 passes through, to know and understand the value of the
iconic roadway to their communities.
In addition, there will be an introduction of legislation in the fall session to
establish a Centennial Commission in Illinois. Thomas noted the road will
celebrate 100 years in 2026, ten years from now, which is not all that far away.
Mount Pulaski Business Service District
Thomas said in addition to working with the Mount Pulaski Business Association,
he is working with city leaders to create a business service district and is
encouraging the creation of a Mount Pulaski Economic Development Commission. He
said that his philosophy is that “you don’t just give people fish, you teach
them how to fish.”
Thomas finished his talk saying that he would like to see every community in
Logan County develop its own economic development program that would work with
the LCEDP.
[Nila Smith] |
