BioVantage Fuels, LLC held a groundbreaking ceremony on a five million gallon per year biodiesel facility. The facility will begin operations in early 2008, making ASTM (American Society of Testing and Measurement) D-6751 specification, renewable biodiesel fuel for blending with traditional diesel fuel.

BioVantage Fuels is a start-up company with a goal of developing cost-effective renewable fuels. Founded by Brian Coker and Christopher Kelson the company seeks to leverage partnerships with the Growth Dimensions' AgTech Initiative, the city of Belvidere, the local farming community, 'green' investors, and universities to create sustainable, environmentally- friendly energy solutions.

"We are very excited to be working in Belvidere, and we hope to be the beginning of a much larger vision for the city and county, one based on new uses of agricultural products," stated Coker. We are extremely grateful for all of the help we have received, and are receiving, from all the local supporters of biodiesel."

BioVantage and the AgTech Initiative began their relationship almost two years ago as part of a symposium hosted by AgTech. Since then, the Initiative has played an integral role in connecting BioVantage to interested stakeholders and local leaders in the community. The two organizations continue to work closely together in a common goal for creating agricultural-based energy and jobs for the local community.

"This is an exciting time for Belvidere, for Growth Dimensions, for the AgTech Initiative and for our region. The ability to produce a renewable fuel product that will lessen our petroleum dependence and generate local opportunities is an all-around win," stated Norb Ziemer, director of the AgTech New Uses Entrepreneurship Center. "We are delighted to have BioVantage here and look forward to continuing our partnership."

The groundbreaking ceremony was been made possible through the hard work and contributions of several individuals and organizations. BioVantage would like to thank Growth Dimensions and AgTech for their assistance and contacts, in particular for the assistance of Norb Ziemer and Mark Williams; Greg Brown, with DareCloud Development; Larry Anderson and the entire community of Boone County farmers; Don Banks and Belvidere Bank; John Phelps of the Rockford Local Development Corporation; and the BioVantage community of investors and advisors.

"On behalf of the citizens of Belvidere, it is indeed a pleasure to welcome BioVantage as a corporate citizen" said Belvidere Mayor Fred Brereton. "The AgTech initiative has been a very educational process, and it is exciting to see how it complements the vision and entrepreneurial spirit of Chris and Brian."

Building completion is tentatively scheduled for late November, and BioVantage Fuels is working with their technology provider, SunBio Systems, to install all operating equipment in early 2008.

Pictures above right: (L-R) Brad Anderson-Growth Dimensions VP (Belvidere National Bank & Trust); Richard Van Evera- Growth Dimensions President (BSLBV Law Firm); Mark Williams- Growth Dimensions Executive Director; Cathy Ward- Boone Conty Board Chairwoman; Rep. Ron Wait; Chris Kelson-BioVantage Fuel LLC; Larry Anderson- Boone County Farm Bureau President; John Lewis-NIU Outreach; Rep. Dave Winters; Norb Ziemer- AgTech NUEDC

The University of Illinois Extension campus will be the first development in the Belvidere Business Park. The new 38 acre business park is located off of Logan Avenue, northeast of the Logan Avenue and Genoa Road intersection.

The park is also getting ready to break ground on an 8,800 square foot office/medical facility.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the U of I Extension Center is scheduled for Thursday, October 16th at 10:00 a.m.

LandMark Development, Inc. has signed a long-term lease with Chrysler in LandMark's Townhall Industrial Park at IL Rte 20 and Townhall Road in Belvidere. The transaction will result in a fully improved, 8.08 ac / 350-stall trailer staging, storage and dispatch yard near the automaker's Belvidere assembly plant. "We are extremely pleased that Chrysler has chosen LandMark for this development," said Bob Sanches, a partner with LandMark. "Townhall Industrial park continues to benefit from its proximity to Chrysler and the I-90/39 corridor and is an important amenity for distribution companies locally and nationally". Shane Van Sickle of LandMark Development represented the landlord.

