Support from private companies and public agencies provides essential funding for the Midwest CDI. In return, by partnering with the Midwest CDI, organizations gain valuable recognition and access to community leaders active in economic development, support training that is essential for the economic revitalization of the region, and successfully achieve marketing and philanthropic goals. There are several ways to become a sponsor. Sponsors may make financial contributions, sponsor scholarships for community leaders, reimburse their staff for attending CDI, or make in-kind contributions, such as providing services free or at reduced cost. For more information on sponsorship options, please contact John Gruidl at 309.298.2984 or by e-mail at JJ-Gruidl@wiu.edu.
Ameren was created by the December 1997 merger of CIPSCO
Incorporated and Union Electric Company. In 2003, Ameren
grew with the acquisition of CILCORP Inc., parent of Central
Illinois Light Company, now operating as AmerenCILCO, and in
2004, Ameren acquired Illinois Power Company - now operating as AmerenIP - from
Dynegy Inc. Ameren employees, totaling approximately 9,000, provide energy
services to approximately 2.4 million electric customers and nearly one million
natural gas customers across 64,000 square miles in Illinois and Missouri.
Thomas N. Jacob & Associates, located in
Bloomington, Illinois was established in 1979
to advise Illinois municipalities engaged in
a variety of economic development activities. The firm has created more than 80
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts and Special Service Areas that retained or
created more than 4,000 jobs and over $2 billion of new investment in development
throughout downstate Illinois. The law firm offers services to cities and private
developer clients in Illinois. The Economic Development Group, Ltd, (EDG) a related
company, was established in 1999 to provide technical assistance and administrative
support to local officials and developers who are establishing TIF Districts. To further
enhance economic development efforts in downstate Illinois, EDG’s experienced
professionals provide technical assistance and the necessary expertise to ensure
that each community's TIF District is created properly and is administered in
compliance with all statutory requirements as provided in the Illinois Tax Increment
Allocation Redevelopment Act.
USDA - Rural Development is committed to improving
the economy and quality of life in all of rural America.
Our financial programs support such public facilities and
services as water and sewer systems, housing, health
clinics, emergency service facilities and electric and telephone service. We promote
economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks and
community-managed lending pools. We offer technical assistance and information
to help agricultural and other cooperatives get started and improve the effectiveness
of their member services. And we provide technical assistance to help communities
undertake community empowerment programs.
The City of Moline is located in the heart of the Midwest, nestled
between the banks of the Mississippi and Rock River in Rock
Island County, Illinois. Home to 43,768 people, Moline is one
of four cities making up the Quad Cities, a metropolitan area of
over 350,000 people residing in Moline and Rock Island, Illinois
and Bettendorf and Davenport, Iowa. Centrally located, Moline
offers easy access to a year - round calendar rich in cultural and
entertainment opportunities.
The Farnsworth Group is a full-service
engineering and architectural firm that
offers clients more than 240 professionals
located throughout a network of offices
in the Midwest and West. With a rich tradition that spans more than 100 years,
Farnsworth Group has been assisting its clients with the technical challenges that
affect their daily business. Through the course of that time, the tools of our trade
have certainly changed. Calculators have replaced the slide rule. Computers have
replaced the drawing board. And the Internet has changed just about everything
else. But time and technology cannot change our company philosophy, which
remains the same today as it did 100 years ago: our clients are our first priority.