Local Development, Future of State Economics Examined at DGEDC Luncheon

Downers Grove, IL — If Pierce Downer returned to Downers Grove today, what would he think of the progress of economic development in his village?

Jim Schultz, CEO of the Illinois Business and Economic Development Corporation, pondered this question June 16 at the Downers Grove Economic Development Commission’s fourth annual luncheon.

As Schultz delivered the event’s keynote address, he highlighted the workforce in Illinois as the state’s greatest asset. He reviewed Gov. Bruce Rauner’s economic development turnaround agenda, and he said changes will take hold over the next six to 12 months.

“Illinois will no longer be the red tape state,” Schultz said. “We’ll be the red carpet state.”

Illinois needs to change how it does business, he said, and he and the governor are committed to raising funds for economic development.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Downers Grove Economic Development Commission, the success of which President and CEO Michael Cassa called a testament to how well a private/public partnership can work.

Next month, Cassa will celebrate his fifth year as DGEDC president.

Cassa reviewed several recent economic projects developing or open in Downers Grove, including of Art Van Furniture’s flagship store, Zeigler Auto Group, Michael’s anchor store, Grand Appliance, Fresh Thyme’s corporate office, Alter Brewing and others.

Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully presented this year’s Cornerstone Awards to three projects completed in the past 12 months, judged on economic impact and design.

This year’s Cornerstone Award recipients are Art Van Furniture, Marriott Downers Grove and Newell Brands, Inc.

Tully thanked these companies for their investments in Downers Grove.

Following the award presentation, Laura Neibert, vice president of support operations for Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, commented on the Advocate/NorthShore merger during her introductory remarks.

The organizations announced their intent to merge in September 2014, but the Federal Trade Commission moved to block the merger. A judge ruled last week that the merger could take place, but the FTC will appeal that decision.

Neibert said the FTC believes the combined company would dominate 60 percent of the area’s health care market, but she said Advocate believes it would only be about 25 percent.

“We are optimistic, and we believe this is the right thing for the community,” she said. “Say a prayer for us.”

Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital served as the luncheon's Groundbreaker Sponsor.