Businesses of All Sizes - Please Join Us for a Free Export Seminar Central Illinois Welcomes "Illinois Export Week" Are you currently exporting or considering exporting? You may not realize it, but there are significant opportunities for Illinois companies of all sizes to expand internationally. This half-day export workshop features presentations by local companies sharing their export successes and tips. Also featured will be speakers representing local, state, and federal trade resources so you can learn how to access programs to help in your export growth. PLEASE CLICK HERE to register for this free event as part of the Governor’s Illinois Export Week! Agenda Welcome and Overview Exporting Opportunities and Challenges - Panel Discussion Celebrating Export Success - Panel Discussion LOCATION: Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce For more information: For registration: PLEASE CLICK HERE |
Monday, June 6, 2011
State of Illinois Export Seminar - FREE
Thursday, May 19, 2011
May 18 Executive Committee Meeting Summary
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.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
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.
Friday, May 13, 2011
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.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
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.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Tax Break for New Hires
"Put Illinois to Work" Program continues through June 30, 2011.
Has your small business (50 or fewer employees) created a new full time job between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011? If so, you still have time to receive a $2,500 per person tax credit. Please check out the attachment and link below to learn more about this tax credit, it is easy, fast and saves your business money.
John Whalen john.whalen@illinois.gov -309-663-7528
Tony Rolando anthony.rolando@illinois.gov -309-647-5896
website--http://jobstaxcredit.illinois.gov
Tax Break for Illinois Small Business EXPANDED
Eligible wage now $10/hr; Encourages hire of “Put Illinois to Work”-ers
Businesses Hiring Put Illinois to Work-ers
• Any-size business that hires a participant in 2010 “Put Illinois to Work” program
Eligible Jobs
• Position filled by 2010 “Put Illinois to Work” worker-trainee
• Created between 7/1/10 - 6/30/11
• Position pays no less than $10/hour or equivalent with minimum $18,200 annually.
• Position sustained for at least one year.
• Withholding tax goes to Illinois.
• Hourly or full-time, but not partners or independent contractors.
Tax Credits
• Certificate at six months and one year
Small Businesses
• Eligible if, as of June 30, 2010, you employed 50 or fewer full-time employees (counting all locations)
Eligible Jobs
• Created between 7/1/10 - 6/30/11
• Position pays no less than $10/hour or equivalent with minimum $18,200 annually.
• Position sustained for at least one year (not necessarily held by the same individual for the year).
• Withholding tax goes to Illinois.
• Hourly or full-time, but not partners or independent contractors.
Tax Credits
• Certificate after one year
“Business owners can go online and register for their tax credits, provide
substantiating data, and print out their credit certificates, without ever having to leave their office. This law gives employers a strong incentive to continue providing good jobs for workers who need it most. ”
- Governor Pat Quinn
Visit http://JobsTaxCredit.illinois.gov
Email JobsTaxCreditProgram@illinois.gov
Call (800) 252-2923
Connecting with your Future Workforce
Career Connects:
Connecting with your future workforce
DATE: Friday, April 29, 2011
TIME: 8 - 9:30 a.m.
LOCATION: Joliet Junior College, Building J, Room J-0006,
1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet
1215 Houbolt Road, Joliet
A concern for any business is attracting "top talent" for their company. Learn how you and your business can get involved with Career Connects Will & Grundy to impact our future workforce.
Your business will:
- Increase visibility in the community
- Actively build and develop a future workforce
- Highlight Will and Grundy counties as a great place to work
- Establish your company as a leader in Will and Grundy Counties
Attend the launch event for Career Connects Will & Grundy, a new online program which connects students and job seekers with local businesses.
Registration is requested: Please RSVP to (815) 280-1501 or careerconnects@jjc.edu. A continental breakfast will be served.
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