June 1, 2016 

Ronda Sauget This Good NewsLink has a significant number of articles demonstrating the positive regional moment forward. From the announcement of large companies such as Prairie Farms relocating its corporate office to Edwardsville; to entrepreneurs starting their companies right here in Southwestern Illinois. This edition shows the strong economic development activities.
 
Holland Construction Services celebrates its 30th year in business with a "Top Gun" themed recognition. Over 150 people attended a "Fighting to Bring NGA West to St. Clair County" open public forum to voice their concerns about the soon to be announced location for this importance facility. This event demonstrated the bipartisan support for this effort.  In this edition, many articles feature the continued business investment and job creation by many of our healthcare facilities. Well Done!
 
Please read on to see many of these impressive stories and many more listing our Leadership Council members driving economic activities in a positive direction!
 
Thank you Leadership Council members for all you do!!


Ronda Sauget   
Executive Director 
Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois
 

  
 
More than 150 attend metro-east forum on NGA site selection
(Belleville News Democrat, 05/27/2016)
More than 150 people were on hand Friday for a forum in O'Fallon to discuss the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's preliminary decision to build its $1.75 billion western headquarters in St. Louis rather than St. Clair County.

Prairie Farms' relocation of corporate office to Edwardsville is another big area economy boost
(RiverBender, 5/24/16)  
Prairie Farms is in the process of a project to relocate its corporate offices to Edwardsville. 

Prairie Farms to build new headquarters in Edwardsville
(St. Louis Business Journal, 05/31/2016)
Prairie Farms Dairy Inc. plans to relocate its corporate offices to Edwardsville, bringing 80 to 100 jobs with it.
 
St. Louis Regional Airport plays major role in area
(Alton Telegraph, 5/16/16)  
More than 70,000 flight operations yearly and approximately 500 jobs make St. Louis Regional Airport a major player in the area's economy. 

$3.25 million gift will lead to workforce center at Lewis and Clark Community College
(Illinois Business Journal, 5/19/16)  
Lewis and Clark Community College will break ground on a new workforce building on the Godfrey Campus later this year, thanks to a nearly $3.25 million gift from the estate of local resident Ed Weber. 

HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital among first to get Blue Distinction for maternity care
(Illinois Business Journal, 5/23/16)  
In an effort to help prospective parents find hospitals that deliver quality, affordable maternity care, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois recently announced that HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital has been designated as one of the first hospitals to receive the Blue Distinction Center+ for Maternity Care designation, a new designation under the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. 
New sports park receives $300,000 in grant funding
(The Edwardsville Intelligencer, 05/26/2016)
The City of Edwardsville recently announced that the Metro East Park and Recreational District (MEPRD) has designated $300,000 to be used for the City's new sports park. 

District 7's "Ready, Set, Read" raises over $12,000 for A Better Place to Play
(The Edwardsville Intelligencer, 5/23/16)  
"A Better Place to Play", the local campaign that is seeking to raise funds for additional recreational facilities in the Edwardsville community, announced today that their latest fundraising effort "Ready, Set, Read" was a success, generating more than $12,000 in donations towards the parks projects. 

Memorial Hospital receives designation as an Emergent Stroke-Ready Hospital
(Illinois Business Journal, 5/24/16)  
Memorial Hospital Belleville was recently designated as an Emergent Stroke Ready Hospital by the Illinois Department of Public Health. 

MCT prepares to open 2 bike trail extensions
(The Edwardsville Intelligencer, 5/19/16)  
When a soon-to-be-finished 6.4-mile extension of the Nickel Plate Trail opens, cyclists will be able to jump on the trail at several points in Edwardsville and Glen Carbon and ride it all the way to New Douglas. 
Area's nonresidential construction sees upward swing
(Illinois Business Journal, 05/30/2016)
Dodge Data & Analytics has issued its report on April construction starts in the metropolitan statistical area of St. Louis, consisting of Bond, Calhoun, Clinton, Crawford, Franklin, Jefferson, Jersey, Lincoln, Macoupin, Madison, Monroe, St. Charles, St. Clair, St. Louis, Warren and Washington counties in Illinois and Missouri.

Approval sought for new Shiloh medical building
(Metro East Chronicle, 5/4//16)  
Memorial Hospital and BJC HealthCare plan to develop a $22 million medical office building in Shiloh next door to their new Memorial Hospital East facility.  

Collinsville to get new center with ACA funds
(St. Louis Business Journal, 5/20/16)  
Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation has been awarded $1 million in federal funding to finance the construction of a new health center in Collinsville. 
Holland Marks 30th Year With 'Encore'
(Construction Forum St. Louis, 5/16/16)  
Monday night (May 16), Holland Construction Services marked 30 years in business with a tented cocktail party for customers, colleagues, employees, and friends at its headquarters on North Illinois Ave. in Swansea, IL. 

