Ill. accepting applications for parks grants (Belleville News Democrat, 1/25/14)

Illinois officials are accepting applications from local governments to buy park land, construct parks or rehabilitate existing ones.The Department of Natural Resources has $25 million in grant money available for the Park and Recreational Facility Construction Grant Program. (Read More)

Village to study enterprise zone (The Intelligencer, 1/30/14)

Leveling the playing field - that's what Keith Moran has been charged with. The owner of Moran Economic Development in Edwardsville is trying to put together a multi-community enterprise zone that could include Glen Carbon. (Read More)

Illinois American Water announces 2014 Environmental Grant Program 

(The Telegraph, 2/2/14)

Businesses can compete in start-up challenge (STLtoday.com, 1/27/14)

Entrepreneurs and new business start-ups can compete in the Metro East Start-Up Challenge, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's first regional business plan competition, according to a press release. The Start-Up Challenge is sponsored by University Park at SIUE and the Metro East Small Business Development Center. (Read More)

Third party interested in purchasing closed ice rink in Fairview Heights (Belleville News Democrat, 1/30/14)

An independent third party is paying for structural analysis to be done at the site of the U.S. Ice Sports Complex in Fairview Heights, which closed in 2012 due to mine subsidence. Mike Malloy, Fairview Heights director of economic development, confirmed that a third party is paying to have the work done at the rink. Malloy did not release the name of the party. (Read More)

Saving spaces Midwest Asset Group bringing businesses to Godfrey 

(The Telegraph, 1/25/14)

Spaces are filling fast at Monticello Plaza with a variety of businesses and a campaign office. Not only has Midwest Asset Group LLC secured several leases at the Godfrey strip mall across the street from Lewis and Clark Community College on Godfrey Road, the development group also invested in improvements for the property. (Read More)

Activity can only mean good things (St. Louis Business Journal, 1/31/14)

This week's edition of the St. Louis Business Journal includes the BOMA Office Leasing Guide Supplement, which includes a spotlight on Southwestern Illinois. The piece references the Business Journal's recent coverage on the importance of Scott Air Force Base and the healthcare industry to the region, and points to signs of continued growth and stability in those areas. The Leadership Council's investment campaign is noted, as is the work of the Task Force formed by the Leadership Council and Madison and St. Clair counties to protect and enhance Scott AFB. Recent investments in our healthcare and industrial sectors also are highlighted. We can't link to this one as it's not available online, so you'll have to check out your hard copy for all the details!