May 19, 2016 

Ronda Sauget
This edition of the Good NewsLink is full of positive stories about progress made by our Board members.  The Levee Issues Alliance and the Flood Prevention District Council are happy to report a 78% construction project completion on the 100 year level progress towards levee recertification levee.The project continues to remain on track for FEMA re-accreditation and is projected for completion by end of the year/beginning 2017. 

Also, in this edition, congratulations to:
The St. Louis Regional Freightway for making great progress in moving the region forward to enhance a more cost-effective and timely movement of freight throughout the region; the St. Louis Regional Airport for being recognized by I-DOT as "Airport of the year" for outstanding service; Holland Construction Services was recognized for celebrating 30 years in business and also doubling its yearly project revenue, and the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois Board members recognized in the newest edition of the Illinois Business Journal. 
 
As clearly demonstrated, the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois Board members are leading the way in uniting the region for growth! Thank you for making our region a great place for business innovation and advanced manufacturing.  Great work! 
 
Executive Director 
Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois
 

  
 
Mississippi River Levee 100-year protection project nears finish
(Riverbender, 5/14/16) 
As the reconstruction of the levees that protect more than 155,000 people and 5,000 businesses from the waters of the Mississippi River nears completion and will be certified to withstand a 100-year flood, the $100 million spent to improve the levee system is being hailed as one of the largest and most successful projects in Southwestern Illinois in decades. 
 
Building momentum like a freight train (editorial)   
(Belleville News Democrat, 5/1/2016) 
Air cargo and spy mapping facilities aside, it is good to see the Greater St. Louis Area acting greater rather than lesser. Our region is seeing the spark of something important with the group trying to tune up the engine that drives our jobs and economy: Transportation. 
 
Illinois Airports Recognized by IDOT as "Airport of the Year" for Outstanding Service 
(Illinois Government News Network, 5/12/2016)
Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn congratulated the 2016 Airport of the Year award recipients for their accomplishments and their partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to provide outstanding service to their customers.
 
Construction firm to double revenue in five years 
(Advantage News, 5/16/16)  
It took Swansea-based Holland Construction Services (Holland) 25 years to grow to $80 million in annual revenue, a milestone it reached in 2011, but in the five short years since then, Holland has undergone a period of rapid growth that has the firm projecting revenues of double that amount for 2016.    
Metro-East lawmakers call for re-write of NGA report  
(Metro East Chronical, 4/28/2016)  
Southwestern Illinois' Congressional delegation Friday (April 22) issued a letter to the National Geospacial Intelligence Agency (NGA) expressing concerns over the agency's tentative decision to construct its new $1.7 billion NextNGAWest facility at a site in North St. Louis, rather than a tract just north of Scott Air Force Base in St. Clair County.   

Metro-East lawmakers call for re-write of NGA report  
(Metro East Chronical, 4/28/2016)  
Southwestern Illinois' Congressional delegation Friday (April 22) issued a letter to the National Geospacial Intelligence Agency (NGA) expressing concerns over the agency's tentative decision to construct its new $1.7 billion NextNGAWest facility at a site in North St. Louis, rather than a tract just north of Scott Air Force Base in St. Clair County. 

Durbin fields questions about the NGA decision 
(Belleville News Democrat, 5/4/2016)
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., answered questions about the options left for Illinois to bring the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency to St. Clair County and reverse an NGA decision to build it in North St. Loius. 
 
Cleanup of Pruitt-Igoe site could stymie development around NGA in St. Louis  
(Belleville News Democrat, 4/28/2016)    
St. Clair County lost out to North St. Louis in the preliminary contest for the $1.75 billion National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency on the theory that NGA could be used as an engine to promote urban renewal in a blighted inner-city neighborhood 

Get to know Metro East
Regional image campaign touting the Metro East enters second year
(Illinois Business Journal, April 2016 )     
A regional image campaign launched in 2015 to help everyone in the Metro East get to know their community better is entering its second year. 
 
Partnerships eyed for $1.6 billion in road, bridge projects  
(Metro East Chronicle, 5/4/2016) 
  Further widen and renovations along I-270 in Madison County, the long-planned relocation of Illinois Route 3 in St. Clair County, and, eventually, replacement of one of the oldest bridges spanning the Mississippi River are among $1.6 billion in transportation infrastructure projects officially proposed April 27 by the new St. Louis Regional Freightway district. 
 
