illinois_valley0830aw

History

The Illinois River and the rich soil of the Illinois Valley attracted these early settlers.

Opportunities for work on construction of the Illinois-Michigan Canal in 1836 drew thousands more. www.ivaced.org 1

�������������������������������������������������

�������������������� ������������������ � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ������������������������������ ������������������������������� ����������������������������������� ��������������������������������� ������������������������������������� ����������������������������� ����������������������������������� ����������������������������� ��������������������������������� ����������������������������

�

� ��������� ��

����������������������������������� ����������������������������������� ��������������������������� ������������������������������� ������������������������������������ ������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������� ����������������������������������� ������������������������������������ ��������������������������������������� ������������������ ������������������

������������������������������

� � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �������������� � � �� � � � � �� � � �� ������� ��� �� ��� �����

Table of Contents

Welcome

Table of Contents

Get Acquainted With the Illinois Valley .............6

History

Success Through the Ages...................................8

Location

Welcome to the Midwest ....................................9

Education

A Focus on Learning .........................................10

Business/Industry/Growth

A Favorable Business Climate ........................12

Health Care

Quality Care .......................................................14

Housing The Perfect Home for You.................................... 16

Local Government Serving the Community ....................................... 18

Economic Development/ Workforce Doing Business in the Illinois Valley .................. 19

Transportation

On the Move..........................................................................22

Worship

A Community of Faith..........................................................23

Maud Powell

A Worldwide Inspiration ....................................................24 2 Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development

The Illinois Valley Community College campus sits atop a bluff overlooking the Illinois River.

������������������� �����������������������������������������������������������������������������

���������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������� ����������������������� ������������������� �������������������������������� ����������������������������� �������������������� ��������������� ��������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������

�������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������

�������������������������������� ��������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������

�������������������������������������������

Table of Contents

A Peek Into the Past

CommunityLink.com

1 800-455-5600

production production manager director of media & content copywriting

copy editor proofreader director of photography photography

creative director lead design

MATT PRICE DIANA VAUGHN ILLINOIS VALLEY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CHRISTINA REESE LAURA WILCOXEN LISA LEHR ILLINOIS VALLEY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STEVE STOUT CLINT EILERTS KELLY FRIEDERICH

Historical Etching of the Illinois Valley ......................................... 25

Recreation/Tourism

Something for All Ages ................................... 27

Places & Faces

Take a Look at the Illinois Valley ................ 28

business development director of business development director of outside sales director of inside sales assistant director of inside sales business development manager marketing consultant customer service director customer service rep mailroom technician

GEORGE PRUDHOMME STEVE GRAFF NANCY ODUM DEBBIE MOSS BONNIE EBERS RODGER TRUE KATHY RISLEY LAURIE ANN JENKEL MELINDA BOWLIN

Statistics

Population ................................30

Advertisers Index...................................31

advertising ad research

ad traffic senior ad designer ad design

JOYCE PYATT AMY SCHWARTZKOPF KATHY SCOTT CAROL SMITH KACEY WOLTERS SARA COOK JOSEPH GOETTING JOSH MUELLER

administrative support administrative support account support human resources assistant

KATHY HAGENE CAROL SMITH TERRI AHNER TRICIA CANNEDY TERESA CRAIG

information technology publishing systems coordinator

CHRISTOPHER MILLER

executive leadership chairman and founder chief financial officer

CRAIG WILLIAMS RHONDA HARSY

ON THE COVER Starved Rock State Park

This book is published by CommunityLink and distributed through the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development. For advertising information or questions or comments about this book, contact CommunityLink at 800-455-5600 or by e-mail at info@CommunityLink.com.

ABOUT

Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development, 300 Bucklin St., P.O. Box 446, LaSalle, IL 61301, 815-223-0227, Fax 815-223-4827, www.ivaced.org

FOR INFORMATION

© 2007 Craig Williams Creative, Inc., 4742 Holts Prairie Road, Post Office Box 306, Pinckneyville, IL 62274-0306, (618) 357-8653. All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher.

4 Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development

For further information, contact:

Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development 300 Bucklin St., P.O. Box 446, LaSalle, IL 61301 Phone: 815-223-0227 • Fax: 815-223-4827 Web: www.ivaced.org • E-mail: ivaced@ivaced.org

Starved Rock State Park is home to many beautiful canyons.

{ {

Welcome

The people who reside here not only work and play hard, but are generous with their time, talents and money when it comes to “being there” for the other person.

Abraham Lincoln Memorial Bridge

Get Acquainted With the Illinois Valley Communities are closely knit, forming a unity between residents, local governments, schools, business establishments, etc.

I

t is our pleasure to acquaint you with the many great aspects experienced in the beautiful Illinois Valley Area. The Valley covers 700 square miles and has an area population of approximately 41,000, which consists of 23 cities/villages located within the counties of LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam. The Illinois Valley encompasses the communities of Arlington, Cherry, Dalzell, DePue, Hollowayville, Ladd, LaMoille, Seatonville, Spring Valley, Cedar Point, LaSalle, Lostant, Lowell, Oglesby, Peru, Tonica, Troy Grove, North Utica, Granville, Hennepin, Mark, McNabb and Standard. Communities are closely knit, forming a unity between residents, local governments, schools, business establishments, etc.

