The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By David Grimes for The Quill
County officials and residents had the opportunity to meet and greet newly hired Henderson County Economic Development Corp. executive director Robert Livingston during a reception at the courthouse in Oquawka Tuesday afternoon.
Some came with questions on expanding their private business, others came to offer assistance to those who needed it in their business.
"One person came who wanted advice on enlarging their small business," Livingston said. "Another person came to render help."
Steve Sager, with the Work force Investment office for Henderson, Warren and Knox Counties, was on hand as well.
Sager is assisting the HCEDC in compiling its business directory of county businesses. Sager said his portion of the project-identifying small businesses and cottage industries within Henderson County by using the Internet and phone directories-is nearly complete.
HCEDC will shoulder the task of making personal contact with the individuals associated with those entities.
The directory will pitch those businesses on the corporation's Website, hendersoncountyedc.com.
Livingston said Tuesday's stream of well wishers and those wanting to put a face with the corporation came at an appropriate pace, allowing him time to get to know county residents and listen to their stories.
The reception drew not only a steady line of curious county residents, but a smile on Doran's face.
He was pleased with the turnout.
"It's been a good turnout," he said, "considering two years ago we (HCEDC) didn't even exist.
"It's been a good time for people to meet and talk with Bob."
Livingston, who currently resides in Macomb, is currently working on his doctorate and has contracted to work with the corporation for at least one year through the Americorps VISTA program.
He is retired from his own plumbing business in Johnstown, PA, where he employed 78 individuals and was the principal in completing 138 major plumbing and heating projects in schools, hospitals and municipal water distribution systems.
His office space is currently located at Doran Insurance at Stronghurst. Consultation services can be scheduled with Livingston by calling (309) 924-1361.
Doran said at least two more meet and greet gatherings will be scheduled for county residents to get acquainted with Livingston this spring.
"Those get togethers will probably take place in Biggsville, Lomax or Stronghurst," he said.
Henderson County Economic Development Corporation co-founder Tom Doran (right), introduces Volunteer Executive Director Robert Livingston to the community at an open house Tuesday afternoon in Oquawka.
-photo by David Grimes/QUILL