Transportation council IDs key projects  
(The Telegraph, 4/27/2016)  
A regional freight council announced a list of key improvement projects Tuesday - projects officials say would promote the region's transportation capabilities nationwide and eventually bring more jobs to the area.
 
Bi-State freight district unveils official name, priority projects  
(Belleville News Democrat, 4/27/2016)
With the official launch of the St. Louis Regional Freightway came a draft list of potential projects that are needed to align economic development with the region's supply chain, the Bi-State Development enterprise said. 
 
West Star Aviation, Norwest Equity Partners enter investment partnership  
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016) 
Further widen and renovations along I-270 in Madison County, the long-planned relocation of Illinois Route 3 in St. Clair County, and, eventually, replacement of one of the oldest bridges spanning the Mississippi River are among $1.6 billion in transportation infrastructure projects officially proposed April 27 by the new St. Louis Regional Freightway district.
 
Summit marks official launch of St. Louis Regional Freightway 
(Illinois Business Journal, April 2016) 
Bi-State Development hosted Freight Summit 2016 on April 27, which served as the official launch of the St. Louis Regional Freightway, BSD's newest enterprise and the culmination of several years of study and regional planning aimed at capturing a share of the significant increase in freight volume expected over the next 25 years.

Bost praises Union Pacific's investment in Southern Illinois rail 
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)
Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn congratulated the 2016 Airport of the Year award recipients for their accomplishments and their partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to provide outstanding service to their customers. 
 
MCT board approves $2.8 million Troy Park and Ride project  
(Alton Telegraph, 5/3/2016)
At its regular meeting on April 28, the Madison County Transit District (MCT) Board of Trustees approved a contract for the construction of a new multi-modal Park & Ride facility in Troy. 
 
Southwestern Illinois TIF Success Stories: Columbia aims to revamp section of main with thoughtful TIF approach  
(Illinois Business Journal, April 2016)  
Columbia, Ill., is in the process of creating a new tax increment finance district in hopes of enabling an imaginative reuse of a full block of Main Street. 
 
Plan in motion to build new hotel in O'Fallon 
(Belleville News Democrat, 5/1/2016)
According to John Eichenlaub of BarberMurphy Group, a developer plans to build a Marriott TownePlace Suites at 445 Regency Park Drive in O'Fallon. 
 
Memorial, BJC file application to build medical office building in Shiloh 
(Belleville News Democrat, 5/9/2016)
Less than a month after Memorial Hospital East opened, the next phase of growth at the hospital is already in the works.  
 
East Alton airport takes IDOT award 
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)  
St. Louis Regional Airport in East Alton is the Illinois Department of Transportation's Reliever Airport of the Year.  
 
New construction planned at busy Belleville intersection 
(Belleville News Democrat, 5/16/16) 
Indoor gardening shop celebrates grand opening in O'Fallon. Plan in place to build second Jimmy John's in Collinsville. Renovation complete at O'Fallon Denny's; is Belleville site next? 
Builders step up for college's construction program 
(Illinois Business Journal, 5/16/16)  
The Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program and Southern Illinois Builders Association recently donated $25,000 to the Construction Management Technology Program at Southwestern Illinois College.  
Korte building new medical office building 
(St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 5/13/16)  
The Korte Co. is building a medical office building that will become the home of the South County Diabetes and Obesity Center.   
Bank of America wants to build another Belleville branch 
(Belleville News Democrat, 5/10/2016)  
Belleville aldermen will soon decide whether Bank of America can move forward with plans to build a new branch on Carlyle Avenue. 
Metro East housing statistics on the rise 
(Illinois Business Journal, April 2016) 
The Realtor Association of Southwestern Illinois this week released the March 2016 housing statistics, resulting in a higher number of homes sold in St. Clair, Randolph, and Clinton Counties in March 2016 compared to February 2016. 
Wood River gets commitment for $1 million repaving project 
(Alton Telegraph, 5/4/2016) 
The City of Wood River received a commitment Tuesday for funding for the second phase of a more than $1 million resurfacing project set to begin in 2018.  
Spotlight on Southwestern Illinois Commercial Contractors: Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, Inc.,
(Illinois Business Journal, April 2016)  
Construction continues on a new five-story professional office building being developed on a 22-acre site in Columbia, Ill. Ground was broken this past October, and an opening is planned for December of this year.   
(Read More)

