Mendon group works to grow community while keeping hometown feel in place

August 1, 2008

By Jamie Busen

Small towns are either going to grow or die. Phil Conover says this as he winds his vehicle through the streets of Mendon, offering a tour he often gives.

Nearly three years ago, Conover began the Mendon Area Economic Development Association, a quiet but strong group comprised of 13 committee members who meet regularly to see how they can help Mendon thrive.

Conover, a native of Northern Adams County, wants developers and businesses to keep Mendon in mind when they think about expansion or new projects. There's a lot to Mendon, but there's also a lot needed, he says.

A survey was given to residents recently to see what they had to say.

The results showed folks don't want unrestricted and exploding growth. Instead they'd like moderate progress at a pace Mendon can handle. The village needs some sort of retail store, family restaurants and affordable housing.

"We need everyday needs," Conover says.

The purpose of the MAEDA is to act as a platform that will be in place when growth happens.

Among the amenities for development is a growing school system, its short commute to Quincy, an infrastructure in place and quite a bit of available acreage. Conover meets often with developers to showcase the village. Main Street -- Ill. 61 -- gets 4,500 cars daily. And it's situated near four-lane Ill. 336.

"Most people here love it," Conover said. "They love their life here, they feel safe here."

Yet they have needs. If people want to get a roll of tape, for instance, they need to drive into Quincy. There's no grocery store. Every restaurant in the town is inside a tavern. There are no apartments for rent.

Where would a new teacher in the district or a new nurse at North Adams Home live? Probably not in Mendon.

So the committee is trying to remedy this in a low-key manner, though they'd like more exposure.

"Small towns have to toot their own horn," Conover said.

MAEDA is a member of the Great River Economic Development Foundation, which advises the group and helps with finances or, for instance, brochure printing. Most everything else is on the committee's dime.

Conover embraces young entrepreneurs who want to stay in the community. Tad Peter is a perfect example. The 25-year-old owns a former grocery store on East Collins Street. He's turned it into the South Fork Outfitting hunting lodge. Though the business is seven years old, it is entering its third season in the renovated building.

A good portion of the building is offered to the community for meetings, receptions, reunions or whatever.

"Mendon is growing," Peter said. "There's a lot of new, younger families moving here and more people staying around. People are trying to get a little more rural. Everybody knows each other here and it all seems to work pretty well. As soon as they get (336) completely open up through Macomb, it will grow even more."

MAEDA is leading the way for Mendon to be able to continue its gradual expansion. Conover is quick to point out it's not about him. It takes everyone on the committee to bring insight and connections to the table. And, people who know people are the key.

Progress is a collaborative effort, but it's slow. Growth isn't something that can be forced.

Wise words from Conover: Development is a matter of sequential conversations. And those touting Mendon are doing quite a bit of talking.