Feds reveal site for proposed intelligence center near Scott AFB

(Belleville News Democrat, 12/04/14)

The proposed metro-east site for the new National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency center, known as NGA West, is spread across 182 acres of farmland and woods just west of Wherry and Rieder roads, adjacent to the northeast boundary of Scott Air Force Base, the Army Corps of Engineers has announced.  Read More

 

'Huge shot in the arm': Kern touts intelligence agency move to metro-east (Belleville News Democrat, 12/10/14)

St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern said Wednesday the metro-east has the "best site" for a new home for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.  Read More

 

Two hotels, convention center, 4 restaurants planned for Shrine (Belleville News Democrat, 12/07/14)

Two hotels, a convention center, four restaurants and a convenience store will be built next to the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows if a developer gets economic incentives, Mayor Mark Eckert and a Shrine spokesman said.  Read More

 

Feasibility Study Supports Hotel (WBGZ Radio, 12/10/14)

The process of possibly building a downtown Alton hotel and conference center has taken what appears to be a big next step.  A new feasibility study has been completed, and it recommends the construction of a 110 room SpringHill Suites by Marriott with an adjoining 10,500 square foot conference center.  Read More 

 

First-of-its-kind business moving into Alton Center Business Park (Illinois Business Journal, 12/14)

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.  Read More
 

Enterprise Zones Awaiting State Approval (Riverbender.com, 11/30/14)

Officials in Madison County are waiting for state approval of three ordinances addressing the renewal of two enterprise zones and the creation of a third that were approved by the county board last month. Read More

 

St. Louis regional leaders join forces to keep freight moving (St. Louis Post Dispatch, 12/12/14)

Shipments of freight are expected to grow substantially across the U.S. in the next couple decades, and St. Louis area civic and business leaders are taking steps to make sure the region is not left at the loading dock.  Read More

 

Several construction projects approved for Metro East (Illinois Business Journal, 12/14)

Governor Pat Quinn on Wednesday announced investments of more than $48.9 million for construction projects in the Metro East area. Read More

 

Impact Strategies starts construction on cottages at Cathedral Square in Belleville (Riverbender.com, 12/02/14)

Construction-management firm IMPACT Strategies today announced that construction has recently begun on the long anticipated senior living community, Cottages at Cathedral Square in Belleville, Illinois.  Read More

 

Route 66 to get vehicle charging stations (Advantage News, 12/01/14)

Gov. Pat Quinn has announced a $1 million investment to establish a network of charging stations for electric vehicles along historic Route 66 through Illinois.  Read More

 

Governor announces work at Jersey County maintenance facility (Illinois Business Journal, 12/14)

Gov. Pat Quinn has announced investments of more than $1.9 million for construction projects in western Illinois, including in Jersey County.  Read More

 

SIU trustees approve planning for SIUE renovations (AdVantage News, 12/12/14)

The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees at its regularly scheduled meeting Thursday, Dec. 11, approved the development of plans and cost estimates for the renovation of both Founders Hall and Alumni Hall on the Edwardsville campus.  Read More

 

Proposed Bike Trail Gets Grant (WBGZ Radio, 12/05/14)

The Village of Bethalto is moving forward with a plan to create a bike trail to compliment its park system.  Read More

 

First-of-its-kind business moving into Alton Center Business Park (Illinois Business Journal, 12/14)

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.  Read More

 

Ameren Illinois completing major upgrades to Belleville area energy delivery network (St. Louis Business Journal, 12/14)

Ameren Illinois continues to make electric infrastructure upgrades to improve the reliability and performance of its electric transmission and energy delivery systems throughout the greater Belleville area.  Read More

 

Gander Mountain adding Metro East store (St. Louis Post Dispatch, 12/08/14)

Outdoor equipment and apparel retailer Gander Mountain is expanding with a new store in O'Fallon, Ill., its second in the region. Read More

 

$40 million spruce-up should make Eads Bridge last another 60 years (Belleville News Democrat, 12/10/14)

The once-experimental Eads Bridge is still strong, Metro officials and engineers say, and the half-done $40 million spruce-up should make it last another 60 years, to its 200th birthday.  Read More

 

Transformations 2014 (St. Louis Business Journal, 12/05/14)

St. Louis is heading into 2015 with a plethora of projects that are adding to our skyline and our workforce.  Read More

 

Governor announces work at Jersey County maintenance facility (Illinois Business Journal, 12/14)

Gov. Pat Quinn has announced investments of more than $1.9 million for construction projects in western Illinois, including in Jersey County.  Read More

 

Firm to buy, rebuild Belle Manor Apartments (Alton Telegraph, 12/10/14)

An Indianapolis company may become savior at last for long-troubled Belle Manor Apartments, which a succession of managers and owners have promised to improve over the years.  Read More

 

Grassroots Grocery Campaign Reaches Halfway Point (Advantage News, 12/15/14)

Grassroots Grocery organizers say they are pleased to announce they have surpassed the halfway mark in their campaign to open a store that will offer healthy, locally grown and organic foods and natural home products in a USDA-classified "food desert" in Alton's Hunterstown neighborhood.  Read More

 

Planet Fitness to add 11 locations in market, the largest in Edwardsville (Illinois Business Journal, 12/14)

A site in Edwardsville has been chosen as the largest of several health club outlets planned in the region by Planet Fitness Midwest, a local franchisee of the Planet Fitness chain, the company announced today.  Read More

 

St. Louis auto repair shop expands to metro-east (Belleville News Democrat, 12/08/14)

Q&A with Owner and founder, Schaefer Autobody Services.  Read More

 

In Other News

 

Food Banks Get Money (WBGZ Radio, 11/26/14)

Eight food banks serving Illinois are getting an upgrade using state funds.  Nearly $4.5 million will go to regional food banks so they can upgrade their computer systems and cut down on paper record keeping.  Read More

 

VA to start new clinic at Scott AFB to screen disability claims (Belleville News Democrat, 12/05/14)

Disabled military veterans living in the metro-east soon won't have to drive to Missouri for VA compensation and pension exams.  Read More

 

AMH above average in business coalition rankings (Advantage News, 12/05/14)

Alton Memorial Hospital scored among the best of regional hospitals in patient satisfaction and readmission rates, according to the St. Louis Area Business Health Coalition.  Read More

 

Alton School District Secures Grant (Advantage News, 12/03/14)

Students in the Alton School District will have more before / after school and summer learning opportunities, thanks to a $1.2-million grant. Read More