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This edition of the Good NewsLink contains a significant number of articles demonstrating the economic development progress throughout the Southwestern Illinois. From the new DISA (Defense Information Systems Agency) Global Operations Command dedication of its $100M facility to a wide array of new development projects across our region; Southwestern Illinois continues to grow.
Below you will read about some positive developments with the recent decision to place tariffs on foreign steel products coming into the U.S. Also, good news on the $12M redevelopment of the Meredith Home in Belleville and the nearing construction completion of the five story Madison Mutual Building in Edwardsville.
This edition is filled with wonderful positive news, so please read on to learn more! Thank you to everyone who works hard every day to unite our region for growth!
Ronda Sauget, D. Mgmt, MBA
Executive Director
Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois
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New DISA Global facility ushers in future of cyber-security measures
(Belleville News Democrat, 8/05/2016)
After a decade of planning and three years of construction, Defense Information Systems Agency Global Operations Command is unveiling its $100 million facility during a ribbon cutting ceremony Aug. 11.
(Read More)
New agency at Scott Air Force Base will help keep cyber criminals at bay
(O'Fallon Progress, 8/11/2016)
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner joined federal, state and local
officials in cutting the ribbon to open the Defense Information System Agency (DISA) Global Operations Command Facility Thursday morning at Scott Air Force Base.
(Read More)
New Madison Mutual Building will stand tall in Downtown Edwardsville
(The Riverbender, 7/29/2016)
The new five-story Madison Mutual Building going up in Downtown Edwardsville is going to stand out around other structures once it is completed in January.
(Read More)
Tariff decision could help Granite City workers get their jobs back
(Belleville News Democrat, 8/11/2016)
Local officials were pleased to hear of a recent decision to place tariffs on steel imports, but the real key will be when - or if - the U.S. Steel-Granite City Works reopens, they said.
(Read More)
$12M redevelopment plan for Belleville's Meredith Home moves forward
(Belleville News Democrat, 8/01/2016)
Belleville aldermen on Monday night heard a proposal from a team led by the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority and a St. Louis company for the $12 million redevelopment of the former Meredith Home/Hotel Belleville into commercial space and senior apartments on the upper floors of the brick building that towers over the Public Square.
(Read More)
Scott's first transition summit a success
(Belleville News Democrat, 7/22/2016)
Scott Air Force Base's first transition summit and education fair was such a success that Hiring Our Heroes is looking to set a date for another event in 2017.
(Read More)
Median home price rises in and around St. Clair County, Realtors say
(Illinois Business Journal, 8/02/2016)
The Realtor Association of Southwestern Illinois released the June 2016 housing statistics at the end of July. The median home price for Monroe, St. Clair, and Randolph Counties rose in June 2016 compared to June 2015.
(Read More)
County, others to finance impact study regarding local commerce centers
(Illinois Business Journal, 8/02/2016)
Madison County and others are jointly commissioning a study of three local logistics centers to provide specific information on the centers' economic impact on the region..
(Read More)
Region's tourism industry keeps pace with statewide growth
(Advantage News, 8/10/2016)
The tourism industry continued to grow at a steady pace throughout Madison, Jersey and Calhoun counties in 2015, matching growth across Illinois, according to early reports from the Illinois Department of Commerce's Office of Tourism.
(Read More)
Collinsville gives go-ahead for Southwest Corridors plan
(Metro East Chronicle, 8/04/2016)
Following years of controversies and revisions, the Collinsville City Council voted July 25 to move forward with a long-stalled plan to redevelop the town's aging St. Louis-Collinsville commercial district.
(Read More)
O'Fallon parks generate over $4.7 million for local economy annually
(Belleville News Democrat, 8/10/2016)
O'Fallon's park and recreation programs spend almost $3.6 million in an average year, employ 228 people in an average year, and attract over 128,000 visitors each year who spend an estimated $1.6 million because of their use of O'Fallon's parks.
(Read More)
Collinsville will create new TIF, business districts along St. Louis Road
(Belleville News Democrat, 7/25/2016)
Collinsville officials on Monday night decided they will create a new tax increment financing district and overlapping business district along St. Louis and Bluff roads, a proposal that has been around since 2012.
(Read More)
Growing pains: Gateway Commerce Center sees growth, meets challenges
(The Alton Telegraph, 8/13/2016)
The company responsible for building the new Amazon warehouse said it is in the midst of a growth spurt egged on by positive synergy in the Gateway Commerce Center - but the growth comes with challenges.
