Columbia Connections

Columbia Seeks Input From Property Owners in the American Bottom

2012-02-07T09:08:00.000-08:00

Anticipating an upturn in the economy, the City of Columbia has begun laying the groundwork for marketing local opportunities for investment. While the City has provided information to potential investors and used trade shows and other marketing venues to promote Columbia and Monroe County for many years, this year the City will broaden its tactics.

One of these tactics is enhancing the City's website. Studies show that websites are the point of first contact for attracting most investors and suggest that marketing efforts should focus on this venue, at least initially, to attract new businesses and new development. The City of Columbia recently updated its website and is continuing to make improvements designed to facilitate inquiries from potential new investors.

Over the next few months, the City will be making changes to its website to make information about areas of Columbia easier to find and inquiries more fruitful. The City's website will deliver information about each planning district defined in the 20/20 Master Plan, adopted in 2005, and will offer general information about each district along with links to specific properties for sale or for lease. Using information from the 2005 plan for a base, City officials will begin fostering community discussions in each district, seeking input from property owners and others to help define the current and future character of that district. Ultimately, these efforts will culminate in a revision of the master plan document.

The first discussion will be held Monday evening, February 27th, beginning at 7:00 p.m., as part of the bimonthly City Council committee meetings. Invitations will be going out next week to property owners in the Riverplain District (Columbia's portion of the American Bottom) to seek their participation in an informal discussion about development goals for that area.

Tell a Neighbor--the Lend Rush is On!

2012-01-23T09:34:00.000-08:00

Many of Monroe County's financial institutions and entrepreneurs turned out this morning to hear a briefing from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) on the Advantage Illinois program. As with any other financing program, opportunities are limited--and the rush to qualify and submit projects is on!

Advantage Illinois began last October with $29 million allocated to its various programs through the U.S. Treasury as Illinois' share under the Small Business Jobs Act. Accessing the program requires participation from a bank, which must be pre-registered before it can submit projects for review and acceptance. To date, only twenty banks across the state have been registered as lenders and just shy of $18 million in applications have been received. If DCEO can push applications beyond 80% of allocations in the first twenty months of the program, then another $29 million will become available; ultimately, the program may be authorized to provide $78 million of support to Illinois businesses.

Monroe County banks and small business owners have a competitive advantage right now as one of the very first communities to gain a briefing on the program. Now, it's up to local banks to register for the program and for local entrepreneurs to submit great projects--pass the word!

For more information about Advantage Illinois and other financing programs available to small businesses in Monroe County, please contact Nora Feuquay at (618) 939-8681 x.309 or Paul Ellis at (618) 281-7144 x.118.

Monroe County to Host Meeting on Financing Initiative for Smaller Firms

2012-01-03T13:55:00.000-08:00

Small businesses (especially start-ups) and financial institutions are invited to a presentation regarding how they can work together to increase economic growth in Monroe County utilizing Governor Pat Quinn’s small business financing initiative, Advantage Illinois. The presentation takes place on January 20th from 10:30 a.m. to 12 Noon on the second floor of the Monroe County Courthouse in Waterloo.

The Advantage Illinois initiative will leverage $78 million in funding from the federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) to increase investments and ease the credit crunch for small businesses. The program is meant to encourage institutional lending to small businesses and also provides a mechanism for the state to leverage venture capital for high-growth enterprises.

Advantage Illinois is comprised of the following bank programs: the Capital Access Program (CAP), the Collateral Support Program, and the Participation Loan Program (PLP). The State administers the Invest Illinois Venture Fund (IIVF).

The presentation is open to the public. Sponsors include the Southwest Region Office of Regional Outreach for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, University of Illinois Extension and the Monroe County Economic Development Council.

State Representative Jerry F. Costello II will be in attendance to lend his insights and participate in the discussion.

For more information, contact University of Illinois Extension Community and Economic Development Educator Nora Feuquay at (618) 939-8681 x.309.

Looking Backward, Looking Ahead

2011-12-30T09:08:00.000-08:00

The Roman icon for the New Year was Janus, god of beginnings and transitions, gates and doors, endings and time--usually represented as a two-faced god looking ahead to the future and backwards into the past (we derive both January and janitor from Janus). This post, Janus-like, will review Columbia's progress and potential at the transition point into 2012.

As the recession wanes, Columbia seems to be emerging from the economic downturn in relatively good shape. The long-awaited transformation of Shoemaker School into the Monroe County Welcome Center was completed this year, part of an expansion of local tourism. There has been some new commercial development (a Dollar General store and a new building for Quality Collision & Towing), more than forty new home starts, little increase in commercial vacancies and an upswing in the number of new businesses opening, including several along Main Street, which is developing a stronger identity through joint promotional efforts. Sales tax collections are at a five-year high.

Even more important may be the foundation Columbia is preparing for future economic growth. A county-wide tourism effort focused on the historic Cahokia-Kaskaskia Trail is gathering momentum and producing results. Locally, Columbia is finally moving ahead with locating and commemorating Piggot's Fort, the largest fortified American settlement in the American Bottoms of the late 18th Century. City leaders are beginning a marketing effort to retailers and other developers that may begin to pay dividends by matching businesses pursuing expansion plans (like ECF, Inc.) with developable parcels. City government is also pushing ahead with updated planning and a long-awaited investment strategy for Main Street. Economic development professionals from both the City's Community & Economic Development Department and the Monroe County Economic Development Council will be renewing efforts to support growth of small entrepreneurs in every way possible--both will be using the newly-developed strategic plan (completed in 2011) as a guide.

Sounds Like a Plan (2012)

2011-12-20T07:18:00.000-08:00

In December each year, while others are checking their Christmas lists one final time, the City of Columbia's Community & Economic Development Department (CEDD) compiles another list. The annual Community & Economic Development Strategy guides the City's efforts each year to build a better community and expand economic activity.

The overall goal for CEDD is "[to] expand and enhance City and community revenues and assets so as to steadily increase available resources, broaden service delivery, and improve the quality of life for all citizens."

The Strategy is outcomes-based, establishing goals and then defining activities that will support their achievement. This approach ties CEDD's activities to community goals, guides program development and makes it possible to gauge accomplishments. The Columbia City Council reviewed achievements (as well as shortfalls) of the 2011 strategy earlier this month; last evening, they adopted the strategy proposed for 2012.

Objectives for 2012 are as follows:

1. Encourage new businesses to form and grow in Columbia

a. Work with the Monroe County Economic Development Council (MCEDC) to develop program(s) that will encourage and support local entrepreneurs

2. Retain businesses in the City of Columbia by supporting their long-term success

a. Encourage Columbia’s citizens to support local businesses

 Continue to support MCEDC’s “Think Monroe County First!” campaign

b. Provide direct services to current businesses

 Continue business retention/expansion visits through MCEDC

 Use a multi-agency team approach to address needs of local firms identified through these visits

 Continue to support the Admiral Parkway Redevelopment Area through administration and tax increment financing

c. Support expansion of current businesses through loans and incentives, where appropriate

 Expand the revolving loan program through strategic partnerships

 Assist MCEDC in developing new incentives for business expansion

3. Recruit new businesses to the community

a. Market available sites and buildings for businesses looking to expand and/or relocate

 Expand the marketing campaign to promote Columbia with office & retail users throughout Greater St. Louis

 Engage local & regional partners (i.e., developers, MCEDC, Leadership Council, Regional Chamber & Growth Ass’n.) in this effort

 Expand building & site listings on Location One Information System (LOIS), the primary platform for commercial real estate information

b. Maintain and distribute timely information on Columbia’s demographics, business mix, and economic potential

 Update community profile with the Illinois Department of Community & Economic Opportunity (DCEO)

 Create new community marketing materials, including one or more promotional video(s)

4. Stimulate more commercial activity on Main Street

a. Enhance design consistency and the historic character of this corridor

 Building upon past efforts, develop a comprehensive Main Street revitalization strategy that includes market analysis, targeted improvements and planning for adequate parking & transit services

b. Increase private investment in Main St. properties

 Work with the Main St. Business Association (MSBA) to support business expansion and recruit new businesses into the corridor

5. Develop and market local sites & facilities that will entice visitors and locals to learn more about Columbia’s history and heritage

a. Market Columbia and Monroe County as tourist destinations

 Partner with Columbia’s lodging and conference facilities to support a direct sales position

 Include tourism promotion as an integral part of the strategic marketing campaign

 Effectively market & cooperatively staff the Monroe County Welcome Center

b. Develop community signage that blends aesthetics and commercial promotion in the highest & best manner

 Assist MSBA in securing signage on I-255 for “Historic Main St. Columbia” and installing banners along Main St.

 Review community entrance signage and informational banner use to reduce clutter and improve aesthetics

6. Enhance Columbia’s reputation as one of the most desirable communities in the region through adoption of updated planning

a. Update the City’s Master Plan (recommended every five years)

 Incorporate the Senior Services Assessment and revised Open Space, Bicycle & Greenway Alignment into the Master Plan

b. Cooperate with the City of Waterloo, Monroe County and other partners to develop a Community Planning Area (CPA) sustainability plan

7. Expand resources for parks & recreational uses to make Columbia “a great place to play”

a. Continue to work for expanded use of parks and recreation facilities

 Complete transfer of the Piggot’s Fort commemorative site

 Complete the master plan for the park within the Admiral Trost Development

 Build upon the Open Space, Bicycle & Greenway Alignment Plan to create a city-wide alternative transportation plan

 Create a comprehensive operational program for parks & recreation

b. Expand resources available for parks & recreation services and facilities

 Continue to pursue grants from the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources and other sources

 Develop a program of grants, planned giving and other mechanisms to help fund long-term improvements

8. Support community activities, celebrate milestones and add to the local quality of life

a. Increase community involvement in and support for local events

 Initiate an ambassadors program to increase volunteer support for events

b. Identify needs and mobilize support for an enhanced quality of life

 Involve other community partners in completing a Community Development Inventory with recommendations for coordinated/common efforts

The Main (Street) Event: Five New Players

2011-12-13T06:46:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday, Nora Feuquay from the Monroe County Economic Development Council (MCEDC) and Paul Ellis from the City of Columbia Community & Economic Development Department began retention visits with Main Street merchants. The purpose of these visits is to build a database of local businesses and get to know them better so as to provide assistance when it's needed--even better, before help is needed.

