| Growth Dimensions Organization
C. Mark Williams
Executive Director
Office Manager
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News Uses Entreprenuer Development Center
Norb Ziemer
Center Director
Growth Dimensions 200 S. State Street
Belvidere IL, 61008
Office: 815-547-4252
Fax: 866-353-2772
www.growthdimensions.org |
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Executive Committee
Board Meeting
February 24th
7:30 a.m.
Business Development
March 17th
7:30 a.m.
Tollway Station Point
March 10th
7:30 a.m.
Riverfront Development
February 25th
7:00 a.m.
*Growth Dimensions
Annual Reception
April 28th
6:00 p.m. at
Community Buildling Complex of Boone County
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Growth Dimensions'
Platinum Membership
Please click here for more information on becoming a member of the Growth Dimensions organization! | |
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EDA Grant Would Help Pave the Way for Regional Economic Development Efforts |
The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Plan document was completed and submitted to the US Economic Development Administration (EDA). Approval of the $730,000 grant would allow Boone and Winnebago Counties to take part in a different approach towards revitalizing the region's economy.
The CEDS Plan represents Boone and Winnebago County 's regional five-year comprehensive strategic economic development plan for EDA purposes. The CEDS Committee was made up of 20 private sector and 18 public sector stakeholders across the two-county region. The CEDS Plan organizes the region's economic development goals and priorities and helps qualify projects to apply for EDA grant opportunities.
A CEDS lays out a regional strategy for economic development with the ultimate goal being a stronger, more diverse regional economy. While the CEDS' most critical function is to provide a regional economic development framework, it also serves as a required vehicle through which some federal agencies (especially the EDA) evaluate requests for grant assistance. Without having a CEDS approved by the EDA, no one in the Region is eligible to receive EDA Grant.
To make this vision a reality, the Region will pursue the following Goals:
1. Create a regional comprehensive economic development plan and marketing strategy emphasizing collaboration within the Rockford MSA.
2. Foster efficient business development, expansion, diversification, job growth, and entrepreneurial activity throughout the region.
3. Ensure the future availability of a skilled and flexible workforce prepared to meet the needs of both existing and emerging industries and technologies.
4. Meet the full range of business' infrastructure needs with emphasis on transportation, utilities and communications.
5. Redeploy existing underused commercial and industrial properties, and protect natural amenities and resources for economic development purposes.
6. Obtain a higher quality of life by supporting and enhancing the region's sense of community identity, community health, cultural and recreational amenities, and creative industries.
The CEDS Committee was chaired by Growth Dimension's President Richard Van Evera and partner with Barrick, Switzer, Long, Balsley and Van Evera law firm and facilitated by NIU and Rockford Area Economic Development Council (RAEDC) staff along with assistance from Growth Dimensions, the City of Rockford and the Rockford Metropolitan Agency on Planning (RMAP).
The plan also identifies priority projects for the region.
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Growth Dimensions Announces 2010 Officers |
Growth Dimensions begins the new year with the election of officers to the organization's Board of Trustees. Richard Van Evera continues to serves as President, Kent Kniep has been elected as Vice President, Jim Metz remains Treasurer and Greg Brown has been elected as Secretary.
Growth Dimensions is grateful for the continued support and participation of the organization's officers, along with all of the individuals that serve on the board of directors. It is their valuable time and energy that contribute to the progress and success of Growth Dimensions' economic development efforts. |
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Save The Date: Growth Dimensions Annual Spring Reception |
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 28th, 2010 for the Growth Dimensions Annual Spring Reception. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. and will be held at the Community Building Complex of Boone County, 111 W. First St., Belvidere.
Invitations and further details to follow. |
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Manufacturer's Breakfast to be Held February 23rd |
 The Boone County Manufacturer's Appreciation Breakfast is taking place on Tuesday, February 23rd, 7:30 a.m. at the Boone Coounty Council on Aging/Keen Age Center. 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere.
The program for the event will include a presentation on "Inventory Management" from Monica Glenny of Datacraft.
