October 19, 2016

Ronda Sauget
This edition of the Good NewsLink features many positive stories about how our members are uniting the region for growth. Congratulations to SWIC on the largest Manufacturing Day event in its history with over 1200 high school attending and celebrating its 70 years of serving the community! This was a day filled with industry speakers, hands-on displays, equipment demonstrations, and so much more. Students were impressed and inspired to consider careers in advanced manufacturing. Next, the Southern Illinois Builders Association and the Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program will host the 18th Annual Metro Construction Career Expo from Oct. 31 through Nov. 4. This event is designed to provide students and parents a better understanding of the variety of construction trades careers available. It is important to have such robust efforts underway from multiple sources to build awareness of sustainable job options.

Our region's transportation corridor continues to gain attention with the Eads Bridge celebrating its 140th year of continuous transportation service to our region and was among the first of any structure to use steel as a primary construction material. Further, the St. Louis Regional Freightway hosted the Port of New Orleans President and CEO Gary LaGrange in a forum that called attention to the tremendous economic growth opportunities for the St. Louis region through the Inland Port System.
The retail/commercial real estate market in Southwestern Illinois is strong and continues to grow according to multiple real estate sources. The new SIUE Chancellor, Randy Pembrook, highlights positive economic growth and momentum in SWIL during the weekly WSIE Radio interview on Segue and also published in the Edwardsville Intelligencer.  The new Amazon fulfillment centers shipped its first products from its Edwardsville facility. Multiple projects were also spotlighted in the October issue of the Illinois Business Journal involving our members, such as Illinois American Water, Contegra, Holland Construction Services, HSHS St. Elizabeth's, Ameren Illinois, St. Clair County, IMPACT Strategies, Korte & Luitjohan, Plocher, and Poettker.
Art on the Square in Belleville is estimated to generate $30.3 million economic impact in the region during its first 15 years. SIUE STEM Center and Lewis and Clark Community College partner to develop Swarovski Waterschool to emphasize safe water use, water education, and water sanitation and hygiene. This edition of the Good NewsLink is packed with positive news about our region. 
Please read on to learn more...  
 

Ronda Sauget, D. Mgmt, MBA
Executive Director
Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois
  
Builder expo to give students, parents look at construction careers
(Illinois Business Journal, 10/13/2016) 

The Southern Illinois Builders Association and the Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program will play host to the 18th Annual Metro Construction Career Expo from Oct. 31 through Nov. 4, to give students and parents a better understanding of the variety of construction trades careers available.
(Read More)
St. Louis is key to nation's freight future
(St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 9/18/2016) 

Freight is the engine of our nation's economy.
(Read More)
New Orleans port official highlights economic opportunities for St. Louis freight market
(Illinois Business Journal, 10/6/2016) 

Port of New Orleans President and CEO Gary LaGrange joined Bi-State Development and the St. Louis Regional Freightway in a forum that called attention to the tremendous economic growth opportunities for the St. Louis region through the Inland Port System.
(Read More)
Eads Bridge rehab project celebrated; span is called a national treasure
(St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 10/7/2016) 

When the Eads Bridge was built more than 140 years ago, it was among the first of any structure to use steel as a primary construction material.
(Read More)

SIUE and Leadership Council plan for growth
(the Edwardsville Intelligencer, 10/14/2016)
Join SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook, PhD, on WSIE 88.7 FM this Sunday, Oct. 16, at 9 a.m., as he welcomes Ronda Sauget D. Mgmt., MBA, PhD, executive director of the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois (LCSI). They will discuss how the Leadership Council serves the region and differs from other national councils, how education has evolved to assist economic development, and future growth opportunities for the region. 
(Read More)
NAI DESCO: Retail real estate is strong with Edwardsville and O'Fallon leading the way
(Illinois Business Journal, 9/27/2016) 

The retail/commercial real estate market in Southwestern Illinois is strong, according to David Wittenauer, principal of NAI DESCO.
(Read More)
BARBERMurphy Group: Commercial real estate remains strong in Southwestern Illinois
(Illinois Business Journal, 9/27/2016) 

The commercial real estate sector continues to be strong in Southwestern Illinois, according to Wayne Barber, a principal in the BARBERMurphy Group.
(Read More)
Anderson Hospital unveils new private patient unit
(Illinois Business Journal, 9/27/2016) 

Anderson Hospital's long-term-planning for private patient rooms has come to fruition.
 