(Read More)
Alton Memorial Hospital opens Joint Wellness Center
(Advantage News, 7/26/2016)
Alton Memorial Hospital recently opened a Joint Wellness Center aimed at helping patients recover their mobility.
(Read More)
Businesses step up to welcome American Legion Regional to Edwardsville
(The Riverbender, 7/25/2016)
"Thanks to the City of Edwardsville, more than 20 businesses, and SIUE, all of whom have contributed nearly $30,000 in cash and services, the American Legion National Baseball Tournament is shaping up to be a huge success," exclaimed Ron Tanner of Confluence Business Advisors, host committee member, and sponsor.
(Read More)
City may contract for bike, pedestrian master plan
(The Telegraph, 7/25/2016)
Aldermen tentatively OK'd a resolution Monday that would allow officials to sign a contract with consultants to compile a city-wide, pedestrian and bicycle master plan.
(Read More)
O'Fallon community survey shows widespread satisfaction
(Belleville News Democrat, 7/29/2016)
Results from a recently completed community survey show widespread satisfaction in the city of O'Fallon.
(Read More)
Program to recruit young workers expands in schools this fall
(Illinois Business Journal, 8/07/2016)
A day set aside last month to educate young students about local careers of the future drew the notice of a good number of their parents, too.
(Read More)
SIUE issues startup challenge
(Advantage News, 8/10/2016)
Entrepreneurs and new business startups are invited to compete in the 2016 Metro East Start-Up Challenge, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's third annual regional business plan competition.
(Read More)
Edwardsville earns a spot on another list
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 8/09/2016)
The city of Edwardsville ranked eighth out of the 10 best places to live in Illinois, according to Smart Travel Tips.
(Read More)
SWIC hopes to reduce its carbon footprint with solar panels
(Belleville News Democrat, 7/26/2016)
A $500,000 grant from the U.S. Steel and American Bottom Conservancy trust fund will enable Southwestern Illinois College to install solar panels at its Sam Wolf Granite City Campus to reduce the college's carbon footprint and provide an educational resource for students and the community.
(Read More)
Node proposal moves forward
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 7/29/2016)
A resolution authorizing the installation of a small cell telecommunications node and related equipment was passed on to City Council for a recommendation of approval at Tuesday's Public Services Committee meeting in Edwardsville.
(Read More)
Reliance Bank reports 33 percent increase in quarterly profit
(St. Louis Business Journal, 7/25/2016)
Reliance Bank, the wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Bancshares Inc. (OTCPK:RLBS), Monday reported net income increased 33 percent to $2.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, compared with $2 million in the second quarter of 2015.
(Read More)
County officials conduct brownfield outreach program
(Advantage News, 8/11/2016)
Madison County Community Development recently conducted the second in a series of public meetings to address the identification and assessment of potential brownfield sites in Madison County.
(Read More)
IMPACT Strategies awarded second project at Peoria retail development
(The Riverbender, 8/04/2016)
General contracting firm IMPACT Strategies has been awarded a second retail project in the Knoxville Crossing Development in Peoria, Illinois.
(Read More)
MCT will begin serving new Amazon facility in Edwardsville
(Illinois Business Journal, 8/05/2016)
Madison County Transit will begin service to the new Amazon facility at Gateway Commerce Center in Edwardsville this month.
(Read More)
Council approves final plat for subdivision
(Advantage News, 8/05/2016)
Officials are hoping an eyesore will soon become an eye-catcher for the city.
(Read More)
Harbour Group division buys Granite City Tool
(St. Louis Business Journal, 8/04/2016)
GranQuartz L.P., a Harbour Group company, acquired the assets of Granite City Tool Co., said Jeff Fox, Harbour Group's chairman and CEO.
(Read More)
Memorial Hospital Belleville launches intensivist service
(Illinois Business Journal, 8/10/2016)
CEP America, a physician-owned organization that staffs and manages physician coverage for Memorial Hospital's Emergency Departments as well as hospitalist services to inpatients, has begun an intensivist service at Memorial Hospital Belleville.
(Read More)
Port District diversifies campus with Christian academy as newest tenant
(Illinois Business Journal, 8/09/2016)
The Board of Commissioners and staff members at America's Central Port say they have diversified their operation with the newest tenant of the 1,200-acre business and industrial campus, Gateway Legacy Christian Academy.
