[share]Dear Partner in Economic Development,

Economic development is not an endeavor of a single person or single organization. Successful economic development is a collaborative and aggressive process. That’s why GREDF places a high value on partnerships and welcomes the opportunity to work with businesses and organizations like yours for the good of our region.

2013 has been a transitional year for our organization. The staff and I, with the support and direction of our board, have been hard at work developing a strategic plan and 2014 work plan. We’re not quite ready to share the entire plans yet (you’ll have to wait until our Annual Meeting on January 8, 2014), but here are the highlights:

1. Business Retention and Expansion – Conducting regular visits with our area businesses to help identify opportunities and threats is key to our region’s overall economic growth.
2. Workforce Development – We must work with our businesses and educational institutions to ensure existing and new businesses alike will have the qualified workforce they require to grow.
3. Business Attraction – We’ve already begun to promote our region to prospective businesses and site consultants and we’ll continue to do this on a greater scale in 2014.
4. Marketing and Branding – It’s important that we communicate a clear and concise Quincy and Adams County brand to potential investors and businesses.
5. Entrepreneurship – Providing assistance to individuals and small business owners helps grow our economy.
6. Membership – This is where you come in. We need income in order to maintain a qualified staff and provide exceptional economic development services.

If you haven’t done so already, please consider becoming a GREDF member or renewing your GREDF membership today. Although we receive funds from both the City and County to carry out economic development activities on behalf of both, half of GREDF’s budget comes from private members like you. You are an essential part of our economic development program. You care about the Quincy and Adams County area, so we’re asking you to invest in our efforts. We think you’ll like the return.

I look forward to getting to know you better in 2014. Our door is always open at GREDF and we welcome the opportunity to work with you more closely, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can be of service.

Sincerely,

Marcel

Marcel W. Wagner, Jr., CEcD

P.S. Just click on the Become a GREDF Member graphic above to download a pdf of our current membership investment form.

[share] Great River Economic Development Foundation, John Wood Community College and the Workforce Investment Board of Western Illinois will hold a press conference celebrating National Manufacturing Day this Friday, October 4, 2013, at 9:30am at Prince Agri Products’ facility located at 221 Prince Agri Way in the South Quincy Development District.

Megan Backs, Great River Economic Development Foundation; Dean Warras, Prince Agri Products; Jacqui Bevelheimer, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity; Mike McLaughlin, Adams County Board; Mark Pfleiger, West Central Region & Quincy Area Vocational Technical Center; Blanche Shoup, Workforce Investment Board of Western Illinois; and Dr. John Letts, John Wood Community College, will each make brief remarks. Mayor Kyle Moore will make an official proclamation recognizing October 4, 2013, as Manufacturing Day in the City of Quincy.

The premiere of the “Manufacturing Our Future” public service announcement (PSA) series will conclude the press conference. The television and radio commercials are aimed to close the gap between the perception held about manufacturing and the reality of the industry today, which operates in clean environments and has high-paying careers for people with the right skills.

The production of the PSAs was funded by a Perkins grant received by JWCC to promote careers in manufacturing. WGEM, KHQA, Star Radio, Y101 will air the announcements in support of the community effort to educate the public about the new world of manufacturing.

A Manufacturing Expo is also set for October 24 at JWCC’s Workforce Development Center in Quincy. The event will feature demonstrations and products made by the 100 manufacturers in the region.

A tour of Prince Agri Products’ state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will be available to those in attendance at the conclusion of the press conference (no cameras or recording devices allowed during the tour). A map with directions to the Prince Agri Products facility from Radio Road is attached.

A press packet including manufacturing statistics will be available at the press conference. For more information, contact Megan Backs at GREDF, 217.223.4313.

[share]The first six months of my tenure at GREDF has been an excellent experience.  I have learned that the strength of the Quincy business community anchored by a number of locally owned businesses and supported by international companies operating in Quincy has been a key to the success of our community.  I’ve had the opportunity to meet with over 120 companies and groups during this time.  I’ve also come to appreciate the strength and talents of the GREDF staff, the dedication of the Board and Executive Committee and the long established partnerships that are critical to the success of GREDF.  This combination forms a very strong base to take GREDF to the next level in the future.