St. Clair County Awarded $1 Million Department of Justice Grant
(Riverbender, 9/28/2016) 

Mark A. Kern, St. Clair County Board Chairman is pleased to announce receipt of a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.
Now open ... Discount store near Belleville
(Belleville News-Democrat, 9/27/2016) 

The newest dollar store in the metro-east is open for business.
(Read More)
People in Business, Collinsville, plans panel discussion, networking
(Illinois Business Journal, 9/30/2016) 

The Collinsville Chapter of People in Business is planning a networking session and panel discussion as part of a relaunch of the chapter's activities.
(Read More)
Looking for Lincoln: Alton becomes gateway to history
(Riverbender, 10/5/2016) 

Alton has become one of six communities acting as gateways to the Looking for Lincoln National Heritage Area, which consists of 42 counties across the state.
(Read More)
St. John Bosco opens 'neighborhood' for children, new offices for workers
(Belleville News-Democrat, 9/29/2016) 

Two years after purchasing the old nursing home and one year after they wanted to move in, Caritas is putting the finishing touches on a colorful new facility.
Business offers options to seniors
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 10/6/2016) 

According to a national survey, nine out of 10 people say they want to live in their own home for as long as they possibly can.
(Read More)
Princeton Review tabs SIUE School of Business among nation's best for 11th consecutive year
(Riverbender.com, 10/10/2016) 

The Princeton Review has named Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's School of Business as one of the best in the country for the 11th-consecutive year.
(Read More)
SBDC, SIUE offer Optimize the Madness Small Business Symposium Oct. 29
(Riverbender.com, 10/9/2016) 

A cadre of local business minds will offer practical expertise to small business owners at "Optimize the Madness," a one-day conference aimed at arming companies with tools and operational resources they need to be successful.
(Read More)
SWIC is celebrating 70 years of serving the community
(Illinois Business Journal, 10/10/2016) 

Southwestern Illinois College turned 70 this fall, and the college is kicking off a year of events to mark the important milestone.
(Read More)
Peer 151 collaboration produces first-year successes
(Illinois Business Journal, 10/10/2016)
Peer 151, Metro East's first broad-based effort to tap into the local startup world, is already proclaiming some success stories, even as it adapts to a challenging marketplace.
(Read More)
LeadWell expands services to include virtual health care
(Illinois Business Journal, 10/10/2016)
LeadWell, HSHS Medical Group's corporate health and wellness program, now offers businesses access to virtual health care in addition to its traditional model of health-care services.
(Read More)
McCarthy Building Companies Inc., Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital, Mattoon
(Illinois Business Journal, 10/10/2016) 

Project manager Matt Sauer with McCarthy Building Companies Inc. admits it can be tough renovating an existing building.
(Read More)
McKendree moving 'Forward' with $40 million capital campaign
(Illinois Business Journal, 10/10/2016) 

Last May, McKendree University announced the most ambitious fund-raising goal in its 188-year history - a $40 million capital campaign to support the renovation of Voigt Science Hall and Holman Library.
(Read More)
Your kids don't have to leave home to attend a top college
(Belleville News-Democrat, 10/11/2016) 

Southwestern Illinois College has gained recognition for its programs.
(Read More)
New juice bar opens in metro-east
(Belleville News-Democrat, 10/13/2016) 

A new business in Collinsville offers smoothies, juices and kombucha while also selling healthy coffees and teas.
(Read More)
There's a new barbecue joint in the metro-east for you to enjoy
(Belleville News-Democrat, 10/12/2016) 

David Stidham retired this summer and promptly went back to work.
(Read More)
Amazon confirms first official shipments
(The Edwardsville Intelligencer, 9/30/2016)
Amazon confirmed Friday that its new fulfillment centers in Edwardsville, Ill., have shipped their first customer orders.
(Read More)
Amazon plans seasonal hiring
(The Intelligencer, 10/13/2016) 

Amazon on Thursday announced it is creating more than 120,000 seasonal positions across its U.S. network of fulfillment centers, sortation centers and customer service sites this holiday season.
(Read More)
Realtors see decreased days on market in Metro East
(Illinois Business Journal, 10/5/2016) 

The latest figures from the Realtor Association of Southwestern Illinois shows an increase in home sales and a dramatic decrease in the days on market compared to the same time last year.
(Read More)

