A Glance at the 2011 Growth Dimensions Annual Event

Growth Dimensions annual spring reception took place on April 27th and the event's key theme this year was the importance of education and student readiness as they prepare to enter the workforce in this global economy. President of the Aurora-based Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA) Dr. Max McGee served as the keynote speaker.

The program began with remarks from Growth Dimensions' President, Richard Van Evera. Mr. Van Evera stressed that now is the time for Growth Dimensions to maintain a strong presence in local and regional economic development efforts. The announcement of the recent Chrysler expansion project brought great optimism for a strong economic future and Van Evera explained that Growth Dimensions represented the region during the negotiations with Chrysler. The economic development organization is beyond pleased that their competitive efforts paid off when the automotive company chose to retain and expand its operation in Belvidere-Boone County. However, strong partnerships among the public and private sector is crucial for future advancements.

"We have been performing these high impact projects with a very lean budget and remain cognizant of the financial strains our Public and Private members will be facing," stated Van Evera. "In order to succeed at a necessary pace, we must stay committed financially to our organization and continue to leverage resources through regional partnerships, networking and outside funding." 

Growth Dimensions' Executive Director Mark Williams began his address by recognizing the $600 million retooling /expansion project at the Belvidere Assembly Plant Chrysler announced in November 2010. The project remains to be the largest industrial capital investment project in the state of Illinois.  

Additional activity from this past year includes 500,000 square feet of industrial space being leased, four new Chrysler suppliers have committed to locate in Belvidere and a new 100,000 sq ft building at the Chrysler facility is under construction with another 100,000 sq ft being planned.

Other new companies in Boone County include:

·         New Breed Logistics

·         WEMA VOGTLAND AMERICA

·         Spirit CDL Training Corporation

Notable expansions:

·         Americold (Versacold)

·         SwedishAmerican Medical Center/Belvidere

Growth Dimensions also administers the Belvidere Boone County Enterprise Zone.  Over the past year, 42 projects were certified in the Belvidere Boone County Enterprise Zone with a total capital investment projection of nearly $615 million that will create 240 jobs and retain another 2,000 jobs.

As workforce development is a key component to sustaining our recovery and growing our economy, Williams concluded on the importance of a strong education system and how it positions a community for continuous, positive growth.  "We know education is a critical foundation for our economic competitiveness.  And we want to feature education," said Williams. "We are proud of our public schools in Boone County and feel it sets us apart and puts a light on us within the region and northern Illinois."

The quality and successes of the Belvidere School District 100 were also recognized. Superintendent, Dr. Michael Houselog, and Rock Valley College President, Dr. Jack Becherer, spoke about the unique programs the District offers and how they are able to prepare students for the next level of education. One particular program highlighted was the DECA group (Distributive Education Clubs of America).  For the past six years, Belvidere High School's DECA has won at the state level. The Belvidere chapter earned the Diamond Level Chapter Award, which is the highest honor a chapter can achieve.  The club sponsor is Mr. Carl Hobbs, one of five Golden Apple Award winning teachers from Boone and Winnebago Counties.

As President of the Illinois Math and Science Academy, Dr. Max McGee took the podium and discussed the importance of hands-on education as students prepare for the workforce in this global economy.

"The future of our communities and our country depend on innovation, and the future of innovation depends on transforming education," stated the IMSA President.

 McGee explained that how we test students must move beyond the bubble. He believes assessment should be performance based so students can not only actually demonstrate what they know and can do but also generate new knowledge through the assessment process.

"In education we are always waiting for Superman or we are searching for that silver bullet to solve our problems.  The fact of the matter is that both are here tonight," stated McGee. "Superman is leadership and the silver bullet is collaboration.  Growth Dimensions exemplifies these traits, and to that extent we can continue to lead, to collaborate and to innovate, our future is a bright one indeed."

Growth Dimensions also recognized two volunteers that retired from their service with the economic development organization: Dave Taylor and Ted Cowen.   Dave is a former County Board Member, Tollway Station Point Committee Chairman and NICTI Chairman and Ted is a long-time businessman and SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) representative. The valuable time and commitment they put forth will be greatly missed.

The Rockford Youth Symphony Orchestra Woodwind Quintet and the Belvidere North High School Choraliers provided entertainment for the event.

Please click here to view photos from the event. (passcode 3404)

Growth Dimensions' thanks this year's platinum member and event sponsors.