[share] The Rural Adams Development Corporation Annual Meeting will be held Wednesday, July 25, at 7:30 am at Beckman Seed Sales in Paloma. Owners Chuck and Mary Beckman received a loan from RADC to build their new soybean treatment and warehousing facility on a five-acre site about a half-mile west of Paloma on U.S. 24.

Formed in 1990 by a group of rural Adams County bankers, the electrical cooperative and the Great River Economic Development Foundation (and later joined by Adams Telephone Cooperative), RADC has since administered 63 loans totaling $1,969,631. The group is celebrating its 22nd official Annual Meeting and the fact that their revolving loan fund has never incurred a single loss in its entire history.

“While a couple of the businesses that were assisted by the RADC later ceased operations, their loans were repaid in full,” says RADC Board Member and GREDF Entrepreneurship Specialist, Charles Bell.

The RADC’s low-interest, revolving loan fund is designed to finance projects which will create or retain jobs in rural Adams County. One success story belongs to Chuck and Mary Beckman, who have spent their entire lives in service to local agriculture. “When Channel Seed Company wanted to move the seed treatment and distribution processes closer to farmers, necessitating a new facility, we knew the Beckmans would do a great job with it,” says Mark Field, RADC member and President and Chairman of the Board of The Farmers Bank of Liberty.

Another new business success story is that of Alliance Industrial. “Rob Albsmeyer came to us with the idea to start Alliance Industrial when he had the opportunity to buy out the equipment from his former employer and put his experience to work,” says Mark Field, “He knew the market, had the experience and had a good plan. We offered some low-cost financing and now he is employing a dozen people at his pallet company.”

Types of assistance provided by the RADC include:

• Seed money, venture capital, or gap financing for which no other resource exists
• Funding for businesses that lack adequate equity or operating history for conventional loans
• Investment in projects that need greater owner equity in order to obtain bank or government assistance.

Anyone interested in starting or expanding a business in rural Adams County is encouraged to talk to any RADC participating bank or GREDF. RADC member banks include:

• Central State Bank (Clayton)
• Farmers Bank (Liberty & Payson)
• Farmers State Bank of Camp Point
• First Bankers Trust (Mendon & Paloma)
• Golden State Bank
• North Adams State Bank (Camp Point & Ursa)
• State Bank of Lima

The RADC can also draw on the expertise of its investors and members to assist businesses. Through its public/private partnership, the RADC encourages municipal units to take an active interest in economic development.

The eighth and last in our series of articles highlighting the remarks of GREDF Board Chairperson, Connie Schroeder at our 2011 Annual Meeting.

[share] A look back at TRANSPORTATION in the tri-states in 2010…

When it comes to transportation developments, I’ll sum it up with one phrase, “We’ve come a long way, baby!” The term Forgottonia is all but forgotten thanks to transportation successes over the past decade. Much of that success can be attributed to the leadership of the Tri-State Development Summit and its transportation task force.

The biggest accomplishment of 2010 came with the completion of the Chicago to Kansas City Expressway, or CKC.  And while Summit task force members have been working for years, tri-state highway champion, Tom Oakley has been at it for decades. Tom’s vision and perseverance is the reason we will see tremendous economic benefits for the communities along the route which was given the common designation of Route 110.

The next steps involve working together to promote the CKC as an efficient, less congested route between these two major Midwestern cities. Summit leaders have mailed information about the CKC to 400 civic and business leaders in the communities served by the corridor. The four-lane highway provides even greater access to companies requiring dependable transportation methods and now is the time to tell the world that the tri-state region is open for business.

In other highway news, U.S. 34 four-lane upgrades from Gulfport to Monmouth are closer to reality. The $73 million dollar project is a result of the capital construction bill approved in 2009. IDOT officials announced that the Biggsville bypass portion will be the first phase of construction because it serves a school where traffic safety is a concern.

It was a year of highs and lows for supporters of the Mid America Intermodal Port Authority. In spite of missing out on both TIGER One and TIGER Two infrastructure grants, significant interest in the South Quincy Development District and the Port remains. The river is without a doubt one of our greatest tri-state resources and it provides huge opportunities for our area industries to compete internationally. We will continue to work toward the foreign trade zone status the intermodal port would offer.