LandMark Development, Inc., a privately held company, is headquartered in Northern Illinois and has provided a wide range of real estate services including site selection, land development, design, construction and sales/leasing for over 50 years across the Midwest.

Growth Dimensions recently held the 2007 Boone County Showcase. The event was aimed to highlight industrial and commercial development opportunities in Belvidere and Boone County, along with showcasing the current projects that are taking place throughout the county. The October 4th event began with a tour of the county, followed by lunch and a round of golf at the Golf Club at Timber Pointe. The tour highlighted recent projects, such as:

• Big Thunder Park
• Landmark Crossings
• West Hills Neighborhood Plan
• Flora Neighborhood Plan
• Townhall Industrial Park
• Landmark Logistics Park
• Crosslink Business Park
• Sager Corporate Park
• Gateway Center
• Logan Square
• Belvidere Business Park
• Kishwaukee River Redevelopment Area
• Countryside Mall
• First Rockford Group sites near Routes 173 and 76

A special thank to you showcase sponsors. We appreciate their continued support of economic development in Belvidere and Boone County.

• ComEd
• Rockford Area Association of Realtors
• Belvidere Bank
• Castle Bank
• DareCloud Development
• LandMark Development

The Mural Mile Association, a new city-led group is being formed to help revitalize downtown Belvidere. Boone County's Heritage Days committee and the former Belvidere Main Street program have recently merged with the new association in an effort to promote Belvidere as the City of Murals and provide oversight and guidance for business owners for downtown events throughout the year.

Sherri Casey of Pacemaker Fine Foods, Cuppa Joe's and Dari-Ripple has been elected as the President of the Mural Mile Association and Paul MacCaffery of the Sweetery, a downtown candy chop, has been elected vice president. The other executive board member are Bill Mischke, Treasurer and Kim Ellingson, City of Belvidere Mayor's Assistant for Neighborhood Development and Special Events, as Secretary.

The Village of Timberlane's first village hall, located in Newbury Place Subdivision at the intersection of Caledonia and Dawson Lake roads is nearing completion. The village of 755 residents, and new residential and commercial growth decided that it was time to build their own facility. The new building will be approximately 4,000 square feet with a large meeting room, reception area and village offices. The project has an estimated cost of $464,000.

The new hall is expected to open in December.

The Illinois Development Council (IDC) board of directors, recently elected Janet Mathis, Principal, The Development Consortium, Chairman of the Board. Mathis will lead IDC, the state's only professional economic developer organization, in shaping the group's marketing efforts, educational initiatives, membership outreach and public policy development for 2007-08.

"Janet is the right person to have as Chairman as IDC continues to evolve and take a more active role in helping membership with all aspects of economic development," outgoing IDC Board Chairman Craig Coil said. "Her work experiences encompass not only development but international trade, education, public relations and marketing. Janet's knowledge, contacts and experience will help to take this organization to the next level."

Before forming the economic development consulting company, The Development Consortium, in the fourth quarter of 2006, Mathis, of Geneseo, IL, was a Senior Project Manager for the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity in northwestern Illinois. She has coordinated Education to Careers activities for the Illinois State Chamber; worked as Illinois Trade Director in Toronto, Ontario; and led public relations and marketing efforts in a variety of capacities in state government.

Other officers elected during IDC's annual meeting were Mark Williams, Executive Director of Growth Dimensions for Belvidere and Boone County, as Vice Chairman/Chairman-elect; and Chuck Rose, Senior Business Projects Manager for the City of Springfield, Office of Planning and Economic Development, as Secretary/Treasurer. Along with Mathis and Coil, who is the President/CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County, Williams and Rose comprise IDC's Executive Committee.