SIUE grad develops gaming truck
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 5/17/16)  
What's 52 feet long, red and orange and fun all over? If you guessed a truck filled with interactive video games ready to play on-site at a birthday party or corporate event, you're correct. 

Ameren Illinois modernizing power grid in East St. Louis
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)
Ameren Illinois is building a new 34-kilovolt power line that will move power through East St. Louis to the intersection of Cleveland and 27th Street where the company will break ground for a new substation later this summer.

Bailey raises millions for new venture fund
(St. Louis Business Journal, 5/20/16)  
Michael Bailey, an Edwardsville, Illinois-based private equity manager, has raised $25 million for a limited liability company called FREP Debt I, according to documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 
 
St. Louis' fastest-growing companies
(St. Louis Business Journal, 5/16/16)  
Revenue is up at the 25 fastest-growing companies in St. Louis. 

French Village Fire Department one of several to get federal funding
(Belleville News-Democrat, 5/24/16)  
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently awarded more than $1.6 million in grants to fire departments and municipalities throughout Illinois, including the French Village Fire Department in Fairview Heights. 
 
Moving forward with the NGA
(St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 5/24/16)  
Earlier this spring, St. Louis was named the Agency Preferred Alternative for the next National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency west campus. 

NGA head tells Illinois congressional delegation that north St. Louis site meets security requirements
(St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 5/24/16)  
The director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency has told Illinois congressional delegation members that the proposed site for a new NGA facility in north St. Louis passes all security requirements. 

McKendree plans to renovate science hall and library
(The Edwardsville Intelligencer, 5/21/16)  
McKendree University has announced the most ambitious fundraising goal in its 188-year history-a $40 million capital campaign to support the renovation of Voigt Science Hall and Holman Library. 

Waterloo Helping Hands plans expansion
(Belleville News-Democrat, 5/20/16)  
The Waterloo Helping Hand Thrift Store at 695 N. Moore St. is expanding. 

SIUE takes first in "TheOther40"
(The Edwardsville Intelligencer, 5/18/16)  
A team of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville industrial engineering students led by senior Mert Gover captured first place in SIUE's "TheOther40" Business Plan Competition for 2016. 

St. Clair County commission approves parking garage work
(Belleville News-Democrat, 5/19/16)  
The St. Clair County Public Building Commission on Thursday approved an expansion joint project at the county parking garage. 
  Godfrey Fire Department first in St. Louis area to use new CPR devices
(St. Louis Post Dispatch, 5/20/16)  
The Godfrey Fire Protection District responds to at least three to four calls requiring CPR for sudden cardiac arrest every month, but even for those they reach in time, the chances of surviving more than a year are slim for most patients. 

More metro-east video gaming cafes are open
(Belleville News Democrat, 5/22/16)  
Video gaming cafes planned for the metro-east are now open for business. 

New student-driven East St. Louis Initiative connects entrepreneurs with resources
(Washington University in St. Louis FUSE, 5/16/16)  
In East St. Louis, all the neighborhoods are actually one neighborhood, and everyone has something to share. We believe we can help change lives of people one local small business at a time. 

Ross Dress For Less store to open in July
(RiverBender, 5/20/16)  
Ross Dress For Less store in Glen Carbon in the Dierberg's Shopping Complex will open in mid-July, a Ross official says. 

Illinois American Water acquires city of Grafton wastewater system
(Illinois Business Journal, 05/27/2016)
Illinois American Water on Thursday announced the completion of the acquisition of the city of Grafton wastewater system.

Art Gecko Creative Studio opens in downtown O'Fallon
(Belleville News-Democrat, 5/19/16)  
The Illinois Metro East Small Business Development Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is celebrating along with its clients, a mother-daughter team who recently opened a creative studio in downtown O'Fallon, Ill. 

Madison County has energy efficiency loans for local governments
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)
Madison County Community Development has been designated by the county to administer the Energy Efficiency Loan Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Whisker Bones opens downtown
(The Edwardsville Intelligencer, 5/21/16)  
Shortly after Scott Tripp and Perry Patten opened Whisker Bones, the new pet treat bakery on North Main Street, a biker dropped in looking for something that would protect his dog during their motorcycle excursions. 

Lewis & Clark announces tuition discount offers for some full time students
(RiverBender, 5/23/16)  
Starting this fall, Lewis and Clark Community College students who are taking 15 credit hours per semester qualify for a significant discount on their tuition. 

LCCC celebrates largest commencement yet
(The Telegraph, 5/21/16)  
Lewis and Clark Community College had record participation in its 45th Annual Commencement on Wednesday, celebrating the achievements of more than 1,000 members of the Class of 2016. 

