2014 April Issue
Why we must act now to protect air force base’s future
Whether they do business directly with Scott Air Force Base or not, most Southwestern Illinois businesses understand that our region’s economic vitality is directly linked to Scott. But many are surprised to learn that Scott’s economic impact has actually increased by 40 percent since the last Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process in 2005. …
Read MoreLabor unions in Illinois nervously awaiting November
America’s union is under assault. And I don’t mean the republic for which it stands. Labor organizations today find themselves boxed into a corner after a few very vexing months of major losses. Now, one of the most illuminating examples of vexation is happening in Illinois, in the current race for governor. Never have union…
Read MoreWhy are we spending all this money to protect Scott AFB?
Last summer the U.S. House of Representatives spent its last days before the August recess taking yet another vote to repeal Obamacare and pass a farm bill that stripped out food stamps — neither of which had any chance of passing the Senate much less being signed by the President. When asked by…
Read MoreGovernment Affairs Report
By the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce has a new CEO Todd Maisch will begin July 1, taking over for current Chamber CEO Douglas Whitley, who is retiring on June 30. Maisch, 48, is currently the chamber’s executive vice president, overseeing several departments, including the business services division, government affairs, membership and…
Read MoreConstruction Roundup
COUNTERPOINT: Proposed expansion of speed camera use in Illinois
Speed cameras represent bad public policy for the citizens of Illinois The legislative proposal to allow communities throughout Illinois to use speed camera traffic enforcement (photo radar) represents bad public policy. If enacted it will seriously infringe on the rights of the driving public, harm the economies of communities that adopt it and shift…
Read MorePOINT: Proposed expansion of speed camera use in Illinois
Traffic safety cameras prevent crashes, reduce financial, emotional toll on communities Traffic collisions kill tens of thousands of people and injure millions more every year in the United States. These tragic events lead to substantial financial costs for the victims’ loved ones who are already burdened with emotional loss and the businesses, governments and…
Read MoreEntrepreneur gains an edge with trade center’s help
CARLINVILLE — Sherry Brianza’s life centers on cosmetics, but her fondness for the work of the International Trade Center at SIUE goes way below the surface. The Carlinville native is well on her way to a full launch of a cosmetics distribution company, thanks to the advice she’s gotten and the connections she’s made…
Read MoreMaryville hires Moran Economic Development to create first TIF district
Southwestern Illinois TIF Success Stories Maryville hires Moran Economic Development to create first TIF district By ALAN J. ORTBALS While Moran Economic Development is not an old firm, it’s quickly become the economic development right arm of many communities in Southwestern Illinois. Keith Moran, president of MED, said he’s on call with communities like…
Read MoreFlora Elementary School, Flora, Holland Construction Services
Spotlight on Southwestern Illinois: Commercial Construction Flora Elementary School, Flora, Holland Construction Services By KATE GENO In March, Flora Community Unit School District 35 marked the ground-breaking of its new elementary school. Holland Construction Services will serve as construction manager for the $30 million project. The 126,000-square-foot school will house students from pre-K through fifth…
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