The people who reside here not only work and play hard, but are generous with their time, talents and money when it comes to “being there” for the other

6 Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development

person. There are a number of programs the community partakes in on a voluntary basis. Programs such as hospice, which is a special kind of care designed to provide comfort and support to individuals whose illness has resulted in a life expectancy of weeks or months; Labor of Love, an annual one-day program that provides the material and labor necessary to repair homes of the elderly and disabled living on low income; Illinois Valley Food Pantry, which provides food to those who are financially in need; Red Coats, who assist patients leaving the hospital; Public Assistance to Deliver Shelter (PADS), a program that provides a hot meal and a place to stay the night; Special People Encounter Christ (SPEC), a program for children who are mentally disabled; and for Christmas, a local person with countless volunteers led a program called “Project Santa,” a project through which volunteers

Welcome

������������������������� ������������������� �����������������������������������

������������������������������������ ��������������������������������� �������������������������

Boxes and boxes of stockings were stuffed and packaged for U.S. military in Iraq.

purchased and stuffed 13,000 Christmas stockings for our soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and military hospitals, and the list goes on and on.

The climate in the Illinois Valley, with its changing seasons, is never boring. Spring gives us temperatures between 55 and 65 degrees, summer can be hot and humid, rainy or dry. Fall gives brisk mornings with heavy dew and comfortable afternoon temperatures, and winter is either mild or blizzardy.

Beauty, low crime rates, jobs, friendly people, convenience and much more can be found in the Illinois Valley.

Our arms are open to you. If you are deciding on a place to visit or relocate, consider the opportunities found in the Illinois Valley … you just may be impressed with what you see.

The Illinois Valley‘s picturesque landscape holds a timeless beauty that remains steadfast throughout the seasons.

www.ivaced.org 7

History

The Starved Rock Visitor Center makes history come alive.

Success Through the Ages

T The Illinois River and the rich soil of the Illinois Valley attracted these early settlers.

Opportunities for work on construction of the Illinois-Michigan Canal in 1836 drew thousands more.

he recorded history of the Illinois Valley reaches back over three centuries to 1673, when French explorers Louis Joliet and Father Marquette discovered a large Indian settlement on the Illinois River at Starved Rock. Starved Rock acquired its name with the legend of a band of Illini Indians who, rather than surrender, chose to starve atop the rock during a siege

by Ottawa and Potawatomi Indians.

History of the Illinois Valley Area began with the first pioneer settlers who arrived in the early 1800s.

The Illinois River and the rich soil of the Illinois Valley attracted these early settlers. Opportunities for work on construction of the Illinois-Michigan Canal in 1836 drew thousands more. The cities of LaSalle, Peru, DePue, Hennepin and Utica had their beginnings between 1820 and 1840. In the early 1850s, construction of the Illinois Central and the Rock Island railroads brought a new influx of labor and early industry to the area.

Area coal mines were very much a part of the Illinois Valley. An unfortunate part of the Illinois Valley history is the tragic Cherry Mine Disaster, which occurred on November 13, 1909. The tragic mine fire started when hay used to feed mules inside the mine caught fire from an open torch. Two hundred fifty-nine of the 353 men and boys employed lost their lives in that terrible occurrence. Besides being trapped

8 Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development

in the smoke and fire down in the mine, the miner’s lives were also claimed by the fatal gas called “Black Damp” caused by the fire. Mine safety laws were put into effect as a result of this disaster.

Area coal mines provided an economical power source, and the river, railroads and the IllinoisMichigan Canal offered a convenient mix of transportation, so, naturally, rapid industrial expansion followed. Among the companies founded before 1900 were W.H. Maze Company (1848), Putnam County Record (1868), Carus Publishing (1887), News Tribune (1891), Marquette Cement Company, (now known as Buzzi Unicem USA) (1898), and American Nickeloid Company (1898).

Industrialization led to the founding of new cities and villages. Spring Valley was established in 1885, Ladd in 1890 and Oglesby in 1902.

The era of coal mining ended with the closing of most mines in the 1920s. As a result, the Illinois Valley recognized the need for industrial diversification. Therefore, as their pioneer forefathers met the challenges of their own time, modern Illinois Valley leaders pooled their knowledge and skills to attract new industry — and they succeeded.

Location

Welcome to the Midwest

T

he beautiful Illinois Valley Area lies at the heart of the United States, and at the heart of Illinois. Due to its superb location and accessibility to the larger cities that surround it — Rockford, Peoria, Rock Island-Moline, Bloomington/ Normal, Springfield and Chicago — travel is not an issue. Each of these cities can easily be reached in one to two hours.

The Illinois Valley stands at an important interstate crossroad, availing Valley industries and businesses access to 30 major east-west and north-south Midwest markets. Interstate 80, the primary route between New York and San Francisco, cuts through the heart

of the Valley, serving LaSalle, Peru, Spring Valley, Ladd and Utica.

