Economic Development Summit and Rt. 25 Fixes to Boot
Growing Jobs
For the last several months I have been working with our communities to identify ways we can address economic development and job growth. In Elgin, there is a formal Economic Development Council (EDC) that is housed in the offices of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce. Funded in part by the City of Elgin and through private contributions, the EDC is tasked with attracting and retaining business in Elgin. The EDC working in conjunction with the City has successfully brought jobs to Elgin. Just last week, I attended the groundbreaking of the new Siemens facility that will provide 350 new high-paying jobs in the region.
In the northern part of the 43rd District, we have not had the advantage of an economic development organization - until now. Earlier this month, I joined with the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce (NKCCC) and Representative Tim Schmitz to host an Economic Development Summit. Attending the summit were representatives from the villages of Carpentersville, East Dundee, Gilberts and Sleepy Hollow as well as Kane County. Additionally, business, education and community leaders were present. West Dundee also expressed an interest but was unable to attend the meeting.
At that first meeting, we agreed to form a regional Economic Development organization that encompasses the villages of Carpentersville, East & West Dundee, Gilberts and Sleepy Hollow. We are working towards formalizing the organization even as we embark on our first project: Rt. 25 redevelopment. Summit members agreed that a subcommittee should be formed and focus its efforts on Rt. 25 from I-90 through Carpentersville. The first step will be to hold a stakeholders meeting to discuss a comprehensive development plan for the corridor. That meeting is being scheduled for the end of July.
Crumbling Medians Create Hazard
While we're on the subject of Rt. 25: The winter weather took its toll on the stretch of Rt. 25 that runs through East Dundee and Carpentersville. IDOT is attempting to free up funds to move up the summer 2009 resurfacing schedule to an earlier date in the year and at that time they will also repair the deteriorating medians. Those of us who travel that stretch of Rt. 25 knew that the crumbling medians were not only an obstacle to attracting business to the area, they were a safety hazard. If we couldn't get them repaired until next year, then we needed them cleaned up immediately. One phone call about safety concerns to Roger Valente, Area Programmer for IDOT, got the job done. On the same day as my phone call, Roger sent crews to clear the debris. His responsiveness to my call is much appreciated. I will continue to work with IDOT to find ways to move up the resurfacing schedule.
I am excited about the new economic development partnership and delighted to work with all of those organizations on a common objective. If you have an interest in getting involved in the efforts of the newly formed economic development organization or you'd just like more information please contact me at 847-622-1048 or ruthmunson@ruthmunson.com or call Melissa Hernandez from the NKCCC at 847-426-8565.
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