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 MoreHighland uses TIF to protect and enhance commercial tax base
Southwestern Illinois TIF Success Stories Highland uses TIF to protect and enhance commercial tax base By ALAN J. ORTBALS The city of Highland was late to the TIF game, creating its first district in 2008 and adding its second just two years ago. The first district was created to try to stem the ebbing…
Read MoreFairview City Centre, Fairview Heights, IMPACT Strategies
Spotlight on Southwestern Illinois: Commercial Construction Fairview City Centre, Fairview Heights, IMPACT Strategies By KATE GENO The Fairview City Centre project is under way at the corner of Illinois 159 and Lincoln Trail in Fairview Heights. IMPACT Strategies started work in June 2013 to help revive this prime location by building a new retail shopping…
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