Intersecting I-80 at LaSalle is I-39, the linchpin of an interstate system that extends from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. Interstate 39 passes through another section of the Valley, serving the communities of Lostant, Cedar Point, Tonica, Oglesby and Troy Grove.

Whether for business or pleasure, the Illinois Valley is many times recognized as the mid-point from many surrounding destinations, and is

{

therefore marked as an ideal meeting place.

When location is important, the Illinois Valley Area is the place to be.

}

The Illinois Valley stands at an

important interstate crossroad, availing Valley industries and businesses

access to 30 major east-west and north-south Midwest markets.

Due to its superb location and accessibility to the larger cities that surround it — Rockford, Peoria, Rock Island-Moline, Bloomington/Normal, Springfield and Chicago — travel is not an issue.

www.ivaced.org 9

Education

Students are given hands-on experience — an important tool in learning.

A Focus on Learning

W

Year after year, grade point average reports show IVCC graduates are flourishing at Illinois universities.

The highly qualified and experienced faculty know their primary mission is teaching seamlessly.

hen it comes to education, the Illinois Valley Area ranks high. Whether it be higher education, career and technical, secondary, elementary or alternative, students are taught very well in the Illinois Valley.

Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC) is a comprehensive two-year institution with a reputation for producing graduates who excel academically and on the job. This picturesque campus, set among some 400 acres of oak, walnut and pine forest, overlooks the beautiful Illinois River Valley. IVCC’s motto is “No place so close can take you so far.”

Year after year, grade point average reports show IVCC graduates are flourishing at Illinois universities. The highly qualified and experienced faculty know their primary mission is teaching seamlessly.

Furthermore, IVCC has a sterling reputation for offering courses that transfer to four-year universities.

IVCC offers Associate in Art and Associate in Science programs. IVCC also offers career programs that award Associate in Applied Science degrees and certificate programs designed for employment after two years or less.

Customized training for area businesses and industries is available through the college’s Business Training Center, a long-recognized leader in high technology training.

10 Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development

Advanced education within a 60-mile radius includes Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington, and Bradley University in Peoria. Vast educational resources are also available at the University of Illinois in Chicago, which is approximately 90 miles away.

The LaSalle-Peru Career Center serves seven high school districts. Students are given employment training in areas such as electronics, welding, woods and construction, health occupation, auto mechanics, beauty culture, drafting, graphic production, food service, and ag/horticulture. The Career Center also partners with IVCC in transferring some credits.

The Illinois Valley is home to seven excellent high schools, which teach the necessary educational skills needed for immediate placement into the workforce after graduation and/or prepare individuals for further education. LaSalle-Peru Township High School (L-P) is the area’s largest high school, serving students from LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby, Tonica and surrounding communities; St. Bede Academy, founded in 1891, is a Catholic high school; Hall High School serves students from Bureau County; Putnam County High School serves students from Putnam County; DePue High School and LaMoille High School both serve their local communities; and LaSalle-Peru Christian

{

Education

}

The Illinois Valley is home to seven excellent high schools, which teach the necessary educational skills needed for immediate placement into the workforce after graduation and/or prepare individuals for further education.

High School is a ministry of the First Baptist Church in LaSalle.

Horizon House of Illinois Valley Inc. is a private, not-for-profit corporation serving adult persons with developmental disabilities. Horizon House is committed to supporting individuals with disabilities as valued members of the community. They offer on-site subcontract work, respite services, developmental training, supported employment and 24-hour intermittent residential support.

A private day school approved by the Illinois State Board of Education, the Lighted Way Association, Inc., Children’s Developmental Center provides direct services to students from LaSalle, Bureau, Putnam and DeKalb counties. The school provides services for students ages 3 to 21 who have developmental disabilities or special learning needs due to physical and mental impairments.

In the Illinois Valley, teachers, students, administration and parents are all friends and neighbors.

Illinois Valley Community College is a comprehensive two-year institution with a reputation of producing graduates who excel academically and on the job.

www.ivaced.org 11

Business/Industry/Growth

A Favorable Business Climate

T

The Illinois Valley continues to thrive and grow in a diversified economy.

he business climate of the Illinois Valley is very favorable. It is sprinkled with a nice array of various business establishments, making it convenient for its residents to do business locally instead of having the inconvenience of traveling outside the area.

Services range from computers to hair salons and everything in between. Grocery stores, many banks, and restaurants serving everything from fine cuisine to fast food serve the needs of all.

The Peru Mall houses three department stores — Bergner’s, JCPenney and Sears — and a number of stores specializing in men’s and women’s apparel, jewelry and accessories, music and electronics, home furnishings, specialty retail, shoes, and personal and professional services. There are also restaurants and specialty foods, as well as eight cinemas. Also found in the area are Target, K-Mart, Home Depot, Menard’s and Marshall’s, as well as our latest additions, Kohl's, Super Wal-Mart and two strip malls.

Major motel chains, bed and breakfasts, villas, cabins, and lodges provide adequate accommodations to those visiting or looking for a nice getaway. Meeting rooms are also in supply.