2013 – A Transition Year

2013 is a transition year for GREDF in terms of leadership, budget and focus.  The 2013 work plan put together by Maggie Strong and Megan Backs has been the transitional document guiding GREDF activities this year.  The staff and board of directors have begun working on strategic planning for the 2014 program year.

2014 Plan of Work

At the December Board meeting a plan of work will be proposed to the Board for approval.  This plan will encompass all of the initiatives that the staff will work on in 2014.  Core initiatives will focus on Business Retention and Expansion, Workforce Development, Marketing and Promotion, Membership and communicating the GREDF mission to the community. The Tri-State Summit and regional participation will also be a focus.

Workforce Activities

In the meetings thus far the most critical issue facing the business community is workforce.  The ability to find and hire qualified people has been a universal discussion.  Under Megan Backs’ direction, GREDF partnered with John Wood, the United Way and the regional Workforce Investment Board to host a half day meeting of Adams County education and workforce leaders to define workforce issues and begin a process to address those issues.  A steering committee of 8 stakeholders was formed and has been meeting to develop a coordinated county-wide strategy.  This is one of the most challenging tasks that GREDF faces.

Stakeholder Communication

As I began my tenure with GREDF it was clear that although GREDF had excellent communication tools such as the e-development newsletter, there needed to be more direct communication between the staff, board leadership and public partners. I began a bi-weekly update specifically on staff activity to the GREDF Board.  The GREDF Board update is a confidential internal document.  In May I started a monthly report to the Quincy City Council distributed via email and to the Adams County Board as a printed document. These communications are written to not violate any confidential information GREDF receives from company meetings and to enhance communications with our public partners.

Tri State Summit 

Planning for the May 2014 Tri-State Summit is ongoing with Megan and Maggie working on the initial planning issues.  The Steering Committee has reduced the number of Task Forces to four: Connectivity, Housing, Tourism and Transportation (now including rivers issues).

Galesburg Exchange / International Trade initiatives

• An exchange of leadership ideas between Quincy and Galesburg began in May when a group of community and economic development leaders from Galesburg came to Quincy.  During this initial exchange I met Gary Camerano, the Global Strategies Director for the City of Galesburg.  Gary and I have had several opportunities to meet and discuss how our two cities can work together to promote international trade in our region.
• The State of Illinois recently formed an Export Advisory Council to work directly with local E.D. organizations on trade issues.
• The Chamber and GREDF also met with a business delegation from Macedonia that was in Illinois.
• Charles Bell and I traveled to Peoria to meet with the director of their FTZ, Port Director and International Trade specialists.  Regional partnerships will help GREDF become more active providing our businesses with international trade opportunities.

Regional Economic Development contacts

I’ve had the chance to meet with a number of the Economic Development representatives in the region.  GREDF is working with Gina Sherman in Pike County to offer assistance on a proposed project in Nebo.  Contacts with the USDA representatives, N.E. Missouri Power Coop and Macomb have been made.  I’ve also been attending the monthly Rural Area Development Council meetings with Charles Bell.

Port Authority

I’ve been working very closely with Charles Bell on Port Authority and River issues.  Charles has an excellent working knowledge and relationship with regional and state officials.  Several representatives from AdamsCounty attended meetings in Springfield to discuss changes at the state level in Port and river issues.  We’ve met with Keokuk, Iowa, representatives and GREDF facilitates monthly meetings of the regional Port group.

Discussions with Federal Waterway officials had helped in the re-submission of the Tiger Grant application for a new proposed Port facility.  Unfortunately, the latest Tiger Grant was not approved and therefore new discussion must begin about the future of the Port and other possible funding sources.

GREDF worked with the Adams County Board to write a resolution that the Board will send to both State and Federal legislators. That resolution highlighted the serious maintenance and upgrade issues on the Mississippi.  The Board will be sending the resolution to other Illinois River counties and urging them to pass a similar resolution and forward it on to legislators.

Projects

Work on specific projects is ongoing.  GREDF staff is working with several local companies that have expansion potential.