U.S. Representative John Mica, the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure committee joined Representative Aaron Schock for a tour of the South Quincy District and proposed Port site in August. Mica said the Port, along with other projects in the region, could add hundreds and possibly thousands of jobs. In a follow up letter, Representative Schock said the meeting and news conference were wholly successful. I’d like to welcome Carol Merna, District Chief of Staff for Congressman Schock. Thanks for joining us.

To date, $12.5 million dollars in infrastructure work has been completed at the proposed Port site. This investment along with the support of private companies has encouraged us to not give up. The city, county and region are committed to establishing the port facility and look forward to one day seeing its potential realized. 

Regional air service has come a long way since Cape Air began providing service just over a year ago. Six weekday flights to St. Louis, low fares and a code share agreement with American Airlines have all contributed to the highest passenger totals since 2006. Airport Manager Marty Stegeman says that Quincy Regional Airport could see 10,000 enplanements this year which would mean more federal dollars for the facility.

Andrew Bonney, a Vice President with Cape Air who spoke at our 2010 annual meeting, intimated there is a possibility that the company could establish a maintenance base at the Quincy Regional Airport.

The seventh in our series of articles highlighting the remarks of GREDF Board Chairperson, Connie Schroeder at our 2011 Annual Meeting.

[share] A look back at RURAL and REGIONAL HAPPENINGS in the tri-states in 2010…

The Rural Adams Development Corporation celebrated 10 years in 2010 of operating a low-interest, revolving loan fund designed to finance projects that will create and retain jobs in rural Adams County. The non-profit organization formed with the help of GREDF and includes seven rural banks. Since 1990, R.A.D.C. has provided 61 loans totaling nearly $2 million dollars. Communities that have been impacted include Camp Point, Clayton, Golden, Liberty, Mendon, Payson and Ursa to name a few.

We’re pleased to share that the R.A.D.C. has never administered a loan that has defaulted and GREDF’s own loan program has a nearly perfect record.

Someone who knows a lot about rural Adams County communities is Adams County Highway Engineer Dick Klusmeyer who put down his ruler in May after 39 years with the Highway Department, 26 of those leading its operations. Dick has been instrumental in bringing infrastructure improvements to the South Quincy Development District which led to millions of dollars in private investment and hundreds of jobs. He was also responsible for launching the award-winning Adams County G.I.S. program. We’re pleased that Dick is one of those guys who never completely stops working. He currently sits on the GREDF board and remains a staunch advocate of the Mid-America Port. Dick, thank you for your vision, service and continued support.

C&L Tiling’s purchase of the former Methode plant in Golden has turned into one of the most notable good-news stories of rural Adams County in 2010. The company has experienced tremendous growth in the past couple of years necessitating their expansion into the former plant. The move allowed them to add new production capacity to their Timewell facility by moving non-production functions to Golden including their trucking and ADI installation headquarters. They also relocated their Fittings Fabrication operations from their Michigan plant to the facility. Forty employees operate out of Golden and the company has tentative plans to add another building to the site. They also lease space to Dot Foods and Jansen Seed Company.

Big River Fish in Pearl is at the beginning stages of developing an export market to China for Asian Carp. During the last month they shipped 30 to 40 thousand-pound containers of frozen fish. Our Charles Bell assisted the company in navigating the Chinese market. Charles has traveled to China on behalf of GREDF to research export opportunities. Plans are underway for Big River Fish to open a second processing plant in Griggsville.

Midwest Crop Insurance Service, one of the nation’s largest general agencies in the Federal Crop Insurance industry, officially merged into AgriLogic Insurance Service. Their Camp Point headquarters will serve as the new A.L.I.S. Midwestern Regional Service Center. We assisted Midwest Crop Insurance with financing for the expansion that will eventually lead to over 18 new employees in Camp Point. Charles Bell also helped the company develop their international business, providing contacts and separately helping one of the owners develop an export market for a food product they plan to package locally.

A valued partner in small business development is retiring at the end of month after serving the region for 20 years. Dan Voorhis, director of the Small Business Development Center at Western Illinois University has helped hundreds of small businesses in a 12-county region develop business plans for start ups and expansions. Thank you, Dan for your friendship and service.