Mascoutah Ace owner builds warehouse with expansion in mind 
(Belleville News Democrat, 5/16/16) 
Owner Bill Millikin just completed new warehouse in downtown Mascoutah. Warehouse will accommodate hardware store and separate fulfillment business.  
(Read More)

How a Cahokia grocery store will become St. Louis' next public company
(St. Louis Business Journal, 5/13/16)  
When Bill Moran opened the first Save-A-Lot in 1977 in Cahokia, Illinois, he saw the potential for small grocers to compete against national chains by using cost-cutting to target lower-income shoppers. 
SSM Health to operate retail clinics at area Walgreens -- four in Illinois 
(Illinois Business Journal, 5/16/16)   
SSM Health has signed an agreement that will allow SSM to own and operate 27 retail health clinics within Walgreens stores across the St. Louis region, including four clinics in Illinois.  


At least 19 Belleville businesses are 100-plus
(Belleville News Democrat, 5/14/2016) 
Belleville Public Library is the oldest. Belleville Shoe started on the right foot in 1904. Alvin O. Eckert opened a roadside stand in 1910
Lewis and Clark Community College was recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the Individual Conference Champion of the 2015-16 College & University Green Power Challenge for using more green power than any other school in the NJCAA/Region 24. 

Glen Carbon gets on board with pool plan 
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 4/29/2016) 
Village trustees approved an intergovernmental agreement with the city of Edwardsville for cost sharing of the operation and maintenance of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville pool. 

Community pool will soon be reality in Edwardsville 
(Riverbender, 5/3/2016) 
Village trustees approved an intergovernmental agreement with the city of Edwardsville for cost sharing of the operation and maintenance of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville pool. 
 
Metro-East Montessori wins $40k technology grant 
(Metro East Sun, 4/24/2016) 
Metro-East Montessori School in Pontoon Beach, Illinois has won a grant worth more than $40,000 to buy robot-building equipment and other high tech tools. 
 
New Quality Auto Network opens today in Jerseyville on Sinclair Drive 
(Riverbender, 5/2/2016)   
The new Quality Auto Network dealership that features roughly 50 premium pre-owned vehicles opened for business today at 102 Sinclair Drive in Jerseyville.  
 
McKendree launches $40 million capital campaign 
(St. Louis Business Journal 5/10/2016)
McKendree University has launched a $40 million capital campaign to support the planned renovation of its Voigt Science Hall and Holman Library and improvements to several classroom buildings. 
(Read More)
 
St. Clair County wins $15 million HUD loan 
(St. Louis Business Journals, 5/4/2016)  
St. Clair County in Illinois has received a $15 million loan from the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development for economic development. 
 
Hampton Inn to open in July  
(Alton Telegraph, 5/4/2016)   
A new Hampton Inn and Suites in the city's retail corridor will open in July, according to the company.  
(Read More)

WorkNet Center now located in Wood River
 
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 5/2/2016) 
The Southwestern Illinois WorkNet Center has a new home at the Madison County Wood River Facility. 
(Read More)

O'Fallon chamber members help welcome Carrollton Bank 
(St. Louis Business Journal,  4/27/2016)   
O'Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting to welcome Carrollton Bank to the community. 
(Read More)

Speech pathologist opens local office 
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 5/9/2016) 
May is Better Speech and Hearing Month, and throughout the month, Speech Pathologist Maggie Schonauer will be offering speech and language screenings for children age 2 and up for $20 at her practice, Metro East Therapy, at 60 South State Route 157. 
 
Kirkland's hosting its grand opening  
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 5/7/2016) 
Kirkland's, the new home décor and specialty gift shop located in Edwardsville Crossing shopping center, is having its Grand Opening celebration today One of over 340 Kirkland's stores across the country, the Glen Carbon location officially opened April 27. 

 IN OTHER NEWS: 

America's Central Port among newly announced Edie Award winners
(Illinois Business Journal, 5/4/2016)
America's Central Port is among winners of this year's Edie Awards, given by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Illinois Economic Development Association.
 
Nine high schools to receive $3,000 Fellowship for 'Conversation Toward a Brighter Future' 
(Riverbender, 5/11/2016)  
Nine area high schools will be awarded $3,000 fellowships this fall to implement student projects aimed at creating positive change in their schools and communities over the 2016-2017 school year.
 
