Prison Update: Town Hall Meeting Monday July 16

Barickman to Host Town Hall to Discuss Future of

Dwight Correctional Center

Pontiac, IL…State Representative Jason Barickman (R-Champaign) will be hosting a town hall meeting in Dwight at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 16^th at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall to discuss Governor Quinn’s closing of Dwight Correctional Center.

Barickman, Dwight Mayor Bill Wilkey and AFSCME representatives will be on hand to answer questions and discuss potential options for DCC.  Barickman stressed they are still looking at alternatives to keep Dwight Correctional Center open and the over 350 men and women employed at the facility in their current jobs.

WHO:  Representative Jason Barickman and Dwight Mayor Bill Wilkey

WHEN:  Monday, July 16^th at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE:  St. Patrick’s Parish Hall

                  118 W. Mazon Ave., Dwight, IL.

Local Adult Welding Class a Huge Success

The Livingston Area Career Center (LACC) recently graduated its inaugural adult welding class with great results. The class of nine unemployed adults received 40 hours of welding instruction over two weeks. Upon completion of the class, each of the graduates took and passed a welding test administered by Manpower, Inc. All nine graduates have been hired by local companies and are now gainfully employed and beginning a new career as a welder.

The GLCEDC (through the Livingston County Board) provided a $7,000.00 grant to the LACC for the purchase and repair of welding equipment to be used for training adults in basic welding. "We are excited to be able to contribute to a program that benefits our local residents and employers in such an immediate and tangible way" said Larry Vaupel, GLCEDC CEO. The program began shortly after a round-table discussion that included the Workforce Investment Board, GLCEDC, LACC, local employers, and Manpower, Inc. The discussion revealed that numerous welding jobs were available but unfilled due to a lack of skilled welders in the area. The LACC plans to offer additional welding courses for adults in the coming months.

Dwight Correctional Center is Funded by Legislature

The Senate has approved the House Budget and the state budget now moves to the Governor's desk for signing.  While we are excited that Dwight Correctional Center (DCC) is fully funded in the budget, the Governor can utilize his line item veto and still close DCC.  Please take a moment to call or email the Governor and urge him to keep DCC open.  Key arguments to make include:

• 629 direct and indirect job losses locally. On a percentage basis, this would be like the Chicago MSA losing 140,000 jobs!
• A negative $54 million economic impact on the local economy.  This would be equivalent to Chicago MSA experiencing a $40 BILLION negative impact! 8% of our total economic output would evaporate.
• If DCC closes, the female corrections facilities will be operating at 180% capacity - nearly double the inmates they were designed to handle.
• 65% of the inmates are from Chicago and 78% are mothers. They need to be close to their families for visits.  Moving inmates another 100 miles from their families will make visits more difficult.
• The savings projected from a closure will not be realized - $8.35 million in capital improvements are needed at Logan Correctional Center. Early release programs will result in increased state spending elsewhere: food stamps, medicaid, public housing vouchers, etc.

Governor Pat Quinn

Thompson Center

100 W. Randolph Street, Floor 16

Chicago, IL 60601

1-312-814-2121

governor@illinois.gov

Local Efforts Paying Off in Fight for Dwight

The fight to save Dwight Correctional Center (DCC) looks promising thanks to the efforts of local residents.  Village and GLCEDC representatives have been in Springfield meeting with legislators regarding the funding of Dwight each week since the Governor announced that his budget proposal did not fund operations at DCC.  The efforts of our residents and employees at DCC seem to be paying off, as legislators are well-informed about the "Fight for Dwight".  I want to share a recent story that illustrates how local efforts are paying dividends.