Ursa Farmers Cooperative celebrated 90 years in August. Over 800 partners and friends attended the annual meeting celebration. The Co-op is looking at building a new grain elevator in Canton, Missouri which is directly across the river from its Meyer facility. Between 500 to 600 of the cooperative’s 2400 members live on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River and a new elevator would help to better serve these individuals.

Tri-State Development Summit coordinator Shelby Crow has given us permission to announce tonight that the 2011 Summit will be held October 5^th in this very building in the Quincy Community Theater. 2011 marks the 15^th year of bringing together tri-state leaders to define common issues, to develop on-going dialogues to address those issues and to improve the quality of life of the entire tri-state region.

2010 Summit activities saw a continuation of the theme of entrepreneurship from the 2009 Summit in Fairfield, Iowa. The entrepreneurship task force held a series of workshops for entrepreneurs in all three states. Highway and river infrastructure improvements continue to remain at the top of the Summit priority list and much progress has been made.

Significant validation for the role of the Summit came in the form of census data revealing the potential loss of one seat each in the U.S. House of Representatives for Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. Now more than ever the Summit’s 35 counties must stand together to keep our political leaders aware of the issues our communities and region face.

The sixth in our series of articles highlighting the remarks of GREDF Board Chairperson, Connie Schroeder at our 2011 Annual Meeting.

[share] A look back at QUALITY OF LIFE in the tri-states in 2010…

So we think the Quincy area is one of the best places to live in America. Our region has a low cost of living, great schools, low crime, good healthcare and an abundance of parks and recreational opportunities. We enjoy the availability of affordable housing, we have a love for the arts and many more factors that make the tri-states a great place to raise a family.

Speaking of raising families… In October Forbes Magazine ranked Quincy number eight on its list of the Best Small Cities to Raise a Family. We are honored to have received the recognition, but not that surprised. The magazine compared Quincy to 126 other cities with a population under 100,000 and ranked us on five quality of life measures including short commute times, percentage of adults with a high school degree, median household income, rate of home ownership and housing affordability.

Quality of life is a phrase often used in economic development. That’s because it’s an important factor in expansion and site selection decisions. After all, a business is only as good as its employees and a high quality of life leads to happy and productive employees. That’s why we continue to celebrate and support organizations and people who are contributing to our region’s excellent quality of life.

Just a few notable projects and events from the past year…

The Quincy Public Library is in the midst of a $5.5 million dollar renovation project to better serve the needs of the community. Good Samaritan Home is making progress on the second phase of their major construction project. The Foose Center for Alzheimer’s care is complete and when the entire $20.7 million dollar project is finished, Good Samaritan Home will have doubled its number of licensed and private rooms.

130 veterans from the tri-states experienced the national memorials constructed in their honor in Washington, D.C. thanks to the Great River Honor Flight and the individuals and businesses that support the organization. Two more flights are already scheduled for this spring.

The Home Builders Association of Quincy completed its first-ever Charity House building project in September. Over one hundred volunteers donated their time and materials for the project. Proceeds from the home’s auction were donated to Habitat for Humanity and Camp Callahan.

The City of Quincy was recognized with an Arts Friendly Community Award honorable mention by Arts Alliance Illinois and the Illinois Municipal League. Quincy was one of ten cities in the state chosen because our community leaders recognize the importance of the arts in fostering a vibrant and creative community.

Quincy-based Red Cactus Salsa partnered with The First Tee National Office and is donating a percentage of all its retail sales to support First Tee’s mission and core values including responsibility, honesty and confidence. The First Tee of Great River has been serving children in the tri-states for over a decade.

In March Quincy-native and Olympian Caren Kemner announced the formation of the Quincy Riverfront Athletic Association, a committee of parents, athletes and business leaders who are working toward accreditation with the Community Olympic Development Program. It’s about creating opportunities for kids and drawing on community resources, says Kemner.

TNT Kartways celebrated 50 years during their Vintage Kart Olympics in September. Owner and founder Gus Traeder, who is a member of the Racing Hall of Fame, built the facility after years of promoting the sport. And more than nine hundred street rod owners converged on Quincy for the 35^th annual Early Tin Dusters Color Run in October. The event brings about two thousand visitors to the area and generates between $700,000 and $1 million dollars for the local economy.

