Economic Development Belvidere - Boone County, IL
Quarterly
COMING BACK HOME
This Issue
Up Close With Congressman A. Kinzinger, May 27th Pg. 2
Growth Dimensions works to promote the area effectively to potential investors, and bring together cooperative efforts to address concerns of the communities within the region. The organization also works with state, city, village, and county officials regarding development codes, standards and incentives.
You could say that I’m back where I started. A student of Belvidere High School, I went on to earn a bachelor’s of science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. I then spent 10 years working in the Chicago suburbs, mostly as a construction manager for a mid-size homebuilder. Nearly four years ago, I returned home to Belvidere when I accepted a position as field representative with Congressman Adam Kinzinger. Working in the congressman’s office gave me the opportunity to interact with several economic development councils, chambers of commerce and development groups in the territory that I covered. These invaluable contacts have led to a smooth transition in my new role with Growth Dimensions. I’m excited about the potential within the city of Belvidere and Boone County to create a stronger economy for all of our municipalities. One of my goals, so far, has been to reach out to as many people as I can. I’ve created a solution-based group the Business Development committee aimed at creating ways to move our communities forward through marketing and communications. Many of the people I’ve met so far have a strong desire to get involved in the process. If you’re interested, please don’t hesitate to contact me. No one can do it alone, however. I’m fortunate to work with a tremendous board of directors who are supportive of a shared vision for the future. It’s also a pleasure to work with Stephanie Henninger, our new economic development manager. With only two of us on staff, Stephanie wears many hats in her role and she’s great at what she does.
2015
How Fares The Fair City Pg. 2
Executive Director Jarid Funderburg
I was thrilled to join Growth Dimensions last October as executive director, following in the footsteps of previous directors, Mark Williams and Kelly Galluzzo, who did a wonderful job moving economic development down the field, so to speak.
Summer
Poplar Grove Airport 2015 Private Airport Of The Year Award Pg. 2 Spring Reception Pg. 3 Sam Overton, Rock Valley College Pg. 3 Rockford Health System’s New Belvidere Clinic Pg. 3 Belvidere/Boone County Enterprise Zone Pg. 4 News & Notes Pg. 4
OSF HEALTHCARE: PROVIDING QUALITY CARE TO BOONE COUNTY Plenty has changed since Saint Anthony Hospital was founded by the Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis at the corner of East State and Summit Streets in Rockford in 1899. One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the system’s commitment to providing quality care to patients throughout the northern Illinois area. OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, a 254-bed tertiary care facility located in Rockford, is a member of OSF HealthCare, an affiliate corporation of The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. OSF’s primary service area is Boone and Winnebago counties. Last year, OSF opened the Center for Health in Belvidere, 1954 Gateway Center Dr. The clinic offers PromptCare, walk-in 3D mammography, bone density testing, CT scan, labs, MRI, physical therapy, ultrasound and X-ray, along with three family practice physicians. Recently, the clinic expanded to make room for physical therapy services at the Belvidere location. In addition, OSF’s Lifeline Ambulance provides service throughout Boone County and the system has a primary care physician in Poplar Grove. In the year since it opened, the Center for HealthBelvidere has treated 5,848 patients. “We’re pleased with the support we’ve received in Belvidere” says Paula Carynski, president of OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. “We’re committed to keeping a presence in Boone County and are always looking at ways to meet the needs of the community.” OSF’s commitment to Belvidere and Boone County extends beyond the medical facilities. Many employees actively engage in various organizations throughout the community. For instance, OSF has representation on both the Growth Dimensions and Belvidere Chamber of Commerce boards of directors, and OSF has hosted a number of health-related events through the chamber. In 2013, OSF Healthcare became a member of Mayo Clinic Care Network, which allows physicians access to Mayo’s evidence-based practice and gives local patients further peace of mind. OSF physicians can submit patient data or ask questions to Mayo experts, at no cost to the patient. “In a short amount of time, the expert can respond in the appropriate manner” says Carynski. “That’s a built-in second opinion without the expense, time and effort to travel to Rochester, Minn.”
Another recent development is an expanded partnership with Rock Valley College, who is building a Health Science Center on campus to help meet the growing demand for nurses and other health care workers in the region. The new 117,000 square-foot, four-story building will provide learning facilities for students in the nursing and allied health fields. To provide opportunities to nursing students beyond the associate’s degree, Saint Anthony College of Nursing will occupy almost two floors of the building and offer bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in nursing. The partnership will pave the way for students to earn a four-year nursing degree on the RVC campus. “It really gives our students a campus life” says Carynski. “They’ll be able to enjoy the arts, theater, sporting events – things they don’t have here in a hospital setting.” Construction is also on the main campus. OSF Saint recently received approval Facilities and Review Board new bed pavilion.
horizon for the system’s Anthony Medical center from the Illinois Health for the construction of a
The $85 million project will include the construction of a 144,247 square-foot, four-story bed pavilion attached to the existing hospital building. It will house 78 private rooms for medical and surgical beds. In the existing hospital, semi-private rooms will be converted to private rooms, for a total of 190 private rooms. There will be no change in the number of licensed beds. “Times have changed where patients now need private rooms for many reasons” says Carynski. “Along with privacy, the biggest needs are more infection control and incorporating the family into the care of each patient. Private rooms will go a long way to meeting those needs.” “We’re excited about all of the projects going on here at OSF” Carynski says. “It’s going to be a busy two years around here, but, ultimately, it’s going to provide a better experience for the patients and the communities we serve.”