Last week, Mayor Wilkey and I had a conversation with Representative Luis Arroryo from Chicago. Rep. Arroryo is Chairman of the House Public Safety Appropriations Committee and a critical vote in the funding of DCC. As Rep. Barickman introduced us to Rep. Arroryo, I offered him a postcard of DCC containing facts about the impact the closure would have on our community. He responded with a big smile and said that he did not need anymore postcards.  He stated he had a stack of them on his desk "this high", indicating 2-3 inches with his index finger and thumb. Thank you to all the residents who took the time and effort to pick up the postcards from Village Hall and send them to Springfield.  Your work has made a big difference!

Rep. Arroyo shared with us that when he drives home from Springfield he always plans his trip so that he can stop at Route 66 Family Restaurant in Dwight, because "they have have the best roasted chicken and excellent service".  At one of his dinner stops, he noticed that his waitress was wearing a bright green t-shirt with "Fight for Dwight" on the front of it. He asked her about the shirt, thinking it was a sports team or something along those lines. Instead, he got an education on what the Dwight Correctional Center means to the community and how devastating it would be to the community if it were to close. A waitress going about her daily routine makes a lasting impact on one of the most influential and powerful legislator in Illinois. This exemplifies the community spirit and community-wide support for DCC.

The picture in Springfield changes by the hour. Most thought that a vote would be taken yesterday on the House Public Safety Appropriations and a vote would be taken today on the House Budget.  Instead, it looks like today will be the day for the Committee vote.  All the action can be followed online here http://ilga.gov/house/audvid.asp#.  Look for the Public Safety Committee meeting and General Session.

IDOT to Host Stakeholder Meetings for High Speed Rail

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will be hosting a series of meetings to bring everyone up to speed on the status of the High-Speed Rail Program which will run from Dwight to Pontiac with trains running up to 110 miles per hour.  In the coming months, IDOT will be working on roadways and implementing safety measures which include quadrant gates, a new signal system, and fencing.  The inaugural run is anticipated to take place in September 2012. 

In preparation of this significant milestone, IDOT and the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) will be speaking with key stakeholders along with various educational and public safety organizations.  Furthermore, the IDOT, ICC, and members of the project team will be attending community events to personally communicate information about high-speed trains while focusing on driver education and the safety aspects associated with higher speed trains. 

Wednesday, May 30 2012
10:00am - Noon
Dwight Village Hall
ESDA Room
209 S. Prarie Ave
Dwight

Wednesday, May 30 2012
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Odell Public Library
301 E. Richard St.
Odell

Thursday, May 31, 2012
10:00am - Noon
Pontiac City Hall
City Council Chambers
115 W. Howard St
Pontiac

Please RSVP to Friday May 25 to Lisa Mentzer at 630-510-3944 or lisa.mentzer@imagesinc.net.  Please visit the project website, www.idothsr.org for up to date project information or to comment on the project.  

The 14th Annual Illinois Leadership Conference

The 14th Annual Illinois Leadership Conference is brought to you by University of Illinois Extension and is an interactive workshop bringing together community leaders, elected officials, and volunteers to assist in planning efforts by focusing on assets and opportunities.  It will be held at the Keller Convention Center in Effingham on Wednesday, June 6 from 9am - 4pm.  For more information click here. 

COGFA Recommendation Vote Scheduled for May 1

A meeting of COGFA, the committee responsible for making a recommendation on the fate of the Dwight Correctional Center and other State facilities that the Governor has recommended closing, is scheduled for Tuesday May 1 at 10:00 a.m. at Room 400 of the Capitol Building in Springfield. The committee is scheduled to vote on the proposed closure at this meeting.

GLCEDC staff joined Dwight Mayor Wilkey, Dwight Village Administrator Kevin McNamara, and Dwight resident Mike Piper in Springfield yesterday where they met with members of COGFA and the Public Safety Appropriations Committee and distributed information regarding the Dwight Correctional Center.  AFSCME members were also meeting with legislators at the Capitol, seeking support in opposing the closure of the Dwight Correctional Center.