Columbia's Main Street has developed a new vitality that is reflected in the diversity of these first five merchants visited by the local economic development team:

Evalina's Antique Cafe - After years of success with Winghorse Farms on Triple Lakes Road, Barbara Ratz decided to follow a new dream and open an antique shop at 124 S. Main; she also sells desserts and serves soup and sandwiches amid the antiques, consignment items and locally-made crafts.

Fashion Attic - Lori Prior has transferred her skills as a successful Realtor into a run as owner of a consignment shop at 128 S. Main, where she offers stylish clothing, jewelry, hats, purses, and bags for discriminating customers.

Above & Beyond Design by Marla - After years of working for a corporation, Marla Vogt struck out on her own to design custom kitchens for customers from Waterloo to Chesterfield; she opened her showroom at 128 S. Main after working out of her home and winning customer acclaim.

Chateau La Vin - Another refugee from the corporate world, Bob Freyman opened Chateau La Vin Wine Shop & Tasting Bar at 119 S. Main just a few months ago; his shop offers a respite from shopping where customers can sip wine and watch the traffic go by.

Who Dat's Southern Food - Bourbon St. meets the Midwest at 123 S. Main in Who Dat's, where Creole is king and owner Chris Salvage offers Southern hospitality with the cuisine.

Even though each of these five relatively new firms is unique, they share at least two common characteristics--optimism for the future, and the sense that Columbia's Main Street is where their future fortunes (literal and figurative) will be found.

Columbia's Past May Have a Future

2011-12-06T12:15:00.000-08:00

Last week's forum regarding location of Piggot's Fort drew a robust crowd of people and sparked community interest in pursuing what is arguably one of the most significant historic locations in early Illinois.

With strong support from the Illinois War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, the event surfaced new resources and new people that will help local groups move forward on four proposed projects that will help Piggot's Fort achieve the widespread and lasting recognition it deserves:

Completing transfer of a proposed park site along Bluff Rd. from the Columbia Historical Society to the City of Columbia, a process begun in 2007 but not yet completed;
Convening an expert panel to identify the true site of Piggot's Fort, if such identification is still possible;
Developing the above mentioned park site as a location commemorating Piggot's Fort and interpreting its contribution to the European settlement of Illinois;
Working with the appropriate groups and agencies to identify and commemorate genealogies and other historic records, gravesites and building sites for the Piggots, Whitesides and other pioneer settlers.

Each of these efforts received a boost from the turnout at last week's event, but more help will be needed. Interested individuals should contact the Heritage & Preservation Commission about opportunities to get involved.

Where Was Piggott's Fort?

2011-11-22T07:56:00.000-08:00

In 1783, James Piggot erected a fort at the foot of the bluff, a mile and a half west of Columbia where a small creek, called by the French the Grand Ruisseau, emerged from the bluff. This fort was home to 14 families--the largest settlement at that time along the entire Cahokia-Kaskaskia Trail--creating the nucleus for the earliest American settlement of the Illinois territory. It was a celebrated place in those early times, known as Piggot's Fort.

While many believe the stone foundation across from Sackman Field at 11832 Bluff Rd. to be a remnant of Piggot’s Fort, the exact location is open for discussion. Members of the Illinois War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, Columbia Historical Society, Columbia Heritage & Preservation Commission, and the Sand Bank School Historical Society have joined forces to try and settle the question during this coming year. As a first step, a forum will be held from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. on November 30th at Sand Bank School, located just north of the currently designated Piggot's Fort site.

Anyone interested in the history of the area should plan to stop by and share information with early Illinois settlement historian Bill Wilson, Monroe County historian and author Gene Haller, and other experts.

Columbia’s Improved Website is Now Live!

2011-11-21T12:02:00.000-08:00

The City of Columbia’s official website has been upgraded to better serve the community. This past Friday, the re-designed site went live, offering many improvements.

First, City staff worked with CivicPlus, the vendor, to completely update the design of the site. In conjunction with that process, the team reorganized the website’s navigation, making it easier to find content. As a result, the whole look and feel of the website has been updated and improved.

Three new features merit special notice:

 The calendar now shows dates in a graphic manner, not just as a list, making it easier to find events via the website;

 Navigation has been revamped to make it easier to find content and functions on the site;

 The website has a new, revolving slide show highlighting content and services of special interest--including some new, high interest content that has recently been added.

Other changes are being made to improve the website’s functionality for new businesses seeking to locate in this area. National studies suggest that more than 98% of site selections are with primary contact via a community’s website.

Further improvements will continue to be made to make Columbia’s website more useful to citizens as well as for visitors and potential investors. If you have a suggestion for improving the website, please send it to Paul Ellis, pellis@columbiaillinois.com or (618) 281-7144.

Columbia Wins 'Active Living' Recognition

2011-08-24T06:58:00.000-07:00

Trailnet, the premier non-profit organization developing bike and pedestrian trails, saving green spaces and advocating alternative transportation across the St. Louis metropolitan area, has chosen the City of Columbia as recipient of the 2011 Active Living Award recognizing achievement by a municipality. The annual awards celebrate the individuals, nonprofits, municipalities, and businesses who are engaged in unique and sustainable efforts to incorporate physical activity into everyday living.

On September 20, Columbia will be recognized at the awards ceremony held at the Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person. Registrations can be made online through the Trailnet website.

Nominated by Scott Rodemich of Marketicity--formerly a member of the Play Commission--Trailnet recognizes Columbia's commitment to encouraging walking and biking. Despite the economic downturn and severely restricted revenues, Columbia's leaders continue to make investments in projects and planning that continues to build community momentum, such as:

Construction of a new sidewalk along Temple, connecting Main St. with Parkview School and the city's largest park;
Installation of fixed speed feedback signs at two key crosswalks on Main St.;
Development and annual expansion of a School Travel Plan through the Safe Routes to School program;
Updating the City's Open Space, Bike & Greenway Alignment Plan;
Creating a Play Commission and winning recognition for two years in a row as the St. Louis region's solitary Playful City USA;
Initiating a new master planning process for a 33.8 acre park in the Admiral Trost Development Subdivision

Monroe County Led Southwestern IL Tourism Growth in 2010

2011-08-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

Monroe County once again led the pack of Southwestern Illinois counties in growth of revenues from tourism last year. The economic impact of tourism in Monroe County totalled $14.2 million, up 10.8 percent from the previous year--the second year in a row in which Monroe led the pack in percentage expansion of revenues.

The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has released numbers for the Southwestern Illinois tourism industry showing that visitors to the nine Southwestern Illinois counties generated nearly $907.3 million in local economic impact in 2010. Totals from each of the other counties, compiled by the U.S. Travel Association, included: Bond - $13.8 million, up 3.7 percent; Calhoun- $22.2 million, up 2.5 percent; Clinton - $37 million, up 2.4 percent; Jersey - $51.2 million, up 1.3 percent; Madison - $316.4 million, up 3.4 percent; Randolph - $29.4 million, up 9.4 percent; St. Clair - $408.6 million, up 6.9 percent; and Washington - $14.5 million, up 7.5 percent.

Nora Feuquay, staff for the Monroe County Economic Development Council (MCEDC), attributes the increase to the activities of tourism related groups in the county such as CLIFFTOP, the Monroe County History Museum, and the Peterstown House as well as the efforts of local municipalities in supporting their businesses and tourism activities. "Many of these groups are doing a great job promoting themselves via websites and social media," Feuquay observes.

The MCEDC Tourism Subcommittee also continues to work on getting tourism information on the county website while building a tourism theme for the county and, eventually, the region. What's next? Cooperation between the county and municipalities to support the new Monroe County Welcome Center will further enhance growth of tourism in the area.

In Columbia, Volunteers Are Tops!

2011-03-23T06:37:00.000-07:00

Dozens of community volunteers turned out last evening to celebrate Columbia's designation by the State of Illinois as the inaugural winner of the "Outstanding Community Volunteerism" award.

As pictured at right, volunteers gathered at Tiny's Pub & Grill to raise a glass and cheer one another while highway signs announcing Columbia's designation were unveiled on Highway 3 entering town from both directions. "Volunteers are the heartbeat of a community," said Community & Economic Development Director Paul Ellis at the event, "and in Columbia, that heartbeat is particularly strong."

The "Outstanding Community Volunteerism" award is part of the Governor’s Hometown Awards program, presented continuously since 1983, which gives formal recognition to those who have answered contributed to their community’s quality of life.

Senator Durbin Proposes Deficit Reduction, Main Street 'Fairness'

2011-02-23T09:16:00.000-08:00

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin met with leaders from across Southwestern Illinois this morning for a first round of discussion on how to balance the federal budget and help spur economic recovery on Main Street. The meeting, held in Collinsville, was organized by the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois and drew about 70 participants from Madison, Monroe & St. Clair counties.

Durbin—the second highest-ranking member of the Senate and a member of the bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform (aka the “Deficit Reduction Commission”)—focused his remarks on strategies he advocates to reduce the $14 trillion federal deficit. The overall approach, as he sees it, is to balance investments against spending cuts until the recession ends, then to aggressively attack spending cuts. Durbin is forthright about the scale of that task, observing that the nation will have to “get radical” and that “we cannot balance the budget without dealing with the rapidly rising costs of healthcare” despite many entrenched interests to the contrary.

Speaking to a group composed largely of businesspeople and local government officials, Durbin cited two specific pieces of legislation that he is pushing forward to help support economic recovery:

Legislation to monitor and reduce the interchange fees imposed upon businesses by financial institutions for the use of debit cards;
The Main Street Fairness Act, which would levy sales tax upon Internet sales—Durbin contends that this measure would “level the playing field” for brick-and-mortar retailers and infuse revenue back to state and local governments.

Fielding questions from the audience, Durbin reiterated his support for a “reasonable approach” to maintaining levees and noted that the latest version of the Congressional budget cuts funding for the Army Corps of Engineers.

Monroe County Forum to Feature Area Success Stories

2011-01-24T13:44:00.000-08:00

Representatives from four area businesses will share their insights into not only surviving in this economy, but on improving and expanding their businesses at the Monroe County Economic Development Council's Annual Forum on Wednesday, February 16th.