Girl Scouts, volunteers honored at regional meeting
(Belleville News Democrat', 05/27/2016)
Girl Scouts were shining stars during Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' (GSSI) "All That Glitters" award ceremony on April 9 at the Holiday Inn in Mount Vernon.

Students to get free ride starting May 31
(Advantage News, 5/25/16)  
Beginning May 31, Madison County students can ride Madison County Transit buses for free, all summer long, with the 2016 MCT Summer Youth Pass. 

SIUE School of Nursing partners with Baptist Health Madisonville
(Illinois Business Journal, 05/26/2016)
Thanks to a new partnership with the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing, Baptist Health Madisonville (Ky.) nurses can obtain a baccalaureate degree in nursing in as little as one year from the comfort of their homes.
 
Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center expands with $2.4 million gift to house Head Start classrooms
(St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 05/25/2016)
With the help of an anonymous $2.4 million donation, the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center in East St. Louis is growing to accommodate the area's youngest children.

Home Federal files for IPO of at least $5.5 million
(St. Louis Business Journal, 05/27/2016)
Home Federal Savings & Loan of Collinsville has filed for an initial public offering to raise at least $5.5 million and as much as $8.6 million as it prepares to convert to a standard bank.

Bike-rental station coming to East Belleville YMCA
(Belleville News-Democrat, 05/30/2016)
In an effort to improve the health and fitness of residents in St. Clair County, the Gateway Region YMCA is partnering with local agencies to build a bike-rental station at the East Belleville YMCA.

Experienced agents lead new Smithton real estate firm
(Belleville News-Democrat, 05/29/2016)
Earlier this year, realtors Douglas Payne and Judy Ross decided it was time for a change.

Frozen custard shop taking shape in Shiloh
(Belleville News-Democrat, 05/29/2016)
What soon will be a Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers is taking shape in Shiloh.
 
Gibault Catholic High School wants $1.6M soccer stadium
(Belleville News Democrat, 05/27/2016)
Gibault Catholic High School, of Waterloo, looked to public and private schools in Belleville and Columbia and saw at each a field of green missing from Gibault.
 
Raging Rivers Waterpark opens for 27th season
(Illinois Business Journal, 05/27/2016)
The Memorial weekend opening of Raging Rivers WaterPark marks its 27th season.
 
Fireplaces and More among First Bank small-business honorees
(Illinois Business Journal, 05/30/2016)
Fireplaces and More in Jerseyville was a winner of the First Bank Small Business Handshake, a promotion that recognizes small-business owners and entrepreneurs for their commitment to their business, employees and communities.
 
Wood River repair shop receives upgrades
(The Telegraph, 05/28/2016)
Automotive Repair Specialists in Wood River is nearly complete with a major renovation project.
 
Shiloh Dental Group holds ribbon cutting
(Illinois Business Journal, May 2016)
A ribbon-cutting ceremony this past week helped welcome Shiloh Dental Group to 301 Tamarack Lane, Shiloh.

Just another step in mall's growth
(Illinois Business Journal, 05/27/2016)
Crews at Alton Square Mall recently installed drywall and crown molding to cover the facades of the multiple empty retail spaces there - especially on the second floor.
 
Rosewood Heights entrepreneur to cut ribbon on inspection business
(Advantage News, 05/30/2016)
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Small Business Development Center client Bob Madewell will cut the ribbon and publicly launch his new business, Madewell Inspections, on Wednesday, June 1.
 
Air Force veteran starts new career
(Advantage News, 05/27/2017)
James Newcomer, perhaps more than most people, understands why homeowners might want their lawns rid of mosquitoes.

Mayor touches on development in address
(The Edwardsville Intelligencer, 05/27/2016)
In his 12th State of the Village Address, Glen Carbon Mayor Rob Jackstadt emphasized positive growth, increased sales taxes and community excellence as key factors in success of the village.
 
Top tax collector earns recognition
(The Edwardsville Intelligencer, 05/28/2016)
Madison County Treasurer Kurt Prenzler, CPA, recognized an area bank on Friday for its exemplary service in collecting property taxes during the past year.
 
Nine high schools to receive $3,000 Fellowship for 'Conversation Toward a Brighter Future'
(Riverbender, 05/11/2016)
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.
 
Bank of Edwardsville honored for financial literacy program
(Illinois Business Journal, 05/31/2016)
The Bank of Edwardsville was honored recently by NASDAQ and EverFi for its work in helping educate local students at the 2016 Financial Education Awards ceremony in New York City, earning the 2015-16 Financial Education Innovation Award.

IN OTHER NEWS

Scheffel Boyle raises $5,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters
(Illinois Business Journal, 5/16)  
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.  

