Village of Forrest Attracts New Business

The Village of Forrest, IL is now home to a new medical equipment installation firm.  H & H Installation Services, Inc. built a new headquarters for the company on Route 47, on the north side of town.  The company specializes in the installation of medical equipment (CT, X-Ray, MRI, etc.) at hospitals, university research facilities, and medical offices all across the US.  H & H has twenty-two employees, 10 of them work in Livingston County.

The GLCEDC provided a Community Development and Infrastructure Grant to the Village of Forrest to assist in the funding of a water main extension and Route 47 improvements for the new business.  More information about H & H Installation can be found on their website.

Larry Vaupel, CEO (left) presents a check to Pat Huette, President of H & H Installations (center) and Village of Forrest Mayor, Jim Gulliford (right) to assist in funding public improvements associated with the construction of H & H Installations' new facility in Forrest, IL.

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.

Executive Committee Elects Officers

A new Chairman and Vice-Chairman were elected at the February 16 Executive Committee meeting. Mr. Dave Ochs, President/CEO of OSF St. James Medical Center, was elected to the position of Chairman and Mr. Terry Sullivan, Managing Broker of Lyons-Sullivan Realty, was elected as Vice-Chair. Kevin McNamara, Village Administrator of Dwight, remains Secretary/Treasurer. The officers will hold their positions until January 2013, when their terms expire and new Executive Committee members will be elected by the Board of Directors.

Other Executive Committee members now include: John Ward, Caterpillar, Inc., Mayor Bob Bradford, Village of Saunemin, Roger Corrigan, 1st Financial Bank, Scott Bauknecht, State Bank of Graymont, Mike McCoy, McCoy Construction, Glen Ludwig, Creative Ag Solutions, Mike Cohlman, Champion Fitness, Mayor Jim Gulliford, Village of Forrest, and Chairman Bill Fairfield, Livingston County Board.

The Officers and the Executive Committee look forward to leading the GLCEDC in 2012 in order to bring economic development opportunities to Livingston County and assist local businesses grow and expand their operations.

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.

May 18 Executive Committee Meeting Summary

At their May 18, 2011 meeting, the Executive Committee took the following actions:

Loan Approved for Spuds, Inc.

The Executive Committee approved a loan participation request from Spuds, Inc. of Dwight. The GLCEDC will participate along with at least three member banks - Bank of Pontiac, FREESTAR Bank, and State Bank of Graymont - in a $272,000 mortgage on the building owned by Spuds, Inc. The GLCEDC will use funds from their Revolving Loan Fund that was funded by a grant from the Livingston County Board. Spuds will use the loan proceeds to fund the hiring of staff, the purchase of machinery and the purchase of raw materials. Spuds, Inc. specializes in the design and production of children's tableware made from potato resin. The company plans to hire 45 employees in Dwight.

GLCEDC Office Moving to Downtown Pontiac

The Executive Committee approved a lease for a new headquarters for the GLCEDC at 210 W. Water Street in Pontiac. The new location will provide the GLCEDC better proximity to the County offices and a more visible location among the downtown Pontiac businesses. The GLCEDC will occupy the ground level of the western side of the building. Staff plans to begin the transition to the new office on June 1. The GLCEDC will continue to host seminars and board meetings at the Farm Bureau. The Executive Committee wishes to recognize the Farm Bureau for their support as a generous landlord for the past 2 1/2 years.

2nd Annual Golf Outing is Set for September 14

Please save the date. The 2nd Annual Golf Outing is scheduled for September 14. Please mark your calendars and look for additional information and sponsorship opportunities in the coming weeks.

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.

New GLCEDC Fan Page on Facebook

The GLCEDC has created our very own Fan Page on Facebook. If you are a user of FB, you can "Like" us and we will be able to keep you up to date on our programs and initiatives via Facebook. You will also be able to network and connect with other local business leaders and stakeholders. This link will take you to the new page.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pontiac-IL/Greater-Livingston-County-Economic-Development-Council/161094397287102

Our "Group Page" will eventually be deleted, as a "Fan Page" better suits our needs.

New Businesses and Member Investment Hi-light April Board Meeting

Celozzi, LLC Loan

The Board approved a $100,000 loan for Celozzi, LLC to open and operate a used car sales and service center at the site of the former Dempsey Chrysler Jeep Dodge Dealership in Dwight. The GLCEDC, Bank of Pontiac, and FREESTAR Bank are each participating in a $200,000 loan to fund the new dealership. Celozzi, LLC is finalizing the permitting and licensing requirements of the State of Illinois and plans to open for business this summer. They will offer over 100 used cars at various price points, including many late model Chrysler and Dodge automobiles. The dealership plans to hire 22 full-time employees. Funds for the loan program were provided as a grant to GLCEDC from the Livingston County Board.