(Read More)
Roundabout project wrapping up in O'Fallon
(Illinois Business Journal, 8/10/2016)
Mayor Gary L. Graham says the roundabout at the intersection of Milburn School Road, Simmons Road and Fairwood Hills Road is nearing completion.
(Read More)
San Gabriel adds to its memory care portfolio in Glen Carbon
(St. Louis Business Journal, 7/21/2016)
An Effingham, Illinois-based senior living company is investing $3.2 million to build its second memory care facility in the Metro East.
(Read More)
Ruth's House set to open in the fall
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 8/01/2016)
An assisted living and memory care facility is set to open this fall on 17 acres of property off Marine Road in Edwardsville, property that had recently been home to Relais Bonne Eau.
(Read More)
SIUE alumnus launches marketing firm with support from SBDC
(Illinois Business Journal, 8/05/2016)
Never Industries, Inc., a Metro East-based marketing strategy and personal branding agency, got its name from Founder and CEO Alexander Burkart's core values, which include never giving up.
(Read More)
Returning home: Ribbon cutting reopens local school
(The Riverbender, 7/30/2016)
After shutting down for half a year, the historic Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic School building reopened Friday afternoon.
(Read More)
Urban pioneers work to establish Granite City art district
(Belleville News Democrat, 7/23/2016)
Galen Gondolfi is betting that a blighted neighborhood in downtown Granite City can become a cultural hotspot with galleries, artist lofts and venues for music, lectures and performance art.
(Read More)
Belleville targets another aging shopping center for rehab
(Belleville News Democrat, 8/03/2016)
Belleville city leaders have their eyes set on another aging, westside shopping center.
(Read More)
100 fewer guns on the streets of the metro-east
(Belleville News Democrat, 8/07/2016)
Fewer guns will be on the streets of East St. Louis and surrounding communities thanks to a gun buyback event on Saturday hosted by St. Clair County Sheriff and St. Clair County State's Attorney.
(Read More)
LCCC Fab Lab to host national symposium
(The Telegraph, 7/23/2016)
A national symposium on science, technology and mathematics will be held at Lewis and Clark Community College's fabrication lab next year, the college recently announced.
(Read More)
Performance Eyecare acquires Alton optometry practice
(Illinois Business Journal, 7/26/2016)
Performance Eyecare has acquired the optometry office of Dr. Kevin Wright, located at 2865 Homer Adams Parkway in Alton.
(Read More)
Gaming store set for opening
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 7/30/2016)
Fans of games like Magic: The Gathering, Carcassonne, Settlers of Catan, Games Workshop, Dungeons and Dragons and Seven Wonders will be happy to know that Otherside Games is officially opening Aug. 1 at 231 North Main Street in Edwardsville.
(Read More)
Gardens lease agreement passed to City Council
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 8/12/2016)
After much discussion and deliberation, the agreement authorizing the mayor to execute a lease agreement for The Gardens at SIUE has been altered and passed on to City Council at Thursday's Administrative and Community Services Committee meeting.
(Read More)
Sandvik Coromant donates tooling to SIUE School of Engineering
(Illinois Business Journal, 8/12/2016)
Sandvik Coromant Co. has gifted mill and lathe tooling to the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering's Departments of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering to advance instruction and learning.
(Read More)
Four St. Louis firms make top 100 accounting workplaces
(Illinois Business Journal, 8/12/2016)
Four St. Louis firms are among the 100 best accounting firms to work for nationwide, according to Accounting Today's 2016 ranking.
(Read More)
Swansea advisory firm cracks U.S. top 20 in growth
(St. Louis Business Journal, 8/11/2016)
Archford Capital Strategies in Swansea is the 19th fastest growing registered investment advisory firm in the U.S., according to Financial Advisor magazine's 2016 rankings.
(Read More)
SWIC's tech-ed students crush National SkillsUSA Competition
(Illinois Business Journal, 8/13/2016)
Southwestern Illinois College students brought home three gold and one silver medal from the latest national SkillsUSA competition, held last month in Louisville, Ky.
(Read More)
Grant boosts Madison County energy industry
(The Alton Telegraph, 8/13/2016)
Thanks to a partnership that includes Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC), Madison County's energy industry will be the subject of a study that will link economic and workforce development with education.
