Business leaders told they have reasons for hope

January 8, 2009

By Doug Wilson

Business leaders who have seen the signs of an economic downturn firsthand heard a long list of positive developments from 2008 and several that will continue into 2009.

The annual meeting of the Great River Economic Development Foundation Wednesday night did not ignore some major job losses in the area, but found dozens of gains as well.

"Our region's residents have ... reasons to be hopeful," said Hal Oakley, chairman of the GREDF board. "We enjoy a high quality of life and a low cost of living. We have excellent health care and educational opportunities. We think green, act regionally and welcome entrepreneurs."

Prince Agri Products is building a multi-million dollar manufacturing, warehousing and laboratory facility in the South Quincy Development District. It will help the company retain 58 jobs and create 41 new ones.

In that same general area, the Chicago firm Fitzpatrick Brothers plans to build a cleansing solutions factory and create 65 jobs, Oakley said.

Several major construction projects also are moving forward in Quincy's central business district.

The Salvation Army is building a $20 million Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center between Fourth and Fifth streets and between Vermont and Broadway. The Adams County Health Department has started construction of a $4.5 million facility at Fourth and Vermont. The Ray Shortridge and Frank Musholt families expect to build a condominium and retail development along the Quincy riverfront at Second and Vermont for about $20 million, although that project has been on hold since October.

In recapping the past year, Adams County Board Chairman Mike McLaughlin said the flood of 2008 caused major damage and challenges. But local agencies and individuals responded well and held back the river in many places that were hit harder by the flood of 1993, he said.

Quincy Mayor John Spring touted twice daily Amtrak passenger rail service, commuter flights between Quincy and St. Louis, and progress on several priority highways as major advancements for the year. He looks forward to upgrades on seven regional locks and dams, which have been tentatively approved by Congress, but not funded so far.

"Work on the locks should create 17,000 jobs," Spring said.

GREDF President Jim Mentesti said the 31-year-old organization has succeeded with the help of many community and regional partners.

"We trust in a bright future for Quincy and Adams County," Mentesti said