Canton, Illinois
May 16th, 2009 - The Power of Hometown Connections: Success in Canton
It all started with a simple letter. Mark Rothert, Executive Director of the Spoon River Partnership in Canton, Illinois, wrote to Bill Cook requesting a meeting. The letter emphasized the important thing the two have in common - both are natives of Canton. Bill Cook also happens to be the founder of a major medical device and supply company, the Cook Group, Inc. He is a self-made man who is now among the 70 wealthiest Americans.
Mr. Koch lives in Bloomington, Indiana, where he has been instrumental in revitalizing the downtown area. Mark had read of Bloomington's success and asked for the opportunity to discuss what Canton might learn from Bloomington's experience. Mr. Cook responded with a cordial letter and a meeting was set up.
But there is more to the story. Mark Rothert, Bill Cook, and the Mayor of Canton Kevin Meade established a trusting relationship based on a common concern for the future of Canton. Eventually, Mr. Cook became a major investor in the downtown purchasing an historic building and renovating it into commercial and residential space. Finally, in late 2008, the Cook Group proposed a new factory to produce medical supplies at the site of the former International Harvester building. The facility, which is now under construction, may eventually bring more than 300 well-paying, clean jobs to Canton.
Mark Rothert is a great example of someone who knows that the old approaches to economic development are no longer working and who found a new approach to address today's issues. At CDI, we talk with colleagues and experts and visit communities to learn about the innovative ways they are doing development work. Join the network - participate in CDI from August 10-14 in Moline.
