MORTONPROGRESS
The Latest News from the Morton EDC
November 2015
Village Announces Timeline for Memorial Plaza
The Village of Morton has announced the construction and completion timeline for the Memorial Plaza in Downtown Morton. The Village will be going out to bid on the estimated $2 million project on December 18. The Village plans on completing the project on or near September 9, 2016. 

This project grew out of efforts by the MEDC and Village to focus on the redevelopment of Morton's Downtown as a focal point of the community. Including the Plaza, more than $7,500,000 in new investment in Downtown Morton has been announced. 

"We are excited that this project is moving forward and that we will see dirt moving as soon as the weather breaks in the spring," MEDC CEO Brian Anderson said. "There's been a renewed interest in developing Downtown and making it a true destination, and the Plaza is a big piece of that long term goal."
The project is a public/private partnership between the Village and MEDC. The Village is managing the construction of the Plaza and contributing $1 million of the funding. The MEDC has committed to raising up to $1 million in matching funds, with $850,000 raised to date. 
    
John Deere to Acquire Precision Planting from Monsanto

John Deere has announced the acquisition of Precision Planting from Monsanto, including Precision Planting's Morton facility. 

Precision Planting was a locally founded company before being sold to Monsanto in 2012. Precision Planting specializes in developing new and innovative products in the agricultural sector.

"This strategic acquisition expands the John Deere precision agriculture business and accelerates our momentum as a market leader," John Deere CIO and President of Agricultural Solutions John May said.

John Deere has indicated that they plan on maintaining staffing and operation levels at their Morton facility consistent with the incentive agreements signed when Monsanto constructed their Morton facility. 

"Precision Planting has been a great success story for Central Illinois and Morton," MEDC CEO Brian Anderson said. "First as a startup that experienced major growth under founder Gregg Sauder and then major new investment after it was acquired by Monsanto. We expect that investment and growth to continue now that it has been acquired by John Deere and look forward to working with them."

John Deere manufactures agricultural, construction, and forestry machinery, diesel engines, drivetrains used in heavy equipment, and lawn care equipment. In 2014, it was listed as 80th in the Fortune 500 America's ranking. 

  
Morton Economic Development Council                                                           Leadership Circle 
415 West Jefferson Street village of morton
Morton, IL  61550
309-263-2491

Morton Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Council | 415 West Jefferson Street | Morton | IL | 61550