The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By David Grimes ,Quill Correspondent
STRONGHURST - When the Henderson County Economic Development Corporation formally came into existence two years ago, the group scarcely had two nickels to rub together.
Money still doesn't come easily, but co-founder Tom Doran says more funding sources are constantly being sought, including grants and cost-share programs.
"When we started in March 2003, we worked with more heart and ambition than funding," Doran said.
Henderson County now contributes annually more than county coffers could provide when the corporation was launched. Booster clubs at Biggsville and Stronghurst also have donated to the effort.
And while it isn't a great deal, it shows the county is supportive of attracting new tourism and business to the area.
Also, in its first two years the HCEDC has developed a Web site (www.hcedc.com) and sponsored a health mapping workshop that helped identify medical care challenges, mental health needs and the correlation between the two and the condition of the county's economy.
A county business directory listing also is being created for the Web site and Doran, also a member of the county board, is stumping to revive the now defunct county planning commission.
"We're looking for volunteers - visionary individuals who will seek out a plan that will promote Henderson County and attract new business to the area," he said.
Doran's recent appointment to the Western Illinois Economic Development Authority provides a link to state dollars earmarked for new business startups in a 13-county area in west-central Illinois.
"The board has been given $250 million bonding authority with respect to new businesses locating in the region," Doran said.
The newly created group has yet to conduct its first meeting, but Doran already is thinking of what could attract some of those dollars to Henderson County.
Doran hinted that a bio-diesel generating facility, similar to the Big River Resources ethanol plant in West Burlington, would find an ideal location in west-central Illinois, with all state vehicles now powered by the hybrid fuel, providing good-paying jobs for local residents.
But Doran is under no delusion.
What will strengthen the economic condition of one of Illinois' most rural and sparsely populated counties are the small businesses that continue to pop up in Henderson County.
Also a member of the Western Illinois Entrepreneur Agency in Galesburg, Doran said that body exists solely to review matching grant applications for people wanting to start up a small business.
Awards up to $5,000 are granted would-be entrepreneurs who fall within the parameters of agency funding guidelines.
Doran said the corporation's most recent achievement is attracting Robert Livingston as volunteer executive director for HCEDC earlier this month.
At 84, the former Johnstown, Pa., resident will work as a VISTA volunteer on fund-raising, volunteer development, Web site development and other corporation projects and goals.
While progress has come by steady, measured steps rather than by leaps and bounds, Doran said he is encouraged by the interest shown by area residents and in goals being achieved.
"I want to see this county grow and prosper," he said. "And we're getting there."