Three local radio stations broadcast AM and FM programming and provide coverage on national and community events. Cable television service distributes major networks from Chicago, Peoria and the

12 Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development

Quad-Cities, providing a variety of movies, news and entertainment channels. The News Tribune, a local paper with a circulation of 18,000, is published every day except Sundays and reports local, state, national and international news. Three small papers also service parts of the Illinois Valley.

Distribution centers and call centers also lace the Illinois Valley and are an asset to the area. These include Advantage Logistics, Wal-Mart, J.C. Whitney & Co., and OfficeMax. Industry is strong in the Valley. A number of firms that located here at the turn of the century still remain, and many new ones have arrived. The Illinois Valley is home to companies such as Air Products & Chemicals; The Exolon Company; Arcelor Mittal; Tee Group Films, Inc.; Carus Chemical; Illinois Cement; Badge-A-Minit; Buzzi Unicem USA; Cookie Kingdom; American Nickeloid; Cougar Industries; Eakas Corporation; James Hardie Building Products; Flint Hills; O’Neal Inc.; Maze Nails; Honeywell; P.Q. Corporation; Unimin Corporation; Unytite, Inc.; MetoKote Corporation; United Steel Deck; and more.

Agriculture and agri-business also play an important role in the makeup of the Illinois Valley.

Approximately 2,740 farms are found here. The two main crops are corn and soybeans. Several large grain terminals maintain elevators and ship thousands of

Business/Industry/Growth

Newly constructed LK-CS building.

tons of grain by barge and truck to many parts of the country and the world.

The Illinois Valley continues to thrive and grow in a diversified economy. Within the past year, the area became home to over 40 new businesses and a number of new subdivisions. A new manufacturing facility, in Oglesby, Wire Mesh, is now in production; Utica has a new lodge and indoor waterpark — Grand Bear Lodge; another new lodge/indoor waterpark, Frontier Lodge, is under construction in La Salle; St. Margaret's Health in Spring Valley has a new medical facility; and Illinois Valley Community Hospital has recently constructed a clinic in Oglesby. Besides new business and industry, a number of expansions from current establishments have also taken place, such as LKCS (design/printing service), James Hardie Building Products, Target, Peru Marketplace Shopping Center, and the YMCA.

www.ivaced.org 13

Health Care

Quality Care Local clinics provide comprehensive health care services in areas of diagnosis, care of illness, school and sport exams, newborn and pediatric care, minor surgery, laboratory services, physical therapy, etc.

T

he availability of health care is of utmost importance in the Illinois Valley. Two aggressive, stateof-the-art hospitals are dedicated to achieving the latest in technology, and over 110 physicians and 35 dentists are located within the area.

Illinois Valley Community Hospital (IVCH) in Peru is equipped with 91 beds; St. Margaret’s Health in Spring Valley has 92 beds. IVCH opened a new rehab center in mid-2006, which is the most up to date of its kind in the hospital’s immediate service area, and compares favorably to the most modern rehab center in the state. St. Margaret’s has extended health care with specialty clinics conveniently located throughout the Illinois Valley. These clinics provide comprehensive health care services in areas of diagnosis, care of illness, school and sport exams, newborn and pediatric care, minor surgery, laboratory services, physical therapy, etc.

The Hygienic Institute, founded in 1914 by a local resident, is a not-for-profit agency that is affiliated with IVCH. The institute offers non-emergency

14 Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development

primary health care services to low-income, uninsured and underinsured residents of the Illinois Valley. As an official Registrar, the institute also issues certified records of births and deaths occurring in LaSalle, Peru and Oglesby. The local Veteran’s Administration Outpatient Clinic is also located in the Hygienic Institute building.

North Central Behavioral Health Systems, Inc. serves residents of all ages and covers an area of seven counties. A professional staff provides outpatient services for both mental health and substance abuse.

Four nursing homes can be found in the Illinois Valley, as well as assisted care facilities and home health agencies for personalized medical care, companionship, house cleaning, running errands, paying bills and more.

The Illinois Veteran’s Home facility is a comfort to those who served in the military. The 120-bed facility opened in 1990 and is operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs. An 80-bed expansion will be complete in late 2007.

Health Care

{

}

The Illinois Veteran’s Home facility is a comfort to those who served in the military. The 120-bed facility opened in 1990 and is operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

������������������������ ����������������������� ������������ �������������������� ������������������ www.ivaced.org 15

{

Housing

{

Relatively new to the area is the Liberty Village retirement complex.

The Perfect Home for You When it comes to housing in the Illinois Valley, the term “variety” is surely no exaggeration.

W

hen it comes to housing in the Illinois Valley, the term “variety” is surely no exaggeration. Numerous styles of homes — from as small as a one-bedroom with single-car garage to a luxurious four- or five-bedroom with five-car garage, greenhouse, swimming pool, exercise room, etc., sitting on acres of land — exist in the Illinois Valley. Cozy bungalows on quiet streets, century-old mansions near

16 Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development

city centers, townhouses, apartments and custom-built homes all make up the array of homes found in the Illinois Valley. Homes are constructed of brick, wood siding, fiber-cement siding, wood shingles, stucco, pebble-dash and glass-dash. Also, a number of new subdivisions of varied architectural styles are rapidly appearing in various parts of the Illinois Valley.