Marketing / Promotion of Quincy and Adams County

I’ve begun several activities related to marketing.  Maggie and Megan put together a very informative introductory package about Quincy in both printed and electronic format.  To date I’ve sent that packet along with a letter electronically to 78 site consultants, national realtors and several corporate real estate executives I’ve worked with in the past.  In May I began one–on-one meetings with this group.  To date I’ve met with representatives from KPMG in Columbus, and spent 2 days in Chicago at meetings with Deloitte, Binswanger, Duff and Phelps, Mohr Partners and Newmark Knight.  I also met with 2 manufacturing companies I contacted last fall that are potential relocations from Cook County.  Megan Backs attended the Industry Week Magazine Consultant meetings in Florida from June 10th to June 13th.  At that event she had one-on-one meetings with eight national consulting firms.  This event gave Megan a broader understanding of that part of economic development.

Two events in October will provide additional marketing opportunities.  The International Economic Development Council Annual Meeting is being held in Philadelphia and during that three-day meeting I will have the opportunity to meet with a number of national site consultants and commercial real estate firms to discuss opportunities in Quincy, specifically the assets of the South Quincy Development District and transportation.  The second event is similar to the meetings Megan attended in June.  I will be attending the Industry Week Magazine Consultants Roundtable for 3 days and have one on one meetings with 10 to 12 consulting firms that work on major, high value projects.

Relocation to Quincy

On September 9^th, my wife, Karen, and I moved into our new home here in AdamsCounty.  Karen and I are very excited to become permanent members of the Quincy community.

My thanks to the GREDF Board of Directors for the privilege of serving in a leadership role in this great organization.  The past 6 months have been a very positive experience and I look forward to moving GREDF forward.

Respectfully submitted,

Marcel W. Wagner Jr., CEcD

Business Survey Results Reveal Region’s Strengths and Areas for Growth

[share]203 individuals and organizations responded to the online survey conducted by the Great River Economic Development Foundation in partnership with the City of Quincy and Adams County. The 13-question survey was designed to gauge the current business environment in our region and set benchmarks for measurable growth.

“I am glad to see so many of our Adams County businesses take the time to fill out the survey and share their ideas and concerns,” says Adams County Board Chairman, Les Post. “Business retention and recruitment are key to the economic future of Adams County and the results of this survey will help outline the needs of the business community and give us good guidance to help make improvements.”

When asked the community’s strengths as a place to do business,80% of survey respondents chose quality of life and 64% indicated cost of living was at the top of the list. Both of these factors, along with the local economy (44%) and community leadership (41%) contribute to the region’s attractive business climate.

The workforce/labor market ranked number one in respondents’ eyes at 43%, closely followed by the cost of doing business (40%) when it comes to the community’s weaknesses. The area’s low unemployment impacts the availability of a qualified workforce which is why workforce development will continue to be one of the region’s top priorities. While the local cost of doing business is competitive, comments indicated that room for improvement exists when it comes to the State of Illinois.

When asked to rate the quality and availability of workers in the area on a scale from one to seven with seven being the highest/most favorable: 63% of respondents have a favorable opinion of the quality of workers in the area and 68% of respondents are neutral/positive when it comes to availability of workers in the area (choosing four and above).

Workforce development again comes into play with 36% of respondents indicating their projected employment needs are increasing, while 55%report their needs as stable. With 44% of businesses surveyed planning to expand within the next three years, developing a plan to attract and train a qualified workforce is essential for continued growth.

Survey respondents indicated they are experiencing recruitment issues with the following positions or skills: Skilled Production Labor (26.5%), Unskilled Production Labor (21%), Scientific/Technical (19.7%), Marketing/Sales (17.6%), Management (12.9%) and Administrative (10.8%). Other in-demand positions and skills include IT/programming, accounting and “professionals”.

“The results show that Quincy’s quality of life and inexpensive cost of living make it an attractive place to do business,” says Mayor Kyle Moore. “Now we must continue to work with GREDF, the County and our education partners to address the workforce needs of our business community.”

“This survey has been a proactive collaborative effort to recognize businesses for their commitment to the area, as well as develop a deeper understanding of business opportunities and impediments to growth,” says GREDF president, Marcel Wagner. “Our organization looks forward to continuing to partner with City and County officials to address the issues raised in the survey in meaningful and measurable ways.”

Future surveys are planned to track the progress of economic development efforts.

Click here for a 1-page overview of the 2013 Business Survey Results.

