Directory of Economic Development Organizations in Downstate Illinois 2003 Edition Directory of Economic Development Organizations in Downstate Illinois 2003 Edition This project was compiled by the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs with support from Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. February 2004 Dear Economic Development Professional: Many local economic development agencies across rural Illinois are working hard to stimulate local economies. Most of them have programs tailored to local needs building on local assets and strengths. The large number of these agencies makes it somewhat difficult to keep track of them and know the types of initiatives that have succeeded. At the same time, this information could help other agencies considering various alternatives. The Opportunity Returns Program, launched by Governor Rod Blagojevich, makes it imperative that local economic development groups be able to communicate effectively and share the approaches that have worked in their communities. The fact that so many community leaders are volunteers and some local public officials serve part-time makes it difficult for them to identify opportunities and to access support. This Resource Directory of Economic Development Organizations is in the fourth edition and provides a listing of economic development groups by county in Illinois. This directory is also available as a searchable database on the Internet (www.iira.org). The intent is to provide easy access for local and state economic development personnel as well as business investors to identify groups currently working in the various regions of rural Illinois. The IIRA appreciates the support of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in updating and printing this version. Lori Sutton, IIRA, compiled the information and prepared the copy for publication. We thank the many local public officials and community leaders who provide updated information for this report. As always, any interpretations or errors belong solely to the IIRA. Comments and suggestions for improvements are welcome. Norman Walzer, Director Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs This report was prepared through a contract with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Published by Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs Stipes Hall 518 Western Illinois University 1 University Circle Macomb, IL 61455-1390 [email protected] www.IIRA.org This publication is available from IIRA in print and on the IIRA website. Quoting from these materials for noncommercial purposes is permitted provided proper credit is given. Fourth Edition: February 2004 Printed on recycled paper Table of Contents Page Statewide Agencies . 1 Adams County . 13 Alexander County . 17 Bond County . 19 Boone County . 22 Brown County . 25 Bureau County . 27 Calhoun County . 31 Carroll County . 33 Cass County . 36 Champaign County . 39 Christian County . 45 Clark County . 49 Clay County . 52 Clinton County . 54 Coles County . 57 Crawford County . 61 Cumberland County . 63 DeKalb County . 65 DeWitt County . 69 Douglas County . 72 Edgar County . 75 Edwards County . 78 Effingham County . 79 Fayette County . 82 Ford County . 85 Franklin County . 88 Fulton County . 91 Gallatin County . 94 Greene County . 96 Grundy County . 98 Hamilton County . 101 Hancock County . 103 Hardin County . 107 Henderson County . 109 Henry County . 111 Iroquois County . 116 Jackson County . 119 Jasper County . 123 Jefferson County . 125 Jersey County . ..