Columbia Centre and Mokka Kaffeehaus, both of Columbia, are sponsors for the Forum.

Serving on the panel are:

Steve Carter, Principal, Knight Hawk Coal;
Jared Nobbe, Sales Manager, Wm. Nobbe & Co.;
Mary Kay Prader, Owner and Executive Director, Lighthouse Child Care Centers;
Bill Rebholz, Executive Director, Monroe County Surgical Center

The panel will be moderated by Bob Lewis, President/Principal for Development Strategies, Inc., a St. Louis company that specializes in economic research and planning.

These four companies share in common the ability to be adaptable, to focus on customer needs, and remain stable and even grow at a time when other companies are struggling.

For example:

Monroe County Surgical Center recently broke ground on a new out-patient surgical center, scheduled to open later this year.
Knight Hawk Coal has grown from 15 employees to 350 and dramatically increased its coal extraction.
Wm. Nobbe has increased their Professional Landscape Contractor business over the last several years by partnering with John Deere Landscapes Company.
Lighthouse Child Care Centers have steadily added new locations and new types of services to their portfolio.

Forum attendees will have a chance to ask questions of the panelists after the moderated part of the program.

The event will be held at The Falls Reception & Conference Center in Columbia. Doors open at 7 a.m. and the event will conclude around 9 a.m. Seating for the Forum is limited, so advanced registration is requested by February 11th. Registration cost (including breakfast) is $20 per person, either through the University of Illinois Extension website or by phone at (618) 939-3434.

Sounds Like a Plan (2011)

2011-01-03T09:42:00.000-08:00

Each year, the City of Columbia's Community & Economic Development Department presents a strategic plan with goals & objectives for the coming year for approval by the City Council.

This year's plan, which was approved December 20th, presented the following goals & objectives:

Encourage new businesses to form and grow in Columbia
Work with the Monroe County Economic Development Council (MCEDC) to develop program(s) that will encourage and support local entrepreneurs

Retain businesses in the City of Columbia by supporting their long-term success
Encourage Columbia’s citizens to support local businesses

Continue to support MCEDC’s “Think Monroe County First!” campaign

Provide direct services to current businesses
Continue business retention/expansion visits through MCEDC

Use a team approach to address identified needs of local firms
Continue to administer the Admiral Parkway Redevelopment Area

Support expansion of current businesses through loans and incentives, where appropriate

Maintain/expand city & county revolving loan programs
Identify possible new incentives for business expansion

Recruit new businesses to the community
Market available sites and buildings for businesses looking to expand and/or relocate

Initiate a marketing campaign to promote Columbia with office & retail users throughout Greater St. Louis
Engage local & regional partners (i.e., Columbia Chamber, MCEDC, Leadership Council, Regional Chamber & Growth Ass’n.) in this effort
Upgrade the City’s website in support of this effort
Maintain building & site listings using Location One Information System (LOIS) as the primary platform

Maintain and distribute timely information on Columbia’s demographics, business mix, and economic potential

Update community profile with the Illinois Department of Community & Economic Opportunity (DCEO)

Stimulate more commercial activity on Main Street
Enhance design consistency and the historic character of this corridor

Develop a comprehensive Main Street redevelopment strategy that includes market analysis, targeted street/building improvements and planning for adequate parking/transit service

Increase private investment in Main St. properties

Work with the new Main St. Business Association (MSBA) to support business expansion and recruit new businesses into the corridor

Develop and market local sites & facilities that will entice visitors and locals to learn more about Columbia’s history and heritage

Market Columbia and Monroe County as tourist destinations

Secure attraction signage from I-255 and IL-3 to Columbia destinations
Finalize Intergovernmental Agreement & staffing for the Monroe County Welcome Center
Continue the strategic marketing campaign to increase use of Columbia’s lodging and conference facilities

Develop community signage that blends aesthetics and commercial promotion in the highest & best manner

Assist MSBA in securing signage on I-255 for “Historic Main St. Columbia” and installing banners along Main St.
Review community entrance signage and informational banner use to reduce clutter and improve aesthetics

Enhance Columbia’s reputation as one of the most desirable communities in the region through adoption of updated planning

Review and update the City’s Master Plan (recommended every five years)

Incorporate the new Main St. redevelopment strategy into the Master Plan
Incorporate Plan Commission recommendations from the Senior Services Assessment into planning

Expand resources for parks & recreational uses to make Columbia “a great place to play”

Develop a comprehensive plan for use and development of grounds and facilities

Complete a parks & recreation plan that will be incorporated into the City’s Master Plan
Continue to pursue grants from the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources and other sources
Develop a program of grants, planned giving and other mechanisms to fund long-term improvements

Enhance parks & recreation services and expand public access to facilities

Continue to review facility use and special event practices to improve service
Incorporate maintenance & scheduling of American Legion Fields into day-to-day operations

Support community activities, celebrate milestones and add to the local quality of life

Employ strategic analysis and community partnership for all events to reduce costs, build traffic and increase economic returns to the community
Initiate an ambassadors program to increase volunteer support for events

Implementation of these initiatives begins today.

Turning Over a 'New Leaf' on Main Street

2010-11-04T07:19:00.000-07:00

Historic Main Street Columbia's newest business will put customers' health in good hands and help them to turn over a "new leaf" as regards their future health.

New Leaf Massage Therapy is now open at 808 S. Main St., Suite 5. Licensed massage therapist Nicholas Matzenbacher offers Swedish/Relaxation Massage, Therapeutic/Deep Tissue Massage, Aromatherapy Massage & Pre-Natal Massage. Connie VanTassel offers facials and waxing.

To make appointments for any of these services, call New Leaf at (618) 281-8669.

'Team Columbia' Promotes Community With Midwest Retailers, Developers

2010-11-02T06:59:00.000-07:00

Three Columbia boosters spent the latter part of last week working to tell the community's story and attract new retail and new development into the city.

The venue was the Chicago Deal Making event, a trade show that assembled more than 2,000 developers, retailers, real estate brokers and city officials for the express purpose of making connections and facilitating new deals. The annual event is sponsored by the International Council of Shopping Centers, the global trade association of the shopping center industry.

The City of Columbia had a booth at the event this year, staffed by Paul Ellis, Director of Community & Economic Development. He was supported by Craig Hiser, owner of CMJP Properties (a brokerage based in Columbia), and David Wittenauer, vice president for NAI DESCO (a regional brokerage with an office in Columbia). While the two brokers have business interests expanding beyond the city limits, all three worked together as "Team Columbia" to identify and, subsequent to the show, follow up with potential new development.

Columbia was only one of several Illinois cities exhibiting at the show, which drew participants from across the Midwest. From Southwest Illinois, the City of Mascoutah and Village of New Baden also sent representatives who worked the show.

The Paws That Refreshes?

2010-10-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

Pepper's Paws is a new dog grooming salon that is now open at 123 N. Main, adjacent to Vida Verde Studio Salon & Boutique (for humans). Owner Cindy Pepper offers a full range of services; appointments may be scheduled by calling her at (618) 225-7765.

The recent influx of service businesses like Pepper's Paws are helping to "refresh" Columbia's Main St. and make it more of a destination.

Reifschneiders Encourage Locals to 'Embrace the Grape'

2010-10-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo (courtesy The Republic-Times) from yesterday evening's ribbon-cutting at Reifschneider's Grill & Grape on Columbia's Main Street. The restaurant has been open now for several weeks and has been a welcome addition to Columbia's older business district--at least judging by the crowds gathered there each evening.

The ceremony, sponsored by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, kicked off an evening of fun that included Twi-Night Out in C-Town and the debut of live music outside on the patio. Owners Danny & Heather Reifschneider invite the community to visit them at 608 N. Main to enjoy good food and "embrace the grape"--as their theme states it.

Reifschneider's is just one in a series of new eating places opening along Main Street, a small boom that includes Who Dat's Southern Food and a regional restaurant (name to be released) opening a branch here next month. These dining spots join long-term vendors like The Lantern, Joe Boccardi's Ristorante, Thai House and Gruchala's to make Main St. a place to consider whenever lunch or dinner rolls around.

Columbia Wins Inaugural Home Town Award

2010-10-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

The City of Columbia yesterday received the inaugural award in a new category established for the Governor's Home Town Award program to recognize the community's outstanding volunteer spirit.

Mayor Kevin Hutchinson and representatives from five local volunteer efforts accepted the first-ever "Outstanding Community Volunteerism" award as part of a ceremony held at the Governor's Mansion in Springfield. Governor Pat Quinn announced 26 projects as 2010 Governor’s Home Town Award recipients. The awards recognize the contributions of thousands of Illinois’ volunteers for their hard work and dedication towards improving their communities.

Projects recognized in Columbia's award were the following:

Art on the Bluffs
The Art on the Bluffs Art Walk was created to highlight Columbia's art and architecture during the community's sesquicentennial. Ten months of meetings culminated in historic Main Street's transformation to an "Art Walk" staffed by more than 100 volunteers. Sixty‐seven professional artists lined the street both outside and in thirty‐one locations. The Kid's Area was a great success, as children were encouraged to actively participate in creating a variety of artwork, including using recycled materials as well as painting a large mural. The broad range of artists, musicians, and dancers assured all of the 2,500 patrons attending would find something of interest and enjoy the Art Walk.

Friends of the Library
In 10 years Columbia's population has doubled, causing an increasingly cramped children's area in the Library. The Friends of the Library recognized the need and decided to hold a Holiday House Tour to raise funds for additional space. Volunteers solicited hosts for the tour and goods for the raffle, prepared refreshments for the registration point, created promotional materials, and sold tickets. The Tour raised $3,597. The funds provided a larger space for the children's area with fixtures scaled to their sizes and needs.

Kiwanis Car Show
The Annual Columbia Kiwanis Car Show has evolved into a yearly event with 100% of the proceeds used to fund the Kiwanis Educational Enrichment Program at Parkview Elementary. Better known as K.E.E.P., the program fills a gap in the educational process for at risk youth between the 2nd and 5th grades who were in danger of falling behind in reading skills. $5,000 has been donated annually for after‐school tutoring. The success of the program has been determined through increased standardized test scores in reading. Consequently, the school district worked the reading program into their budget. Now funds from the K.E.E.P. program assist in tutoring in mathematics.