Membership Report

The municipalities of Dwight, Cullom, Fairbury, Forrest, and Pontiac each increased their investment in the GLCEDC for 2011. Cullom and Forrest both tripled their investment level from 2010. Dwight, Fairbury and Pontiac each doubled their investment level. OSF St. James increased their investment from $15,000 to $25,000 for 2011. Other members increasing their investment level include Pontiac Township High School District #90, Dave's Market, Dwight Township, T&T Cartage, and LPL Financial/Tock Family in Dwight.

New members so far in 2011 include R.R. Donnelley - Pontiac ($2500), Consolidate Grain and Barge ($1000), and Indian Grove Township ($694).

2011-12 Work Plan

The Board approved the Work Plan for 2011-12 and reorganized the committee structure in order to more effectively fulfill the objectives of the Work Plan. Three committees were formed and include the Membership Committee, Business Retention Committee, and the Entrepreneur Development Committee. Each committee will meet more regularly and be assigned specific tasks and goals based upon the Work Plan. Members will be asked to join a committee of their interest in an upcoming email. The Work Plan and committee structure will be hi-lighted in the upcoming Spring Issue of the EDvocate.

EVT Global Incentive Agreement

The GLCEDC Board reviewed the previously approved incentive agreement with EVT Global of Fairbury. The agreement stipulates that the GLCEDC will provide a low-interest mortgage in the amount of $500,000 to EVT Global so they can build a new 20,000 square foot building for their production facility. The agreement will provide the GLCEDC with over $400,000 of revenue to fund future business ventures. The initial $500,000 came to the GLCEDC from a grant from the Livingston County Board. EVT projects to hire 12 full-time employees.

Annual Wind Conference and Trade Show

The GLCEDC will be participating with the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Development Council at the annual Wind Conference and Trade Show in May. The GLCEDC will share a booth with other Illinois agencies and have an opportunity to market Livingston County to suppliers and manufacturers in the wind energy industry.

The next meeting of the Board of Directors will be on July 20 at 5:00 p.m.

Free Business Counseling

The GLCEDC has partnered with the Small Business Administration's SCORE program to offer free business planning and counseling to local entrepreneurs. Currently, our area is being served by the McLean County Office. A counselor works out of our office in Pontiac every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Feel free to stop in or call 815-842-2900 to schedule an appointment. You can find more information about SCORE by visiting their website.

Eventually, we would like to have our own SCORE program for Livingston County. If you have an interest in assisting local entrepreneurs succeed, please consider volunteering with SCORE. SCORE needs individuals to assist in all facets of business including accounting, human resources, planning, sales, and marketing. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this opportunity further.

Livingston County and the US Dept of Energy

On September 23, the US Department of Energy published an article about recent economic development in Livingston County. Read an excerpt of the article below:

A car dealership in Dwight, Ill., shut down this year, but recently reopened its doors and 29 people kept their jobs.

Over in Collum, a grocery store that sat silent for three years recently awoke, creating six jobs. And a new coffee shop is now open in downtown Pontiac, bustling with customers sipping lattes and eating muffins.

So what breathed new life into these Livingston County businesses?

Surprisingly, it was the opening of the Streator Cayuga Ridge South Wind Farm, a 300 MW wind farm made possible with the help of $170 million through the U.S. Department of Energy's 1603 grants-in-lieu-of-tax-credits program to the developer.

Read the rest of the article here.

"We believe in economic gardening," says Larry Vaupel, director of the GLCEDC. "We try to grow our economy from within by nurturing businesses and providing financial assistance for start-ups and expansions."

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

Biz Ed Workshop Reminder

This is a reminder that the GLCEDC and Digital Network Support are sponsoring an Online Marketing workshop THIS Thursday, April 29 from 4:30 - 6pm at the Farm Bureau Building in Pontiac. The presenters will have helpful information on establishing a website, maintaining and monitoring a website, online advertisement, and social media. Presenters are representatives from Diaz Sign Art, Champion Fitness, Digital Network Support, and Pontiac RV. This workshop is FREE to all Livingston County residents.

Please RSVP to office@glcedc.org.

