Economic Alliance for Kankakee
County
Kankakee County Economic Development Source
The Economic Alliance for Kankakee County is the single point of contact for businesses looking to expand or locate into any of the twenty communities that make up Kankakee County, Illinois.
We offer a wide range of financial assistance, economic incentives and related services to help businesses succeed in Kankakee County. Companies interested in locating or expanding their operations here will benefit from the many things that the area has to offer. From low tax rates to its outstanding transportation network to all major markets in the Midwest, Kankakee County, you will find, is the right place for your business.
Let us help you discover the many benefits of Kankakee County. Please look over our website and see why Kankakee County is a top destination for many companies.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Van Mill
Alliance Announces $500,000 in Local Stimulus Grants
Two federal stimulus fund American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants for
economic development totaling $500,000 were announced on September 8 by the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County. The funding is allocated for capital projects and job creation at Bradley-based Restoration Works Inc. and the City of Momence.The Economic Alliance was involved in securing both awards.
Here, Restoration Works President Gail Wallace addresses press conference attendees. Learn more about the projcts that will be funded by clicking the link below.
http://www.kankakeecountyed.org/documents/press_releases/ARRA%20GRANT%20press%20release.pdf
Alliance Releases "Kankakee County Capital Improvements" Brochure
The Alliance is monitoring both the federal stimulus and the recently passed Illinois capital bill. In evaluating the potential of these programs, along with expected existing program funding, Kankakee County could realize as much as $1.1B for infrastructure and road improvements, workforce training, and other economic
development initiatives. See our "Kankakee County Capital Improvements" brochure linked below for a breakdown of federal and state allocations and projects.
http://www.kankakeecountyed.org/documents/general_reports/Capital%20Improvement%20Brochure%202009%20Economic%20Alliance2.pdf
Main Street Momence Secures USDA Rural Development Grant
USDA Rural Development has awarded Main Street Momence with a grant in the amount of $100,000 to finance a low-interest revolving loan fund for business owners in its National Register-listed downtown district. The Economic Alliance worked in partnership with Main Street Momence to secure this funding.
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Ken Hayes Open House Draws Large Crowd
An open house held June 19 at Ken Hayes Industrial Park spotlighting the site's dramatic progress drew more than 100 community stakeholders, including State. Rep. Lisa Dugan and State Sen. Toi Hutchinson. All were impressed with the 200% growth rate and substantial reinvestment at the Bradley park in just two short years. Attendees were offered a rare insider's look at the operations of five of the park's 16 tenants: Greif Containers Inc., ByPak Inc., Arctic Snow & Ice Control, Restoration Works, and C&R Raceway. The event was sponsored by the Economic Alliance in conjunction with the three metro chambers of commerce. Thanks to all who joined us! Visit our Flickr group page to see more images from this event.
Pictured: Mike Bysina, owner of converted paper products manufacturer ByPak Inc., describes his operations.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/kankakeecoedc/
APOLLO ALLIANCE: Vision Energy’s $1 Billion Wind Bet in Illinois
Residents of Kankakee County, Illinois are ready for the new clean energy economy. Inspired by the calls for more green jobs during the 2008 presidential campaign, a local group of business, education, and government leaders is working to make green-collar jobs a reality in their region. They recognize the potential for green-collar jobs to transform the local economy while also benefitting the country and the environment. They also see investment in wind energy as the wave of Kankakee’s clean energy future.
The manifest evidence that such a transition is possible comes from Vision Energy, a Cincinnati-based developer of clean energy projects that has built two large wind firms in north central Illinois and in Indiana. The company has proposed a 33,000-acre, $1 billion wind farm encompassing parts of four Illinois counties. The K4 project, according to Vision Energy President Turner Hunt, will build and operate over 300 wind turbines and employ as many as 250 construction and 40 full-time operations and maintenance workers.
The project is part of Illinois’ steady rise as a wind power center. As recently as 2003, the state generated just 50 megawatts of power from wind. This year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, it has capacity to generate nearly 1,000 megawatts and is the eighth largest wind power supplier among all the states.
http://apolloalliance.org/uncategorized/vision-energys-1-billion-wind-energy-bet-in-illinois/
Downtown Kankakee Master Plan Update Released
An update to the Lakota Group's 2000 Downtown Kankakee Master Plan, which accounts for the evolving business climate and recent improvements in the district, was recently released by the Kankakee Development Corp. The revised Master Plan will be used by the city as a coordinated guide for the future improvement and development of Downtown Kankakee. It will also be used to create work programs focused on the implementation of recommended projects and marketing initiatives.
http://www.kankakeecountyed.org/documents/general_reports/Kankakee_Book_2008-12-08[1].pdf
Greater Kankakee Airport Master Plan Adopted
Kankakee County Board members in February adopted a land use study for the Greater Kankakee Airport, which includes recommendations for economic development at the 950-acre site.
http://tinyurl.com/chm9cz
Micro-Loan Program Available
In a tightening credit market, it is increasingly challenging for entrepreneurs with a less than perfect borrowing history to access needed seed money. A new partnership between Kankakee County and Accion Microfinance of Chicago is intended to help fill that gap. The county board in September approved a sum of $75,000 for a countywide Micro-Loan Program. The funds will be made available to Accion, a not-for-profit organization, which is charged with marketing and administering the program. Intended recipients are high risk and minority borrowers in Kankakee County who do not qualify for traditional loans.
http://www.kankakeecountyed.org/index_link_files/AlliancenewsletterAutumn2008.pdf
Economic Alliance Drafts Top Employers Industrial Profile
The Economic Alliance of Kankakee County in conjunction with the Kankakee County Planning Department has developed an industrial profile of the County's top employers. The profile can be accessed by following the link below.
http://www.kankakeecountyed.org/index_link_files/TopEmployers.pdf
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