June 28, 2016 

 
Ronda Sauget
This edition of Good NewsLink contains many stories highlighting economic development projects throughout the Southwestern Illinois regional area. From Alton to Columbia, Illinois, our region is experiencing continued business growth and job creation. Many may not realize why, but it is clear when you see Southwestern Illinois' infrastructure assets and multi-modal interconnectivity of river, road, rail, air, and pipeline serve as the backbone to an impressive list of prominent companies that call our business community home.
 
To add to this impressive existing infrastructure is the upcoming completion of $110M community investment in the American Bottoms Levee System running from Alton to Columbia, Illinois.  Most people give little thought to how this levee system protects millions of dollars in business investment, thousands of jobs, and many of our communities from the uncertain flooding that impacts so many other regional areas.  Without a doubt, our infrastructure investments and multi-modal interconnectivity puts Southwestern Illinois in the eye of prominent national developers.

Recently, we were happy to hear Amazon joining the Southwestern Illinois business community and creating an additional 1,000 jobs in Edwardsville. Prairie Farms also recently announced the move of its headquarters to Edwardsville. Further, LD Commodities (part of Louis Dreyfus Corporation) joined the business community in Cahokia.  As we have seen millions of dollars in business investment and thousands of jobs being created over recent years due to Southwestern Illinois' prime location, our area is home to large domestic and international manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics companies, such as P&G, Jet Aviation (part of General Dynamics Corporation), Dial, Solvay Fluorides, Veolia, Unilever, Hershey, North Bay Produce, Walgreens, Kinder Morgan, USF Holland, Cargill, SCF Marine and Grain Subsidiaries, SEACOR Holdings, Schneider National, Rand, SuperValue, World Wide Technology, Bunge, Boeing, ADM, Fed Ex, Phillips 66, Prairie State Generating, West Star Aviation, Kraft, and so many more. These substantial business clusters and growing job creation continues to drive our region's economic engine forward. 

If you look geographically, Southwestern Illinois is situated in the midsection of America and serves as the central corridor for robust economic activities both now and into the future. This is why our region have been a trading post for hundreds of years.  From our region's six class 1 railroads; three airports; the northern-most lock-free, ice free, port on the Mississippi River; great road access and transit systems; to our high availability of affordable "shovel ready" land; it is no surprise why developers and companies select Southwestern Illinois. We want to salute all of the companies who call our region home as well as the tireless efforts economic development partners across our region who strive to bring even more business investments and jobs to our regional area.  We look forward to welcoming more new companies as this area continues to grow and create the jobs of the future!


Ronda Sauget   
Executive Director 
Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois
  
 
A ton of development on tap in Collinsville
(Belleville News Democrat, 06/16/2016)
Collinsville aldermen will have a full platter of new items to consider when they next meet after the city on Thursday announced a ton of new developments had been approved by the Collinsville Planning Commission.
 
County to award community development grants
(The Telegraph, 06/13/2016)
The county is set to give out more than $3 million in funding for community projects.
 
County OKs six block grants for cities
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 06/20/2016)
The Madison County Board approved a $100,000 grant to the city of Edwardsville for drainage improvements along Third Avenue.
 
Metro-east first responders receive FEMA grants
(Belleville News Democrat, 06/21/2016)
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin has announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded more than $1.2 million in grants to fire departments and municipalities in the state, including two in the metro-east.
 
Stephen and Julia Hansen contribute gift to support SIUE students and faculty
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 06/14/2016)
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Interim Chancellor Stephen Hansen, PhD, and his wife Julie, associate professor emerita, have been staunch supporters of the University since they first arrived on campus in 1984.
 
Abengoa lines up buyer for Madison ethanol plant
(St. Louis Business Journal, 06/14/2016)
Abengoa SA is lining up buyers for its four Midwestern U.S. ethanol plants, including its refinery in Madison, Illinois.
 