In case you need convincing, the business website Small Business Trends reports that 90% of Internet users search online for business in their area and 97% observe online media. There are several easy (and cheap!) ways to create more of an online presence. Many of these topics will be covered at our online marketing workshop. In the mean time, here are links to articles that you may find helpful:

Thinking of Starting a Blog? Tips to Help You Start, Maintain & Grow a Small Business Blog
Start an Online Business
Tips for Taking Your Business Online - Build It, Optimize It, Spread the Word
How Can Small Business Owners Learn Social Media?

Please feel free to leave comments about how you create more of an online presence for your business.

GLCEDC CEO Interview

Larry Vaupel, GLCEDC CEO, was recently interviewed by the Pontiac Daily Leader on a variety of different topics. Larry answered questions regarding the recovering economy, targeting growth industries, and current economic development activities going on in Livingston county. Please follow this link to the article.

“We are geared up to operate for the economy to improve slowly,” Larry Vaupel said. “We are assuming a slow recovery and are targeting industries that are growth industries. “

GLCEDC in the News

County Board Chairman Bill Fairfield sat down to discuss the state of the county with The Daily Leader this week. Chairman Fairfield summarized the county's work with GLCEDC and highlighted the grant and loan programs as well as recruitment efforts in Dwight.

You can read the full text of the article online on The Daily Leader's E-Edition page.


"We have thus far invested $500,000 in the Greater Livingston County Economic Development Corporation (GLCEDC),”Fairfield said. “Of this amount the GLCEDC has given $13,000to the Cullom grocery store which has helped that community to once again have a grocery store."

Updates to the GLCEDC Business Assistance Page

I've recently added quite a bit of information to the Business Assistance page of the GLCEDC website. The information on this page is intended to help with the practical side of starting and running your business. Some of the information includes:

• A handbook for starting your business in Illinois
• Links to management guides from the Illinois Entrepreneurship Network and Small Business Development Centers
• Business Planning Assistance
• Information and templates from SCORE
• Links to free Google programs for small businesses

Information regarding financing, training, and additional resources are available on the For Entrepreneurs page of the GLCEDC website.

GLCEDC in Futures and Commodity Market News

GLCEDC was featured in the Futures and Commodity Market News this week in regards to the recovery zone bonds passed by the County Board.

The recovery zone bonds are a financing opportunity through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 2009. This bond program makes funding available for both public bodies and private businesses.

Follow the link for the full article.

GLCEDC Grant Recipient: The Comity Buzz, Pontiac IL

GLCEDC assisted in funding the interior renovations pictured here at The Comity Buzz in downtown Pontiac through the Commercial Business Improvement Grant (CBIG). The renovations are well underway and the coffee shop should be opening soon. When open, The Comity Buzz will employ up to seven people, 2 full time managers and 5 part time employees. They will be serving a variety of drinks and baked goods.

GLCEDC Awards Grants

The GLCEDC Executive Committee is pleased to announce the awarding of the Commerical Building Improvement Grant (CBIG) to The Comity Buzz, LLC in Pontiac and the Community Development Infrastructure Grant (CDIG) to the Village of Cullom to be dispersed to the Cullom Community Market.

The Comity Buzz, LLC will use their grant money for interior improvements to their coffee shop and the Cullom Community Market will put their funds towards the purchase of their building. The GLCEDC Executive Committee believes that providing matching funds to improve building infrastructure and complete community development projects will enhance the economic environment and attractiveness of Livingston County.


For more information on GLCEDC Grants, click here.

The Comity Buzz pictures coming soon.


Cullom Community Market Under Construction

Grants aim to spur Livingston Co. economic development

PONTIAC -- A county economic development organization has developed two programs to help prospective businesses and municipalities make improvements.

One grant is for property owners to refurbish existing space to encourage new businesses to move in. The other grant would help municipalities with general infrastructure improvements and property acquisitions.

The second grant requires the municipality to pay half the cost.

'These types of grants came out of discussions with local businesses, the county board and others who said that it basically came down to planting the seeds for economic development,' said Larry Vaupel, CEO of the Greater Livingston County Economic Development Council.

So far, the council has given $2,800 to a coffee shop in Pontiac and $13,500 to Cullom for a grocery store.* Vaupel said the council will use $200,000 for grants and another $300,000 for a revolving loan fund.

The $500,000 came from the Livingston County Board, which received $1 million from Iberdrola Renewables to put a wind farm into the county enterprise zone.

The Spanish developer is building a 150-turbine project. In an enterprise zone, developers can abate some taxes.

County Board Chairman Bill Fairfield said there are no immediate plans for the remaining $500,000.

(Source: The Pantagraph 11/5/09)

* Please note that the GLCEDC Executive Committee has not yet approved any grant applications, but has approved the grant programs.