Proclaiming a “New Day for Economic Development Marketing in Illinois,” Intersect Illinois President Mark Peterson made an exuberant presentation to the North Central Illinois Economic Development Corporation (NCI) on March 22.
While Intersect Illinois is focused on marketing Illinois as one of the most innovative locations in the world for new investment and jobs, NCI has the clear focus of marketing Bureau, LaSalle and Putnam Counties as a Profit Center for new investment and jobs. “The focus makes the difference,” said Mark Peterson. “We develop partnerships and alliances, working with many organizations that do important economic development work. Intersect Illinois and NCI each focus on the critical area of Marketing.”
NCI and Intersect Illinois were both formed just 2 years ago in 2016. This Aggressive Partnership focus on Marketing may be new to Illinois, and to North Central Illinois region, but it is working.
Peterson pointed out that with the Right Tools, Right Team, and strong relationships….Intersect Illinois is already achieving great results. For two years in a row, Illinois has ranked Number 3 in the nation for New Corporate Business Locations and Expansions. Through its marketing efforts, Intersect has helped encourage 12 companies to locate in Illinois with an investment of $249 Million and the creation of 1,057 new jobs. Peterson said Intersect is currently working 49 projects, including being a finalist for the Amazon HQ2 project.
“People can say we have challenges, but the reality is that Illinois is the largest economy in the Midwest, and a business powerhouse,” said Peterson. “We are competing, the facts are clear, and we are not afraid to fight for new business investment.”
Peterson praised the Board and Investors of North Central Illinois EDC. “You are doing what needs to be done… being focused on Competing and marketing the Region for New Business and new Good paying jobs. We enjoy partnering with Ivan in this region to reach our goals.”
“We are going to always be there as a number one partner of Intersect Illinois,” said Ivan Baker, NCI President. “In every way, North Central Illinois is joining forces and sharing resources to be aggressive in marketing our region.” Baker pointed out that through broker and consultant relationships, industrial inquiries have increased over 400 percent, and that NCI is the only Economic Development organization in the state that is actively promoting at major regional and national Real Estate Broker and Consultant meetings and conferences. “Nobody else in Illinois is investing the time and money with the right target audience, like NCI.” Before NCI, the region maybe received 6 or 8 inquiries a year. “Thanks to NCI, we are now receiving 6 or 8 inquiries A MONTH, and have submitted 23 client proposals promoting 25 full-service sites and buildings in 11 cities,” said Baker.
Jim Riley, NCI Chairman, thanked the NCI investors for their commitment to regional economic development. “We will achieve great progress in our region, as our leaders continue to be Ambassadors and encourage Partnerships.” For more information on NCI, which is officed at IL Valley Community College, call 815-224-0645.