A complimentary hot breakfast will be served.
If you are interested in attending, please call the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce at 815-544-4357.
Pictured Above: Monica Glenny of Datacraft |
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Belvidere Area Chamber Annual Dinner |
 The Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Dinner is being held on Thursday, March 11th at the Radison Holtel Conference Center, 200 S. Bell School Road, Rockford. Rock Valley College President, Dr. Jack Becherer is the featured speaker and will discuss the topic of "Leadership."
The event begins with cocktails at 6:00 p.m., dinner at 6:45 p.m. and cost is $45 per person. Please call the chamber office at 815-544-4357 to place a reservation.
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Go Global III Aims to Build and Strengthen Business Partnerships |
 The third annual Go Global event is set to take place April 21-23 at the Clocktower Resort and Conference Center, 7801 E.State Street, Rockford.
The event will explore underlying benefits of partnering and will help attendees navigate through the complex world of global trade . Go Global brings together top industry experts and specialists in global trade including large enterprises and U.S. Government to help businesses.
For More Information on the conference, please click on the following links:
(early bird rates apply through February 28, 2010)
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Bio 2010 International Convention to be Held in Chicago May 3-6
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 BIO 2010 will be held at McCormick Place in Chicago May 4-7. This is the Biotechnology Industry Organization show. In 2009, the trade show and conference attracted nearly 15,000 attendees from 58 countries.
The show targets drug discovery and development, life sciences, devices and predictive diagnostics, technology transfer in food and agriculture, industrial biotechnology and many other applications. IDC'S Cooperative Marketing Committee is considering this show as one of the events in its lineup of 2010 joint member marketing initiatives. Mark Williams of Growth Dimensions and James Alexander of the St. Louis RCGA are coordinating the Illinois Development Council's participation with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The industrial biotechnology area includes biomass, biobased products, energy platforms and manufacturing processes. This is an expanded area of focus since it further strengthens the Midwest's position in the Biotech arena.
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| ILLINOIS MANUFACTURING EXTENSION CENTER NEWS |
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Area Manufacturers Rising to the Challenge |
For years, small and mid-sized manufacturers did not face the challenge of selling. Business from multi-nationals was steady. Credit markets were open. Consumer spending was strong. The worldwide economy insulated many U.S. companies from severe fluctuations in sales and revenue.
Today, foreign price competition and volatile business conditions have companies of all types re-examining their current business models. Manufacturers who once stood apart simply by being more efficient are now scrambling to fill their sales pipelines, develop new products and services, and pursue customers in entirely new markets. Differentiating from the competition, moving up the value chain, and collaborating with customers is the new recipe for success.
Unfortunately, it often takes a crisis to prompt action. At IMEC, we've seen a noticeable increase in inquiries from manufacturers looking to begin their diversification journeys. Further, our conversations with attendees at two Wind Power Supply Chain conferences were indications that manufacturers are hungry to find work in any growing sector.
That many small and mid-sized manufacturers may finally be ready to tackle the challenge of developing a marketing and sales organization is a welcome sign. Diversification involves three principal actions:
- Bringing new products and services to markets currently served
- Taking current products and services to new markets
- Pursuing new markets with newly developed products and services
While each diversification strategy has its own set of challenges and rewards, you must assess your existing capabilities to identify which one will yield the best results. IMEC has developed an effective solution that will enable you to review your existing capabilities, gather voice of customer feedback, identify up to three high growth markets, and complete the external research and market plan to pursue those markets.
For more information on IMEC, please visit www.imec1.org.
*Information Provided by IMEC |
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Growth Dimensions is a 501 C (6) public-private corporation for economic development founded in 1979. Growth Dimensions coordinates and manages the strategic initiative projects that are identified in the Belvidere-Boone County Economic Development Strategic Plan. The organization maintains close contact with the city, village, and county officials and development staff regarding development codes and standards. Growth Dimensions is also the lead liaison for manufacturing companies in Boone County, regarding public sector issues and the delivery of economic development services.
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