Relatively new to the area is the Liberty Village retirement

complex. The campus includes apartments, duplexes, villas, assisted living and a nursing home facility, which offers comfort to elderly citizens.

Whether housing is being sought by singles, newly married couples, seniors, or those who seek freedom from the maintenance responsibilities of home ownership, the Illinois Valley offers a variety of homes in friendly, wellkept neighborhoods.

Housing

Liberty Village retirement complex includes apartments, duplexes, villas, assisted living and a nursing home facility, which offers comfort to elderly citizens.

www.ivaced.org 17

Local Government

Serving the Community Careful planning has guaranteed the high quality of neighborhoods and their proximity to open spaces, schools, shopping and medical centers, and places of work.

M

unicipal governments in the Illinois Valley work closely together on projects and services for their mutual benefit.

Well-equipped and highly trained, full-time and volunteer personnel provide reliable fire protection.

When needed, area fire departments provide assistance with no charge to neighboring communities.

Well-staffed police departments keep the crime rate low, and the Cities of Spring Valley and LaSalle police departments operate a canine unit to better serve and protect citizens. Headquartered in LaSalle near I-80 is District 17 of the Illinois State Police. With having both local and state police in the locale, a sense of comfort is felt in the Illinois Valley.

The fire and emergency service in the area is involved in all aspects of emergency management, which includes warning sirens for tornadoes, rescue, medical, fire, etc. They are on the scene first and remain until the situation is under control.

Wisely managed tax monies are returned to the communities in the form of good schools, downtown

18 Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development

renovation projects, and community facilities and services. Industrial and retail expansions have kept tax rates in the Illinois Valley area relatively low.

Master plans establishing land use are continually updated for rejuvenation and expansion opportunities.

Active Illinois Valley planning commissions assure orderly growth and conduct public hearings to assure that all interests are represented. Careful planning has guaranteed the high quality of neighborhoods and their proximity to open spaces, schools, shopping and medical centers, and places of work.

Municipal governments offer area residents and businesses quality services. The cities maintain and upgrade sewers and modern disposal and waste-water treatment plants. Utilities are continually improved and expanded to meet growing community needs.

City-owned and operated water departments pump millions of gallons daily and have storage facilities to accommodate a reserve capacity.

Economic Development/Workforce

Doing Business in the Illinois Valley

T

he main focus of the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development (IVAC), which was established in 1911, is economic development. IVAC is a working forum of 400 business people and individuals who are concerned with keeping the Illinois Valley alive and prosperous today and well into the future. An inventory of available sites and buildings is kept up to date at the IVAC office, and the database on area information is extensive. IVAC’s mission is “to promote the Illinois Valley economy by attracting new jobs and enhancing existing business while valuing quality of life.”

In order to be competitive with other areas and states, many economic incentives for new and existing business and industry are offered in the Illinois Valley Area. Significant parcels of land located in LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby, Utica, Spring Valley, Ladd, Granville, Hennepin and Mark are all located in Enterprise Zones. These zones offer a host of financial incentives, including extensive property tax abatement, state income tax credit for qualified job creation, sales tax relief on construction materials, and investment tax credit. Funds for training qualified workers are available through the Business Employment Skills Team (BEST). Illinois Valley Community College (IVCC) The Valley has a history of stable labor-management relations, long lengths of employment, and low tardiness and absenteeism.

A large number of available sites in the area are complete with infrastructure.

www.ivaced.org 19

History

Arcelor Mittal produces cold rolled and coated coils.

The Illinois River and the rich soil of the Illinois Valley attracted these early settlers.

Opportunities for work on construction of the Illinois-Michigan Canal in 1836 drew thousands more.

20 Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development

Economic Development/Workforce

{ { The Illinois Valley is the ideal site for new, relocating or expanding operations.

The numerous firms of the Illinois Valley draw their Badge-A-Minit produces badge-making equipment and accessories.

offers training that is structured to meet the needs of area industry.

Investment capital, sound financial advice, and a full range of services are offered by the financial institutions of the Illinois Valley.

The Illinois Valley is the ideal site for new, relocating or expanding operations. Several industrial parks offer fully developed sites away from residential areas and near interstate highway connections. Large parcels of industrially zoned land are available along I-39, I-80 and connecting highways.

AT&T and Verizon serve area customer communication needs. AmerenIP and Nicor supply natural gas. Depending upon the community, electricity is supplied either by AmerenIP, Commonwealth Edison

or municipally owned power suppliers. All utilities readily and economically meet residential, industrial and commercial requirements.

The numerous firms of the Illinois Valley draw their employees from a community of workers who are well-educated, highly skilled, and motivated by a heritage of hard work. A total workforce of more than 83,800 skilled and semi-skilled workers live in the TriCounty area of LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam counties.

The Valley has a history of stable labor-management relations, long lengths of employment, and low tardiness and absenteeism. Labor and management have benefited from responsive educational systems that assure opportunities to learn the new skills required by today’s business and industry.

a community of workers who are well-educated, highly skilled, and motivated by a heritage of hard work.

