One Page Economic Development Strategy

Economic Development Strategy

Communities in the Heartland

The center of Illinois and the United States is the Heart of the Heartland, 
in midstate Illinois mideway between Chicago and St Louis. 

  We will market our advantages, which include:


Minimal congestion

Middle of America’s Heartland

Close to Chicago & St Louis

Governments that are easy to work with

You can meet with the Mayor and City Council

A skilled work force with midwestern work ethics

Excellent road, rail, barge, and air service

Low crime rate

Great schools

Low taxes

Affordable quality housing

Quality universities and colleges

  Our goals:

Expand and diversify our economy

Improve employment opportunities

Attract new investment and trade

  Towards these ends, the region will:

Market our assets

Support economic development programs

Promote business expansion in the region

Coooperate with other communities

  Special focus areas include:

Attract businesses to our region

Lower red tape                

Promote tourism

Market the region for international business

Support international service at our Airports

Support agribusiness expansion

Focus on alternate engery – ethanol, wind, etc