Lost in Time, Inc. Receives Grant from GLCEDC

The Greater Livingston County Economic Development Council recently provided a $11,935.60 Commercial Building Improvement Grant to Lost in Time, Inc. in Fairbury for the improvements associated with their expansion of the bakery, kitchen and community room. The funds were part of a grant provided to the GLCEDC from the Livingston County Board. The grant program has assisted numerous businesses across Livingston County in renovating commercial space for new businesses and job creation. Lost in Time is now open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. The bakery is also open and features homemade cinnamon rolls, pies, cookies and cakes.

Sally Goembel, owner of Lost in Time, Inc. receives a check from Larry Vaupel, CEO of the GLCEDC.

Enbridge Expanding Flanagan South Pipeline Project

FLANAGAN — An oil pipeline project that will stretch from Flanagan in Livingston County to Oklahoma will carry an increased load of Canadian oil, according to plans announced by Enbridge.

The Canadian oil firm said Monday it plans to upsize the Flanagan South Pipeline from its initial design of a 30-inch pipeline to a 36-inch pipeline capable of carrying 600,000 barrels per day.

The expanded project would boost the price tag of the pipeline from $1.9 billion to $2.9 billion, according to Enbridge. Construction is expected to begin next year and be completed in 2014.

Enbridge spokesman Joe Martucci said the pipeline would generally follow the existing Spearhead pipeline built in the 1960s.

In Central Illinois, the project would cut through LaSalle, Livingston, Woodford and Tazewell counties before heading southwest to Quincy and into Missouri on its way to Cushing, Okla.

Livingston County Board member Carl Borngasser views the project as a possible economic boost for the area.

“I hope there’s new jobs with it because we do need them,” said Borngasser, who said he supports the project.

The project will carry crude oil as part of a larger pipeline between Alberta, Canada, and the Gulf of Mexico.

According to Enbridge, a proposed pipeline between the Flanagan terminal and an oil hub in Patoka in southern Illinois remains on hold because of economic conditions.

In 2010, an appellate court upheld a decision by the Illinois Commerce Commission granting Enbridge permission to build the Central Illinois pipeline.

Copyright 2012 pantagraph.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Read more: http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/enbridge-expanding-flanagan-south-pipeline-project/article_407e0298-792c-11e1-a9dc-001a4bcf887a.html#ixzz1qXr70su2


The pipeline expects to employ 1000 people for the Illinois portion of the pipeline - GLCEDC

Spuds Inc. Featured in Huffington Post Small Business Spotlight

The new business start-up in Dwight, IL - Spuds Inc., LLC. is featured in an article on the Huffington Post website.  The article details the personal tragedy of Tim and Jill Wymore that led them to start their own line of plastic-free products for children.  The story can be found at here.

The GLCEDC and three local banks participated in a mortgage on the Spuds Inc. facility to allow them to free up cash for their launch. You can support this local business by buying their products online.  Learn more about Spuds Inc. by visiting their website www.spudsinc.com.

Submit your Letter: Fight for Dwight Prison Information

Keep up to date on the public record of letters, recommendations, and meeting schedule by following the link to this state website:

http://www.ilga.gov/commission/cgfa2006/Resource.aspx?id=7

When your letter is submitted and received by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, it will appear on this website.  To ensure that your letter is entered into the official public record, address and send your letter to CGFA as detailed below. (Information is from the CGFA website.)

To submit public comments or to register to be put on the agenda to give oral testimony, please contact:

Mail:
Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability
ATTN: Facility Closure
703 Stratton Building
Springfield, IL 62706

Or

Email:
facilityclosure@ilga.gov

Please include:
Name:
Facility Being Closed:
Your Position:   (Proponent, Opponent, or No position)
The type of Testimony you would like to give:   (Oral Testimony at the hearing, Written Statement Filed, or Record of Appearance Only)
Email (if you would like confirmation):

If you are wanting to provide oral testimony, please include:
Your relationship to the Facility:   (Employee, Client, Family of Client, Concerned Citizen, Advocate, etc.)
Organization (if applicable):
Title (if applicable):

To better ensure your name being on the agenda, please remit your request to give oral testimony 2 business days prior to the public hearing. Oral testimony can still be given if your name is not on the agenda. Please limit testimony to 2 minutes.