Besides the long‐term educational benefits to the area children, more than 250 cars, music, and good food combine for the largest show in the area.

Play Commission
When Columbia was named "A Playful City" in a national recognition program for communities creating an agenda for play, they celebrated by having "A Play Day". The free day was full of activities and fun including Frisbee Golf, Punt/Pass/Kick, Parachute Toss, Yarn Spider Web, Recycle City and many more. A scavenger hunt was held to help participants "discover" Bolm‐Schuhkraft Memorial City Park. Attendees had the opportunity to become "Park Pals", a program to engage young citizens to read and obey park rules, control litter and report abuse or safety issues.

Sand Bank School Restoration
The historic Sand Bank schoolhouse would likely have been demolished if not for the efforts of volunteers. The one‐room white clapboard school, built in 1855 was in poor repair and up for sale. A retired high school principal and his friend purchased the school. Carpenters donated their skills to straighten the eastern wall of windows and reconstructed the foundation of the old coal shed. A local philanthropist provided funds to meet the immediate need of roof repair. The Monroe County Highway Department cleared the overgrowth of weeds that had overtaken the site. Others donated the septic system, concrete, and window glazing.

An innovative partnership was created with the high school Construction Trades classes. Students gutted the inside of the building, helped run electricity, installed plasterboard, and assisted in the heating and cooling system. The students learned valuable skills through hands‐on experience as well as helped to save a historic icon of education.

Columbia's Hampton Inn Has New Owner

2010-10-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

St. Louis-based hotel owner, operator and developer Midas Hospitality has announced the acquisition of the Hampton Inn hotel in Columbia.

Announcement of the acquisition of the 77-room hotel marks the third acquisition by the company in the last 90 days. Midas recently announced groundbreaking for the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Paducah, KY (scheduled to open 2nd quarter, 2011) and acquisition of a new Candlewood Suites in Champaign, IL (scheduled to open in December, 2010) just last month.

Midas Hospitality, co-founded by David Robert, President, and J.T. Norville, CFO, was established in 2006 and has quickly become a premier hotel management group in the Midwest. Midas has developed, opened and managed numerous properties including Crowne Plaza, Four Points by Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites, Hampton Inn and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, among others. Midas holds a growing portfolio of 11 hotels in 6 states serving 6 different global brands.

The Hampton Inn Columbia opened in August 2008 under the ownership of Columbia Hospitality, LLC. Kurt Furlong, SVP Sales and Marketing, states: “We are extremely excited to add the Hilton brand to our Midas family.”

Open House Will Preview Aging Assessment

2010-09-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

The Columbia Plan Commission will hold an open house on October 25th, at which time members of the public are invited to review Building Maturing, Livable Communities, a draft community assessment, and offer their comments.

Over the past several months, members of Columbia’s Plan Commission have been assessing the local community's readiness for the impact of an aging population upon various aspects of community life. In this task, the Commission has used assessment tools provided by the Area Agency on Aging of Southwestern Illinois. While identifying challenges confronting Columbia in the various areas assessed, the Commission also hopes to identify many of the positive features that already make this city a very desirable community for the aged—and for other citizens—now and in the future.

Public input is encouraged as the Commission prepares its final report. Copies of the Commission's draft document are available for download from the City website, at City Hall or from a number of other locations around town, including the Monroe County 'Y' and the Columbia Senior Center.

The open house will be held from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the second-floor Auditorium at Columbia City Hall, 208 S. Rapp Ave. Members of the Plan Commission will be on hand to answer questions or accept comments, and additional copies of the draft document will be available. The Auditorium is handicapped accessible.

Columbia (Once Again) Named Playful City USA

2010-08-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

For the second year in a row, Columbia has been named a Playful City USA--once again, the only city to be so recognized in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Playful City USA is a national recognition program honoring cities and towns across the nation committed to taking action for play. Columbia was selected, in part, for its deployment of the popular Park Pal program--cited as a national "best practice"--as well as for the strong supporting role of the community's nine-member Play Commission.

Each of the 2010 Playful City USA communities has demonstrated creative commitment to the cause of play in the areas of quantity, quality and access. Quality relates to the number of usable, open playspaces. Quality involves subjective factors that encourage repeated use and make playspaces engaging, exciting, interesting and fun. Access entails the ability to get to a playspace (roads, trails) and a lack of barriers to the playspace (cost, safety, traffic, locked gates, equity).

Playful City USA celebrates and highlights these unique initiatives developed by communities across the country. A primary goal of Playful City USA is to encourage cities and towns to share creative ideas, concepts and programs in an effort to increase play opportunities for children.

Draft Assessment Ready for Review

2010-08-16T06:53:00.000-07:00

The Columbia Plan Commission has prepared "Building Maturing, Livable Communities," a draft community assessment of services for the aging in cooperation with the Area Agency on Aging of Southwestern Illinois. The agency is assisting seven other Metro East communities, such as Edwardsville and Waterloo, in completing similar assessments.

Members of the Plan Commission--an advisory body to the Columbia City Council--began the community assessment last year to focus upon the Columbia community and its readiness for the impact of an aging population upon various aspects of community life. Increased life expectancy is resulting in record numbers of people aged 65 and older--while this age group represented only 13% of the U.S. population in 2000, it will grow to comprise about 21% of the population in 2030.

The 28-page draft document is available online from the City's website and copies are available upon request from the City Clerk's office. Interested residents are invited to review the document and offer their comments and/or criticisms; the Plan Commission will host an open house to more fully review the report at a yet to be determined date in the near future.

Making Sustainability Sustainable Here

2010-07-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

Sustainability has been defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Given the limited amount of natural resources, the current economic crisis and society’s growing concern for good stewardship, cities everywhere must work hard to achieve their potential as environmentally responsible communities. While many of the nation's larger cities are already pursuing sustainability, it's often harder for smaller cities to do more with less.

To that end, the City is seeking to improve its energy efficiency, increase recycling and develop a general sustainability plan to direct the "smart growth" of Columbia over the next 20 years through development of a program called Columbia’s Sustainable Total Efficiency Plan (CSTEP), which leaders hope will serve to guide the city’s growth in an energy efficient, environmentally responsible, economically vibrant manner. The City of Columbia proposes to implement this program via a four-pronged approach:

I. Development of a community-wide energy efficiency program reducing emissions coming from existing buildings, ensuring new construction maximizes energy efficiency, and improving transportation options;

II. Retrofitting an office building owned by the City as a demonstration project (which is initially conceived as an efficiency and conservation program but which may eventually include a renewable energy aspect) for other commercial property owners within the city;

III. Establishing a whole-neighborhood building energy retrofit project using a sustainable business model that will identify and help fund cost-effective energy upgrades for a large percentage of the older building stock along Columbia’s Main Street;

IV. Supporting a “challenge” program that will identify ways for homes and offices to recycle more and use less energy, recognize exemplary achievement, and reward cooperative effort towards community goals

The City of Columbia will seek funding through all available regional, state & federal grant and loan programs to help the community and participating homes & businesses evaluate, plan, finance and implement activities that leading to greater sustainability in Columbia & Monroe County.

City Seeks to Purchase American Legion Park

2010-06-23T08:04:00.000-07:00

The Columbia City Council is seeking to purchase the ball fields and other recreational areas within American Legion Memorial Park in order to maintain their public use. The City hopes to finance half the purchase with an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

American Legion Post 581 has been providing athletic fields for community use since 1958. With the aging of the group's membership, it has become increasingly difficult for the Legion to physically maintain the fields, so negotiations were begun to transfer the land to City ownership in order to maintain its recreational use. The 17.1-acre parcel is used by more than 1300 young people annually through programmed sports programs.

Financed by a percentage of the state's Real Estate Transfer Tax, OSLAD grants can fund acquisition of land for new park sites or park expansions; up to 50% of approved project costs can be reimbursed. Grant applications are submitted statewide and funds are awarded annually through a competitive process. Lands acquired with OSLAD funds are required to be operated and maintained in perpetuity for public outdoor recreation.

With 117 acres of open space, Columbia ranks near the minimum national threshold for open space, but much of that land is currently undeveloped for recreational use; hence, the American Legion Fields are an outstanding local resource for the community--one that the City hopes to preserve for future generations.

Columbians Tour the Past in Jerseyville

2010-06-21T06:57:00.000-07:00

Members of Columbia's Heritage & Preservation Commission (CHPC) made a trek last Saturday to Jerseyville to see how another community in Southwestern Illinois is preserving its heritage.

Hosted by members of the Jersey County Historical Society, the Columbia contingent spent several hours in Jerseyville exploring one place which conveniently brings together several historic properties: the Cheney Mansion, a museum & research center, a pioneer log cabin, and the Lone Star School. The one room school, which was moved to the Historical Society site and restored to the original condition, was of particular interest to Columbia's visitors since they are currently involved in restoration of three historic school buildings.

CHPC Chair Dennis Patton took particular interest in the brick courtyard surrounding the Lone Star School, which shows locations for every one room school located in Jersey County at the beginning of the 20th Century. Jersey County Historical Society members sold engraved bricks and benches for the courtyard to raise more than $37,000 to help defray costs of moving the school to the site. Patton is exploring a similar idea to commemorate one room schools across Monroe County--this brick courtyard will surround the new Monroe County Welcome Center in Columbia's Stone Arch Park.

The members of the CHPC enjoyed many other aspects of the Jerseyville historical complex, as well. Among other things, Jerseyville was a staging point in the clandestine, grassroots movement known as the Underground Railroad--the route of slaves escaping captivity in the antebellum South. One highlight of the museum is an Underground Railroad Quilt accompanied by posted explanation of its code. Secret messages in the form of quilt patterns are believed by many students of the era to have aided slaves escaping the bonds of captivity in the Southern states before and during the American Civil War.

Pictured above, right: CHPC Chair Dennis Patton discusses the brick courtyard around Lone Star School in Jerseyville with Patsy Halemeyer, a volunteer with the Jersey County Historical Society, while CHPC Vice Chair Linda Roider looks on.

Main Street Dining Expands With Opening of New Restaurant

2010-06-16T16:14:00.000-07:00

Columbia's dining opportunities will expand next month with the opening of Reifschneider's Grill & Grape at 608 N. Main St., next to the ever-popular Tiny's Pub & Grill. Along with perennial favorite Gruchala's, regionally cited Joe Boccardi's Ristorante and family favorite The Lantern Restaurant, Reifschneider's will help to reorient Main Street as a destination in what many are hoping is the start of a retail resurgence.

