January 5, 2015

As we usher in 2015, I hope your holidays were blessed! 2014 saw a resurgence of growth in Southwestern Illinois and 2015 is starting off strongly as well with many new projects and developments in the articles below. Enjoy!

Ellen Krohne

Executive Director, Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois

State of St. Louis- Mark Kern, St. Clair County Chairman

(Biz Journals - 1/2/15)

What needs to be done to improve race relations in St. Louis? Honest appreciation for the contributions that can be derived from diverse communities.

Emerson Park MetroLink Station Development Spurts Economic Success

(NextStop Stl - 12/22/14)

Jazz at Walter Circle is a big deal for East St. Louis. "It's changing East St. Louis in a real positive way," said Jimmie Taylor, an employee of the grocery store located on the ground floor of the building.

Roxana, schools and parks to share in settlement with refinery

(The Associated Press - 1/1/15)

The village of Roxana, its school and parks districts will be getting portions of a $10.6-million settlement with a refining company.

Software developer to hire at least 70 IT workers at Scott AFB

(Belleville News-Democrat - 12/18/14)

Software developer SuprTEK plans to hire at least 70 IT workers by the end of March as a result of a five-year, $59 million contract awarded by the Air Mobility Command, based at Scott Air Force Base.

First-of-its-kind business moving into Alton Center Business Park

(Illinois Business Journal - 01/15)

A new business is being launched in 42,000 square feet of the Alton Center Business Park with plans to expand to more than 100,000 square feet within two years.

SWIC OKs contract extension for Costello, $900,000 pact for early childhood center

(Belleville News Democrat - 12/19/14)

The Southwestern Illinois College Board of Trustees on Wednesday approved a $902,219 contract toward the design of a new Early Childhood Center.

New Amphitheater Planned

The Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower in Hartford has hosted a number of special events in recent years, and will soon have a new venue to host those of a musical variety.

Changes and Plans for Alton Riverfront

(WBGZ Radio 12/22/14)

Alton's plan for the riverfront is coming together, and 2015 should be another year of progress, according to the city's mayor.

Office complex ready to launch in Columbia

(Illinois Business Journal - 12/14)

Work may begin by year's end on a professional and medical building that could become part of a $50 million, multi-building campus during the next several years, if the economy allows.

Investors say doctors, community will be well served by new building

(Illinois Business Journal - 12/14)

One of three investors partnering with a local developer on a $13 million medical office building said the group is excited about expanding a doctors' practice that has grown successfully in Waterloo.

Redevelopment Possible in Wood River

(WBGZ Radio 12/15/14)

The building that used to house Jack Schmitt Chevrolet on State Route 111 in Wood River may not stay vacant long.

Bright 2015 Predicted For LCCC

(WBGZ Radio- 1/4/15)

It's less than a week into the new-year but Lewis and Clark Community College President Dr. Dale Chapman is confident that it will a great one for the college.

Impact Strategies starts construction on Cottages at Cathedral Square in Belleville

(Illinois Business Journal - 01/15)

Construction-management firm IMPACT Strategies has begun construction on the long-anticipated senior living community, Cottages at Cathedral Square in Belleville.

SWIC touts study showing economic impact

(Illinois Business Journal - 12/14)

Southwestern Illinois College outperformed the state community college average in several major economic impact and completion categories according to a new Illinois Community College Board economic impact report.

Rauner Tips Hand on Tourism

(WBGZ Radio 12/18/14)

The impact tourism has on the Riverbend region can be measured in the millions of dollars, according to the head of the local tourism agency.

Study Shows Illinois Transportation Role

(WBGZ Radio 12/16/14)

Illinois, with its location and resources, is the top hub for transporting food, with more than 70 million tons a year on the roads, rails, waterways, and through airports.

12 semifinalists in running for Gigabit entrepreneur award

(Illinois Business Journal - 12/14)

The Highland Entrepreneurship Program has named 12 semifinalists in its first Gigabit Challenge business plan competition.

Recreation complex targeted for O'Fallon area

(Illinois Business Journal - 12/14)

A new recreation complex that would be a big boost to local hockey players is part of a mixed-used commercial development being targeted for a 45-acre site at the corner of Scott Troy Road and Highway 50, a developer says.

Love's Travel Shop opens in Hamel

(The Edwardsville Intelligencer - 12/20/14)

Hamel residents now have a new place to fuel up, purchase meals and snacks and find unique gift items just in time for Christmas. The Love's Travel Stop (Love's), at I-55, Exit 30, opened for business Thursday, December 18.

Organic grocery chain will open store in Fairview Heights

(Belleville News-Democrat - 12/22/14)

An organic grocery chain will open its first St. Louis-area store next month in the metro-east.
Read More

New Development at Godfrey Wal Mart

(WBGZ Radio - 12/19/14)

When Wal Mart built its Supercenter in Godfrey several years ago, there was immediate speculation as to when the out lots may start to see some activity.

Trovers tee up sale of Yorktown Golf Course

(St. Louis Business Journal - 12/19/14)

The 33-acre Yorktown Golf Course, known for its par-3 course designed by Pete Dye and Bob Goably, has a new owner: the village of Shiloh, Illinois.

St. Elizabeth's Hospital to present plan to board on Jan. 27

(Belleville News-Democrat - 12/22/14)

St. Elizabeth's Hospital plans to present its request to build a new hospital in O'Fallon at the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board's Jan. 27 meeting in Bolingbrook.

Sports bar and grill opening Friday in O'Fallon

(Belleville News - Democrat - 12/30/14)

A new sports bar and grill is scheduled to open its doors Friday in the metro-east.

LCCC to launch new Logistics Management Program this spring

(Illinois Business Journal - 01/15)

Consortium, Lewis and Clark Community College is launching a new logistics management program in the spring of 2015.

New bakery opens in Alton

(AltonTelegraph - 12/27/14)

Although it's located in Alton, Spoon Baking Company draws its inspiration from across the country.

In Other News

Local United Way raises more than $1.7M

(The Edwardsville Intelligencer - 12/19/14)

People in the Southwest Illinois Division area have once again demonstrated their generosity and caring by raising $1,762,139 for the 2014 fundraising campaign to help their neighbors and strengthen their community.

Illinois Unemployment is Dropping

(WBGZ Radio - 12/18/14)

The unemployment rate is down again in Illinois.

Alton Business Retention Effort

(WBGZ Radio - 12/26/14)

The Alton Development & Housing Department has been working with the mayor's office in recent months to execute a business retention plan.

IGEN support helps college expand renewable energy

(Advantage News - 12/19/14)

With support from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN) and the leadership at Lewis and Clark Community College, Illinois is closer to reaching its goal of producing 25 percent of the state's total energy from renewable sources by 2025.

Memorial Hospital Nurse receives recognition at National Magnet Conference

(Illinois Business Journal - 01/15)

Janice Walton, BSN, RN, CGRN, received the 2014 Jeanne M. Floyd Award for Outstanding Paper on Fecal Transplant Protocol at the American Nurses Credentialing Center National Magnet Conference� held this fall in Dallas, Texas.

2014 Spirit of Justice Award goes to Greensfelder attorney

(Illinois Business Journal - 01/15)

Erv Switzer, an attorney with Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C., is the recipient of the 2014 Spirit of Justice Award from the St. Louis Bar Foundation.

Leadership Council members associated with projects in this issue

Contact Information

Ellen Krohne, Executive Director, Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois

618-692-9745

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