FREE 16-Week Training Session Starts August 26

[share]John Wood Community College will offer a free 16-week manufacturing training starting August 26 at its Workforce Development Center at 4220 Kochs Lane in Quincy.

The training is focused on helping participants gain qualifications for entry level manufacturing jobs, which are in high demand regionally.

The program will provide an overview of the machining and manufacturing process from start to finish. Students will be introduced to a variety of skills in the planning, machining and finishing of metal products and develop skills in the use of hand tools, drill press, band saw, engine lathe, vertical milling machine and related equipment.

Individuals can complete GED requirements while in training and females are encouraged to apply.

The free program is funded by a grant JWCC received from the United States Department of Labor to help produce qualified, skilled employees for manufacturing positions.

More information is available by contacting JWCC at 217- 641-4941 or by visiting www.manufacturingourfuture.org. Interested individuals may also visit JWCC’s Career Readiness Center to learn more and apply.

Mr. Wagner Goes to Washington

[share]

The recent trip to Washington, DC, for the Congressman Aaron Schock Fly-In was a very productive event for GREDF and our region. Mayor Kyle Moore, Amy Looten, Executive Director of the Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce, and GREDF’s own Marcel Wagner traveled together and had the opportunity to discuss important issues facing our region with a number of legislators.

To prepare for the Washington trip, the GREDF staff prepared a document entitled, Critical Issues for the Quincy and Adams County Region, to present to legislators. Key issues highlighted in the document include:Presentations from Congressional Representatives and Senators provided insights into how national issues impact Quincy and Adams County.

• Funding for local workforce programs
• Tri-State Highway Priorities including the completion of the Macomb Bypass
• TIGER 5 Grant Application on behalf of the Mid America Intermodal Authority Port District
• USDA Great Region designation
• M-94 Corridor (Upper Mississippi Connector) Marine Highway designation
• Water Resources Development Act of 2013 passage and funding

While in Washington, Mayor Moore joined Marcel in a meeting with Patrick Souders, Chief of Staff for Senator Dick Durbin, to discuss issues and opportunities facing the Quincy and Adams County region, including those highlighted in our Critical Issues document. During the meeting, Marcel emphasized the need for these issues to be addressed to ensure the long-term growth and success of our city, county and region.

The action-packed trip also included GREDF meetings with the Chief of Staff for Congressman Joe Kline of Minnesota; a representative from the Office of Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin; and Congressman Rod Davis of Illinois. These three states along the Mississippi River share concerns about the critical importance of our lock and dam infrastructure and how the future of the inland waterways system is key to the long-term strength and security of the nation.

We look forward to continuing the discussion about the critical issues facing our region with our elected leaders at home, in Springfield and in Washington.

Funding for Local Workforce Programs

[share]The Workforce Investment Act should be reauthorized to ensure funding is available for local workforce training.

The availability of skilled labor has become a key factor in site selection and expansion decisions, and our ability to retain and attract businesses directly impacts the well-being of our region and the ability of our families to be financially self-sufficient. In a recent survey conducted by Area Development Magazine detailing top site selection factors, labor costs and availability of skilled labor ranked number one and number three respectively. That is why funding for local workforce initiatives in part through the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act is critical. Local Workforce Investment Boards and funding through the Workforce Investment Act are helping dislocated workers and disadvantaged youth receive the training they need to secure family sustaining careers and help fill the local and national skills gap.

Tri-State Highway Priorities

Elected officials should support the increase in funding to accelerate construction of the Macomb bypass, US 67 Corridor upgrade and US 34 upgrade.

Macomb Bypass Completion

The Macomb West Bypass is an essential link that connects the Tri-State network via the Chicago-Kansas City Expressway. The CKC allows drivers to avoid the very slow and congested I-55 segment between Chicago and Joliet, and the equally difficult over-crowded piece of I-70 from St. Louis to Kansas City, both of which are on a route that has been taken by most traffic in the past. Upon completion, the CKC will be a major force for economic growth and job creation. Officials from Illinois and Missouri have agreed to work jointly across the corridor to build traffic and promote this new four-lane connection between our two major Midwest commercial centers, and to promote the communities located on the new corridor. However, it is going to be very difficult to promote the corridor prior to the completion of the Macomb Bypass. $70 million was secured in the 2009 Illinois Jobs Now capital bill to begin work on this vital project. The Tri-State Development Transportation Task Force is now working with IDOT, state lawmakers, legislative leaders, federal transportation officials and members of Congress to implement accelerated construction of the bypass. Efforts are under way to secure $32.5 million in additional state funding to complete construction of two lanes of the four-lane bypass by 2015, with the other lanes completed as funding becomes available.

