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Lincoln group launches Business Retention and Expansion program; downtown business walk set for Jan. 16 (weather permitting)
Summary
Lincoln Economic Advancement and Development and an Economic Recovery Core fellow described a new Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) committee aimed at connecting local businesses to resources and conducting a downtown business walk on Jan. 16, weather permitting.
Andrea Runge, CEO of Lincoln Economic Advancement and Development, introduced a new Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) initiative to the Lincoln City Council, saying the effort is meant to “support the long term success of Logan County businesses.”
Dorsey Hill, an Economic Recovery Core fellow working with the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council and based in Peoria, described the program as a listening and support effort. “The most jobs that can come to the community might already be in your backdoor,” Hill said, summarizing the BR&E approach to talking with existing local firms and removing barriers to growth.
The committee, formed in October, includes representatives from Lincoln Economic Advancement and Development (LEAD), the Logan Regional Planning Commission, the Community Action Partnership of Central Illinois, Heartland College, a Land of Lincoln workforce entity, the WIOA workforce board, the Lincoln Downtown Business Group, and City of Lincoln officials. Runge said the group currently lists either 10 or 11 members as it finalizes membership.
Runge said the committee’s vision is “to foster a vibrant, inclusive community by supporting the long term success of Logan County businesses,” and its mission is “to design and implement a collaborative business retention and expansion program to enhance workforce skills, connect businesses to available resources, and remove barriers to growth.”
One near-term activity is a downtown business walk planned for Jan. 16, weather permitting, during which committee members will spend a few minutes with each business to ask how things are going and where the city or partners can help. Runge and Hill left flyers with council members and offered a contact email and business cards for follow-up.
Runge said Hill has helped with grant-writing and other initiatives that might bring further projects to Lincoln, and that Lincoln’s approach will be used as a model across five counties covered by Hill’s fellowship.
Council members asked whether the committee will provide periodic reports; Runge replied she can compile updates for the council. The presentation concluded without any formal council action.