Town and Country completes purchase of Centrue Bank in Fairview Heights
(Illinois Business Journal, 06/18/2016)
Town and Country Bank, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Town and Country Financial Corp. on Friday  announced that it has completed its acquisition of the Centrue Bank branch located at 303 Fountains Parkway, Fairview Heights, Illinois.
 
OSF launches 'Innovation,' program to address future health care
(Illinois Business Journal, 06/20/2016)
Leadership from OSF Saint Anthony's Health Center, a part of OSF HealthCare, this month attended the launching of OSF Innovation, a new initiative to lead the way in transforming health care.
 
A growing region, right here in Southwestern Illinois
(AdvantageNews, 06/21/2016)
A recent article published in the Inbound Logistics trade publication, titled "Meet me in St. Louis," highlighted many multi-modal assets in the St. Louis metropolitan region, including both Missouri and Illinois.

Home sales figures trending upward in Metro East
(Illinois Business Journa,l 06/23/2016)
The Realtors Association of Southwestern Illinois released the May 2016 housing statistics today, with St. Clair, Monroe and Randolph counties all reporting a higher number of home sales in May 2016 compared to April 2016.
(Read More)

HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital named as a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital
(Illinois Business Journal, 06/14/2016)
Highland was recently named to the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals for practices in quality in the country.
 
Memorial Hospital East awarded health-care accreditation
(Illinois Business Journal, 06/17/2016)
Memorial Hospital East, located at 1404 Cross St. in Shiloh, has been awarded accreditation from the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program, an independent, accreditation organization recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Edwardsville splash park set to open next week
(The Telegraph, 06/22/2016)
The city's much-anticipated Leon Corlew "Spray and Play" splash park will host a grand opening later this month.
(Read More)
 
Wegman Electric acquires Stiles Communications
(Illinois Business Journal, 06/18/2016)
Wegman Electric Co. recently acquired the low-voltage firm, Stiles Communications, Inc., to complement its electrical construction company.
 
Growing national engineering firm locates in Jerseyville
(Riverbender, 06/15/2016)
A growing, national engineering firm chose Jerseyville to be its easternmost outpost for its expansion into Illinois.
 
Archford Capital Strategies named among Top Registered Investment Advisers
(Illinois Business Journal, 06/17/2016)
Archford Capital Strategies has been named to the Financial Times 300 Top Registered Investment Advisers, as of June 16.
 
St. Clair Public Building Commission approves $30,000 for airport consultants
(Belleville News Democrat, 06/16/2016)
The St. Clair County Public Building Commission on Thursday approved extending contracts for six months, at lower retainer costs, with two consultants who work with MidAmerica Airport to obtain cargo service.
 
Purchases made for public works
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 06/20/2016)
Glen Carbon Mayor Rob Jackstadt began the most recent meeting of the village board with a moment of silence for the victims of the Orlando shooting before getting to the agenda.
 
Roxana approves $4 million project to build new junior high gymnasium
(Riverbender, 06/23/2016)
The Roxana School District approved a $4 million project to construct a new gymnasium.

Work continues on new fire station
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 06/17/2016)
The new SIUE fire station is expected to open in September, and Edwardsville Fire Chief Rick Welle is working hard to get it ready.

Financial management customized to client needs
(Advantage News, 06/20/2016)
Managing wealth and investments involves much more than just recommending funds.
 
Animal lover opens Great Sniffs in Wood River
(Advantage News, 06/19/2016)
Approximately 75 people entered Great Sniffs, a new pet care business at 2 East Ferguson Ave., on May 28 for the grand opening.
 
New CEO tapped for ILLINOISouth Tourism
(Belleville News Democrat, 06/26/2016)
The largest tourism bureau in Illinois will have a new president and CEO July 1.
(Read More)

222 Artisan Bakery expanding space
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 06/18/2016)
Kimberly Goodner and her son Trevor Taynor have only owned 222 Artisan Bakery in Edwardsville since January of this year, but they're already making some big changes.
 
