JCDC commissions study, strategic plan

JCDC commissions study, strategic plan

MT. VERNON — The Jefferson County Development Corporation has created a capital development fund and commissioned a feasibility study and strategic development plan. “The JCDC Board accepted a proposal from IMS Worldwide Inc., for the study and to develop a strategic plan for the JCDC,” Executive Director Mary Ellen Bechtel said. “They will conduct a thorough review of properties and corresponding infrastructure to provide us with several economic development options for the county.” The JCDC Executive Board met Thursday night, making the decisions on the study and a new fund for capital development. In addition, the board said good-bye to several retiring members and welcomed new members to its ranks. Bechtel said the study and the new fund go hand-in-hand. “This is a proactive approach for retention and attraction for business and jobs in Jefferson County,” Bechtel said. “We want to understand the value of our infrastructure and how to leverage our transportation infrastructure — rail, roads and air — for the most return on investment.” Bechtel said the study will also support the Mt. Vernon Comprehensive Plan for economic development. “We believe this is an important first step to take us to the next level in the global logistics industry,” Bechtel said. “We are excited to get started on this in the next two weeks.” The capital development fund will be created using $200,000 in JCDC funds, and the goal is to raise additional monies to meet a $1 million fund goal. “Anytime we have funds in excess of our budget, the money will go into the fund, along with any dedicated contributions,” Bechtel said. “Now, we will have funds available when needed to help with development projects, if needed.” The JCDC Board also acknowledged retiring members Roger Tedrick, Mary Burgan, Dr. Dan Hoffman and Dorothy Wood, who will be leaving the board on April 30. “It’s always a sad time to see board members leave,” Bechtel said. “We have 14 rotating seats, so every year we have some board seats which expire. We’re very fortunate that Roger, Mary, Dan and Dorothy were willing to serve. They were part of the charter board member group and have been with us from the beginning.” Retiring board members can return to the board after not serving for a year. The JCDC welcomed new members JoDavid Cummings, Laura Schaubert and Roy Schmidt, who will begin their terms on the board in May. “We are excited to have new board members on the board to bring new ideas and perspectives to our economic development efforts,” Bechtel said.

By TESA CULLI tesa.culli@register-news.com The Mt. Vernon Register-News Sat Apr 16, 2011, 05:45 AM CDTThethe The Register News, Mt. Vernon, Illinois