More Press on Dwight Prison Closure

Here are a few additional links to news articles covering the Fight for Dwight rally:

800 rally to stop closure of Dwight prison

Chicago Tribune 

Dwight prison supporters look to future

Morris Daily Herald 

Leaders Issue Call to Action at Dwight Prison Rally

CIproud.com

Prison supporters fill high school gym

WJBC News

Dwight rallies 'round DCC

Pontiac Daily Leader

See all stories on this topic »

Energy Incentives and Programs

DCEO is offering up to $13 a lamp incentive for retrofit T8s and new T8 and T5 fixtures between June 1, 2011 and May 15, 2012.  ComEd Smart Ideas is offering an additional $2 per lamp bonus incentive for T12-to-T8 retrofits between September 1, 2011 and March 31, 2012.  Ameren Illinois ActOnEnergy The 10% T12 phase-out bonus extended to May 31, 2012.  Complete by March 31, 2012 and get a 10% early completion coupon. NICOR Announces New Program

Nicor Gas has launched a new program to help redevelop and revitalize communities through building upgrades. The Nicor Gas EEP Economic Redevelopment Program focuses on serving communities that are in need of economic redevelopment, as well as businesses and organizations that create jobs, offer social services or provide affordable housing. The program offers financial incentives and extensive technical assistance, helping building owners with every step of the process from evaluating energy efficiency needs to applying for rebates and finding qualified contractors.  Projects that complete the recommended energy efficiency upgrades can qualify to receive up to $100,000 in rebates.  The program also offers extensive technical assistance (valued at up to $20,000) to help building owners through every step of the process. WHO IS ELIGIBLE?  Commercial, industrial and large multi-family buildings served by Nicor Gas.  Public-sector buildings are not eligible. Projects located in, or promote economic development in, Enterprise Zones, TIF districts, or other economically challenged areas Other projects that could qualify are those that create jobs, offer social services, rehabilitate brown fields or vacant buildings, or provide affordable housing.  Qualifying facilities should be at least 10,000 square feet. To apply for this program or for more information, please contact the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Economic Redevelopment Team at 773.328.7040 or erp@cntenergy.org or visit http://nicorgasrebates.com/programs/economic

The Fight for Dwight

Here are a few links of press reports for the community rally held Monday March 5 to kickoff the fight to save Dwight Correctional Center.  The GLCEDC is working with Mayor Wilkey and Administrator Kevin McNamara to measure the economic impact the closing would have on the local economy and communicate the impact to the community, the State Legislature, and the Governor.

Strategy emerging to keep Dwight prison open Bloomington Pantagraph

Supporters rally for Dwight prison MyWebTimes.com

Report: Closing Dwight Correctional Center could cost area $45M Bloomington Pantagraph

Walmart Provides $5,000 Grant to the GLCEDC

The Pontiac Walmart, through the Walmart Foundation, recently announced that the Greater Livingston County Economic Development Council (GLCEDC) was the recipient of a $5,000 grant for their work in facilitating economic development opportunities for the communities and residents of the Livingston County area.

"We are excited to have local support for our efforts from Walmart.  Walmart understands that economic development is a team effort and that it takes financial support from all of the various industries and employers to be successful", said Larry Vaupel, CEO of the GLCEDC.

Steve Lawson, General Manager of the Pontiac Walmart stated, "We are pleased to be able to support local organizations like the GLCEDC that are making a positive impact on the local economy and in the lives of area residents."

The GLCEDC is funded by annual member investments from local businesses, the Livingston County Board, and area municipalities.  Their mission includes efforts to recruit and retain businesses, train and assist entrepreneurs starting new businesses, and facilitate economic development activity in the region.  More information about the GLCEDC can be found at their website: www.youropportunityawaits.org.  To learn more about the Walmart Foundation, access their website at: http://walmartstores.com/CommunityGiving/.

