Effingham Regional Growth Alliance Holds Annual Meeting

Print

Published on April 20 2015 2:50 pm
Last Updated on April 22 2015 11:45 am
Written by Greg Sapp

(ALLIANCE PRESIDENT DAN WOODS ADDRESSES THOSE GATHERED FOR THE EFFINGHAM REGIONAL GROWTH ALLIANCE ANNUAL MEETING. ALLIANCE CHAIRMAN CHUCK DETERS IS SEEN IN THE BACKGROUND)

Effingham Regional Growth Alliance President Dan Woods welcomed attendees to the annual meeting of The Alliance on April 16. Woods kicked off the meeting with a presentation of the 2014 Annual Report, outlining the steps taken as the organization cemented its foundation within the community.

According to the Annual Report, the Alliance reported a 30% increase in membership in 2014, including 54 public governmental units and private business enterprises. Most notably, four new communities joined The Alliance: the Villages of Dieterich, Teutopolis, Watson and the City of Altamont.

The growth in membership also correlated with the growth in financial assets – which was reported at the amount of $500,000. According to Woods, these resources are intended to grow and be made available for future economic opportunities not able to be met by existing public funds or other private endeavors.

“Economic Development is accomplished through a variety of tasks and are not limited to attracting new businesses to a community,” said Woods. “Retaining existing jobs, helping existing businesses to expand and cultivating the local labor force are essential when it comes to economic development strategies.”

Woods also outlined some of the goals for 2015. The major goal is to increase the online presence of The Alliance with the development of a website to help the region be a viable market for the development of large, industrial businesses. The anticipated launch date for the website is second quarter of this year.

Other focus areas include: county-wide business retention, small business start-up and development utilizing the Effingham Regional Incubator Network, workforce development opportunities through a partnership with the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce, and ongoing membership growth.

Paul Koerner, Past Chairman, and Chuck Deters, Chairman, each addressed those in attendance. Koerner shared his perspectives on the growth of the organization and the value of membership for the business community. Deters concurred and emphasized the importance of networking and collaborating for the future benefit of the region.

Also present for the annual meeting was special guest, Jim Schultz, the Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Schultz shared some perspectives about his new position and expressed his support of the objectives and mission of The Alliance.

In closing, Woods invited members present to extend an invitation to encourage others to join The Alliance. “We invite all Effingham County residents to join us in our efforts,” said Woods. “For us to be successful, it is essential that we partner together to reach our goals.”

To learn more about becoming a member or to register to be a member, contact President Dan Woods at 217-821-1495, or email  danwoodsfache@gmail.com.

The Alliance is a public/private partnership of local government bodies and business leaders. One of its purposes is to encourage the general economic growth and development of business, industrial and other supporting services to improve the quality of living, all within the region and particularly in Effingham County.