Village of Godfrey announces new volunteer outreach support program
(Riverbender, 06/22/2016)
The village of Godfrey has announced that an effort to provide better outreach to volunteer groups that support its community, they will be hosting regular bi-monthly volunteer recruitment drives in conjunction with the "Code Red" sign up drives.
 
East St. Louis lands $250,000 for housing security systems
(Illinois Business Journal, 06/22/2016)
The Housing Authority of East St. Louis is getting $250,000 for the installation of camera security systems and security lighting at Roosevelt Homes.
 
Missouri health centers awarded $7 million in funding for dental care
(St. Louis Business Journal, 06/17/2016)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $7.5 million to 20 health centers in Missouri to expand oral health services.
(Read More)

SSM Health unveils plan for new $550 million academic medical center
(Belleville News-Democrat, 06/22/2016)
SSM Health on Wednesday announced plans for a new $550 million academic medical center in St. Louis, a 316-bed, 802,000-square-foot replacement hospital and new outpatient care center for SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital.

Edwardsville splash park set to open next week
(The Telegraph, 06/22/2016)
The city's much-anticipated Leon Corlew "Spray and Play" splash park will host a grand opening later this month.

Gourmet food stand opens in Belleville
(Belleville News Democrat, 06/26/2016)
It took 10 months of patience and labor, but Jeff Green finally cleared his most important hurdle by getting The Sweet Tooth open for business.
 
Plans take shape for the J Building
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 06/25/2016)
Artist Amanda Thoron is bringing a downtown Edwardsville building back to life.
 
Technology Companies Growing in Illinois
(Riverbender, 06/27/2016)
The software industry in Illinois brings in more than $16 billion annually and is continuing to create jobs, but growth depends on elected officials staying out of the way.

East Main project nears end
(The Edwardsville Intelligencer, 06/22/2016)
Maryville Mayor Larry Gulledge reported to the board at its last regular meeting that work on Phase II of the East Main Street project was coming a close.
 
Local ninja's metro-east business booms
(Belleville News-Democrat, 06/27/16)
Minnick opened business 'to do more for the community'.
(Read More)
 
Panama Canal opens $5B locks, bullish despite shipping woes
(St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 06/26/2016)
Fireworks exploded as a huge container ship made the inaugural passage through the newly expanded Panama Canal on Sunday, formally launching the Central American nation's multibillion-dollar bet on a bright economic future despite tough times for global shipping.

IN OTHER NEWS
First Mid-Illinois receives small lender award
(Belleville News Democrat, 06/14/2016)
 First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust was named 2015 Central/Southern Illinois Community Lender of the Year Award by the U.S. Small Business Administration at their summit and awards conference on May 9.
 (Read More)
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' CEO Appoo recognized
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 06/23/ 2016)
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) is pleased to share that Villie M. Appoo, Chief Executive Officer, was recently honored by the Who's Who Diversity in Color with the organization's Most Intriguing award.
America's Central Port District receives EDIE Award for commitment to logistics and distribution
(Illinois Business Journal, 06/18/2016)
 America's Central Port District was recognized as a winner of the eighth annual EDIE Awards at the 2016 Illinois Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and Luncheon held June 14 in Chicago.
 (Read More)
SIUE and Kaskaskia College establish 2+2 Agreement in early childhood education
(Illinois Business Journal, 06/19/2016)
 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Kaskaskia College have signed a 2+2 Articulation Agreement in early childhood education to better ensure a seamless transfer experience as students transition from KC to SIUE.
 (Read More)
Ribbon cutting set for Leon Corlew Park
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 06/23/2016)
Contractors are putting the final touches on the new Leon Corlew Park in Edwardsville.
(Read More)
Lewis and Clark Community College GED graduation celebrates resilience
(Riverbender, 06/13/2016)
 A total of 128 students earned their General Equivalency Diplomas (GED®) through Lewis and Clark Community College's Adult Education department and the Regional Office of Education #40 Adult Learning Centers in 2016.
 (Read More)
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville revitalizes its Honors Program
(Illinois Business Journal, 06/13/2016)
 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is redesigning its Honors Program starting with new freshmen, who are attending in fall 2016, and students who are transfers or continuing students in spring 2017.
 (Read More)
Bank awards community scholarships to four Metro East students
(Illinois Business Journal, 06/14/2016)
 Four high school seniors from throughout the Metro East were recently selected to receive college scholarships through The Bank of Edwardsville's Community Scholarship Program. Each will receive $2,000 per year for four years of education.
 (Read More)
GCS awards Nicole R. Thorp Scholarship to Chayse Richardson
(Riverbender, 06/21/2016)
 GCS Credit Union has recently awarded the $2,000 Nicole R. Thorp Scholarship. Chayse Richardson of Collinsville High School was this year's recipient of the Nicole R. Thorp Scholarship.
 (Read More)
Mark Cappel brings wide knowledge of Alton School District as new interim superintendent
(Riverbender, 06/24/2016)
An interim superintendent has been named in the Alton School District after the departure of former superintendent, Dr. Kenneth Spells.
County's Elder Justice Council launches new website
(Belleville News Democrat, 06/16/2016)
 St. Clair County State's Attorney Brendan Kelly announced this week that the county's Elder Justice Council launched a new website on Wednesday, coinciding with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
 (Read More)
Cundiff, Johnson named to Memorial East board of directors
(Illinois Business Journal, 06/24/2016)
Gregory Cundiff and Kenneth Johnson, both of O'Fallon, have been named to serve on the board of directors for Memorial Hospital East.