(Read More)
You can now eat doughnuts while doing your banking in O'Fallon
(O'Fallon Progress, 8/12/2016)
With a packed parking lot, the O'Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon cutting Friday morning at the dual business - Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop and Reliance Bank at 450 Regency Park Drive.
(Read More)
St. Louis warehouse vacancies fall
(St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 8/11/2016)
Available industrial real estate in the St. Louis area has fallen by nearly half from its post-recession peak of 16 percent, according to a new report from real estate firm CBRE.
(Read More)
Transform Illinois seeks nominations for government efficiency awards
(Illinois Business Journal, 8/03/2016)
Transform Illinois, a statewide collaborative of elected officials, civic and research organizations, is accepting nominations for its second annual Transformer Awards, which promote and support local government efficiency efforts.
(Read More)
Board OKs land sale to fire district
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 8/03/2016)
Trustees for the village of Glen Carbon voted to sell a parcel of land Near Fire Station 1 to the Glen Carbon Fire Protection District for the construction of a new fire station.
(Read More)
Riverview Park will get an upgrade thanks to a large grant
(Belleville News Democrat, 8/05/2016)
Ameren Illinois and the city of Alton announced this week that they will work together to make improvements to Riverview Park.
(Read More)
MSCC, township look to form partnership
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 8/04/2016)
The Main Street Community Center is eyeing a partnership with Edwardsville Township that would bring additional services to seniors in the township but would also raise local property taxes.
(Read More)
Edwardsville Township makes progress in fundraiser for famed aircraft
(The Riverbender, 8/06/2016)
Edwardsville is continuing progress on restoration of the Edwardsville Township park's famed U.S. Navy A-7E Cosair II aircraft.
(Read More)
How many stars did your hospital get? New federal hospital rankings released
(Belleville News-Democrat, 8/15/2016)
Only one metro-east hospital received the top rating from a new federal hospital ranking system, but healthcare providers say the scores might be too simplified.
(Read More)
For the eyes, the ears, the soul
(Advantage News, 8/11/2016)
This weekend, Niedringhaus Avenue is going to see a new business open its doors, turning another page in the city's history book.
(Read More)
IN OTHER NEWS
AMH Women's Health and Childbirth Center "Baby Friendly"
(The Riverbender, 8/04/2016)
The Women's Health and Childbirth Center at Alton Memorial Hospital is excited to announce that it is officially "Baby Friendly," making AMH the first hospital in the St. Louis area to achieve that designation.
(Read More)
Q&A with Randy Pembrook, new chancellor, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
(Illinois Business Journal, 8/2016)
IBJ: It must be exciting returning to the region where you grew up?
(Read More)
Phillips 66 awards four scholarships
(The Edwardsville Intelligencer, 7/27/2016)
Four local high school seniors will receive a $16,000 college scholarship from the Phillips 66 Dependent Scholarship Program.
(Read More)
HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital receives Chest Pain Center Accreditation
(Illinois Business Journal, 8/9/2016)
HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital's Chest Pain Center has received full accreditation from the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care following a July survey.
(Read More)
HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital says new colon surgical procedure reduces recovery time, pain for patients
(Illinois Business Journal, 7/27/2016)
HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital now offers an alternative surgical procedure for patients needing the removal of a colonic tumor.
(Read More)
HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital honored with American Heart Association award
(Illinois Business Journal, 8/05/2016)
HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital has received the Mission: Lifeline Silver Receiving Quality Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the American Heart Association for the treatment of patients who suffer severe heart attacks.
(Read More)
Illinois Business Journal's August issue has a Salute to Women in Business
(Illinois Business Journal, 8/2016)
Mary Dix :
(Read More)
Lisa Vaninger-Gaffney:
(Read More)
Michelle McKinney:
(Read More)
Illinois Business Journal's August issue has a Spotlight on Architects and Engineering
(Illinois Business Journal, 8/2016)
Kaskaskia Engineering Group:
EWR Architects:
(Read More)
Quality Testing and Engineering, Inc.:(Read More)
Local United Way division names Jay Korte as chair of 2016 campaign
(Illinois Business Journal, 8/08/2016)
Jay Korte, director of client relations at The Korte Company, has been named the 2016 fund-raising campaign chair for the Southwest Illinois Division of United Way of Greater St. Louis.
