Another year for the books.
Following a year of working through residual economic setbacks resulting from the COVID-19 virus, I am humbled and proud to say that Invest Aurora met the challenge head-on and assured our businesses received the continued support they needed to recover and grow while positioning the City for further economic and community advancement.
We are eager to continue supporting the Aurora business community in navigating the obstacles and opportunities that the new year promises. Invest Aurora staff is actively developing and reenvisioning programs that will further foster business growth. New programs, such as our EDA Revolving Loan program which will officially launch in Q1 2022 will leverage new private investment and employment opportunities by financially supporting the expansion and modernization of locally owned and managed enterprises in Aurora. Other initiatives focus on workforce development partnership programming, city business data development, and business attraction.
On behalf of the Invest Aurora team and our Board of Directors, thank you for your partnership in 2021. We look forward to further strengthening Aurora's economic vitality while working alongside Mayor Richard C. Irvin and the City of Aurora City Council, the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, and three Chambers of Commerce to continue Lighting The Future in 2022!
Bryan Gay
President & CEO
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In addition to the recovery and reopening of numerous Aurora businesses following extended closures due to COVID-19, the Mayor's Office of Economic Development and the Invest Aurora team facilitated the successful completion of over a dozen unique development projects throughout 2021.
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In late 2019 the Invest Aurora team met with leadership representatives of medical tool manufacturer and distributor, Amsino. The organization was seeking to expand its operations due to high product demand and identified the need for a centrally located Midwest distribution and manufacturing facility. In addition to identifying an abundance of local workforce opportunities that Amsino would be able to tap into, Invest Aurora assisted the company in successfully applying for an Illinois EDGE grant which the company put towards the opening and renovation of a new facility in Aurora. In total, Amsino invested $32mm into the community and aims to create a total of 110 jobs at their new 222,000 square foot location on Aurora's far Eastside.
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In May 2021, international cabinetry and household goods manufacturer, Magick Woods, announced a major expansion of the company's North American operations with the acquisition of a new operating and distribution center in Aurora. The new facility is the company's second location in Aurora, bringing their total Illinois footprint to 450,000 square feet. Invest Aurora helped Magick Woods complete this expansion by negotiating a $28 million EDGE agreement with the State of Illinois that will encourage the hiring of 50 new, full-time employees.
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" Aurora is a manufacturing community, it’s a part of who we are "
Bryan Gay, President & CEO, Invest Aurora
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Finish Line Grant funds awarded and disbursed in 2021 will encourage roughly $1.07 Million in private investment across Downtown Aurora.
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In August 2021, Invest Aurora was awarded $2 million in CARES Act recovery assistance funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Association (EDA). Using this EDA grant, to be matched with $500,000 in local funds, Invest Aurora will administer a loan program that will provide gap financing to local small businesses. The program is expected to create 50 jobs, retain 120 jobs and generate $3 million in private investment. Similar to Invest Aurora's Dunham Revolving Loan Fund, as the program progresses, repaid loan funds will be reinvested into the program to continue to fund future redevelopment projects.
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Invest Aurora's business resource newsletter, Advancing Aurora, provides you with access to a variety of local resource partners, services, and programs that are available to help you advance your business to the next level.
Our goal is your success.
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DID YOU KNOW? BLOG
Launching in 2022, Invest Aurora will be shining a light on Aurora's many unique, diverse businesses through a "Did You Know?" blog series. Staff will coordinate with local businesses to create articles that will build brand awareness within the community and help grow a strong customer, client base. Blogs will be published on our website, shared with our social media audiences, and included in Advancing Aurora for easy access and continued promotion of Aurora's business community.
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WEBSITE RESOURCES
Following a complete Invest Aurora website redesign in 2021, business resources are now more easily accessible on www.investaurora.org. In addition to the ability to request a site selection consultation with an Invest Aurora site selection specialist from the site, viewers can find a snapshot of Aurora's top development opportunities on the Featured Sites page. Major developments such as the Pacifica Square Shopping Center in Aurora's RT. 59 Commercial Corridor will be featured and include plan concepts, site specs, and contact information for building and, or leasing opportunities. |
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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
As the nation continues adapting to a rapidly changing workforce environment, Invest Aurora has remained at the forefront of exploring, building, and implementing sustainable workforce development initiatives. Invest Aurora's Site Selection & Workforce Development Specialist, Erik Carlson, continues to work closely with businesses, local industry partners, and educational institutions to develop tools and programs that will enhance the quality of Aurora's active and incoming workforce.
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