LC Unemployment Rate is Below National and State Averages

Ladonna Russell from the Grundy Livingston Kankakee Workforce Board notes the following about Livingston County's current unemployment rate of 8.5%. This is below the National average of 9.1% and the State average of 9.5%.

"July 2011 County unemployment rates were release this afternoon. Livingston County UI rate for July is 8.5% or 1,628 individuals unemployed. This rate has remained steady with only a little variation. If you compare the rate to the same time as last year (July 2010), the rate has drastically dropped. The July 2010 rate was 10.5% or 2,067 individuals unemployed. This is good news."

Good news, indeed.

Collaborative Efforts Lead to County-wide Website

A collaborative effort to market Livingston County communities as a destination for nearby residents has lead to the creation of a new county-wide website. The Discover Livingston County website was launched this week. For the initial launch the site offers a simple design with general content including: an area map, weather forecast, upcoming events, community profiles and tourism brochures. Moving forward, the GLCEDC will work with the Discover Livingston County Committee to expand the content of the website to include more details and links to other relevant online resources. Colleen O'Toole, GLCEDC Economic Development Specialist and Website Administrator, will instruct committee members on how to make updates, add special events, and create articles for the website.

You can visit the site at:

http://discoverlivingstoncounty.com/

or by searching "Discover Livingston County" in Google.

Dwight Area Projects Moving Ahead

Joe Celozzi poses with his Illinois Dealer plates. Celozzi and his partners plan to open a used car sales and service operation at the former Dempsey dealership at Rt. 17 and I 55. The GLCEDC, along with the Bank of Pontiac and FREESTAR Bank, is providing a line of credit to fund start-up and operating costs for the new business. Celozzi plans to offer 100 used cars at all price points and employ 26 full-time employees. Eventually, the group hopes to attract a new car dealership to Dwight.

Consolidated Grain & Barge continues construction of their $17 million project on Rt. 17, two miles east of Dwight. The project will contain a 100-car rail siting terminal and be ready to accept grain this fall. The GLCEDC assisted CG&B in obtaining property tax abatements from the County and the Dwight School Districts. The abatements helped to offset the extraordinary infrastructure costs associated with bringing electricity to the site. CG&b plans to attract other industrial users to their 160 acre site in the near future.

Site work has begun on the site of the new Love's Travel Center at the intersection of I-55 and Rt.47. The travel center and restaurant will open this fall. The project will create 45 jobs. The Village of Dwight attracted the business by offering a sales tax rebate that will be used to reimburse Love's for improving the intersection with turn lanes and a traffic signal.

News Release: AT&T Announces 3G Mobile Broadband Expansion for Pontiac Area

PONTIAC, Ill., July 28, 2010 — AT&T today announced an expansion of its third generation (3G) mobile broadband network for the Pontiac area, opening the door to a new era of mobile services, devices and feature-rich audio and video content for customers in the area.

The activation of 3G technology on more than five cell sites will enhance wireless coverage for residents and businesses in communities such as Chenoa, Dwight, Flanagan, Odell and Pontiac. A portion of Interstate 55 also runs through this area of Livingston County. These additional 3G sites build on AT&T’s Central Illinois expansions in Decatur, Champaign, Bloomington-Normal, Peoria and Springfield as part of the nation’s fastest 3G network.

AT&T is an industry leader in delivering the benefits of mobile broadband networks, devices and applications. With the nation’s fastest 3G network, AT&T provides accelerated mobile data speeds and simultaneous voice and data capabilities for an amazing wireless voice and data experience.

The network expansion for the Pontiac area is part of AT&T’s ongoing efforts to drive investment and innovation to deliver the nation’s best, most advanced mobile broadband experience for customers.