���������������������������������

�������������� ���������������� ���������������� �����������������

employees from

������������������ �������������������������� ������������������������� ������������

������������ www.ivaced.org 21

Transportation

On the Move

S

The Illinois Valley Regional Airport offers charter service to Chicago’s O’Hare International and Midway airports.

erving the community’s transportation needs is a top priority in the Illinois Valley. Air, interstate, rail and water transportation are all available.

Two major interstates, I-80 and I-39, dissect the Illinois Valley and nicely accommodate the 21 trucking firms that operate facilities in the area.

The Illinois Valley Regional Airport–Walter Duncan Field provides air transport services. The regional airport has a 6,000-foot-long, 100-foot-wide, hard-surface, lighted runway, which offers complete facilities and has hangar and tie-down space for 60 aircrafts. An Automatic Weather Observing System (AWOS) provides weather information to pilots, the public, and state and local agencies, alerting them to threatening weather conditions. Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) and a Localizer are also in place. Plans are under way to install a complete ILS System and to construct a cross-wind runway. Flight operations total 1,500 per month. The Illinois Valley Regional Airport offers charter service to Chicago’s O’Hare International and Midway airports. Commercial airlines are a short distance from the Illinois Valley Area — Chicago, Rockford, Moline, Bloomington/Normal and Peoria airports are all just 60 to 90 miles away. Rental car agencies and ground transportation to O’Hare and Midway is conveniently available.

The Illinois River flows through parts of the Illinois Valley, providing natural beauty and an economical means of transportation for industrial shippers. Docks

22 Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development

and terminals service barges carrying bulk commodities and heavy cargo between the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico via the Illinois and Mississippi rivers.

Three major railroads — CXS Transportation, Inc., Burlington Northern/Santa Fe, and Norfolk Southern — all provide overnight delivery to major Midwest markets. PeruRail, a short line that is owned by the city of Peru, connects to the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe, making it possible for industries in the outlying areas of the track to obtain rail service.

Two Intermodal complexes are located within 60 miles of the Illinois Valley Area: Global III Intermodal is located in Rochelle and the BNSF Intermodal is located in Joliet.

Two Amtrak stations located within 15–20 miles of the Valley make it convenient for people wishing to travel by train. Future planning for the possibility of operating a commuter rail to the Metra station in Joliet from LaSalle-Peru is ongoing. This commuter service to Joliet would provide Illinois Valley residents train transport into Chicago via the Metra. Additionally, people from Chicago could reverse commute and visit the Illinois Valley.

Another means of transportation in and out of the Illinois Valley is by bus. The Burlington Trailways makes two daily stops. It departs from Chicago at 6:30 a.m., arrives in Peru at 8:25 a.m., then heads west as far as Nebraska. On its return trip, it departs from Peru at 5:45 p.m. and arrives in Chicago at 7:30 p.m.

Worship

{ { St. Hyacinth Church,

one of the many beautiful places to worship.

The Illinois Valley’s beautiful houses of worship serve most denominations and stand as

A Community of Faith

R

eligious faith is an important part of life in the Illinois Valley Area. The Illinois Valley’s beautiful houses of worship serve most denominations and stand as architectural symbols of past and present spiritual values to the area.

The congregations of the Illinois Valley provide stability and fellowship. Religious institutions, whose doors are open to welcome newcomers, share generously with those in need and provide spiritual and social programs for all ages.

architectural symbols of past and present spiritual values to the area.

www.ivaced.org 23

Maud Powell

Theodore Thomas chose Maud Powell, the only woman violin soloist, to represent America’s achievement in violin performance at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

A Worldwide Inspiration

M

aud Powell, America’s first great master of the violin, was born on August 22, 1867, in Peru, Illinois. She began violin and piano lessons in Aurora, Illinois, then continued her studies on the violin with William Lewis in Chicago for four years. Her training was continued in Europe with the greatest masters: Henry Schradieck in Leipzip, Charles Dancla in Paris and Joseph Joachim in Berlin.

Upon returning to the United States, she knew she would be facing opposition, since female violinists were looked upon with suspicion. But determined to succeed in the United States, she insisted that Theodore Thomas, America’s foremost conductor, listen to her play. He was so impressed by her talent that he hired her on the spot to perform the Bruch G Minor Violin Concerto with the New York Philharmonic. Critic Henry E. Krehbiel commented on her performance, stating, “She is a marvelously gifted woman, one who in every feature of her playing discloses the instincts and gifts of a born artist.” Maud Powell was 18 when she first performed.

She then toured Europe, North America and South Africa, and appeared with great orchestras. Her conductors were Mahler, Nikisch, Thomas, Safonov, Damrosch, Seidl, Richter, Wood, Herbert, Stock and Stokowski.

Theodore Thomas chose Maud Powell — the only woman violin soloist — to represent America’s achievement in violin performance at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. She was extremely happy to acknowledge that a woman could play the violin as well as a man could. Her great success was inspiring to young girls to do the same.

Maud Powell died on January 8, 1920, and tribute was paid to her by the New York Symphony as a supreme and unforgettable artist.

