2011 GREDF Annual Meeting Recap

Graphic for 2011 GREDF Annual Meeting in Quincy, IL[share]We held our 2011 Annual Meeting on January 12th. The theme of GREDF 2.0 was a nod to this new website and the “next generation” of the Great River Economic Development Foundation.

“Technology has changed the speed at which business moves,” says GREDF president Jim Mentesti. “Thanks to our long range plan, we’re ready to move with it. We’re taking what has made us successful as an organization and region – partnerships and collaboration – and enhancing our efforts with the latest tools including a new website, social media and GIS.”

GREDF Board Chairman, Connie Schroeder, president of Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield gave the presentation which included highlights from the past year. Some of the topics she covered were:

  • International trade (Spin Screed) and economic development (Prince Agri Products) awards
  • 2010/2011 projects & developments (partial list)

– Scotties Fun Spot
– First Bankers Trust Company
– Franklin Square Apartments
– Bank of Quincy
– Salvation Army Kroc Center
– One Restaurant and Bar
– Quincy University Dormitory
– Residences at Quincy Senior 65-unit housing complex

  • Economic indicators – Adams County currently has the 3rd lowest unemployment out of 102 counties in the State of Illinois
  • Workforce Development – JWCC launched a customized aluminum welding program in addition to working with a number of local companies on customized training
  • Quality of Life – Quincy was ranked 8th on Forbes Magazine’s list of Best Small Cities to Raise a Family
  • Rural Developments – C&L Tilling purchased the former Methode plant in Golden and the Rural Adams Development Corporation celebrated 10 years in 2010 loaning nearly $2 million since it began
  • Tri-State Development Summit – The 2011 Summit will be held October 5th in Quincy
  • Transportation – The Chicago to Kansas City Expressway opened, work continues to bring the Mid America Intermodal Port Authority to fruition and Cape Air continues to report record numbers of passengers

Throughout the coming months and in addition to our regular content, we’ll share portions of the annual meeting speech on this site and through our Linked In, Facebook and Twitter accounts. We look forward to your feedback and hope you will share your own good news in 2011.