The new restaurant will be operated by Danny & Heather Reifschneider in a building leased from Gregg Crawford and with financial assistance from the City of Columbia's revolving loan fund. Heather--also the proprietor of Vida Verde Salon & Boutique, elsewhere on Main Street--grew up in the food service industry; her father owns Miller's Crossing in Chesterfield. Reifschneider's will pattern its service, quality and menu after Miller's Crossing with prices that meet the expectations of Metro East customers.

Renovation for the restaurant is being completed on the former Main Street Bar & Grill to provide inside seating for 60 patrons (plus additional seating at the bar) and to create new outdoor seating accommodations for as many as 76 customers.

Welcome, Sandra's Art Depo!

2010-06-09T07:02:00.000-07:00

Columbia's Main Street community is working to develop--through venues like the annual Art Walk event--an image as a local center for the arts. A new business hopes to embellish that image: Sandra's Art Depo.

Located in the building owned by Tammy Mitchell Hines on N. Main St., the business officially opened yesterday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Columbia Chamber. Owner Sandra Reynolds traded in her career in sales after 30 years for a paint brush and the opportunity to help other artists discover their own talents.

Sandra's Art Depo specializes in decorative art in various mediums, lessons for adults and children, and art sales for home and office--the gallery features a selection of art from various artists in the metro area. Call Sandra at (618) 281-2060 or register online for lessons. She says: "Join a class, learn to paint, and see the world in a new way."

Pictured above: Tim Gutknecht (Columbia Rotary Club); Alderman Jim Agne; City Administrator Al Hudzik; "Hutch" Schlafly (Chamber President); Sandra Reynolds; Marsha Han (Roosters Health Food); Bill Meyer (First National Bank of Waterloo); and Sarah Arendell (Edward Jones).

New Strategy Hopes to Rearrange Regional Pieces Into a Vibrant Whole

2010-05-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

A tectonic shift is underway in how the St. Louis region pursues economic development--a strategy that may be a real "game changer" in how region partners work together to build economic vitality.

Steve Johnson, Senior Vice President for the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association previewed an ongoing revision of RCGA's Economic Development Strategic Plan today for members of the Greater St. Louis Economic Development Network. The Network affiliates more than 100 economic development agencies at the state, county and city levels in both Missouri and Illinois--including the City of Columbia.

Johnson began by itemizing the lessons that RCGA has learned while pursuing previous strategic plans over the past decade:

The region needs to continue to overcome "knockout factors" like a slow growth rate and relatively low levels of educational attainment;
When regional partners come together as they are designed to do, the region wins deals;
The region struggles to compete for general manufacturing jobs, so efforts should focus on attracting those manufacturers that already have direct ties;
Neither Missouri nor Illinois is competitive with other, neighboring states;
Lack of access to capital remains a major impediment to business growth and--since neither state is likely to address this challenge--it must become a regional initiative;
The region needs to address its need for talent as an economic driver;
The region must work together as a region.

How can Greater St. Louis build upon this environment to be consistently ranked among the top ten of the twenty largest metro areas in terms of economic vitality? The conversation is still continuing, but Johnson suggested four principles and five priorities that may shape the next strategic plan for the region.

Four Principles:

Balance recruitment, retention/expansion, and innovation;
Recapture the region's relevance as a center for commerce, transportation and distribution;
Achieve a purposeful alignment of supply and demand for talent;
Be regional in scope and highly collaborative.

Five Priorities:

Support growth in key industry sectors (e.g., financial & information services, medical science & services, advance manufacturing for aerospace & defense);
Target marketing & recruitment efforts;
Increase the rate of start-up ventures;
Better leverage all transportation assets;
Address talent as a strategic imperative.

Draft Senior Assessment Available for Review Tonight

2010-05-24T06:51:00.000-07:00

The Columbia Plan Commission was honored Friday by the Area Agency on Aging of Southwest Illinois for its efforts in undertaking an assessment of senior services--even though the effort hasn't been completed yet. The Commission’s work will be available for review by the public tonight from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Auditorium at Columbia City Hall.

Members of the Columbia Plan Commission--an advisory body to the Columbia City Council--began a community assessment last year to focus upon the Columbia community and its readiness for the impact of an aging population upon various aspects of community life. Increased life expectancy is resulting in record numbers of people aged 65 and older--while this age group represented only 13% of the U.S. population in 2000, it will grow to comprise about 21% of the population in 2030.

Columbia was one of eight communities honored last week at the luncheon held at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Also recognized were Collinsville, Edwardsville, Granite City, Greenville, New Baden, Red Bud and Waterloo.

Final Credits Rolling for Movie Gallery

2010-05-21T20:08:00.000-07:00

Columbia's Movie Gallery location in Columbia Center is closing, limiting rentals and selling remaining stock as its parent company--the nation's second-largest movie rental chain, which also owns the Hollywood Video chain--enters bankruptcy.

Don't expect a replacement anytime soon. Rival Blockbuster is struggling to survive in a market environment where consumers increasingly get movies through rent-by-mail services like Netflix, kiosks operated by Redbox and their own high-speed Internet connections. The day of the corner movie rental store--once as commonplace as convenience stores--is surely gone, and consumers will have to pursue entertainment with more technological saavy.

PSC Columbia Awarded $5M Environmental Project

2010-04-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

PSC Industrial Outsourcing, LP (PSC), based in Columbia, has been awarded all project oversight and removal responsibilities for remediation work at the former Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) site in Centralia, Illinois by Ameren Corporation. The project is expected to be worth over $5 million.

The Centralia MGP site was originally constructed in 1868 and originally operated under the name of Centralia Light & Power Company (later purchased by Illinois Power Company). Ameren acquired the property as part of their purchase of Illinois Power Company and is initiating the remediation of the site as part of a voluntary cleanup action through the Illinois Environmental Proetection Agency (IEPA).

Ameren has been actively working to address the subsurface impact at this site, initiating investigation activities in 2000 with additional off-site evaluations performed in 2006 and 2007. PSC worked with Ameren to develop a remedial approach that would address the subsurface impact and allow for future beneficial use of the property. Planning and preparation for the remedial actions began in late December 2009, with primary remedial action activities scheduled to begin in first quarter of 2010. The project will conclude in late 2011.

Impacted soil from across the site will be excavated and loaded on to trucks for transport to an approved disposal facility. The excavation is anticipated to extend to depths of between 3 feet and 25 feet below ground surface. While some activities will be performed under “open-air” conditions, a limited amount of remediation will be performed within tent-like structures in order to control odors and vapors potentially emitted during the activities. Work will be done on Ameren’s property, Ameren’s property west of S. Hickory St. and on the adjacent city streets. The scope will also include the collection and treatment of encountered groundwater and surface restoration activities. Remedial activities will be performed in cooperation with the IEPA.

PSC is also working with local unions, employing operators and laborers from the Local 520 and Local 581. At the peak of the project, as many as three operators and four laborers will be utilized.

PSC’s location is a full service environmental consulting and remediation firm that has been located in Columbia since 1975. In fiscal year 2009, PSC reported revenues of over $551 Million. PSC provides consulting and remediation services for Ameren and other utilities throughout the country.

Monroe County Can Build On Its Assets to Create Jobs, Schultz Says

2010-02-08T09:07:00.000-08:00

Monroe County has many community assets in which it can take pride--now it's time to capitalize on those assets. Such was the message delivered this morning by small town economic development guru Jack Schultz to a packed assembly of local business and community leaders.

During the course of his talk, Schultz highlighted Monroe County's "great prospects"--citing the second lowest poverty rate in the State of Illinois, its generally clean and prosperous appearance, and quaint Main Streets in Columbia and Waterloo--against the reality that 9,000 residents (62%) drive out of county every day to work, one of the highest rates anywhere. Creating more businesses and more jobs to keep those commuters closer to home "isn't just an opportunity for business growth and increased tax revenues," Schultz observed, "but it's also an opportunity to get more people involved in Little League, schools and other community activities."

His challenge to those assembled was to take the same kind of vision that drove relocation of the Village of Valmeyer following catastrophic floods in 1993 and to apply that kind of thinking to other economic developoment initiatives. Schultz's talking points were supported with success stories he has culled from small towns across America from Leavenworth, WA to Lebanon, NH.

Schultz, the award-winning author of Boomtown USA: The 7-1/2 Keys to Big Success in Small Towns, was the keynote speaker for a forum organized by the Monroe County Economic Development Council. The Council has also formed a LinkedIn group ("Know Jack") to keep up discussion around the strategies Schultz shared today.

Columbia Seeks New Business at Midwest Trade Show

2010-01-27T09:51:00.000-08:00

The City of Columbia participated in Kansas City this week in a trade show sponsored by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the global trade association for the retail industry. The Heartland States Idea Exchange, which migrates each year between Omaha, Kansas City and St. Louis, offers one of the Midwest's best opportunities to learn about trends in retailing and to meet national and regional retailers who may be looking to expand into new locations.

Paul Ellis, Columbia's Director of Community & Economic Development, attended the event for the second year running. This year, he was prepared with display materials and virtual magazines (on attractive mini-CDs) offering economic and community information. About 250 businesspeople attended the event--roughly 20% retailers, 60% brokers (some of whom were representing retailers), and 20% representatives from cities like Columbia and Grain Valley, MO. The event included workshops, roundtable discussions and an afternoon deal-making session with about 60 exhibitors.

Columbia's results from the Kansas City event include leads from a number of restaurants, sporting goods stores, discount merchandisers and even a national bookstore. Ellis will now be working with local real estate professionals and building owners to turn these leads into tenants.

Small Town Guru Jack Schultz to Visit Columbia February 8th

2010-01-06T12:48:00.000-08:00

Jack Schultz, nationally acclaimed author of Boomtown USA: The 7 ½ Keys to Big Success in Small Towns, will be the keynote speaker at a special forum for the Monroe County Economic Development Council (MCEDC) on Monday, February 8th at The Falls Reception and Conference Center in Columbia.

The forum is sponsored by Midland States Bank. Doors will open at 7:00 a.m. and the event will conclude around 9:00 a.m.

