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Good for one ... good for all EDCNCI talks about mission, vision, future By Goldie Currie gcurrie@bcrnews.com
OGLESBY — During a press conference in Oglesby on Monday, May 4, members of the interim
board of the Economic Development Corporation of North Central Illinois (EDCNCI) introduced their mission, talked about the vision of the group and what they hope to attract to the North Central Illi-
nois regional area. What is EDCNCI? The non-profit corporation plans to pool the individual economic development endeavors and investments to create a unified and more effective marketing effort to bring in job growth, job retention and job expansion to the area. “We are looking at the
people that are already doing business here and trying to help them expand, as well as bring more jobs here through marketing the region in Chicago and beyond,” explained T.J. Templeton, a member of the EDCNCI Interim Board. As Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce (IVAC) began looking at what a
regional economic development group would look like, it became apparent the region needed a bigger, louder voice over each town’s Chamber of Commerce that would further attract people and businesses to this area, said Scott Starvrakas, president of IVAC. Working on a $400,000 budget, the board plans
to hire a team of individuals who will work with the EDCNCI Board made up of members representing Bureau, LaSalle and Putnam counties, to reach markets nationally and beyond. The idea is if one large business comes to the area, the whole Illinois
Economics Page 4
A new proposal — a new direction Council discusses tourism, contract and TCI By Zita Henneberry zhenneberry@bcrnews.com
PRINCETON — The former tourism and economic development position previously held by Joni Hunt has been eliminated without a vote by the council. The position was brought in with a vote by the council, so a vote should be required for its elimination, said Commissioner Bob Warren at the Princeton City Council meeting held Monday, May 4. However, Mayor Joel Quiram said taking a vote was not necessary. Having contacted each council member individually, Quiram said he had known the majority of the council had supported his decision. Princeton City Commissioner Ray Mabry agreed and said he absolutely supported the elimination of the position when he was individually contacted and pooled by Quiram. The elimination of the position is final, and there will not be a vote taken on the matter, said Quiram. The 32-hour a week position paid $22 an hour, coming out to be about $36,608 a year. According to Princeton City Manager Jeff Clawson, the position was paid hourly, but with the hours exceeding 30 a week, there were some full-time benefits. Clawson said the salary was primarily taken out of the hotel/ motel tax fund. This fund, he added, is generally designated by state statute as funding for marketing and tourism of an area. Year 169 No. 55 Two Sections - 28 Pages
According to Quiram, the money which previously went toward the position’s salary and benefits is now available to Princeton. Also he said, tourism at the Chamber of Commerce should eliminate the miscommunication taking place when two entities were involved — the Chamber and Hunt. The Chamber is excited and looking forward to expanding the tourism aspect of its position in the community, said Quiram. Princeton Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kim Frey said, “The Chamber recognizes the important role tourism plays in our community. We want to be as supportive as possible to the decisions the city of Princeton makes and maintain our great working relationship.” Clawson said, he and Quiram will be meeting soon to discuss the details on how to move forward with this upcoming change. Quiram also announced the TCI manufacturing project in the city’s Logistics Park, previously accepted by the council, will no longer work for the city of Princeton. “Make no mistake about it,” said Quiram. “The city of Princeton wants to partner with TCI with their expansion. They have been receptive and have agreed to entertain a new proposal from us.” Quiram explained the original proposal was taken to TCI by the city of Princeton, and TCI agreed. The timing of this project
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BCR photo/Goldie Currie
DePue prekindergarten through second-grade students took center stage during the Cinco de Mayo celebration at DePue School on Tuesday, May 5. The young students performed traditional Mexican dances for an audience of almost 300 attendees. Aside from the dancing, the evening was full of music, food and crafts — all celebrating the Mexican pride and heritage.
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo in DePue By Goldie Currie gcurrie@bcrnews.com
DEPUE — The DePue School’s gymnasium was buzzing with excitement during this year’s annual Cinco de Mayo fiesta held Tuesday, May 5.
Nearly 300 community members came out for an evening of crafts, foods, performances and music to celebrate the Mexican pride and heritage. Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Day of the Battle of Puebla. It was the Mexican army’s unlikely
victory over the French on May 5, 1862. Attendees heard music from local band Groupe V Nivel, a well as Mariachi Viva Tecalitlan, who were back by popular demand. During the celebration, high school students Vanessa Rosales and Ana
Villalobos gave a brief presentation in Spanish on the significance of Cinco de Mayo and talked about the creation of the Mexican National Anthem. Parents, volunteers and students, along with
DePue Page 4
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