MIP Marketing Launch Press Release.

Posted on by Andrew Taylor

edc_logoSeptember 25, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 Contacts:

Ryan McCrady, President

Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County

PH: 217-422-9520

 

Larry Altenbaumer, Executive Director

Midwest Inland Port

PH: 217-422-9520

 

Midwest Inland Port Strategic Development Coalition Introduced

Decatur, Illinois – The Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County (“EDC”) and the Midwest Inland Port are introducing today key representatives from organizations that are providing strategic and financial support to the comprehensive development of the Midwest Inland Port.

The introductions being made today are part of the Midwest Inland Port Market Launch Program that also features keynote addresses by Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner and ADM Chief Executive Officer and President Juan Luciano. As part of today’s program the EDC and the Midwest Inland Port are introducing a comprehensive set of marketing materials based on the results of a detailed study completed earlier this year.

Ryan McCrady, President of the EDC stated: “Today marks another exciting and significant step forward for the Midwest Inland Port and for all of Central Illinois. The organizations that comprise the Strategic Development Coalition represent a combination of global, national, regional and local perspectives that are all important as we work to achieve the potential of the Midwest Inland Port development.”

Larry Altenbaumer, Executive Director of the Midwest Inland Port, added: “Locally, we are familiar with the quality of organizations like ADM, Ameren Illinois and Decatur Memorial Hospital. Their support reflects not only a shared vision for what the Midwest Inland Port can become, but also represents their continued support for our community. The involvement of Clayco and OmniTRAX provides a significant level of additional credibility to what we are working to achieve. Both of these organizations have exceptional experience and expertise in the type of development opportunities we expect to occur as part of the Midwest Inland Port.”

Each of these coalition members will provide remarks at today’s Market Launch Program. In addition to these organizations, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is a member of the Strategic Development Coalition. Its director, Jim Schultz will share his views of the strategic significance of this development opportunity for the region and for the State of Illinois.

Altenbaumer also noted: “In addition to this outstanding group of organizations that will be part of today’s event, we are honored to have presentations being provided by Jim Kvedaras of the CN, one of the three Class I railroads serving Decatur. The CN is working with those of us here in Decatur to greatly enhance the service offerings that are critical to the full development of the Midwest Inland Port. They are a true strategic partner in our efforts.”

Ryan McCrady said, “While there is a great deal of focus on the Midwest Inland Port from those of us within our community, the full benefit of its development extends well beyond the borders of Decatur and Macon County. Kathie Cravens, the International Trade Specialist with the Illinois Small Business Development Center at the Champaign County EDC, will speak to the important regional considerations of the Midwest Inland Port opportunity. Today’s launch marks the first in what I believe will be a series of exciting developments that will occur over the next several months. These are exciting times for all of us.”

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About the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County

The Economic Development Corporation of Decatur & Macon County is a nonprofit public-private partnership responsible for non-retail business attraction, expansion and retention efforts in Decatur & Macon County. Composed of a combination of leading private sector employers, labor, educational institutions and a variety of governmental bodies, the EDC is uniquely positioned to address the needs of Macon County’s existing business and employer base along with prospective businesses looking to locate in and around the Decatur, Illinois area. The EDC works with local, state and federal partners to provide economic, technical and training assistance to businesses in the Macon County area.