The announcement follows Gov. Pat Quinn’s signing of the state’s new, modern telecommunications law designed to attract private sector investment in broadband and wireless to meet consumer demands and attract jobs across all sectors of the Illinois economy.

“The state’s new, modern telecommunications policy passed unanimously by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Quinn made Illinois an attractive place for AT&T to invest in broadband, wireless and emerging technologies,” said Paul La Schiazza, president, AT&T Illinois. “We applaud Gov. Quinn, the legislative leaders and the members of the Illinois General Assembly for their leadership in promoting broadband coverage and job creation in Illinois.

“Today's announcement ensures that more people in Illinois will have access to enhanced broadband technology, which is essential to expanding our 21st century economy,” said Gov. Quinn. “Illinois has created more new jobs than any other Midwestern state this year, and we'll continue putting people to work by encouraging new investment in the latest technologies.

Local legislators were essential in advancing the new telecom policy when it came to a vote in the General Assembly in May. AT&T recognized four local legislators for their support of the measure, State Sen. Dan Rutherford (D-Pontiac), State Rep. Shane Cultra (R – Onarga) and State Rep. Keith Sommer (R - Mackinaw).

Governor Quinn, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, the four legislative leaders ― Senate President John J. Cullerton, House Speaker Michael J. Madigan, Senate Republican Leader Sen. Christine Radogno and House Republican Leader Rep. Tom Cross ― as well as every member of the General Assembly worked to enact the new telecom law and has created a positive economic environment to attract business and retain and grow jobs.

Public Act 96-0927, which updates Illinois’ 25-year-old telecommunications law, was sponsored by State Rep. Kevin McCarthy (D – Orland Park) and State Sen. Michael Bond (D – Grayslake) and co-sponsored by State Rep. Mike Bost (R ― Murphysboro) and State Sen. Randy Hultgren (R ― Winfield). The law, which passed the General Assembly unanimously, was crafted to attract private sector investment in new technologies by leveling the playing field for all telecommunications providers. Gov. Quinn signed the legislation into law on June 15.

“The most important issue for our state is creating an environment where we can keep and create jobs and get our economy moving forward again,” said State Sen. Dan Rutherford . “This new law promised to bring more investment in new telecommunications technologies to Illinois and this great news announcement today delivers on that promise. Mobile broadband helps create job opportunities across all areas of the Illinois economy ― from health care and education to transportation and public safety."

For more information about AT&T’s 3G coverage in Illinois or anywhere in the United States, consumers can visit http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer. The online tool can measure the quality of coverage based on a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark. For updates on the AT&T wireless network, please visit www.att.com/networknews

For more information, contact:
Eric Robinson
Wireless: 217-899-3434
E-mail: eric.robinson@att.com

Welcome and Cullom Community Market Opening

We would like to welcome all the new subscribers to our blog. We hope the information presented to you will be helpful and allow you to remain updated on activities involving the GLCEDC.

Members of the GLCEDC staff and executive committee recently joined the Village of Cullom to celebrate the grand opening of the Cullom Community Market. A large group of Cullom residents worked together for 2 years to open a grocery store in their small town. They formed a legal corporation, sold shares in the market, purchased a building, and spent many hours volunteering to get the building in shape for opening day.

The Cullom Community Market is a great example of the determination of small town residents and the GLCEDC is proud to assist in the purchase of the Cullom Community Market building. Through the GLCEDC Community Development Infrastructure Grant (CDIG) program, the GLCEDC contributed roughly $13,000 to the project. By supporting this project, and others like it, we are able to promote and provide meaningful economic development to the residents of rural Livingston county. Congratulations to the residents of Cullom for all their success!

The picture includes: Bill Fairfield, County Board Chairman, Vicki Allen, County Board Member, Marge Kross, Village of Cullom President, Larry Vaupel, GLCEDC CEO, Mike Stoecklin, GLCEDC Executive Committee Chairman

For more information on GLCEDC grants please visit the GLCEDC website.


*Picture provided by The Paper