Our education-SIUE continues to reach for the STARS, brings home Silver Award  
(Alton Telegraph, 5/9/2016)    
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's ongoing commitment to producing measurable outcomes and advances in sustainability has led to the university achieving a silver rating from the nation's premier sustainability organization in higher education - two years ahead of schedule.
 
West Belleville deli credits success with expertise from Metro East SBDC 
(Illinois Business Journal, April 2016)  
The loyal support of West Belleville patrons is a welcome sight for longtime resident Nick Renfro, owner of Nick & Vito's Meat & Deli.
 
Lindenwood celebrates Old Post Office campus opening 
(St. Louis Business Journal, 5/12/2016)
Lindenwood University held a ribbon cutting and reception at the Old Post Office building, at 815 Olive St., to celebrate its new downtown campus. 
 
Madison County, Ameren partner to offer $55k in energy assistance 
(Metro East Sun, 4/24/2016)
Madison County, Illinois has received a $55,000 grant from the utility company Ameren Illinois to help local residents afford their energy bills.
 
Belleville elementary school earns national designation 
(Belleville News Democrat, 5/10/2016)
Abraham Lincoln Elementary, in Belleville, is one of two schools in Illinois and about 70 nationwide named as a National School of Character by Character.org. The announcement officially came in as school was being dismissed on Monday afternoon.
 
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois receives $3,000 grant from Jack and Jill of America 
(Riverbender, 5/5/2016)
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) is excited to be working with the East St. Louis Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (J&J) to provide girls in their area with the opportunity to attend Girl Scout STEM Day Camps in July.
 
HeartLands Conservancy presents six Green Leaf Achievement Awards
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)
HeartLands Conservancy recognized the achievements of six individuals and organizations that are making a positive impact on the environment in Southwestern Illinois during the 2nd Annual Green Leaf Achievement Awards presentation.
 
Ameren Illinois unveils new bill format 
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)  
As part of a continuous effort to give customers more information to help them control their energy usage and manage costs, Ameren Illinois has launched an updated design to its monthly bill.
 
Beall Mansion recognized as "green" lodging choice 
(Advantage News, 4/28/2016)  
The Beall Mansion An Elegant Bed & Breakfast Inn has been recognized as a TripAdvisor GreenLeaders property. This marks the third year in a row that The Beall Mansion has received the honor.
 
Group awards $11,050 to Riverbend organization 
(Advantage News, 5/3/2016)
Each year the Alton Community Service League allocates funds for beautification and charitable projects in the Riverbend.
 
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois receives $3,000 grant from Jack and Jill of America 
(Riverbender, 5/5/2016)
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) is excited to be working with the East St. Louis Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (J&J) to provide girls in their area with the opportunity to attend Girl Scout STEM Day Camps in July.
 
Q&A with Gary Graham, mayor, city of O'Fallon, Ill. 
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)
You've been mayor 19 years.
Industry Leaders of Southwestern Illinois: Phil Hickman - Associated Bank 
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)
'Our customer service is second to none' is an oft overused phrase among businesses. At Associated Bank we take the customer service commitment very seriously.
(Read More)

Industry Leaders of Southwestern Illinois: John Hamm, III - America's Central Port 
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)
"The City of Madison, IL continues to be a leader in business growth.  

Industry Leaders of Southwestern Illinois: Keith Page - Anderson Hospital 
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)
"At Anderson Hospital, much planning has been accomplished related to the hospital's push toward private patient rooms, an affiliation with Community Memorial Hospital of Staunton and redesigning the hospital's Oncology services. 
(Read More)

Industry Leaders of Southwestern Illinois: Kenneth R. Diel - Diel & Forguson 
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)
"What if you could spend more time working on your business and less time just working in your business?
 
Industry Leaders of Southwestern Illinois: Ryan Goodwin - First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust 
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)
"Relationships are everything in banking and First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust has built solid relationships with customers in Southwestern Illinois for many years.
(Read More)

Industry Leaders of Southwestern Illinois: E. William Reichert III - EWR Architects 
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)
"For over 30 years, EWR Architects, Inc. has served nearly 600 clients on over 1,200 projects. EWR projects include small office building tenant finish designs to projects valuing over $100,000,000. 

Industry Leaders of Southwestern Illinois: Luke Heuerman - Geotechnology 
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)  
"In 1984, realizing that there were limited services provided by existing engineering firms in the area, six men decided to fill that void by establishing Geotechnology, Inc.
 