Tourism remains strong in the tri-states. Adams County ranked 22^nd out of 102 Illinois counties in visitor spending. Visitors spent $78 million dollars and created 740 jobs in 2009. The Quincy Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is now part of Travel Mississippi River, a 15-organization, 2-state effort to market river communities.

The fifth in our series of articles highlighting the remarks of GREDF Board Chairperson, Connie Schroeder at our 2011 Annual Meeting.

[share] A look back at ENERGY, INFRASTRUCTURE and TECHNOLOGY in the tri-states in 2010…

ENERGY

Renewable energy projects are moving forward in the region. Adams Electric Cooperative held an open house this summer to celebrate the commercial operation of its Pigeon Creek Wind Turbine in southeast Adams County. Adams Co-op is also moving forward with the development of a second turbine in Brown County that is expected to be completed this year.

GREDF development partner Prairie Power recently received permits to begin testing a process where it adds biomass fuel, wood and/or grass to its coal-fueled power plant in Pearl. The results could lead to the use of renewable fuel sources to supplement the fuel presently used at Pearl. I’d like to welcome Jay Bartlett, president and CEO of Prairie Power to our meeting this evening. Thank you for joining us.

The City of Quincy Hydro-Generation project continues to move forward. Extension of the 1603 tax provisions and interest from equity investors should hasten the pace of development this year.

The Prairie Mills Wind Farm development in northeast Adams County encountered some hurdles this past year, but construction on the $300 million dollar clean energy project could begin later this year or in early 2012. GREDF and our energy consultant Pete Pohlman have been involved with the project and numerous other energy-related projects including hydropower for a number of years and will continue to provide assistance as needed.

INFRASTRUCTURE/TECHNOLOGY

The City of Quincy pursued new fiber optic technology in 2010 allowing United Kingdom-based i3 America to install cable in the municipal sewer lines in southeast Quincy. If the test installation proves successful, the hyper-fast internet the cable allows could make Quincy attractive to a broad range of business prospects. City Planner Chuck Bevelheimer said that the City is currently working with the company to address maintenance issues before they look at moving forward. 

 Adams Telephone Co-Operative is investing in a $35 million dollar project to construct its own new high tech fiber optic network to provide the fastest internet speeds possible. The multi-phase, multi-year project began in August with an initial $5.5 million dollar investment targeting Golden, Mendon, Ursa and Lima. GREDF board member and Adams Telephone CEO, Jim Broemmer calls the project a huge infrastructure investment in rural Adams County that will set up these communities for new technologies and services for the next 50 years or more.

AT&T and IPhone users throughout the area rejoiced when the 3G icon appeared on their screens. Advanced telecommunication features such as 3G open up our area for even more business development opportunities.

The fourth in our series of articles highlighting the remarks of GREDF Board Chairperson, Connie Schroeder at our 2011 Annual Meeting.

A look back at EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT in the Tri-States in 2010…

[share] Quincy University’s confidence in the future is displayed in the $5.2 million dollar, 92-room dormitory taking shape on campus. Students will begin living in the new suite-style dorm in the fall. Q.U. welcomed its largest incoming class in 15 years at the start of the fall semester.

Enrollment is also up at Culver Stockton College and Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing. Culver experienced a 26 percent jump from the 2009 to 2010 academic year. Blessing-Rieman is up 10 percent over last year and enrollment has increased 30 percent over the last six years. A change in name for Hannibal-LaGrange University signifies that area school’s commitment to the future.

In June Jim Mentesti delivered the commencement address to Vatterott College graduates. I’d like to share with you a portion of his remarks, and I quote, “As an economic developer, I am especially pleased with who I see before me. You’re making my job easier. The skills you now have make it easier for me to encourage our manufacturers, service industries and hospitals to grow and expand. Knowing they will have qualified individuals to fill new job openings makes a difference. A quality workforce, that’s you, also helps me attract new business and industry to our area,” end quote.

John Wood Community College is a valued partner in workforce development as well. At a little over a year old, the college’s state-of-the-art workforce development center houses a number of the seventeen career training and workforce education programs which include truck driver training, fire science, health education, electrical technology, restaurant management, construction technology and sustainable local foods.

