Excel Way Opens

-
Several local dignitaries were present as Shady Lane was renamed Excel Way.  The recently upgraded road made it possible for Excel Foundry to expand their operations and create 100 new jobs. 

The project involved several local units of government, including Cincinnati Township, Tazewell County, City of Pekin, the State of Illinois and the Economic Development Administration.  The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce's Transportation Committee was also involved in the early discussions, bringing together several of the entitities for the initial meeting.

Speakers at the ceremony included David Zimmerman, Chairman of the Tazewell County Board; Ron Hawkins, Road Commissioner for Cincinnati Township; State Representative Mike Unes; Congressman Aaron Schock, and Excel's CEO, Doug Parsons.

The improvements to Shady Lane, now called Excel Way, were the first phase of the project.  Improvements to Wagonseller Road and the intersections with Manito Blacktop and Townline Road are also part of the project.  Some of those improvements will continue into the next year.

After the ribbon cutting, the EDC of Central Illinois recognized Excel Foundry & Machine with the 2012 Growth & Innovation Award for Tazewell County. The award is presented to a company that makes significant contributions to its community and demonstrates success and growth. 

The Growth & Innovation Award is sponsored by Commerce Bank. The Heartland Partnership's interim CEO, Cal Mackay, and Brent Eichelberger, President of Commerce Bank, presented the award to Parsons.

Earlier this year, Excel Foundry announced plans to invest $15 million in plant expansions and create 100 new manufacturing and engineering jobs in the Greater Peoria region.  The expansion also means over $2 million in road improvements near the facility.  Excel President and CEO Doug Parsons says this type of expansion doesn't happen without a lot of help from people throughout the region. "We thank the EDC for helping with the growth plans we have put in place. Excel is excited to be growing and we continue to look for more workers to support our growth."

You can see more pictures from this event at http://picasaweb.google.com/PekinChamber

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Illinois Chamber, Government Affairs Report

-
Image
          GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ------------ Report     July 12th, 2024    This Week in Illinois   President & CEO Sandoval Testifies in Senate Transportation Committee Hearing on Mass Transit and the Economy   On Tuesday, the first of at least six hearings on public transit was held at the Bilandic Building in Chicago. There is an anticipated funding gap that will arise for regional transit in 2026 after COVID-related federal funding has been exhausted. The budget deficit is projected to be $730 million to return to pre-pandemic service levels. This first Senate Transportation Committee hearing was on how transit suppor...
Read more

Local High School to Win a SMART Board in 5th Annual Recycle Your Style Contest

-
Goodwill of Central Illinois will hold the 5th Annual Recycle Your Style Contest. High school students within Goodwill’s territory are encouraged to donate their used clothing. The high school that donates the most pounds of clothing will win a SMART Board donated by Bradfield’s Computer Supply. The contest runs from October 1st through October 31st. “This has been a very successful campaign for us,” said Bob Parkhurst, Goodwill Vice President. “We are grateful for Bradfield’s Computer Supply’s donation of a SMART Board each year. That prize really heats up the competition among the high schools.” Donations of items other than clothing are encouraged, but only clothing will count toward the contest. Only high schools are eligible, but others can participate including teachers, family and school supporters. Donors need to tell the Goodwill donation attendant which high school they are supporting for their donation to be counted. Donations can be made at any of Goodwill’s nine stores o...
Read more