Industry Leaders of Southwestern Illinois: Mike Marchal - Holland Construction Services 
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)
"At Holland Construction Services we thrive on helping others succeed. We actively listen to understand our clients' and our employees' goals.  
Industry Leaders of Southwestern Illinois: Dennis Ulrich - Scheffel Boyle 
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)
"As we approach our 93rd year in business at Scheffel Boyle, I can't help but look back on our humble beginnings: one office, one CPA, and a handful of clients. This region has always been "home" to our firm...where we live, work, and play.  
 
Industry Leaders of Southwestern Illinois: Russell K. Scott - Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. 
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)
"In our Southern Illinois office of Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C., we provide a microcosm of the strengths our law firm provides as a whole, while ensuring a personal level of service.  
 
Industry Leaders of Southwestern Illinois: Harlan "Skip" Ferry - Commerce Bank 
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)
"At Commerce, we operate as a super-community bank, offering personal service coupled with sophisticated financial products and services to businesses and consumers.  
 
Industry Leaders of Southwestern Illinois: Mark Hinrichs, Teresa Whittaker & Mike Christ - Impact Strategies  
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)
"At IMPACT Strategies, our clients are reaping major dividends from our focus on technology leadership in construction.  
 
Industry Leaders of Southwestern Illinois: Mark J. Turner - Memorial Hospital 
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)  
"2016 has brought many exciting changes to the Memorial Network of healthcare centers and services.  

Industry Leaders of Southwestern Illinois: Patrick B. Mathis - Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd.  
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)  
"We help businesses succeed. Our clients at Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd. (MM&R) know this first hand.  

Industry Leaders of Southwestern Illinois: Charles V. Poettker - Poettker Construction Company 
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)
"Founded in 1980, Poettker Construction is a second generation family-owned and veteran-owned business specializing in a full range of construction and design-build services in order to accommodate our client's new construction, expansion or renovation needs.  
Industry Leaders of Southwestern Illinois: Thomas H. Brouster, Sr. - Reliance Bank
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)  
"At Reliance Bank, we are proud to be St. Louis' premier Community Bank with 20 locations in the area including four in southwestern Illinois.  
Industry Leaders of Southwestern Illinois: Phil Lading - Sandberg Phoenix
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)  
"Although Sandberg Phoenix's highly experienced attorneys provide daily advice and guidance across a broad spectrum of legal issues, the firm's singular focus in all areas of law remains the one thing that truly matters to our clients.......results.  
 
Industry Leaders of Southwestern Illinois: Larry McCulley - Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)  
"Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation (SIHF) believes equality in the community begins when everyone has access to quality care.  
 
Industry Leaders of Southwestern Illinois: David C. Miller - St. Louis Regional Airport
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)  
"St. Louis Regional Airport is seeing more global commerce than ever. Last year, anchor tenant West Star Aviation was selected again as Professional Pilot magazine's preferred Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) provider in the nation above a number of well-recognized international firms.  
 
Industry Leaders of Southwestern Illinois: Erick A. Dahl - St. Louis Downtown Airport
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)  
"Close, convenient, connected, the St. Louis Downtown Airport is a great approach for St. Louis business.  
 
Industry Leaders of Southwestern Illinois: Kevin Powers - TheBANK of Edwardsville
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)  
"At TheBANK of Edwardsville our motto is simple - combine innovative products and unparalleled customer service with a long-standing tradition of tireless community service to offer our customers a banking experience that is second to none.  
 
SCHEFFEL BOYLE RAISES $5,000 FOR BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)
Employees of Scheffel Boyle CPAs recently teamed up to raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois at their annual Bowl for Kids' Sake. Employees raised a total of $5,000 to be donated directly to the agency. 
 




Leadership Council members associated with projects in this issue
_________ __________





Madison County IL

Ameren IL Logo





McKendree Logo

lindenwood













America's Central Port Logo




IDOT




gateway commerce center






Keller Construction

BARBERMurphy Group













St. Elizabeth's Hosp



Holland Logo












Korte logo

Realtor Association of Southwestern Illinois







Lewis & Clark Logo







JF Electric












Geotechnology White Background










Impact Strategies Logo



Memorial Hospital


 
 
 


STL Downtown Airport  



 




 





  
  


 





 




Contact Information

Ronda Sauget, Executive Director, Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois

618-692-9745

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