Art on the Square economic impact estimated at $30.3 million
(Belleville News-Democrat, 9/22/2016)
Art on the Square in Belleville has generated an estimated $30.3 million economic impact in the region during its first 15 years, organizers announced Thursday.
(Read More)

Development work at I-255, Gateway Commerce Center, creates optimism for future
(Riverbender, 10/04/2016)
Amazon's location into the Gateway Commerce Center appears to have opened doors for more businesses and jobs to come to Madison County.
(Read More)

American Water announces grants for 70 fire departments
(Alton Telegraph, 10/13/2016)
Illinois American Water announced this week it awarded more than $48,000 to 70 fire departments and fire protection districts throughout the state, including several in The Telegraph area. 
(Read More)

Dollar General coming to old Burger King site
(Alton Telegraph, 10/15/2016)
A former Burger King, then Chicago Style Gyros Inc. hot dog restaurant building, empty since 2007, will be demolished and replaced with a Dollar General store.
 
(Read More)

Casino Queen group buys Iowa riverboat
(Belleville News - Democrat, 10/14/2016)
The holding company that owns the Casino Queen in East St. Louis on Thursday announced it would purchase a riverboat casino in Iowa.
 
(Read More)

Cassens & Sons helps raise $1,020 for Trinity Lutheran School
(Illinois Business Journal, 10/13/2016)
Cassens & Sons Inc. recently partnered with Trinity Lutheran School in Edwardsville to raise $1,020 at a "Drive for the Kids" fundraiser held during the school's Family Picnic.
 
(Read More)

IDOT to host webinars on the Multi-Year Program
(Riverbender, 10/14/2016)
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is seeking input on the development of the upcoming Multi-Year Program (MYP) for fiscal years 2017-2022.
(Read More)

LCCC adopts 5-year plan
(The Alton Telegraph, 10/14/2016)
Lewis and Clark Community College this week approved a five-year plan defining the college's long-term strategic and operating priorities.
(Read More)

Alton Volunteer Emergency Corps (AVEC) to host an "Open House" event to boost volunteer recruitment and educate the public
(Riverbender, 10/14/2016)
AVEC Commander Ed Drach and his members are eagerly looking forward to playing host to the river bend community in an effort to recruit volunteer rescue workers and educate.
(Read More)
 
"Immigrants in Our Midst" Symposium slated for Nov. 4 at SIUE
(Riverbender, 10/11/2016)
The one-day event "Immigrants in Our Midst: Unleashing the Economic Power of Our New Americans" is dedicated to the profound impact that immigrants have on the U.S. work force.
(Read More)

Hartford Fire Dept. receives $23,000 grant from Phillips 66
(Riverbender, 10/10/2016)
The Hartford Fire Department recently received a $23,000 donation from Phillips 66 to replace aging bunker/turnout gear.
(Read More)

Mock highlights annual SIUE Day
(Edwardsville Intelligencer, 10/15/2016)
Nearly 200 community leaders and business people attended the 11th annual SIUE Day Thursday, Oct. 13 in the Student Fitness Center.
 
(Read More)

Telegraph building sold to investment group
(The Alton Telegraph, 10/12/2016)
The Telegraph's office building, located at 111 E. Broadway in Alton, has been purchased by a real estate investment firm. There will be no changes in the newspaper's operations or ownership.
(Read More)
 
IEPA, Madison County look to improve communication
(The Alton Telegraph, 10/08/2016)
Madison County officials last week met with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Alec Messina to address issues affecting the county and its energy providers.
(Read More)
 
Construction Roundup
(Illinois Business Journal, 10/10/2016)
Construction Roundup
Multiple projects were spotlighted in the October issue of the Illinois Business Journal. Members mentioned include:
Contegra, Holland, HSHS St. Elizabeth's, Ameren, St. Clair County, IMPACT, Korte & Luitjohan, Plocher and Poettker. Link to the spotlight image is included below.
 