US 67 Corridor Upgrade

Upgrading the US 67 Corridor from the Quad Cities south to Alton is a key priority in the region’s transportation agenda. Ultimately, US 67 south from Macomb should be connected to US 67 north of Macomb by a four-lane bypass east of the city, which also will serve as a gateway to extend Ill 336 east from Macomb to Peoria.

US 34 Upgrade

Upgrading US 34 in Illinois to four lanes from Monmouth to Burlington, and through Iowa to Des Moines to complete the Trans Iowa-Illinois Freight Corridor from Galesburg to Des Moines is of central importance. The Tri-State Summit group was successful in securing $73 million from the governor and legislature in the 2009 Illinois Jobs Now capital bill to being work on the Monmouth-Burlington segment.

TIGER 5 Grant and Mid America Intermodal Authority Port District

The U.S. Department of Transportation should award a TIGER 5 grant to the Mid America Intermodal Authority Port District.

Funding from a TIGER 5 grant will aid in the development of new port facilities under the Mid America Intermodal Authority Port District and will benefit the retention and expansion of existing industries, provide opportunity for new investment and job creation and establish the tri-state region as a significant Midwest transportation hub. It has been determined that the TIGER 5 grant would enable the first phase of the proposed new port facilities in Quincy to be constructed. This new facility location has tri-state support of 26 counties in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri whose representatives make up the Board of the Mid America Port Commission and will benefit the entire region.  Significant private and public investment has been made in the 5000 acre, 500 year levee district. The new facilities will increase the number of barges that can be serviced in the region, will reduce the congestion on regional highway infrastructure and will reduce shipping costs for regional companies, driving new investment and new job creation. This facility will interface with the Chicago-Kansas City Expressway and the Avenue of the Saints to improve overall regional freight movement.

The location was chosen by the US Army Corp of Engineers as the preferred site and will improve the safety and efficiency of barge traffic in the region allowing for greater volume of river freight traffic. Barge traffic is an environmentally sound way to move freight and by reducing rail and truck traffic lowers maintenance costs for land based infrastructure.

USDA Great Region Designation

The USDA should consider the ongoing and collaborative economic development efforts of the Tri-State Summit and officially recognize the geographical area of Northeast Missouri, Southeast Iowa and Western Illinois as a Great Region. 

In 1993, flooding on the Mississippi River wreaked havoc in the Midwest. As rising water closed bridges, highways, railways and barge traffic, the tri-state area of Northeast Missouri, Southeast Iowa and Western Illinois learned that a common partnership was critical to each of their economies. The tri-state region shares a common workforce, area educational and healthcare facilities and business community. It was with these common threads that the first Tri-State Development Summit was held in 1996 and 8 subsequent summits have followed. It is a unique partnership of 35 counties in 3 states that share the resources of the largest inland waterway in the United States.

Early in fiscal year 2011, USDA identified seven regional projects as good opportunities for USDA partnership, calling them Great Regions. USDA chose the term Great Regions to encourage these regions and their current and potential partners in the community to broaden their thinking to a regional scale. Given the long history of collaboration created by the Summit, this regional focus already exists in the tri-states. Having the 35 Summit counties designated as a Great Region would spur economic, social and environmental benefits and establish this region, with the support of the USDA, as a central hub for the Midwest.

USDA directors from Missouri and Iowa along with Illinois Director Colleen Callahan will be in Quincy this fall to meet with key representatives of the Tri-State Summit to begin the process of naming our 35-county region a USDA Great Region with the goal of having that designation announced at the May 7, 2013 Summit.

M-94 Corridor (Upper Mississippi Connector) Marine Highway Designation

The Upper Mississippi Connector (M-94 Corridor), stretching from St. Louis to St. Paul, should be designated a Marine Highway.