(Read More)
Financial institution appoints new chief credit officer
(Advantage News, 8/10/2016)
Paul Millard has been named The Bank of Edwardsville's new chief credit officer.
(Read More)
Want to open a business in East St. Louis? She's here to help
(Belleville News Democrat, 8/07/2016)
Running a business is in Devon Moody-Graham's blood.
(Read More)
St. Louis Business Journal honors SIUE alums among Most Influential Business Women
(The Edwardsville Intelligencer, 7/27/2016)
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alums Jennifer Cordia and Kimberly Martin are among 25 female leaders being celebrated as the St. Louis Business Journal's 2016 class of Most Influential Business Women.
(Read More)
SIUE's redesigned Public Health program prepares students for expanding field
(The Riverbender, 7/27/2016)
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Education, Health and Human Behavior continues to modify and expand its programming, and is now offering a bachelor's in public health focused commitment to enhancing individual lives across the region.
(Read More)
Southwest Illinois Trade & Investment Council names first board of directors
(Illinois Business Journal, 7/29/2016)
The newly established Southwest Illinois Trade and Investment Council has announced its first board of directors.
(Read More)
Ted's celebrates 50 years
(The Telegraph, 7/30/2016)
Alton has a long-standing love affair with motorcycle culture. The wide-open roads and riverside scenery are perfect for long, easy-going rides on perfect-weather days.
(Read More)
Answer Midwest recognized as SBM's Top Family Owned Business
(Advantage News, 8/02/2016)
St. Louis Small Business Monthly has selected Alton's Answer Midwest as one of the region's top Family Owned Businesses for 2016.
(Read More)
SIUE receives grant to help K-12 teachers
(Belleville News Democrat, 8/02/2016)
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has been awarded $46,000 in grant funding through the Teaching with Primary Sources Program, a federal grant program administered by the Library of Congress to develop teaching resources and professional development opportunities that focus on the effective use of digitized primary sources in K-12 classrooms.
(Read More)
Constant compression: Alton Fire Department demonstrates new CPR machine
(The Riverbender, 8/02/2016)
Citizens of Alton may now breathe easier, because their odds of surviving cardiac arrest just increased significantly.
(Read More)
Highland hospital introduces advanced therapy for those with Parkinson's disease
(Illinois Business Journal, 7/30/2016)
HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital in Highland is now offering an advanced occupational therapy treatment for people with Parkinson's disease.
(Read More)
Two area students awarded scholarships from HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers
(Illinois Business Journal, 8/03/2016)
HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers Scholarship Committee has awarded $1,000 scholarships to two area students.
(Read More)
Anderson Hospital Auxiliary, medical staff 'give back' with college scholarships
(The Riverbender, 8/02/2016)
Anderson Hospital Auxiliary and medical staff continually gives back to the region and one of the most important ways each year is providing college scholarships for area students.
(Read More)
SIUE's Butler named president-elect of National Pharmaceutical Association
(Illinois Business Journal, 2016)
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy's Lakesha Butler, PharmD, clinical associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, was installed as president-elect of the National Pharmaceutical Association during the organization's 2016 convention held July 29-31 in Atlanta.
(Read More)
Touchette Regional golf tourney marks 20 years of helping residents
(Illinois Business Journal, 8/13/2016)
For the past 20 years, Touchette Regional Hospital's Golf Tournament has helped raise the funds needed to connect Metro East residents to quality, compassionate care in their neighborhood.
(Read More)
Mayors join Durbin for relaunch of homeowner assistance program
(Advantage News, 8/12/2016)
Alton Mayor Brant Walker joined U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Illinois), Granite City Mayor Ed Hagnauer and Justine Petersen Founder and CEO Robert Boyle for the relaunch of the Hardest Hit Fund program.
(Read More)
Kevin Botterbush named Realtor of the Year
(Advantage News, 8/9/2016)
Kevin Botterbush of Botterbush & Associates was named 2016 Realtor of the Year by the Greater Gateway Association of Realtors on Feb. 13 at their annual award banquet.
(Read More)
St. Elizabeth's Hospital Foundation donates funds adding second 3D mammography unit
(The Alton Telegraph, 8/13/2016)
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, except for skin cancers.
(Read More)
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Contact Information
Ronda Sauget, Executive Director, Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois
618-692-9745
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