Business Development
2006 Business Development Work Program Accomplishments
Develop & Implement an Industrial Retention & Expansion Program
- Partnered with ComEd and RAEDC to Complete Business Visitations using ComEd-sponsored Synchronist Business Information System
- Coordinated the Boone County Manufacturers Appreciation Week, and hosted a breakfast program featuring speakers on the topics of health care and workman’s compensation issue
- Created a rapid response team to deliver business services as needed
- Worked with the lead agencies involved in workforce development such as Boone/Winnebago Workforce Investment Board and The Workforce Connection on workforce fulfillment during DaimlerChrysler supplier ramp-up and hiring process
- Worked with three manufacturing companies on retention issues where assistance ranged from addressing needs and solutions to city zoning amendments, enterprise zone certifications and other state incentives
Develop & Implement Business Attraction Program
Marketing Materials & Information Management
- Completed new set of oblique aerial photographs of major industrial and commercial sites throughout the county
- In cooperation with City of Belvidere and Boone County, Growth Dimensions was allowed access to the city/county’s Geographic Information System for the purpose of integrating the content into marketing information
- On behalf of a contract with regional economic development partners, The Pathfinders completed a Labor Availability Report and an Analysis of the Commuting Workforce for Boone and Winnebago Counties
- Obtained radii demographic information and traffic data for strategic intersections in Belvidere, Poplar Grove and Boone County
- Contracted with KMK Media for professional services to develop new web site, marketing material and information packets
Marketing, Advertising. Recruitment & Trade Shows
- Participated in I-39 Logistics Corridor
- Participated in trade shows and networking events including the National Association of Manufacturers Conference, ISCS Showcase, ISCS Dealmakers Networking Reception, AIRE Showcase food, processing and biotech
- Sponsored and attended an Illinois Development Council reception for site selectors and corporate brokers in Chicago
- Participated 2007 Entrepreneurial Days, an international trade event between Sweden and the U.S and assisted in coordinating an industry
- cluster group focused on Automotive & Production Technology