The America’s Marine Highway Program is designed to focus on the integration of Marine Highways into the nation’s surface transportation system, providing seamless transition across all modes by leveraging marine services to complement land-side surface transportation routes. The Mississippi River has demonstrated the ability to provide additional capacity to relieve congested land routes serving freight and passenger movement. Every barge that moves up and down the Mississippi River would require 70 trucks to accomplish the same freight movement. Cost savings average nearly $11 per ton.

Officials in the Quincy and Adams County region are working in partnership with Department of Transportation officials in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin and Minnesota to achieve this designation. When achieved, the designation will help these states gain access to much needed funds for the maintenance and improvement of the river system. It will be an economic development tool, benefiting both business and tourism. The City of Quincy and Adams County region will see new opportunities in the retention and expansion of our existing businesses as well as the attraction of new industries.

Water Resources Development Act of 2013 Passage & Funding

The House of Representatives should follow the lead of the Senate and pass the 2013 WRDA bill that recommends higher investment and recapitalization of our inland waterways infrastructure. Furthermore, the amount of user fee should be increased as an investment in the future of the system. Investments in water resources infrastructure are investments in the long-term strength and security of the nation.

WRDA legislation should contain provisions that prioritize the completion of navigation projects across the entire waterways system; improve the Corps of Engineers’ project management, improve flood protection and processes to better deliver projects on time and on budget, in order to realize $8 billion in job creation; reform project cost allocations; recommend an affordable – and increased – user fee funding mechanism to meet the system’s needs; and realize a sustainable annual appropriation of $380 million, of which a significant portion is paid for by commercial users of the system.

Critical components related to the lock and dam infrastructure that need to be included in the final version of WRDA 2013:

• Removing the Olmsted Lock & Dam project from Inland Waterways Trust Fund and move it to U.S. Treasury General Fund for completion.
• Increase the threshold for major rehab projects from $14 million to $20 million.
• Update prioritization and delivery process to ensure on-time and on-budget, as well as funding availability to complete projects.
• The House of Representatives should add the 45% increase ($0.09 per gallon) fuel tax for the barge industry. This was supported by the industry if safeguards are put in place to see that the funds are used for system-wide prioritized projects (not Olmsted).

Modern lock and dam infrastructure is critical to U.S. competitiveness in the world market, to environmental protection, to energy efficiency, to sustaining well-paying American jobs and to traffic congestion relief. The Senate’s passage of a WRDA bill that contains a comprehensive package of recommendations to improve the continued vitality of the critically important inland waterways system is commendable. Now, it is the House of Representatives turn.

In addition to modern lock and dam infrastructure, developing a Levee Safety Program is important to the future of the inland waterways system and the industries it supports. Levees serve an important role in the energy industry, the petrochemical industry and the agricultural industry which represents a major component of our economy and includes such companies as Archer Daniels Midland and Prince Agri Products. The WRDA legislation should address the following issues:

1. Support improved clarification of Federal and non-Federal roles, such that:
   • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) project involvement is driven by Regional Economic Return (RED Benefits) for job creation and economic growth
   • Public Health and Safety, to assist with levee improvements to prevent catastrophic failures and increase factor of safety
   • Provide federal planning and technical assistance to Local Levee Districts, Counties and States with high RED and safety improvement needs, but low National Economic Return (NED)
   • State and local actors maintain plenary responsibility for landside risk reduction measures such as evacuation, land use practices, building codes and risk communications
2. Oppose new top-down national levee safety standards and related unfunded Federal regulatory mandates.
3. Support authorization for a one-time USACE Inventory and Inspection of non-Federal levees.
4. Support efforts to address USACE Vegetation Management Policy that compel the agency to account for peer-reviewed scientific findings, project-specific variables and multi-purpose demands in its VFZ variance procedures.

The National Waterways Conference estimates that having robust systems on the Mississippi River and connecting waterways provide a $44 return for every dollar invested. A safe, well-maintained and enhanced water transportation system is a primary goal for our region. Passage and funding of the 2013 WRDA bill is an absolute priority for our Tri-State future.

Download a PDF of this document here: Critical Issues for the Quincy and Adams County, Illinois Region 

Local Organizations Partnering to Host Entrepreneurship Event at Quincy Mall

Event will be held Saturday, August 10th at 9:30am in the Community Room

[share]Several Quincy area organizations are coming together to host an informational event for current and aspiring entrepreneurs on Saturday, August 10th. The meeting will take place in the Quincy Mall Community Room beginning at 9:30am. The event is free and open to the public.

