September 20, 2018
Greetings~

We lead this edition of Good NewsLink with recent news of Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II's retirement from the Air Force after 35 years of service! In his final commentary for the Air Force Times, General Everhart addresses the need for big dreams, Airman innovation and reflects on his time as the commander of the Air Mobility Command.

You'll also find articles highlighting the growth that continues to gain momentum and alter the city of O'Fallon's landscape with the proposal of two major construction projects. Plans for a medical office building on Regency Park Drive and a thriving residential and commercial corner near the new McKendree University Metro Rec Plex are in the works. 

Heartland Women's Healthcare's new, expansive 16,000-square-foot medical building will serve patients from their Belleville and Shiloh clinics and is expected to open early next spring, bringing an estimated 20 jobs to the Metro-East. Several other healthcare facilities have also been in the news for their role in meeting evolving healthcare needs.

The Leadership Council has news of its own this edition, as we are preparing for an upcoming move to a new office location in October. We look forward to welcoming the fall season at our new address -- 104 Magnolia Drive, Suite B, Glen Carbon, IL 62034. Continue reading for more on these topics and all the other good news happening recently across Southwestern Illinois, and have a great rest of the week!
Ronda Sauget, D. Mgmt, MBA
Executive Director
Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois
Medical offices, mixed-use project among major new developments proposed
(Belleville News-Democrat, 9/4/2018)
Two potential construction projects are signs of O'Fallon's manifest destiny and are another example of a growth spurt that continues to gain momentum and alter the city's landscape.  A development proposal that will turn the site of an old trailer park into Aberdeen Village, a thriving residential and commercial corner near the McKendree University Metro Rec Plex and Scott-Troy Road, is going through city channels, as is a plan for a medical office building on Regency Park Drive. (Read More)

Women's health clinics in Shiloh and Belleville will double in size under one roof
(Belleville News-Democrat, 9/5/2018)
Patients at Heartland Women's Healthcare clinics in Belleville and Shiloh will be getting new digs next year.
The regional obstetrics and gynecology group is breaking ground this month on a 16,000-square-foot medical building in Parkway 64 Corporate Center, on the same cul-de-sac as its current Shiloh location.  The project will create an OB-GYN supercenter of sorts. (Read More)

Rail developers join push to complete U.S. 67
(Illinois Business Journal, September 2018 Issue)
Developers of a half-billion-dollar railroad complex in Jerseyville are squarely behind a regional push to find the last funding to complete a four-lane U.S. 67 from Godfrey to the Quad Cities.  Both the highway and the rail hub are moving ahead independently, but officials leave no doubt about the mutual benefits of getting both done.  A large crowd gathered in Jerseyville in August for the annual meeting of Corridor 67 Inc., a civic organization formed years ago to follow the highway to completion. (Read More)

Developers share hopes, ideas for commercial trade in Illinois
(Illinois Business Journal, September 2018 Issue)
Economic developers from throughout the region have some new ideas - and a more positive attitude about doing business in Illinois - after a daylong conference in Fairview Heights. More than 80 people attended the Downstate Illinois P3 Luncheon held in August under the auspices of The International Council of Shopping Centers at the Four Points by Sheraton in Fairview Heights. The theme this year was "Retail Done Right: Expansion and Growth in a Churning Market." (Read More)

HSHS Medical Group is growing at hospital, throughout Illinois
(Illinois Business Journal, September 2018 Issue)
HSHS Medical Group and HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital are playing a significant role in growing quality health care services, both hospital and specialty-based, throughout Illinois. One of the major projects recently completed is the new $330 million, state-of-the-art hospital in O'Fallon. St. Elizabeth's offers 144 private patient rooms, an emergency department, computerized integrated surgical suites, and an advanced intensive care unit and inpatient rehabilitation. (Read More) 

Commentary: Our future depends on big dreams and airman innovation
(Airforcetimes.com, 9/2/2018)
As the commander of Air Mobility Command, focusing on helping people achieve their potential and innovate toward a better future was one of my top priorities. It is critically important that we, as leaders, foster an environment of discovery and learning, encouraging airmen to dream big, and truly listen to their voices as we pursue solutions to the challenges of today and in the future.  (Read More)

Jobs Plus fair will link potential workers with hundreds of openings
(Illinois Business Journal, 9/14/2018)
Individuals searching for new career opportunities across the St. Louis area are encouraged to attend the upcoming Jobs Plus 2018 Regional Job Fair, where nearly 60 employers will be seeking out potential employees to fill hundreds of job openings region-wide. The event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Sept. 19, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville. (Read More)

Weber Commercial Truck Center opens in Granite City
(Illinois Business Journal, September 2018 Issue)
The largest commercial truck sales and service operation this side of the Mississippi River opened June 1 in Granite City. Weber Commercial Truck Center, the newest addition to the Weber Ford and Weber Chevrolet family, is keeping fleets of commercial trucks running smoothly across the St. Louis metro area. The dealership's General Manager Jeff Kohler is also currently serving as president of the Chamber of Commerce Southwestern Madison County. (Read More)

In Other News

Free 4-Week Training for Non-Profit Innovation and Social Enterprises
(Altonmainstreet.org, 9/5/2018)
As the Small Business Revolution continues to spread across Madison County, please join Alton Main Street, Chris Miller for County Treasurer, and his new Alton RISING, for a free workshop series focused on helping "social" entrepreneurs and innovative nonprofits test and refine new approaches to generate revenue for their missions, as well as provide a space for existing nonprofits to explore opportunities for new programs, products, or services.
(Read More)

SIUE School of Engineering receives record cash investment
(Advantage News, 9/17/2018)
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering has announced its receipt of the largest single cash investment in school history, a generous $1.25 million gift from the Fowler family, which in combination with other contributions, will allow for the completion of its state-of-the-art Student Design Center. After receiving Board of Trustees approval on Thursday, Sept. 13, the innovation hub has been named the Fowler Student Design Center. (Read More)

Great Rivers tour bureau plans Small Business Revolution party
(Illinois Business Journal, September 2018 Issue)
Alton will step into the spotlight on Oct. 4 when streaming service Hulu kicks off the third season of its Small Business Revolution - Main Street series. The Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau will be holding a launch party at the WOW Furnishings and Event Center at 515 E. Third St. that night. The show is hosted by Amanda Brinkman and Ty Pennington and airs on Hulu and YouTube. The program is sponsored by the Deluxe Corp. (Read More)

SIHF Healthcare clinics help serve underserved population
(Illinois Business Journal, September 2018 Issue)
SIHF Healthcare acquired the Saint Louis University Family Medicine Clinic in Belleville in 2006. Located at 180 S. Third St. and now branded as SIHF Healthcare, this health center provides comprehensive/integrated family medicine services to children and adults as well as mental health, counseling, pharmacy and patient navigation services. A graduate of Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Dr. Anne Nash serves on the staff. She received her medical degree in 2003 and completed her residency in family medicine through the Saint Louis University Family Medicine Residency Program. (Read More)
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