Schultz, founder and CEO of Agracel, Inc., an industrial development firm specializing in rural America, is a top economic development authority on small towns just like those in Monroe County. His book has already inspired many communities to find their own vision.

The Boomtown USA project took more than three years of research beginning with 15,800 small towns across the country. Schultz narrowed the list down to a group of 397 outstanding small towns he calls "agurbs"--communities that were growing and offering opportunities to their young people while others were turning into ghost towns. His research has been featured in USA Today, Forbes and BusinessWeek (among others), and he has been a guest on numerous radio and television programs including Bloomberg Business Television.

Schultz has taken his message on the road to more than 300 communities in 44 states since 2004. In 2005, Schultz was named Ernst & Young’s Illinois Entrepreneur of the Year and in 2006 he received the Beta Gamma Sigma Medallion for Entrepreneurship.

His company, Agracel, has completed projects in 14 states, owning seven million square feet of industrial space, which has facilitated more than 5,000 jobs. The company owns 15 business parks and a short line railroad.

At the upcoming Monroe County forum, Schultz will talk about the characteristics of towns that are successful as well as the importance of encouraging an entrepreneurial approach in the community. He will also share reasons why it is vital to support local businesses and ideas about how small towns can survive and thrive during hard economic times.

Attendees can register for the event by going to the U of I Extension-Monroe County website, via email or by calling 618-939-3434.

Coleman Memorial Plans--and Funding--Are Progressing

2009-12-23T07:02:00.000-08:00

Slightly more than six months after the murders of Sheri Coleman and her two sons, plans are progressing to create a lasting memorial to the victims in one of Columbia's parks.

Yesterday evening, Meegan Turnbeaugh--one of Sheri Coleman's best friends--met with the City's Play Commission to update them on her progress to date in planning and funding a memorial pavilion. Meegan has formed a not-for-profit organization called SheriAnnHerBoys which has raised $30,000 to date, she reported; while the project's ultimate goal is $300,000, she hopes the memorial really won't cost that much--especially since she's heard from companies offering free materials and labor.

With the help of architect Killian Smith of St. Louis, Meegan's group has developed plans for a 51-foot pavilion that they are proposing to erect in Columbia's Bolm-Schuhkraft Park, a favorite gathering place for the Colemans. As plans for the memorial progress, Meegan promised to work with the City to settle on a specific site within the 44.5-acre park.

Click here to read the report on the meeting filed by KMOV-TV in St. Louis.

Sounds Like a Plan (2010)

2009-12-22T09:03:00.000-08:00

The Columbia City Council last evening approved the Community & Economic Development Department's 2010 Strategic Plan with a unanimous vote--here are the goals and objectives from the plan:

1. Encourage new businesses to form and grow in Columbia--work with the Monroe County Economic Development Council to develop program(s) that will encourage and support local entrepreneurs;
2. Retain businesses in the City of Columbia by supporting their long-term success--encourage Columbia’s citizens to support local businesses; provide direct services to current businesses; and support expansion of current businesses through loans and incentives, where appropriate;
3. Recruit new businesses to the community--maintain and distribute timely information on Columbia’s demographics, business mix, and economic potential; market available sites and buildings for businesses looking to expand and/or locate; and work with regional partners to recruit new offices/headquarters and retailers;
4. Stimulate more commercial activity on Main Street--enhance design consistency and historic character of the corridor; and increase private investment in Main St. properties;
5. Develop and market local tourist facilities that will entice visitors and locals to learn more about Columbia’s history and heritage--market Columbia and Monroe County as a tourist destination;
6. Expand resources for parks & recreational uses to make Columbia “a great place to play”--develop long-term facilities for youth, senior citizens and other community members; and pursue designation as a “Play City USA” and a “Tree City USA”;
7. Develop and implement a long-term strategic plan for municipal buildings--seek the community’s long-term preferred uses for properties; and pursue community goals for the Miller-Fiege Home;
8. Support community activities, celebrate milestones and add to the local quality of life--employ strategic analysis for all events to build traffic and increase economic returns to the community.

To support these goals and objectives, the Strategic Plan proposes the following activities:

* Continue to support “Think Monroe County First!”
* Continue the business retention program through the Monroe County Economic Development Council
* Continue to administer the Admiral Trost Redevelopment Area
* Maintain/expand the Revolving Loan Fund
* Develop City policy for awarding incentives
* Update community profile with the Illinois Department of Community & Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
* Assist in recruiting a full-service restaurant to support local lodging
* Identify and/or help develop new buildings and sites that will be appropriate and ready for new or expanding business operations
* Maintain listings via Location One Information Services (LOIS)
* Broaden Columbia’s visibility within the Greater St. Louis region
* Develop a comprehensive Main Street redevelopment strategy that includes market analysis, targeted street/building improvements and planning for adequate parking/transit service
* Explore use of incentives to support the Main Street strategy
* Secure attraction signage from I-255 and IL-3 to Columbia destinations
* Open the Monroe County Welcome Center
* Initiate a strategic marketing campaign to increase use of lodging and conference facilities
* Identify and evaluate sites for a community center
* Develop a comprehensive program of grants, planned giving and other mechanisms to fund long-term improvements
* Complete a leasing/improvement plan for the Oak Street Building
* Continue to explore highest and best use of other City-owned properties
* Secure National Register status for the Miller-Fiege Home
* Complete transition of the Miller-Fiege Home into a municipal history museum

Segobiano is New Schools Head

2009-12-21T06:21:00.000-08:00

The Columbia Unit School District has hired Gina Segobiano of Belleville as its new superintendent. She is currently superintendent of Harmony Emge School District #175, which serves approximately 800 students ranging from preschool through eighth grade.

Segobiano's education background includes a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Western Illinois University, a master's degree in school administration from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, and a doctoral degree from St. Louis University. She worked six years as a fifth grade teacher at Signal Hill School District #181, then served as Signal Hill's principal for ten years before becoming that district's superintendent for three years. Segobiano came to her current position at the beginning of the 2006-2007 school year.

Segobiano will be replacing Ed Settles, who has accepted the positon as superintendent of Jersey Community Unit School District #100, effective July 1st. Segobiano is married, and her husband is an Edward Jones investment representative. They have two children: Kelli and Scott. Kelli attends the University of Illinois and Scott attends Belleville West High School.

School District Board to Preview Higher Taxes, New Leader

2009-12-15T14:26:00.000-08:00

Residents and business owners may be especially interested in what the Columbia Unit School District Board of Directors has scheduled for this coming Thursday evening, December 17th.

First, the school board will be holding a public hearing regarding a tax levy increase to 15.81% on the following schedule:

6:45 p.m. (Tax Levy Hearing)

7:00 p.m. (Regular Board Meeting)

Later, the board is expected to name a new district superintendent during their regular meeting. Current superintendent Ed Settles announced in September that he was stepping down to become superintendent of the Jerseyville School District.

The district office has now moved to Columbia High School (77 Veterans Parkway), and the Board of Education meets in Room 114.

Wold's 'Twelve Ways of Christmas' for Merchants

2009-12-14T09:09:00.000-08:00

Small business expert Barbara Wold offers the following twelve ways to increase sales for merchants as we enter the "home stretch" to Christmas:

1. Have all salespeople read company ads, catalogs and distributed literature before customers come in with questions and inquiries...and check out the ads of the competition--if your competitor has a Facebook page, become a fan so you know what information it is passing on to customers;
2. Establish dress codes for employees and enforce them; employees are the representatives of the business and should project the image you want to convey;
3. Greet everyone who walks through the door with five different greetings so customers don't hear the same greeting over and over when shopping; have employees identify themselves when answering the phone to add a professional touch and provide the caller with a personal connection on the other end of the line;
4. Clean up the cash-wrap area as you go and put everything in its place--customers will be concerned about transaction accuracy if this area is a mess;
5. Listen, really listen, to customers; if you don't really listen and show customers the wrong merchandise, they will assume you don't have what they are looking for and leave without buying anything;
6. Stock and clean during hours when the store is not open; doing these chores when the store is open is inconsiderate to shoppers and doesn't convey a professional image;
7. Stay in contact with your customer base--contact customers who shop in your store regularly, by email or regular mail, and call your very best customers yourself--and build your database; it's a very busy time of year, but don't forget to capture customers contact info to grow your database;
8. Add at least 30% more store and window display lighting in your store; it will affect the way your store looks and help sell more product…and it can be as easy as replacing light bulbs that have burnt out.
9. Get everyone on board--ensure that everyone in the organization understands what the winning advantage is and what their role is in supporting it--and focus on selling; teach your staff to show just one more item to every customer that they talk to (don’t forget add-on sales at the cash register);
10. Tone in the store--strive for enthusiastic, happy staff all pulling together to achieve this Holidays Seasons' goals with a focus on exceptional customer service;
11. Hands free shopping--offer customers a basket, a bag or cart, and take your customer’s coats and other bags--do whatever it takes to make your customers feel wanted and cared for; creating this type of shopping experience will keep customers in your store longer and will increase sales;
12. Set daily sales targets, and share them with your staff--they should know what is expected of them--but remember that you alone are the driving force in your business; get out on the sales floor more often over the next weeks and watch your sales increase!

2009: Making a List, Checking It Twice

2009-12-07T07:14:00.000-08:00

How well did Columbia's Community & Economic Development Department do this past year in achieving its mission to "expand and enhance City and community revenues and assets so as to steadily increase available resources, broaden service delivery, and improve the quality of life for all citizens"? City Council members will hear a status report tonight--warts and all.