“We wanted to provide a one-stop learning experience for entrepreneurs at any stage of the process,” said Kimm Minnick, property manager for the Quincy Mall. “We are working with our partners to create a dynamic agenda that includes presentations and time for specific questions.”

The day will begin with a Small Business Development Center presentation outlining the steps to starting a business – including the importance of a business plan and cash management. Lunch will be provided at noon and participants will have an opportunity to network and ask questions. Stations will be set-up during lunch for specific discussions in the areas of financing a small business, marketing and sales, legal and tax issues, and human resources.

According to Charles Bell, director of the Quincy Entrepreneurship Center, planning the event has been a group effort.

“We wanted to get a number of organizations involved so current and prospective small business owners would have access to a wide network of local resources in one place,” Bell said.

The event is being coordinated by GREDF in collaboration with the Small Business Development Center, Quincy Mall, Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce, John Wood Community College, Quincy University, Historic Quincy Business District and Quincy Business and Technology Center.

In addition to the presentations and small group discussions, packets of information will be available outlining where to go for further assistance, local opportunities for training, and schedules of upcoming entrepreneurship events.

There is no cost to attend, and no RSVP is required. Questions may be directed to Megan Backs at GREDF 217.223.4313 or meganb@gredf.org or any of the participating organizations.

Let’s Create Jobs, Illinois!

[share]The following article was written by Casey Gordon and originally appeared on July 8, 2013, on the Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center’s (IMEC) blog.

Advantage Illinois

Advantage Illinois is the Illinois Department of Commerce and Opportunity’s (DCEO) enhanced portfolio of lending and venture capital programs. These programs are designed to provide Illinois small businesses and entrepreneurs with access to the capital needed to start new companies or expand existing businesses. The $78 million federally-funded program encourages businesses to bring innovative ideas and new products to the market as well as accelerate job creation and economic growth in Illinois. For more information about this program as well as where to apply, please click here.

Illinois Tax Credit for Small Businesses

The Illinois Small Business Jobs Creation Tax Credit program provides small business owners and non-profits with an extra boost to grow their business in our state. After creating one or more new, full-time positions that meet the eligibility requirements, small businesses can register online to receive a $2,500 per job tax credit. Small businesses are defined as companies with 50 or fewer full-time employees. Even new start-ups hiring their first full-time employees in Illinois would be eligible to receive the tax credit.

Eligible jobs would be those new positions that were created between July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2016, the new positions must pay at least $10/hour or $18,200/annually and the position must be sustained for one full year from the hire date. The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity has created a user-friendly website which allows for an applicant to register both their business and their newly created job(s) from the comfort of their home or office. For complete information and to register both your business and your newly created jobs, please click here.

Let’s Create Jobs, Illinois!

[share]The following article was written by Casey Gordon and originally appeared on July 8, 2013, on the Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center’s (IMEC) blog.

Advantage Illinois

Advantage Illinois is the Illinois Department of Commerce and Opportunity’s (DCEO) enhanced portfolio of lending and venture capital programs. These programs are designed to provide Illinois small businesses and entrepreneurs with access to the capital needed to start new companies or expand existing businesses. The $78 million federally-funded program encourages businesses to bring innovative ideas and new products to the market as well as accelerate job creation and economic growth in Illinois. For more information about this program as well as where to apply, please click here.

Illinois Tax Credit for Small Businesses

The Illinois Small Business Jobs Creation Tax Credit program provides small business owners and non-profits with an extra boost to grow their business in our state. After creating one or more new, full-time positions that meet the eligibility requirements, small businesses can register online to receive a $2,500 per job tax credit. Small businesses are defined as companies with 50 or fewer full-time employees. Even new start-ups hiring their first full-time employees in Illinois would be eligible to receive the tax credit.

Eligible jobs would be those new positions that were created between July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2016, the new positions must pay at least $10/hour or $18,200/annually and the position must be sustained for one full year from the hire date. The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity has created a user-friendly website which allows for an applicant to register both their business and their newly created job(s) from the comfort of their home or office. For complete information and to register both your business and your newly created jobs, please click here.