Continued from Previous Page local government willing to work with businesses, it moves the community forward. In addition, a number of people in the business community go out of their way to be welcoming and friendly to outof-town and out-of-state business. That goes a long way.”
Infrastructure
Although local business and government leaders are taking positive steps to improve Lincoln’s economy and business-
Springfield Business Journal • July 2011 • 15
further development. Local government also submitted a grant to the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Plan (ITEP) to update sidewalks downtown, but the grant was also denied. “The sidewalks are 50 years old,” says Snyder. “We would like to add new sidewalks, planting areas, lighting, and additional pedestrian areas to showcase the vibrancy of downtown.” The mayor would also like to see the 103 acres of the former Lincoln Development Center (LDC) redeveloped. “Currently one building is used for a correctional facilities warehouse, a few other
in businesses to the west side is also bringing infrastructure (water, sewer, roads) to the area. Working to bring in Sysco took care of a lot of those up front costs,” but further improvements would still carry considerable expense. Lincoln has a number of opportunities. “There are a number of in-fill opportunities for commercial development along Woodlawn,” says Mathon, citing locations of former gas stations, and a 30 year business, Bob’s Roast Beef. Recently the Economic Development Plan identified a need for greater fiberoptic infrastructure within Lincoln. Although the city applied for grants and was denied, Frontier Communications Company, a private telecommunications provider, stepped up and began installation. “We’ve found a community partner in Frontier,” says Doolin. “If a business wants to come to Logan County, Frontier becomes part of the process of bringing in business.
Addressing high school dropout rate, teen pregnancy and drug abuse
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital (ALMH), partnering with Springfield Clinic, relocated to a $50 million building (photo by Rod Lane) es, a number of challenges still remain. One of those challenges is Lincoln’s aging infrastructure. “When we were developing some of the west side, we tried to get federal funds to connect the road from the hospital to the road behind Chrysler, creating a business complex,” says Mayor Snyder. Unfortunately, the grant was denied. More roads in the area would open up the section behind the hospital for
buildings are being used to warehouse, but otherwise the buildings remain empty.” In the last couple months some developers have looked at the possibility of redeveloping the former LDC, but Snyder admits that it will not reopen as a mental health facility. Mark Mathon, Lincoln’s city engineer, agrees that infrastructure remains a challenge. “One of the challenges of bringing
One of Lincoln’s continuing challenges is its youth. According to Mayor Snyder, “[Lincoln’s] biggest export is its kids.” While teen pregnancy, drug/alcohol abuse, and high school dropout rates remain high, one business leader in Lincoln is seeking to combat these issues in a unique way: through taekwondo. Scott Brown, 7th degree black belt and master instructor of taekwondo and deputy sheriff with the Logan County Sheriff’s department, has spent the last 30 years teaching taekwondo to Lincoln’s youth and adults, and has worked with the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program for 14 years. In 1978 Brown began teaching martial arts in Decatur
and later moved and started Lincoln Taekwondo in 1980. Brown’s philosophy combines hard work, strict discipline, and an environment that builds teamwork, encourages effort, and rewards success. “Every night I encourage physical well being, the ability to interact constructively with others, and the ability to push oneself when the going gets tough.” Brown also builds his teaching on a strong foundation of discipline and belief in God. Brown’s love for the art and for the youth of Lincoln has allowed him to have a significant impact. He has produced state, national, and international taekwondo champions at every rank and level of competition. In his 30 years of teaching, Brown has produced 34 black belts, 24 of whom recently returned for a reunion in January. “They came from as far away as Green Bay, Wisconsin and Kansas City, Missouri,” says Brown. “Most have gone on to excel in college and become successful professionally.” Recently, Brown’s work in the community was recognized when the school needed to relocate to 1204 Woodlawn Rd. because it had outgrown its location at 527 Woodlawn Rd. Dave McEntire of McEntire roofing, RP Lumber, and others contributed to the remodeling. “They began work on April 15th and finished it on April 29th, just in time for a taekwondo belt testing on April 30th,” says Brown. “They have been very supportive.” Although Lincoln has faced challenges, many business, political, and community leaders feel that it is positioning itself for positive growth ahead.
Cliff Wheeler is a freelance writer from Lincoln. He can be reached at cliff@springfieldbusinessjournal.com
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