Also Announces $113,000 in Recycling Grants To Help Local Businesses Increase Efficiency and Competitiveness
MACOMB - In an innovative effort to meet with West Central region business and community leaders to discuss key energy issues and opportunities impacting the region, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns program today hosted an energy business roundtable discussion. Gov. Blagojevich also announced two Opportunity Returns grants to support recycling efforts in the region.
“We’re showing the nation that we can diversify our energy supply, reduce our reliance on foreign energy and promote our homegrown resources, while being environmentally responsible and creating jobs at the same time. The leadership role Illinois is assuming in the energy field is creating new opportunities in the marketplace each day. By bringing the community together to interact with experts in this field, we’re providing a forum to explore new opportunities and ensure that we’re tapping the full potential of our state’s rich resources,” Gov. Blagojevich said.
The roundtable, which was hosted by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), featured a discussion on trends in energy and recycling and information about the many state grant programs and resources available to businesses. A group of guest speakers from DCEO’s Bureau of Energy and Recycling were on hand, including Hans Detweiler, Deputy Director, Bureau of Energy & Recycling, Dave Loos, Manager of the Renewable Fuels program and Mike Motor, Manager, Recycling Expansion and Modernization Program.
“This is a great example of how Gov. Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns strategy is paying impressive dividends on many fronts. These recycling grants are going to help protect our environment, while helping local businesses grow. This forum is an excellent opportunity for even more businesses to learn how we can assist in promoting innovative efforts at expanding recycling and energy programs throughout the region,” State Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville) said.
The roundtable sessions are designed to keep the community informed about important state resources and services and continue to foster local partnerships vital to economic growth. To ensure these gatherings are accessible and inclusive, the roundtable meetings are rotated throughout the nine counties in the West Central economic development region.
“This business roundtable is one important outreach device we are using to not only keep a dialogue running between our economic development team and the communities of this region, but also to ensure no genuine
economic opportunity goes unrealized. The Opportunity Returns strategy tackles challenges in much the same way rural areas like Macomb do: by bringing people together in a community forum to assess local needs and develop an innovative plan to address them,” DCEO Director Jack Lavin said.
Disposal Pro, Incorporated of Carthage has been awarded a nearly $50,000 grant to expand recycling collection efforts in Hancock County. The grant will be used to help expand curbside recycling opportunities in Carthage by adding customers and allowing all participants to start recycling glass. A drop-off recycling location will also be developed at the company's facility. The grant will also facilitate the development of a "rotating" drop-off recycling program for several communities in the area. This project is anticipated to divert nearly 330 tons of additional recyclables from being landfilled annually. For additional information please contact: Barry Cozart at 217/357.3891.
The Tri-County Resource and Waste Management Council (TCR&WMC) is being awarded a nearly $63,000 grant to create a permanent regional facility to collect old, obsolete and end-of-life electronic equipment for recycling. The facility will be located in Macomb and will serve residents and businesses in the West Central, Northwest and North Central Opportunity Returns regions, including McDonough, Warren, Mercer, Knox, Henry, Henderson, Fulton, Hancock and Schuyler counties. For additional information please contact: Chad Braatz at 309/837.3941.
The grant comes as part of a newly established Electronics Recycling Program. The grant program focuses on the development and expansion of permanent collection and processing facilities that handle end-of-life computers and other electronics. Nearly $1 million is being awarded through the Electronics Recycling program, which will leverage approximately $1.4 million in applicant investment in the projects.
Gov. Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategy is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois’ history. Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn’t work, the Governor has divided the state into 10 regions – each with a regional team that is empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges. Opportunity Returns is about tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses. It is about upgrading the skills of the local workforce, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs. Opportunity Returns is about successfully partnering with companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.