The $31 billion Capital Improvement Plan, signed by Governor Pat Quinn, will help fix roads, bridges, schools and public transit systems across the state. We want to thank our legislators for passing this bill that is expected to create and retain more than 439,000 jobs over the next several years throughout Illinois.
Our state has been without a Capital Bill for the past decade and this is long overdue. We owe a great deal of gratitude to our state legislators for supporting the collaborative efforts of our regional mayors, labor leaders, civic representatives and others, who have worked tirelessly to move programs forward throughout our region. These collaborations have been hard at work to secure this funding and now it is time to build.
The bill includes benefits for projects that directly impact Central Illinois such as:
• $30 million towards the construction of Veterans Drive (IL 9) around the south edge of Pekin
• $26 million towards the construction of the new Technology Blvd complex in East Peoria
• $10 million for the construction of Orange Prairie Road extension from US 150 to IL 91
• $5 million to BMI for a biodiesel plant outside Peoria
• $2.6 million to Illinois Central College to renovate/expand Dirksen Hall
There are many more projects and programs throughout the region that will benefit from this bill. Watch for more announcement to be made in the coming weeks.
Again, a special thank you to our state legislators for the passage of this program.

BOARD CHAIRMEN RECOGNITION
We continue recognizing the lead volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes of The Heartland Partnership. These leaders donate their time and expertise to help this organization continue to succeed. We thank them for their participation and look forward to a prosperous year with them at the helm.
This week we introduce you to Sid Banwart, Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Heartland Partnership and Michael Bryant, Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Heartland Foundation. Here’s a brief overview about each company:

THE HEARTLAND PARTNERSHIP
 
The mission of The Heartland Partnership is to provide strategic leadership, coordinate resources, and bring to life initiatives focused on developing, growing, and nurturing the regional economy.
Our purpose is to move the Central Illinois Region from good to excellent.
Our Initiatives include Economic Development, Business Climate & Productivity, Regional Image Enhancement and Community Vibrancy.
To learn more about The Heartland Partnership, its policies and initiatives, and to find out what Chairman Sid Banwart has to say about the future of the organization, click one of the following links.

THE HEARTLAND FOUNDATION
 
The Heartland Foundation is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation qualified as a tax exempt entity pursuant to section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Heartland Foundation is designed to foster community development. It is led by the CEO Roundtable –a regional business leadership organization comprised of the region’s top employers. To learn more about The Heartland Foundation and to hear what chairman Michael Bryant has to say about the progress of the organization click one of the following links.
 
PEORIA METRO AREA SURVEY!!!!
What do residents really think of this region? How do they feel about the area? How would they describe it to someone who’s never been here? What would they miss most if they left? This information will help to better market our region.

Between July 20 and August 21, 2009 be sure to take this community survey then post the following information on your website, include it in your newsletter, add it to your publication…whatever you can do to get the word out!
The Peoria metropolitan area; including Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford Counties; would like your help gathering information to better market our region.
Log on to www.peoriametrosurvey.com and take a few moments to complete this brief survey. What you think about living in the Peoria metro area? You can also register to win a prize package. This brief survey has only 10 questions and should take less than 5 minutes to complete.
Help take the pulse of the Peoria Area and be sure to pass the survey on to your friends and contacts!
 

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Let the Heartland Partnership Family of Companies be your navigation tool when it comes to helping your business reach levels of growth, prosperity & success. We have two exclusive sponsorships available - one for the Annual Progress Report and another for the Economic Roundtable Discussion. This video production will feature three key leaders of our nation and region as they discuss what is happening now and what they predict for our recovery.
To learn more about these sponsorships please contact Kip McCoy at (309) 495-5925 or kmccoy@h-p.org