In response to workforce demand, the College has launched customized training in aluminum welding in addition to its current welding program. A number of local companies including Manchester Tank and ADM are working with John Wood to develop programs specific to their workforce needs. All of these initiatives contribute to the College’s role as an essential partner in workforce development and retention. We’d like to thank John Wood’s Dean of Career and Technology Workforce Education and former GREDF Chairman, Phil Conover, for the work he continues to do in partnership with GREDF making retention calls throughout the year to area businesses.

2010 was a busy year for GREDF and the Workforce Investment Board of Western Illinois. Our partnership with WIB is a strong alliance that fosters economic development by maintaining a dynamic workforce development environment. A number of initiatives took shape. We completed a survey of area businesses’ workforce needs. Companies answered questions about what issues they are facing and what help they need to meet current demand and expand. As a result, a number of companies were referred to the Workforce Investment Board for funding to assist in employee training.

I would like to welcome some special guests tonight. WIB, YP Quincy and GREDF are working with area students to help them identify career and employment opportunities within the community. These young people will be touring companies, meeting with young professionals and getting the help they need to pursue training and education. Ladies and Gentlemen, will you please stand and be recognized? Thank you. And thank you also to Blanche Shoupe of the Workforce Investment Board and Shelby Crow of YP Quincy and the Tri-State Development Summit for your work.

The third in our series of articles highlighting the remarks of GREDF Board Chairperson, Connie Schroeder at our 2011 Annual Meeting. 

[share] A look back at HEALTHCARE in the Tri-States in 2010…

An editorial in the Quincy Herald-Whig sums up healthcare in our region best, quote, “Physicians who want a high quality of life for themselves and their families can find it in the Tri-States. In return, they help maintain a quality of life and quality of care for this region,” end quote.

Blessing Hospital’s year-long anniversary celebration was marked by two high points. In March the American Nurses Credentialing Center gave Blessing Hospital Magnet status for nursing quality, an honor earned by only six percent of hospitals in America. In October, the AAIM Employers Association out of Peoria recognized Blessing Health System as its Employer of the Year. The award honors great employers that recognize people as their greatest asset.

We would like to congratulate former GREDF board chairman Brad Billings for being recognized as a Quincy Area Chamber of Commerce 2011 Business Hall of Fame inductee. It is well deserved.

S.I.U. Quincy Family Practice Center just last week received two awards for excellence in the fields of care for diabetes and coronary artery disease. The Family Practice Center ranks among the top 5 percent in the state among similar operations.

In October Quincy Medical Group announced a comprehensive community wellness program called Bridge the Gap to Health. The program combines preventive health care, personal nutrition and fitness and a partnership with Jackie Joyner-Kersee to get people moving toward better health. The Quincy Medical Group Foundation is also partnering with the Salvation Army to raise $2 million dollars for their new emergency shelter. We’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Quincy Medical Group CEO Aric Sharp to the GREDF board.

The second in our series of articles highlighting the remarks of GREDF Board Chairperson, Connie Schroeder at our 2011 Annual Meeting. 

A look back at Quincy’s CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT in 2010…

[share] There continues to be a renewed sense of pride in the Central Business District. This is perhaps best displayed in the new image campaign featuring the “It’s where you work, play, shop” tag line. In June, the Historic Quincy Business District announced survey results that revealed 88% of the commercial storefronts in downtown Quincy are occupied. Executive Director Travis Brown gives credit to entrepreneurs and business owners who continue to see potential and invest in the downtown. 

 These business owners may also be encouraged by the wave of development in the central business district. The $24 million dollar Salvation Army Kroc Center is on track to open in August. Multiple locally-owned restaurants are in various stages of development and have either opened or will open very soon. We are pleased to be working with Noi and Tennille Sonethongkham owners of ‘One: Restaurant and Bar’ which is under construction in the former Adams Cinema at 6^th and Hampshire. The business took advantage of our low-interest loan program to renovate the historic building.

 And just outside where you sit tonight, the Franklin Square Apartment Complex is ahead of schedule for a spring opening. You may recall the Mayor announced the $9.2 million dollar, 42-unit apartment complex at our last annual meeting.