A statue of Maud Powell was created by the artistic Rev. Joseph Heyd, OSB, whose monastery, St. Bede Abbey, is located in Peru. The dedication and unveiling of the statue was held on July 1, 1995, in Peru’s Fourth Street courtyard in the downtown area. Every year since its dedication, a Maud Powell Music Festival has been held to celebrate her pioneering spirit and artistic vision. The festival has grown from a weekend of outdoor concerts to three weeks of fine arts ranging from folk music to opera and ballet performances. The celebration includes a combination of local talent and visiting artists from around the country.

Artists from Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Georgia, Utah, California, Pennsylvania, New York, Brazil, Japan, Taiwan and Italy have all come to the Illinois Valley to perform for audiences at the Maud Powell Music Festival.

Information courtesy of the Maud Powell Society for Music and Education.

24 Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development

A Peek Into the Past

Historical Etching of the Illinois Valley

T

he Illinois Valley is made up of a rich history. In order to capture and preserve the past, an impressive marble etching was produced on the various businesses and organizations that make up the Illinois Valley.

For anyone interested in obtaining a copy of the 27-by-22-inch wooden-framed etching, which includes an attractive printed key giving short summaries on each of the 113 images found on the etching, contact the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development by calling 815-223-0227 or e-mailing ivaced@ivaced.com. At this time, these etchings are being sold at a special price of $50 each.

(Limited amounts are available.)

These etchings make unique keepsakes for those moving into the area. Newcomers will undoubtedly become familiar with the Illinois Valley’s present status in a short time, but here’s a chance to learn of the area’s rich past.

The historical Illinois Valley marble etching is pictured above.

��������������� ������� ������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������

������������������ www.ivaced.org 25

History

The Illinois River and the rich soil of the Illinois Valley attracted these early settlers.

Opportunities for work on construction of the Illinois-Michigan Canal in 1836 drew thousands more.

26 Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development

Recreation/Tourism

Something for All Ages

G

olf, bowling, horseback riding, rafting, camping, boating, stock car racing, fishing, cross-country skiing, hunting, swimming, racquetball and so many more activities are enjoyed in the great Illinois Valley Area. When it comes to recreation, there is something for all ages here in the Valley.

A popular outdoor path designed for walking, bicycling and roller blading can be found at Baker’s Lake.

Quality entertainment can be experienced through the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra, Illinois Valley Youth Symphony or the Illinois Valley Youth Choir. Community concerts, Stage 212, and theatrical and musical productions presented by the local high schools also fall into this category.

There are 37 major events that are annually held throughout the Illinois Valley, and all are well attended by large numbers of people from inside and outside the area.

Three state parks (Matthiessen, Buffalo and Starved Rock, which draws 2 million

visitors each year); the Illinois Waterway Visitor Center; the I & M Canal; LaSalle County Historical Museum; Grand Bear, a new water park; an amusement park and miniature golf course; and the Hegeler Carus Mansion can all be thoroughly enjoyed by children, singles, groups, couples, families and seniors.

Youth football, classes in arts and crafts, Little League, dance, soccer, tennis, swimming lessons, tumbling, sledding, and softball leagues keep area children very active.

The Illinois Valley YMCA is loaded with a large selection of activities and has programs for men, women, children and families. A new addition to the YMCA is the Link Aquatic Center, which includes three swimming pools — Multi Purpose, Therapy and Family Fun — and a Lazy River and Plunge Pool.

The Illinois Valley provides a multitude of opportunities; it’s up to you to take advantage and enjoy.

������������������ ����������������������������

����������������������� ���������� �������������� ���������������� ������������������ ��������������������������������

������������� ������������������������� �����������������

������������ ���������������� �����������������������

Annual Kid‘s Fishing Expo at Baker‘s Lake

�������������� ����������������

������������ ���������������� �����������������

������������������ ���������������� ������������������������

www.ivaced.org 27

Places & Faces

Take a look at the Illinois Valley

One of three pools in the new Link Aquatic Center at the YMCA. Autumn paints the Illinois Valley landscape a spectrum of brilliant hues.

Beauty, low

Buffalo Rock State Park — one of the three state parks found in the Illinois Valley.

crime rates, jobs, friendly people, convenience and much more can be found in the Illinois Valley.

Communities are pleased with state-of-the-art library facilities.

28 Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development

Places & Faces

If you are deciding on a place to visit or relocate, consider the opportunities found in the Illinois Valley ‌ you just may be impressed with what you see.

Frequent trips up and down the Illinois River are made by the spirit of Peoria Paddlewheel.

Five golf courses provide the challenge golfers seek.

Rich in history, the Illinois Valley is the location of several century-old homes, such as the Hegeler Carus Mansion.

Shopping is plentiful and convenient.

www.ivaced.org 29

Statistics

Population Every community within the Illinois Valley area has a population of less than 10,000, which makes for quicker travel time within the area, nearly non-existent pollution, low crime rates and friendly people. (Information taken from the 2000 Census.)

The Illinois Valley area has low crime rates, friendly people, and nearly non-existent pollution.

Banking needs are well accommodated in the Illinois Valley.

Seniors are happy, content and well cared for at senior care facilities.