Attorney elected to McKendree University board
(Illinois Business Journal, 05/30/2016)
Rebecca K. Wohltman, an associate at the law firm of Mathis, Marifian and Richter, Ltd., has been elected to the McKendree University board of trustees.

Girl Scouts to host 8th annual Dancing with the Stars fundraiser
(RiverBender, 5/24/16)  
It's time to once again dust off your dancing shoes and join Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) for the 8th annual Dancing With Our Stars (DWOS) fundraiser. 

Delta Dental of Illinois awards SIU School of Dental Medicine students scholarships to further oral health care
(RiverBender, 5/17/16)  
Four Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) students have been awarded scholarships from Delta Dental of Illinois (DDIL) in recognition of their outstanding community outreach and volunteer work while pursuing dental degrees. 

Hospital gets sodium reduction grant
(Advantage News, 5/16/16)  
Alton Memorial Hospital has received a $10,000 sodium reduction grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health to develop innovative ways to encourage healthier food choices for visitors and staff in the cafeteria. 

SIUE Housing promotes sustainability
(The Edwardsville Intelligencer, 5/24/16)  
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's University Housing residents who moved out in spring 2016 had the opportunity to donate excess food and goods before leaving campus, making for a lighter car ride home and a more sustainable May closing. 

Illinois American Water gets high marks in J.D. Power survey
(St. Louis Post Dispatch, 5/18/16)  
Illinois American Water, which serves 250,000 customers in Metro East, received the highest customer satisfaction score among Midwest water utilities in a new J.D. Power survey. 

U.S. sets steep duties on imports of Chinese cold-rolled steel
(St. Louis Post Dispatch, 5/17/16)  
The United States slapped Chinese steelmakers with final import duties of 522 percent on cold-rolled flat steel on Tuesday after finding that their products were being sold in the U.S. market below cost and with unfair subsidies. 
 
McKendree professor earns business honor
(Belleville News Democrat, 5/17/16)  
A McKendree University associate professor of economics with more than 25 years of corporate business experience has won the 2016 William Norman Grandy Award. 

Lewis and Clark's Val Harris honored as Woman of Distinction
(RiverBender, 5/24/16)  
Lewis and Clark Community College's Associate Dean of Adult Education Val Harris has been honored as one of the YMCA's Women of Distinction for 2016. 

Belleville chamber names Wendy J. Pfeil as new executive director
(Belleville News-Democrat, 5/24/16) 
The Greater Belleville Chamber of Commerce will be led by a familiar face.

Youth baseball league receives $15k donation
(The Telegraph, 5/24/16) 
Midwest Members Credit Union president Greg Lyons remembers participating in a youth baseball league parade as a child.

Alton Memorial Hospital delivers over 1,100 books to area schools in Book Brigade

(RiverBender, 5/23/16)  
Alton Memorial Hospital is delivering books to area schools this month as part of the BJC Summer Book Brigade. 

SIUE names acting business dean; Navin taking new job
(Illinois Business Journal, 05/28/2016)
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb on Friday named Timothy Schoenecker, PhD, as interim dean of the School of Business.
 
Joann Barton named 2016-2017 board chair for Southwest Illinois Division of United Way
(Illinois Business Journal, 05/28/2016)
Joann Barton, senior vice president for The Bank of Edwardsville, has been selected as the 2016-2017 chair for the auxiliary board of directors of United Way of Greater St. Louis' Southwest Illinois Division.

L&C graduate finds opportunity in medical assisting
(Advantage News, 05/30/2016)
For Blake Raynor, Lewis and Clark Community College's Medical Assisting program was a good first step on his path to becoming a registered nurse.
 
Civic-minded essays earn college funding
(Advantage News, 05/31/2016)
1st MidAmerica Credit Union has awarded four scholarships to area high school graduates.
 
Glen Carbon insurance business raises money for USO
(Advantage News, 5/30/2016)
AAdvantage Insurance Group recently collected more than $1,000 worth of food and toiletries, as well as cash donations of $525, for the USO of Missouri during an eight-day donation drive in May. 
 
Balancing nursing career, military career and family
(The Edwardsville Intelligencer, 05/27/2016)
While balancing a career and family may seem stressful enough for most of us, imagine those who balance career, military career and family.


Leadership Council members associated with projects in this issue
_________ __________



 






Lewis & Clark Logo


Madison County IL


Riverbend Growth Association







St. Elizabeth's Hosp 




Memorial Hospital













St. Louis Regional Chamber 






Ameren IL Logo

Holland Logo






Keeley & Sons









McKendree Logo


lindenwood


 

 
 
 

 
 


Belleville Chamber of Commerce
 




 

 




 
 



 




 





  
  


 





 




Contact Information

Ronda Sauget, Executive Director, Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois

618-692-9745

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