Poettker Construction Co., Jefferson Barracks VA Engineering Warehouse, St. Louis
(Illinois Business Journal, 10/10/2016)
Poettker Construction Co. was recently awarded the $31 million Jefferson Barracks VA Engineering Warehouse in St. Louis and anticipates mobilization in October 2016.
(Read More)

IMPACT Strategies Inc., Academy Sports + Outdoors, O'Fallon, Ill.
(Illinois Business Journal, 10/10/2016)
Construction is underway at Academy Sports + Outdoors at the Lincoln Crossing shopping center in the 1500 block of West U.S. 50 in O'Fallon, Ill.
(Read More)
 
Contegra Construction Co., First to the Finish, Edwardsville
(Illinois Business Journal, 10/10/2016)
When First to the Finish, an athletic apparel business, chose the site for its newest location, the company knew it would have a built-in customer base.
(Read More)

Plocher Construction, Prairie Farms Dairy Headquarters, Edwardsville
(Illinois Business Journal, 10/10/2016)
Work is proceeding at a brisk pace on the new, $9 million headquarters building for Prairie Farms Dairy that should be completed in mid-summer of 2017.
(Read More)
 
Korte Luitjohan Contractors Inc., Washington County Courthouse, Nashville, Ill.
(Illinois Business Journal, 10/10/2016)
Restoring a building built in 1884 is always a challenge, but the team assembled by Korte & Luitjohan Contractors Inc. for the Washington County Courthouse in Nashville, Ill., was up to the task, project manager Del Scott says.
(Read More)
 
Holland Construction Services, Bridgeton (Mo.) Recreation Center
(Illinois Business Journal, 10/10/2016)
Holland Construction Services, based in Swansea, acted as construction manager for a $14.4 million project completed in January 2016 for the city of Bridgeton, Mo.
 
New Chancellor Dr. Randy Pembrook seeks to build on SIUE's momentum
(Illinois Business Journal, 10/10/2016)
Dr. Randy Pembrook became the ninth chancellor in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's history on Aug. 1.
 
Lindenwood Belleville's growth spurs hiring of new A.D., expansion of Matt's Café
(Illinois Business Journal, 10/10/2016)
Lindenwood University-Belleville continues to grow. Enrollment for the fall semester is strong with 2,058 students.
(Read More)
Housing Authority, LCCC plans job fair
(The Alton Telegraph, 10/13/2016) 

A collaboration of organizations, including Madison County Housing Authority and Lewis and Clark Community College, will hold its first job and career fair in Alton on Friday, Oct. 21.
(Read More)
National Geographic and regional partners launch comprehensive website on Mississippi river geotourism
(Riverbender, 10/6/2016) 

Celebrate the launch of a landmark geotourism website which highlights communities, attractions and businesses all along the Mississippi River during a special recognition program at the National Great Rivers Museum, #2 Lock and Dam Way, East Alton, IL, at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19.
(Read More)
Academy grooms techno whiz kids for jobs of future
(Illinois Business Journal, 10/13/2016)
Michael Pedersen was simply looking for a way to spend time with his daughter, Chasity, when he introduced her to the hobby of computer coding

IMPACT Strategies Completes Belleville Police Department Headquarters, Begins Renovations to City Hall
(
Saint Louis Construction News and Review
, 10/6/2016) 
Construction-management firm IMPACT Strategies announced it completed construction earlier this summer on the City of Belleville's new $15.8 million police department headquarters, located at 720 W. Main Street.

IMPACT Strategies completes renovations of SIUE Quad
(Riverbender.com, 10/10/2016) 

Students and faculty of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) returned to school in August to a newly renovated Quad, one of the better known locations and main meeting spots on campus.

United Way awards one-time grant to support dogs organization
(Riverbender, 10/13/2016)
The Southwest Illinois Division of United Way of Greater St. Louis recently awarded Collinsville-based Got Your Six Support Dogs a $5,000 one-time grant through the Carol F. Martin Trust Grant Fund.

Special Olympians team up with Lindenwood-Belleville athletes
(Belleville News-Democrat, 9/26/2016)
Michael Lasater stood in an auxiliary gym Monday night at Lindenwood University-Belleville, smiling from ear to ear.
 
Lewis and Clark Adult Education programs provide economic opportunities
(Riverbender, 9/27/2016)
In honor of National Adult Education and Literacy Week, Sept. 26 through Oct. 1, Lewis and Clark Community College wants to underscore the continued demand for programs and services for adult learners, who want to obtain a high school equivalency certificate.
Ceremony planned Saturday for historic Collinsville house
(St. Louis Post Dispatch, 9/22/2016)
The salvaged home of former Collinsville Village President Daniel Dove Collins will be unveiled Saturday at its new location on Main Street.
 