The first departmental goal set for the year was to "encourage new businesses to form and grow in Columbia". This goal was partly realized through formation of Columbia’s Resourceful Organization of Women Networking (CROWN) this year to assist emerging women-owned enterprises. Other programs to encourage and support local entrepreneurs are under development through the Monroe County Economic Development Council (MCEDC), a public-private partnership in which the City participates. Score: 60%

The City put a high priority on working to "retain businesses in the City of Columbia by supporting their long-term success" and achieved even better results here. Local business support efforts and consulting were established, and a formal business retention program was developed that will launch in January. City policy regarding incentives has yet to be adopted--the one objective in this category that this year's efforts failed to meet. Score: 80%

Attempts to "recruit new businesses to the community" met targets despite the national recession. City officials developed and produced—and are distributing—a CD with demographic and economic information, an updated community profile has been posted on DCEO website, commercial property listings have been posted and are being kept current on Location One Information System (LOIS), and staff continues to participate in Southwest Illinois recruitment efforts. Score: 100%

Efforts to "promote more commercial activity on Main Street" have had more mixed results. Columbia continues designation as an Introductory Main Street community and has submitted an application for designation as a Certified Local Government, but other objectives are pending. While programs like the one offering Main Street facade grants have helped spur improvements to individual buildings, staff contend that the need for an overall downtown redevelopment plan has hobbled success for the district. Score: 50%

The City moved forward significantly on its objective to "develop and market local tourist facilities that will entice visitors and locals to learn more about Columbia’s history and heritage" in 2009. The Miller-Fiege Home is now open by appointment while renovation and display work continue with the help of a large private donation. Work is also progressing on the Shoemaker Schoolhouse, which is being restored for use as the Monroe County Welcome Center. A private developer is moving forward with work on restoring a Prohibition-era rum cave at the Old Distillery. Score: 90%

Efforts to "expand resources for parks & recreational uses to make Columbia 'a great place to play'" got off to a great start but fell short of the goal. Although the City formed the Play Commission, the precursor to a Parks Commission, and was recognized a “Play City USA” for 2009, a comprehensive funding program of what facilities and programs are to be funded still awaits final determination. Score: 75%

The objective to "develop and implement a long-term strategic plan for municipal buildings" was largely achieved. A leasing and improvement plan for the Oak Street Community Building is nearing completion, while staff have likewise inventoried and reviewed all other City-owned properties. Score: 90%

Finally, City efforts to "support community activities, celebrate milestones and add to the local quality of life" exceeded objectives set at the beginning of the year. While staff and elected officials supported sesquicentennial events and sponsored other local events, they also assisted in the kick-off for the inaugural Art Walk event and launched a new Christmas parade. Score: 100%

Following presentation of the status report to members of the Columbia City Council, the Community & Economic Development Department will compile a new set of goals and objectives for 2010, which will be presented to the City Council for approval at their December 21st meeting.

FEMA Offers Public Forum in Columbia on December 16th

2009-12-03T13:26:00.000-08:00

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will hold a public forum in Columbia on Wednesday, December 16th, to discuss impending changes to flood insurance and building requirements that may result from changes next year to the accreditation status of levees that protect the Mississippi River flood plain in Madison, St. Clair and Monroe counties. FEMA manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which assists local communities in adopting and enforcing floodplain management ordinances that will reduce future flood damage.

At the meeting, which will be held from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at Columbia City Hall, FEMA and NFIP officials will provide a general overview for elected officials, businesses, community organizations and individuals in the 28 affected jurisdictions along the American Bottom. RSVP: (618) 274-2750 x.279.

FEMA claims that flood damage is reduced by nearly $1 billion a year through communities implementing sound floodplain management requirements and property owners purchasing of flood insurance; additionally, the agency calculates that buildings constructed in compliance with NFIP building standards suffer approximately 80 percent less damage annually than those not built in compliance.

Plan Commission Looks at Community Impacts from Aging

2009-11-13T07:49:00.000-08:00

Increased life expectancy is creating record numbers of people aged 65 and older. While this age group represented only 13% of the population in 2000, it will comprise about 21% of the population in 2030. The group expected to grow most rapidly in the next 30 years is the one aged 85 years and older. What does this demographic shift mean for Columbia in the future?

Members of the City's Plan Commission are undertaking an assessment to focus upon the Columbia community's readiness for the impact of an aging population upon various aspects of community life. In this task, the Commission is using assessment tools provided by the Area Agency on Aging of Southwestern Illinois. The agency has already assisted other Metro East communities, such as Edwardsville and Waterloo, in completing similar assessments.

The Plan Commission expects to complete their assessment and have it ready for public review by April, 2010. In the meantime, public input is encouraged as the Commission reviews each area of interest. While identifying challenges confronting Columbia in the various areas assessed, the Commission also hopes to identify many of the positive features that already make this city a very desirable community for the aged—and for other citizens—now and in the future.

For a schedule of meetings and additional information, please visit the City of Columbia’s website.

City to Move Forward on Schoolhouse Restoration

2009-10-30T07:02:00.000-07:00

A timely donation of $25,000 from local philanthropist Charles Todd has allowed the City of Columbia to move forward on pursuing a grant to fund restoration of the Shoemaker Schoolhouse as a new Monroe County Welcome Center. The Columbia City Council will vote Monday evening whether or not to authorize the submission of an application to the State of Illinois to provide roughly half of the funds needed to complete the nearly $59,000 project. Todd's donation--along with "in kind" contributions from the City and volunteers--will provide the matching funds needed for the grant.

The project will renovate a one-room schoolhouse built around 1850 for use as a facility to serve visitors. The schoolhouse is located on Illinois Route 3, the Great River Road Scenic Byway and—much earlier--the Kaskaskia Trace, in Columbia, three miles southeast of I-255.

Since Illinois 3 is the first exit for travelers crossing the Jefferson Barracks Bridge into the state, visitor use of the facility, when open, is expected to be high. The Tourism Bureau Southwest Illinois estimates that the Welcome Center could, conservatively, generate $50,460 per month in economic impact or $605,520 annually.

City Website Gets New Look

2009-10-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

City of Columbia staff and colleagues from Monroe County participated last month in an economic development marketing workshop sponsored by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). A major theme of that workshop was the importance of marketing communities via websites and social media; as a consequence, the City's website will be getting a facelift over the next few weeks.

According to Bob Ady of Ady International Company, 62% of corporate leaders now use community websites as their primary source for evaluation of potential sites for new locations. This is a big change from even a few years ago--a change that corresponds with the rise of site selection consultants who have multiple clients and little time. Ady observes:

If a community doesn’t have a website, the website cannot easily be found or it doesn’t have the right type of information, the consultant moves on to other communities that have the information he or she needs.

Columbia's website will be undergoing reorganization and redesign as part of the facelift. Expect to find information more easily--and find more of it--and expect more graphics, links and features.

Dow Rebounds, But Economic Signals Remain Mixed

2009-10-15T06:18:00.000-07:00

The Dow Jones industrial average yesterday rose past the 10,000-point milestone for the first time in a year--evidence of a Wall Street rebound from the financial crisis--but fiscal woes are likely to persist, especially for state and local governments.

State tax collections across the nation from April through June dropped by a record 16.6 percent compared with the same period a year earlier, according to a report released today by the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government. The report observes that tax collections were down by $63 billion for the year ended in June—roughly twice the amount the states had received in stimulus money up to that point.

This dismal data highlights a hard truth: there can be a long delay between the time the economy begins to improve, as some economists believe is happening now, and the time that the change is reflected in state and local finances. Many people were out of work or earning less, income tax collections were down 27.5 percent for the quarter, and sales tax collections were off by 9.5 percent.

Will the economic climate get better soon? Not if history is any guide. While the most recent past recession officially ended at the close of 2001, states faced their worst budget crises in the two years that followed.

Discover Columbia's Parks on September 19th

2009-09-01T06:01:00.000-07:00

A scavenger hunt discovering Columbia’s parks, a variety of games, and kids’ art projects are just a few of the hands-on interactive activities planned for Play Day 2009 in Bolm-Schuhkraft Park (known to many residents as the “city park”) on Saturday, September 19th. Visitors will enter the park and rediscover play.

Created and hosted by the Columbia Play Commission, in collaboration with KaBOOM!, and with funding from the Kiwanis Club of Columbia, the Monroe County YMCA, the Columbia Rotary Club, Traube Tent Company and the City of Columbia, the free event is designed to discover the fun, education and recreation available in the city’s many public recreational areas and playspaces. Envisioned as a day to play by organizers, the event will feature interactive stations that will introduce visitors to the themes and activities found in Columbia’s parks, many of which are little known--or completely unknown--to many residents.

Events run from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. that day. Admission is free, and this is a rain or shine event.

“It’s really just a fun afternoon to get out and discover our parks,” states John Traube, chair for the Play Commission. “Our hope is that families and kids of all ages will come for the fun and leave with a better appreciation for where to spend unstructured afternoons year-round.”

KaBOOM! recognized Columbia this year as a “Playful City USA,” a national recognition honoring cities and towns across the nation committed to taking action for play. Columbia was the only community in the St. Louis metropolitan area so honored.

More details on this event are available via the Play Commission’s blog.

You're a Good Man, Charlie Todd

2009-08-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

Charles Todd has a long and distinguished history in Columbia. Among other things, he founded the laundry cleaning company which today is Crown Linen Service and established Toddhall Retreat & Conference Center.

For the past two years, Todd has been an active member of Columbia's Heritage & Preservation Commission. He helped that group erect a columbarium in historic Warderman Cemetery and provide for burial of indigents with both his personal time and money. This week, it will be announced that Todd has donated $20,000 to the City of Columbia to spur renovation of the historic Miller-Fiege Home.

Members of the Heritage & Preservation Commission are now asking the Columbia City Council to name Charles Todd the first ever Commissioner Emeritas, in recognition of his long and sustained service.

Making a List, Checking It Twice...

2009-08-21T06:09:00.000-07:00

One of the basic tenets of economic gardening--any well-planned economic development program, in fact--is that growth should arise from nurturing of enterprises already growing in the local environment. Columbia is well-positioned for such growth not just because of its many small firms but because of some of its larger companies, as well.

Inc. Magazine recently released its tally of the 5000 fastest-growing companies; two are in Columbia (Illinois, including Chicago and its suburbs, only has 224): MAVERICK Technologies and Traube Tent Company.

The Inc. 5005000 (as the tally is called) is ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2005 through 2008. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by the first week of 2005, and therefore able to show four full calendar years of sales. Additionally, they have to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent--not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies--as of December 31, 2008. Full-time and part-time employees are included in the head count; independent contractors and temporary employees are excluded.

