MORTON PROGRESS
The Latest News from the Morton EDC
February 2017
At the Annual EDC Investor Luncheon on January 30, hosted at Season's Gastropub, the Morton Economic Development Council shared the 2016 Make It Morton video highlighting economic impact projects along with new and expanded businesses over the last year.
 
Congratulations to Sam Parrott, recipient of the 2017 Venture Award at the luncheon. 
 
With the foundation in place, Morton Momentum is our third five-year initiative to build and attract talented workforce, assist local business, spur capital investment, and generate enhanced revenues in Morton to benefit our community and our region.
 
The 2017 - 2021 goal of Morton Momentum is to put Morton ahead of the curve in identifying changing business and community trends, allowing MEDC and the Village of Morton to build on tremendous assets of the community.

Economic Impact Goals for Morton Momentum 2017 - 2021:

GOAL #1: 800 New Jobs created and measured by our clients
GOAL #2: $51.7 Mil in Commercial Construction, a 10% increase from $47 Mil benchmark as      
                measured by our Village Permits
GOAL #3: $17 Mil in Retail Sales Tax, a 3% increase from $16.5 Mil benchmark as measured by
                the State of Illinois
GOAL #4: 25 new business locations assisted by MEDC
GOAL #5: $14 Mil EAV increase in Commercial and Industrial, a 10% increase from $126: 9 Mil
                benchmark as measured by Tazewell County Assessment report
GOAL #6: Host Entrepreneur & Innovation Growth Forums to connect with 200 Entrepreneurs,
                Small Business owners, and Young Professionals
 
Economic Development for a Growing Economy Tax Credit Program (EDGE)
The EDGE tax incentive program has been extended to April 30th! If you know of any companies looking to move or expand, make sure they know about this great perk and encourage them to give GP a closer look!

All EDGE applications need to be submitted to the Department no later than March 31, 2017.
 
Greater Peoria Economic Development Council
News and Resources  
The Greater Peoria EDC will be scoring and prioritizing regional projects to submit to the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for our Focus Forward  Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).  

Projects that are included in this document become more eligible for federal funding.

Projects should be led by a government or nonprofit agency and regional in nature. They should also be aligned to regional goals, supporting business development and job creation, workforce development and attraction, and the improvement of our regional quality of life.

Project Submission Deadline: April 7, 2017 by Noon

Informational Meetings:  February 9 at the GPEDC.  Two sessions will be held: 7:30 - 8:30 am and 4:30 - 5:30 pm

Contact your Morton EDC, Leigh Ann Brown for more information and support in submitting a project.
 
Starting A Business Workshop
February 8 from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Peoria NEXT Innovation Center, 801 W. Main St.
An informative, free of charge, workshop for individuals wanting to start a small business. Learn about how to get your business name registered, where to obtain a tax ID number, which legal form to choose, business plans, taxes and much much more.  Register Online
 
Nominate Morton Businesses, People & Events
This is a chance to share Morton with the region! You can nominate Morton businesses, people and events in 35 categories in the Best of Peoria presented by Peoria Magazines.
 
Nominations open now through March 17, followed by voting on the top three in each category. Visit Best of Peoria now and submit your nominations.
 
2017 Pumpkin Festival Theme Announced
The 2017 Pumpkin Festival theme was announced at last night's Chamber Annual Meet Up: Das Pumpkin! 
 
To view the entertaining theme announcement video, starring both current and past Chamber board members, click HERE.
 
The dates for the 2017 Pumpkin Festival are September 13 - 16. 
Morton Economic Development Council                                                           Leadership Circle 
415 West Jefferson Street village of morton
Morton, IL  61550
309-263-2491