Lewis and Clark Community College receives $10,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation to support family literacy
(Riverbender, 06/23/2016)
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation recently awarded Lewis and Clark Community College a $10,000 grant to support family literacy.
Eppel's named RGBA business of the month
(The Telegraph, 06/14/2016)
 A popular pit stop on Delmar Avenue has been named the RiverBend Growth Association's business of the month, and award honoring businesses that give back to the community.
 (Read More)
SIUE East St. Louis Center announces its 2016 summer food program
(The Telegraph, 06/14/2016)
 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is participating in the Summer Food Service Program.
 (Read More)
Juneau Associates adds Professional Land Surveyor
(Illinois Business Journal, 06/18/2016)
 Juneau Associates, Inc., P.C., a professional engineering, land surveying and structural engineering company, has added Tony Hard as Professional Land Surveyor.
 (Read More)
Reliance Bank names Lisa G. Frederick as president of retail banking and sales
(Illinois Business Journal, 06/17/2016)
 Thomas H. Brouster Sr., chairman of the board of Reliance Bank, the wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Bancshares, Inc., today announced the appointment of longtime area banker Lisa G. Frederick as president of retail banking and sales.
 (Read More)
Stubborn passion for beer leads to Waterloo brewery
(Belleville News-Democrat, 06/26/16) 
There are some surprising advantages to opening a small brewery in downtown Waterloo that even owners Tammy and Chris Rahn, born and raised there, didn't know.
 
SIU alums to help foundation offer up a million dollars' worth of free dental care
(Illinois Business Journal, 06/24/2016)
Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine alumni Darryll Beard, DDS, and Randall Markarian, DDS, are co-chairs for the Illinois State Dental Society Foundation's Mission of Mercy, a free dental clinic Friday-Saturday, July 15-16 at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville.
(Read More)
Friend carries on with pet grooming
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 06/25/2016 )
When Kristin Sarrach began working for Tina Schubert at Tina's Pet Grooming in Edwardsville about 10 years ago, she didn't know that Schubert would become such a wonderful friend and role model nor that she'd end up saying goodbye to her dear friend so unexpectedly after an illness took her life. 


Leadership Council members associated with projects in this issue
_________ __________


Logo St. Joseph


Lewis & Clark Logo







Riverbend Growth Association

Holland Logo

St. Elizabeth's Hosp

Memorial Hospital

Madison County IL









Juneau Associates 

America's Central Port Logo















McKendree Logo
Contact Information

Ronda Sauget, Executive Director, Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois

618-692-9745

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