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Regional Growth Alliance asks Effingham to continue $110,000 annual dues; council expresses support
Summary
Courtney from the FNM Regional Growth Alliance requested the city continue annual dues at the same rate as last year (recorded in the meeting as 110,000). He highlighted workforce housing, childcare, SBDC expansion and workforce-development programs; council members voiced support and said they would continue their commitment.
Courtney of the FNM Regional Growth Alliance asked the Effingham City Council to continue the city’s annual dues at the same level as last year, which he stated in the meeting transcript as "110,000." He outlined the alliance’s recent work supporting workforce housing, partnering with Eastern Illinois University to establish an SBDC satellite office in Effingham, childcare initiatives that added licensed slots, and programming tied to workforce training and manufacturing demand planning.
"The Alliance is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit economic development organization," Courtney said, noting that Effingham has two representatives on its board and that the alliance supports business retention, expansion and workforce development. He described recent successes including the SBDC placement at Midland Lofts and outreach work that has produced new childcare capacity and housing action-team materials.
Council members responded positively to the presentation. Commissioner comments recognized the alliance’s role in childcare and workforce initiatives and indicated support for continuing the city’s dues. City staff said the matter will be handled on the omnibus vote agenda at a subsequent meeting.
Courtney also noted the alliance’s use of data partners (he mentioned Placer and Buxton among tools used) and upcoming programming such as an Advantage Illinois presentation, SBA and USDA Rural Development outreach, and events aimed at entrepreneur support.
