Logistics Centers Economic Impact Study

Madison County Community Development and Planning & Development partnered with

four other regional and local organizations in order to gain a better understanding of

the economic impact of this crucial sector of the County’s economy. We will determine

this industry’s direct and indirect employment and overall economic impacts

Enterprise Zone 101 (Enterprise Zone Basics)

Enterprise Zone 101 meetings are being held all across Madison County to educate businesses and residents about

the benefits of using these zones. We have covered the newest zone called the Discovery Zone and held a meeting

with the Southwestern Madison County Enterprise Zone, and provided information on using the Riverbend Zone

in coordination with the Riverbend Growth Association.

Southwestern Illinois Trade & Investment Council

The Council, created by both County Board Chairmen from St. Clair and Madison Counties, has appointed board

members, created a resource guide, and developed an action item agenda for the coming year. This group is work-

ing to create programs which will better market the Counties and assist businesses when looking to import and

export their goods and services. Planned events include Exporter of the Year, monthly forums and other events.

Madison County Tourism Initiative

From Rt. 66 to Lewis and Clark, Madison County has the 8th largest tourism market in Illinois. We

will lead efforts to promote County tourism during visits with stakeholder communities and ideas

have been universally well-received. The next step is to complete board resolutions and letters of

support from each community and work closer together to bring more tourism to the County.

Madison County Economic Development Quarterly Meetings

Meetings are being held every quarter with good turnout and engaging speakers. Early meetings covered East-

West Gateway, business recruitment and retention and a discussion with the federal reserve. The next meeting

will discuss the defense industry in Madison County and the U of I Defense Adjustment Grant.

Madison County Broadband Planning

Working with our IT department, we are reviewing opportunities for developing access to broadband services in

areas of the County that are either not served or poorly served. We will be working with healthcare, legal, educa-

tion and other users of broadband services to develop a complete network of service and analyze service gaps

across the County to ensure we have a reliable information management system for business and residents.

Justine Petersen Microloan Program Partnership

Madison County has invested $200,000 into a business microloan program managed by Justine Petersen. These

funds are reinvested into the County and assist entrepreneurs in starting new business opportunities.

Madison County Rail Study Madison County is actively engaging multiple Class One rail service providers to develop

a county inventory of rail served sites and infrastructure available for development op-

portunities. The county will work with each rail service to establish prospect areas for

the future planning and marketing of these sites.

MCCD Community Snapshots

Madison County collects and analyses data across all units of government in the County in order to gather residen-

tial and construction information and track the growth of our economy. This information is shared with communi-

ties as well as with the Chief County Assessor and 911 office to make sure all recent information is complete and up

to date.

Madison County Food Access Initiative

Working with U of I, the County Health Department, the Farm Bu-

reau and other stakeholders, we are developing a better under-

standing of our County’s agricultural base and identify areas of

food access. Through these partnerships, we will develop platforms

to better provide food access to underserved and underutilized

“food deserts” to create jobs and opportunities for our residents.

Madison County Logistics Roundtable

This group, consisting of third party f service providers at both the

Gateway and Lakeview Commerce Centers, has met under Madison County’s leadership. The focus of these

roundtables are to improve access to qualified employees and workforce, employee transportation, access to food

and safety. The forum is also established to keep regular lines of communication open between providers.

Madison County Construction Forum

Madison County, in collaboration with Southern Illinois Builders Association and the Construction Forum of St.

Louis, will convene a forum led by the two County Board Chairmen, to discuss the pressing issues with the con-

struction workforce and develop ideas on how we can work together to solve them. Groups from across the spec-

trum will be invited and there will be a heavy focus on construction education with labor families and children.

Brownfield Project and Cleanups

As the result of a grant obtained by Madison County, several brownfield sites have been tested to date. Sites in

Troy, Highland, East Alton, Edwardsville and Glen Carbon have been reviewed with potential redevelopment op-

tions identified. Community meetings have been held to provide updates and progress reports on this redevelop-

ment program. These projects are expected to lead to a mix of commercial and residential development, creating

jobs and opportunity for our residents.

Madison County Energy Roundtable

This Board, consisting of energy service providers and suppliers in Madison County

was established to provide a resource for the County to help develop energy policy

and to support energy industries with workforce, transportation and regulatory is-

sues. We recently held a meeting with members of the Illinois Legislature and the

Director of IEPA to discuss barriers to energy growth and development. The Board

also obtained a grant with the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center at SIUE to

review issues around energy growth jobs in Madison County.

SIUE-Community Taskforce

Established by Madison County Board Chairman Dunstan and SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook, the SIUE-

Community Taskforce, made up of public and private sector representatives, was established to assist the Univer-

isty in ways to develop cost efficiencies across the physical plant of the University, in addition to aiding in elevat-

ing the visibility of the campus in the region with respect to establishing resources to lead on regional issues and

to provide opportunities for faculty, staff and students for engagement in issues around the region.

Transportation Priorities

Madison County’s transportation priority projects have been shared with our state and federal legislators,. These

projects, provided by our municipal partners, include many road and bridge improvements including a need to

construct a new Mississippi River Bridge at Chain of Rocks and widening I-270 from I-255 to the new bridge to

help support our logistics industries at Gateway and Lakeview Commerce Center.

Madison County Office on Aging (MCOA)

Established as a one stop shop for seniors, MCOA will provide a clearinghouse of service delivery information to

the County’s senior population working through a network of senior volunteers located in various township offic-

es. Services from meals on wheels to job and employment related services will be coordinated by the MCOA which

is directed by a Gerontologist and staff from AARP and the County.

Chairman Alan Dunstan and Frank Miles, MCCD, meet

with the IEPA Director.