City/Village.................................................... County ...........................................Population Arlington ..................................................... Bureau ................................................... 211 Cherry ......................................................... Bureau ................................................... 509 Dalzel .......................................................... Bureau ................................................... 717 DePue .......................................................... Bureau ................................................ 1,842 Hollowayville .............................................. Bureau ..................................................... 90 Ladd ............................................................ Bureau ................................................ 1,313 LaMoille ...................................................... Bureau ................................................... 773 Seatonville ................................................... Bureau ................................................... 303 Spring Valley ............................................... Bureau ................................................ 5,398 Cedar Point ................................................. LaSalle ................................................... 262 LaSalle ......................................................... LaSalle ................................................ 9,796 Lostant ........................................................ LaSalle ................................................... 486 Lowell ......................................................... LaSalle ................................................... 462 Oglesby ....................................................... LaSalle ................................................ 3,647 Peru ............................................................. LaSalle ................................................ 9,835 Tonica .......................................................... LaSalle ................................................... 685 BankingTroy needs are well accommoda Grove .................................................. LaSalle ................................................... 305 North Utica ................................................. LaSalle ................................................... 977 Granville .....................................................Putnam ................................................ 1,414 Hennepin ....................................................Putnam ................................................... 707 Mark ............................................................Putnam ................................................... 370 McNabb .......................................................Putnam ................................................... 310 Standard ......................................................Putnam ................................................... 138

Projected figures (as of July 2005) for the whole of LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam counties are as follows: County .................2010 .................. 2015 ................ 2020 ................... 2015................. 2030 LaSalle ............. 118,385.............124,277 .......... 131,155 ............. 137,954.........141,615 Bureau .............. 36,427...............37,426 ............ 38,631 ............... 39,795............40,820 Putnam .............. 6,221.................6,361 .............. 6,526 ................. 6,652...............6,758

Area high schools offer a variety of courses.

30 Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development

Advertisers Index

Advertisers Index Advanced Chiropractic.......................................................................................................................... 15 Amcore Bank ....................................................................................................................................... 23 American Family Insurance – Nicole J. Lash Agency .............................................................................. 23 Anne Frances Salon .............................................................................................................................. 28 Baymont Inn & Suites ........................................................................................................................... 13 BEST Inc............................................................................................................................................... 13 Beiderstedt Appraisal Co. ..................................................................................................................... 29 Centrue Bank ....................................................................................................................................... 11 Chamlin & Associates ............................................................................................................................. 7 Citizens First National Bank.................................................................................................................. 17 City of LaSalle ...................................................................................................................................... 15 Coldwell Banker Today's Realtors, LLC .................................................................................................. 30 Connecting Point Computer Centers ....................................................................................................... 7 Curves ................................................................................................................................................... 9 Days Inn .............................................................................................................................................. 27 Debo Ace Hardware Store .................................................................................................................... 19 Donnelly Accounting .............................................................................................................................. 9 Double D Express Inc............................................................................................................................ 13 Eureka Savings Bank ............................................................................................................................ 32 Ficek Electric .......................................................................................................................................... 7 Financial Plus Credit Union................................................................................................................... 19 First Federal Savings Bank .................................................................................................................... 31 E.J. Fesco, M.D. ...................................................................................................................................... 9 Hartauer Insurance Agency, Inc. ............................................................................................................ 27 Home Instead Senior Care .................................................................................................................... 30 Hygienic Institute Community Health Center ......................................................................................... 15 Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development................................................... 3 Illinois Valley Cellular.....................................................................................................Inside Front Cover Illinois Valley Community Hospital ................................................................................. Inside Back Cover Illinois Valley YMCA.............................................................................................................................. 29 Curtis R. Imel, D.D.S., P.C., & Tushar S. Shah, D.D.S. ............................................................................... 15 Insight ................................................................................................................................................. 25 Janko Realty & Development, LLC......................................................................................................... 29 Koolmaster Co., Inc. ............................................................................................................................. 30 LaSalle HealthCare Center .................................................................................................................... 15 Liberty Village ...................................................................................................................................... 25 Mason & Associates ............................................................................................................................. 27 Midwest Avtech Air Charter / Illinois Valley Regional Airport ................................................................. 25 Peru Mall ............................................................................................................................................. 19 Peru Trade Center ................................................................................................................................. 31 The Phoenix Group............................................................................................................................... 13 Pro Technologies .................................................................................................................................... 7 Spring Valley City Bank........................................................................................................................... 4 St. Margaret's Health ............................................................................................................................. 1 Starved Rock Pet Resort ....................................................................................................................... 28 State Farm Insurance – Henry Hackman................................................................................................ 23 Super Bowl .......................................................................................................................................... 28 United Country / Starved Rock Realty ................................................................................................... 27 Utica Terminal ...................................................................................................................................... 31 Valley Flowers ...................................................................................................................................... 27 Wal-Mart ............................................................................................................................................. 21 Woodland Path, LLC ............................................................................................................................. 21

www.ivaced.org 31

Illinois Valley Area

Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development 300 Bucklin St. | P.O. Box 446 | LaSalle, IL 61301 815-223-0227 | Fax: 815-223-4827 | www.ivaced.org