 Senior housing developments are also on the horizon for the downtown. The proposed $13 million dollar senior apartment complex that was originally planned for across the street from the Kroc Center is now being proposed for South Eighth Street at the site of the former Quincy Discount Carpet store. The building is expected to have around 65 one- and two-bedroom apartments as well as a library and computer center. Construction could start this fall. City officials are also cautiously optimistic that the former Newcomb Hotel will be redeveloped into a 98-unit assisted living facility. The City has heard that the Chicago-based developers are currently working on obtaining historic tax credits.  

 All of these housing opportunities are fulfilling the void identified by Teska Associates in 1993 of a residential neighborhood within the central business district. The development of these major projects in harmony with the high-end condominiums we are seeing crop up on the square illustrate the personal commitment and confidence Quincy residents have in the future of the downtown.

Did you miss the 2011 GREDF Annual Meeting? We hope you enjoy this series of articles highlighting the remarks of GREDF Board Chairperson, Connie Schroeder. 

[share] A Look back at BUSINESS in the Quincy and Adams County, Illinois region in 2010…

International trade is growing in the tri-states. Quincy-based Spin Screed, which manufactures the world’s lightest weight power roller screed used in concrete applications, was honored by the U.S. Department of Commerce for their successful entry into five new markets – Australia, Croatia, France, Mexico and South Africa. Spin Screed now serves customers in more than 11 countries thanks in part to assistance provided by the Peoria Export Assistance Center, a GREDF partner.

Broadcast Electronics hosted dignitaries from Saudi Arabia in October to mark the company’s 15-year partnership with Saudi Arabia’s state-run broadcast agency. The Saudi officials, including their Ministry of Culture and Information, were also in Quincy to preview a new transmitter. Canadian-based Nautel, a recent broadcast company to the area, is expanding its workforce and presence in the Quincy Business and Technology Center. Along with Harris, these companies are the reason Quincy is considered the broadcast equipment capital of the world.

Speaking of the Quincy Business and Technology Center, Winegard Company out of Burlington has opened an electrical design product group at the facility. Winegard chose Quincy because of the availability of qualified electrical engineers in our area. The company received the 2009 Tri-State Development Summit Iowa Entrepreneurship Award for its contributions to the television reception industry and Burlington region.

Although the Quincy area did feel the sting of Gardner Denver’s decision to move its global corporate headquarters from Quincy to Philadelphia, we are pleased that the company remains committed to the region. Their corporate support services, including compliance, human resources, information technologies, accounting, treasury and transaction processing will all remain in Quincy as will the Industrial Products Group headquarters and compressor and pump manufacturing operations. Another reason to be positive about the future of Gardner Denver in our area – the company is expanding its workforce initiatives with the help of GREDF, John Wood Community College and the Workforce Investment Board in order to meet its growing demand for skilled employees.

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce and Illinois Development Council honored another South Quincy Development District company with a 2010 Economic Development in Illinois Award. Prince Agri Products received the EDIE in recognition of their 165,000-square-foot manufacturing, warehousing and laboratory facilities. The $18 million dollar project created 41 new jobs and retained 59.

Scotties Fun Spot celebrated the grand opening of its $2.5 million dollar, 15,000 square-foot expansion in December. Scotties doubled its payroll to about 50 employees and is becoming a regional tourist attraction with its laser tag arena, three-story ball-o-city and arcade. GREDF Entrepreneurship specialist Charles Bell worked with the Scott family in acquiring the financing.

Banks in Quincy are also expanding. First Bankers Trust Company broke ground in April on a 30,000-square-foot complex at the corner of 12^th and Broadway. The new downtown Quincy landmark is on schedule to be completed by April. A satellite facility for Bank of Quincy is currently under construction at 48^th and Broadway. The new facility will have the same look as its downtown headquarters and better serve the bank’s east-end customers.

We would like to note some of the 2010 business anniversaries in the region. Congratulations to Farm and Home Supply for 50 years, Dot Foods also 50 years, Blessing Hospital which celebrated 135 years, Ursa Farmers Cooperative for 90 years, the Quincy Herald Whig and its precursor Bounty Line Register for 175 years and State Street Bank for 120 years in business. It’s because of these and all our area businesses that we continue to thrive as a region today. Congratulations also to the Quincy Business and Technology Center on 25 years of helping businesses grow.