Williams, of Growth Dimensions, heads up all economic development efforts in Belvidere and Boone County, as well as, special initiative projects including the New Uses/AgTech Initiative for northern Illinois. He has more than 18 years of economic development and regional planning experience that has included community and economic development for the City of Salem and planning for the North Central Illinois Council of Governments

As the Senior Business Projects Manager, Rose, of Springfield, assists in all community and economic development projects for the City of Springfield, working in tandem with the Quantum Growth Partnership for Sangamon County and other related entities. Prior to working for city government, Rose had been employed with the Illinois Department of Commerce & Community Affairs for 21 years, working on business attraction, expansion and retention projects across the state.

The Illinois Development Council is an association of economic development professionals and allies. These individuals are employed by municipalities; not- for-profit economic development councils or community development corporations; utilities; railroads; planning commissions; state government; and other partners interested in retaining and growing businesses in Illinois. Members of the organization participate in mutually beneficial public policy, marketing and educational efforts.

We congratulate Mark on his new position with the IDC and we appreciate his continued leadership in the state's economic development efforts.

Information Provided by the Illinois Development Council

This training program is provided in cooperation with Rock Valley College Continuing Professional Education and Engineering/Technology Division, City of Rockford and The Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and is designed to help minorities and women in construction to successfully compete in the construction industry. A wide range of construction- related topics will be covered including bidding and bonding; bookkeeping, business planning; estimating, financing, human resources, insurance and scheduling. The training utilizes an interactive and hands-on approach to learning that allows the participants to network and interact with each other. The focus of the course will be to provide the participants with basic business management principles. Guest speakers such as accountants, attorneys, bankers, general contractors, project managers and construction professionals will share their expertise and contribute to the program's value. To qualify for the training program, all participants must be a minority, woman or disadvantage/small or veteran- owned with 51% ownership or more minority or woman with a construction skill desiring your own construction business. Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion, course reference materials and the opportunity to network with prime contractors.

This eight-week program will begin Thursday, January 3, 2008 from 6:00-9:00 pm at the Eiger Lab, 605 Fulton Ave, Rockford, IL. Please call (815) 921-3900 for a program application. Applications must be submitted by December 1, 2007. Submission of application is no guarantee for admission to the training program. All accepted applicants will be notified prior to the start of the course. There is a one-time, non-refundable fee of $50 due at time of submission. (You can print an application from our website: www .rockvalleycollege.edu/construct

Ken Owen has joined IMEC as Vice President of Operations. He will manage strategy, business development, project execution and resource deployment for IMEC, a non-profit business service organization which works with Illinois manufacturers to be more productive and globally competitive.

"Ken's skills and and network of contacts will enable IMEC to expand our reach and impact even more manufacturers in our region," said Bob Weinstein, IMEC President. "His experience and strategies are great additions to the IMEC resourse base. "

Owen was most recently employed as Managing Principal for a Peoria-based regional management consulting firm. His previous experience includes senior positions in business development, consulting, and operations with Fluor Daniel, Rust International, McDonnell Douglas, Caterpillar, General Dynamics, and others. In addition to a strong manufacturing background, Owen brings an exciting blend of expertise in areas such as new business generation, market expansion and operations performance improvement strategies. His capabilities encompass a broad range of disciplines including process improvement, supply chain, strategic sourcing, IT alignment, and change management. His industry experience includes work in automotive, metals, chemical, food and beverage, heavy equipment and aerospace.

"IMEC is doing great things for smaller companies who are so critical to maintaining U.S. competitiveness," added Owen. "I'm proud to join an organization and a national system whose focus is to strengthen the manufacturing base and 'bring jobs home'".

About IMEC
The Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center (IMEC) helps the state's manufacturers to be more productive and globally competitive by implementing advanced operating methods and business practices. Our team of 32 full-time specialists assist more than 500 small and mid-sized Illinois manufacturers each year. Major service areas include lean manufacturing, quality improvement, technology, strategy, and supplier development. Manufacturers report that, on average, the technical expertise and coaching provided by IMEC will help them increase/retain sales by $1.3 million, cut operating costs by $231,000 and increase capital spending by $553,000. For more information, call 888- 806-4632 or visit www.imec.org.