The Iroquois Economic Development Association is hosting its first Mayor, City Council and Stakeholder’s Brunch in partnership with the Illinois Institute of Rural Affairs (IIRA). At this meeting, the IIRA will present its MAPPING program and how community planning is one of the key factors to creating amazing growth in communities.
At the Illinois Economic Development Association conference last month, I heard Brittny Gibson speak about the village of Dieterich’s housing development project created with a residential tax-increment financing (TIF) program. She shared a timeline of how these incentives, along with community planning, created tremendous growth for the village of Dieterich:
2014-21: The village established and developed its second TIF district. Half-acre lots were sold for $3,500 for contractors and $5,000 for residents. Ten new homes were built in the first year, 30 within just four years, and 93 within the first 15 years. Construction shows investment, building pride in community and acceleration of businesses and residential growth.
May 2021: The village raffled off a new house in the Hartke Subdivision to help fund the new Wright Family Center, raising $213,000. Tickets were $100 each or six for $500. Sold were 4,238 tickets,
including 1,500 prior to the week of the drawing. The TIF district enabled the village to donate the lot in the Hartke Subdivision.
September 2022: Groundbreaking occurs for the Wright Family Center, a $5 million project. Village owned and park district led, the Wright Family Center was made possible by anchor business as the lead donors, plus school-donated land. It features a 50-student daycare, full-size gymnasium, three community rooms and a 24-hour fitness center. A $2.1 million state PARC grant was awarded. TIF funds were used to bridge the grant funding and donation gap with COVID-19 price increases. In the 10 years since the last census, Dieterich has flourished like only few others in Illinois have. The village’s population has increased by over 44%, from 617 residents to 890. The village ranks No. 7 in the state for population growth rate. The new subdivisions have already added 142 kids to the school district. The Dieterich Park District was able to start spring and fall soccer leagues for youth in pre-K through fourth grade, grow the youth baseball/softball leagues, and have added pickleball leagues for those age 11 and up. Since TIF 1 began in 1997, over $6.2M in private investment has occurred in Dieterich. There have been more than 20 TIF-assisted commercial and industrial projects. The village has invested $366,000 in TIF incentives to help foster this growth. Some of the more notable projects include: Dieterich Medical Center, Dollar General, Old Mac’s Drive
Thru & Convenience Store, Subway, Septic Solutions, Probst Auto Body, and Candle Art.
This is a great example of how bringing communities together to talk about incentives and future plans can yield tremendous growth now and for future generations.
Lyon Metal adding 25 workers
I recently spoke with Ameria Young, the human resources director with Lyon Metal, and she let me know they are now hiring 25 additional shift positions in their Watseka plant.
Lyon Metal is looking to hire motivated individuals ready to grow with a company that values hard work and dedication. Open positions include: assemblers, machine operators, painters and welders.
The second shift is Monday through Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. Positions offer competitive pay and shift differential, weekly pay, great benefits and growth opportunities.
For more information, people can visit www.lyonworkspace.com/careers or call Lyon Metal today at 815-432-4595.
Shop Iroquois County!
If you’re needing assistance starting a business, know of a business opening in your town or would like to promote events in your town, please call the Iroquois Economic Development Association office at 815-432-0072.
Angel Crawford is executive director of the Iroquois Economic Development Association. She can eb reached at iedaillinois@gmail.com.