Metro-east mayor elected to Illinois Municipal League post
(Belleville News-Democrat, 9/29,2016)
Belleville Mayor Mark Eckert has been elected first vice president of the Illinois Municipal League's board of directors.
Combined Federal Campaign begins Oct. 3
(Belleville News-Democrat, 9/29/2016)
It is that time of year when federal employees are given the opportunity to support their favorite charities through a highly cost-efficient mechanism, the Combined Federal Campaign.
SIUE students showcase summer experimental learning opportunities in STEM
(Riverbender.com, 9/30/2016)
Fifteen Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students spent their summers retaining and sharing new knowledge, and inspiring youth and adults to get excited about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
New Opportunities teaches developmentally disabled adults life skills while earning wages
(Riverbender.com, 9/30/2016)
Everyday items such as hangers and potpourri are usually products that are outsourced to different countries and manufactured in a large factory, but New Opportunities is creating a new approach to producing such items while making a difference in the life of others.
L&C Earns Prestigious National Green Genome Sustainability Award
(Riverbender.com, 9/30/2016)
Lewis and Clark Community College has been selected as the American Association of Community College's (AACC) Sustainability Education & Economic Development (SEED) Green Genome Overall Award winner.
 
OSF Saint Anthony's Foundation announces Phillips 66 as latest Business Health Award winner
(Riverbender, 10/11/2016)
The OSF Saint Anthony's Foundation has announced Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery as the latest Business Health Award winner.
OSI's Hall of Heroes remembers service members killed in action
(Belleville News-Democrat, 9/29/2016)
In the hallway of Scott's Air Force Office of Special Investigation Det. 301 building are 16 illustrations of fallen service members killed in the line of duty.
Madison County veterans can get free legal help
(St. Louis Post-Dispatch, 10/5/2016)
Veterans can obtain free legal advice Nov. 10 and 15 at the Madison County Courthouse in Edwardsville, officials announced Wednesday.
CUB hoping for quick action on rules dealing with unregulated electricity suppliers
(Illinois Business Journal, 10/6/2016)
The executive director of the Illinois Citizens Utility Board says the agency is happy with decisions by the state's chief regulatory body to protect residents against deceiving marketing by unregulated electricity suppliers.
Tri-Cities Area Division of United Way announces 2016 campaign goal
(Illinois Business Journal, 10/6/2016)
The Tri-Cities Area Division of United Way of Greater St. Louis recently announced its 2016 campaign goal of $525,000.
Geotechnology operations manager honored with AEG Service Award
(Illinois Business Journal, 10/10/2016)
The Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists honored Duane Kreuger, the corporate operations manager for Geotechnology Inc., with its prestigious Floyd T. Johnston Service Award.
AHS recognized as Illinois Democracy School
(Advantage News, 10/10/2016)
The Illinois Civic Mission Coalition has recognized Alton High School as a 2016 Illinois Democracy School.

SIUE STEM Center partners with Lewis and Clark Community College on Swarovski Waterschool Development
(Riverbender, 10/11/2016)
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Research, Education and Outreach is contributing to the development of a Swarovski Waterschool in the Southwestern Illinois region, to emphasize safe water use, water education, and water sanitation and hygiene.
_________________

The Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois Education Committee has developed a survey to  connect business resources with educational institutions, enabling both strategic groups to easily coordinate mutual sharing for the advancement of overall workforce development. 

_________________
 
Leadership Council members associated with projects
_________________

Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program
 
Madison County IL








America's Central Port Logo








NAI DESCO
 

St. Elizabeth's Hosp


Memorial Hospital


BARBERMurphy Group


Anderson Hospital










McCarthy Logo


McKendree Logo


 


Lewis & Clark Logo










Ameren IL Logo


Geotechnology


Realtor Association of Southwestern Illinois

null

BARBERMurphy Group 

 

Cassens Transport Co
  


 

 




Scott Credit Union Logo













SunCoke Energy











Holland Logo

St. Elizabeth's Hosp


___________________

Follow the
Leadership Council on Social Media! 

Facebook @leadershipcouncilswil

Twitter
@lcouncilswil

  
___________________




  

 




  

 
 
  
 

  

  








  
  

 
  



 





 
  


  





  



 
  
  








  
Contact Information

Ronda Sauget, Executive Director, Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois

618-692-9745

Is Metro East Good NewsLink being sent directly to you?  If not, please sign-up for these twice-a-month mailings, by clicking the link below:  

     

Note: Availability of the full stories can be subject to registration requirements or posting expiration, based on the policies of the news organization originating the content