Other Communities, Other Visions

2009-08-12T06:08:00.000-07:00

Local leaders in many parts of the country are finding creative new ways to spur economic activity in their cities and counties:

In California, the City of Santa Clarita began hosting stakeholder meetings for business leaders as the economy turned sour and more businesses began looking for help from government. The mayor's economic development summit helped leaders from the chamber of commerce and the industrial association meet each other. The City’s strategy also included a luncheon for commercial brokers that was held to target rising vacancies and to share resources for attracting new tenants. The meetings were perceived as valuable, offering more ways that the City and the business community could proactively come together to address the downturn, and efforts eventually resulted in the City bringing Advanced Bionics Biomedical Company and its 350 jobs to town.

The City of Lake Forest, Illinois provides local businesses with a checklist of all events in the city so that owners and managers can synchronize their business goals, promotions, marketing and sales with opportunities available in the community. The City's Economic Development Department calls this service "Lake Forest’s Marketing Machine."

In Tennessee, Unicoi County officials are planning a sustainable tourism initiative with its goal to create new businesses that would support tourism. The county will use a $50,000 GEMS of Appalachia Grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission and matching funds from the Joint Economic Development Board and the Conservation Fund to sponsor educational workshops early next year for business owners and entrepreneurs in Unicoi County, the Town of Erwin, and the Town of Unicoi. According to Mayor Greg Lynch, the program is targeted to people "who are close to retirement, maybe wanting to start a bed-and-breakfast, something to sustain them for the rest of their lives, or young people wanting to start up their own guide business, [for example] to be river guides..." The county also is considering culinary tourism focusing on Appalachian Mountain cuisine.

For States and Cities, the Downturn May Continue

2009-08-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

Most economists now believe that the national recession is drawing to a close, but the impacts of the downturn will continue to be seen in budgets for state and local governments for at least the next year.

While stimulus funding has allowed state and local governments to avoid laying off teachers, prison guards, police officers and firefighters, revenues are expected to remain depressed, even as the national economy improves. The depressed value of housing will continue to mean lower revenue from sales taxes and property taxes. Continued high unemployment will mean reduced income-tax receipts, higher expenditures for unemployment claims and more demand for public assistance. Federal stimulus aid is declining, and many cities and states have already used up their emergency reserves.

The Council of State Governments projects that for the next two fiscal years, the states face a combined budget shortfall of $350 billion.

IDOT Awards Columbia $70,000 for Pedestrian Safety

2009-08-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

The City of Columbia will receive $70,000 from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to install fixed speed feedback signs on Main St. near Immaculate Conception School and Parkview Elementary School. The award was part of $13.1 million in Safe Routes to School grants announced yesterday by Governor Pat Quinn.

171 projects were funded in almost 90 communities across Illinois, including Columbia, ranging from sidewalk repair to safety training for students to equipment for police and crossing guards. The federally-funded program is designed to enable and encourage children to walk and bike to school.

“This grant request and the School Safety Plan that led up to it were a true community partnership,” Columbia Mayor Kevin Hutchinson observed. Both elements of the application process were assembled by a steering committee that included city and school district officials along with representatives from the Monroe County YMCA, Helmets First! and other groups.

The Illinois Safe Routes To School (SRTS) program applies to schools serving grades Kindergarten through 8th. SRTS encourages a holistic approach to make it safer and more practical for children to walk to school, using the Five E’s: engineering, encouragement, education, enforcement and encouragement. IDOT Secretary Gary Hannig indicated that competition for funding was especially keen this year, with the agency receiving almost 200 applications adding up to $27.9 million in requests.

“This innovative program reaches out to our youth, instilling in them the healthy habits of physical activity,” said Governor Quinn. “With Illinois ranked fourth in the nation for childhood obesity rates, providing children with a safe and secure means of walking to school is an important tool to improve the health of our children.”

Safe Routes to School is a program of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration. The program is designed to:

Enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to school;
Make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation option, encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age; and
Facilitate projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity of primary and middle schools.

...But Local Cities Still Feel the Pinch

2009-08-03T06:12:00.000-07:00

While there are signs that the economy is starting to strengthen at the national level, Metro East communities continue to suffer from the effects of the downturn.

Sales tax receipts--which contribute a large portion of revenues to the balance sheets of all cities--continue to be weak across the board:

In Belleville, sales tax receipts are down 7.64 percent, about $112,857, over the first quarter;
Despite cutting $2 million from the city budget in the past year, O'Fallon is operating about $117,000 over budget after one quarter of the current fiscal year;
Edwardsville's sales tax receipts are down about 6 percent.

Metro East cities are coping with the continuing revenue pinch via a variety of strategies:

Collinsville leaders sliced $1.4 million worth of road projects out of the budget to make up for lost income;
While July sales taxes were $20,356 lower in O'Fallon than last year--$518,940 versus $498,584--the City had budgeted an 8 percent reduction in sales tax.

Indicators Suggest National Economy May Be Poised For Growth...

2009-08-03T06:00:00.001-07:00

The current recession--appraised by most economists now as the worst since World War II--is showing signs of easing. Three articles over the past few days in national business sources suggest that better economic times may be just ahead.

A front-page story in Saturday's edition of the Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. gross domestic product contracted at a 1% annual rate last quarter, its slowest pace in a year, but a marked improvement from the first-quarter contraction of 6.4% and the fourth quarter's 5.4% pullback. "Consumer spending stabilized early this year," it was reported, "but businesses kept cutting back sharply on payrolls, inventories and new-equipment spending."

The Chicago Tribune on Saturday reported that economists, who were expecting GDP to be down at about a 1.5 percent rate in the second quarter, were largely heartened by the data. The report reflected much smaller decreases in business investments, a smaller drop in inventories and exports, as well as an upturn in government expenditures as the federal stimulus measures took hold. The GDP news, the article adds, "comes on the heels of a number of reports suggesting that the long-troubled housing market decline is bottoming and that manufacturing is also stabilizing." But the labor market remains troubled and, with the unemployment rate expected to keep rising until at least the end of the year, "many people will not feel a recovery."

In Bloomberg News this morning: "Manufacturing in the U.S. probably shrank in July at the slowest pace in 11 months as the recession eased and factories moved closer to stabilization, economists said ahead of a private report." The Institute for Supply Management's factory gauge increased to 46.5, from 44.8 in June, according to the median forecast in a Bloomberg News survey. Other reports indicate manufacturing, which accounts for about 12 percent of the world's largest economy, is improving.

Trim, But Prepare for a More Vibrant Future, Local Mayors Say

2009-07-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

Do what's necessary to balance community needs against available revenue, plan strategically (and regionally) and get ready for the upturn--that's the course Metro East mayors are pursuing to lead their cities through the current downturn.

The mayors of Alton, Collinsville and O'Fallon spoke this morning at an event co-sponsored by the Southwest Illinois Council of Mayors (SWICOM) and the Leadership Council Southwest Illinois as part of a panel discussion moderated by Columbia Mayor Kevin Hutchinson. Despite a variety of city sizes and budgets, all four mayors are facing similar challenges and plan to meet them deploying--often--similar methods.

All four noted that the combined pressure of falling revenues and rising mandates--generally unfunded--from federal and state jurisdictions are requiring substantial changes in how their cities do business today compared with even a year of two in the past. All four are continuing to pursue economic development efforts despite a current paucity of proposed projects and all four cited the critical role of both incentives and "business friendly" policies in spurring economic growth.

Alton Mayor Tom Hoechst has had to oversee cuts in the number of city employees while struggling to meet payroll for the remaining workers. "In cashflow terms," he observed, "the City is broke" with only $2 million in reserves; fortunately, economic investments in "one of the premier marinas on the Mississippi" and a new amphitheater, as well as private investment in venues such as an anticipated new downtown hotel, promise new revenues as the recession eases.

Meanwhile, Collinsville Mayor John Miller is shaving costs through increased efficiencies. Instituting a City-wide improvement program to improve performance, restricting training to opportunities arranged in house, and freezing hiring have all contributed to the City's ability to keep its current positions that deliver expected services to citizens. Collinsville has an aggressive economic development program, a regional convention center and five-star hotel, and strategic location among its assets supporting future development.

In O'Fallon, Mayor Gary Graham is struggling to overcome the St. Clair County assessment system--which he claims is "broken"--and a lack of incentives for new development; nevertheless, he deploys the attitude that "we really want to have you here" to full benefit in attracting new businesses. O'Fallon today has more than 1000 hotel rooms as well as a new conference center, and the City is "sales tax rich," according to the mayor.

In summing up, Columbia Mayor Kevin Hutchinson described how dealing with the ongoing fiscal crisis has helped him (and presumably other city leaders) distinguish more clearly between "wants" and "needs" in the budgeting process. He said that Columbia's fiscally conservative leadership over many years--avoiding the maximum carrying capacity for long-term debt, for instance--and well-managed initiatives like a successful Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district have given his City a firm foundation for growth. He anticipates that future growth will benefit from a more regional perspective coupled with strongly-supported local efforts like the Think Monroe County First! campaign.

It’s OK to Play in Columbia

2009-07-13T07:51:00.000-07:00

Columbia has been recognized as one of 39 new communities across the nation to achieve the status of a “Playful City USA,” the non-profit organization KaBOOM! announced today. The city was one of three cited in Illinois and the only designee this year within the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Like other designees, such as Indianapolis and San Antonio, Columbia was selected for its dedication to play. Columbia used the Playful City USA application process to identify facilities, assess local resources, develop an action plan and create a citizen group—the Play Commission--to help direct activities. Excited about the opportunity to be nationally recognized, the Play Commission is using social network media such as Facebook and a blog to help gather public input and encourage involvement from the community.

“We’re excited about this prestigious designation and the serious work that the Play Commission is accomplishing to make our community a better place to live,” said Columbia Mayor Kevin Hutchinson. Support from local government is a key element for winning the Playful City designation.

Each of the 2009 Playful City USA communities demonstrated creative commitments to the cause of play in the areas of quantity, quality and access. Quality relates to the number of usable, open playspaces. Quality involves subjective factors that encourage repeated use and make playspaces engaging, exciting, interesting and fun. Access entails the ability to get to a playspace (roads, trails) and a lack of barriers to the playspace (cost, safety, traffic, locked gates, and equity).

“Our country is facing two monumental deficits: a lack of unstructured play among children and a lack of resources to address this very issue,” said Darell Hammond, KaBOOM! CEO and Co-founder. “Columbia took a stand and determined that the future of the community—its children—deserve a commitment to the cause of play. This is an investment in the future, and cities and towns across the country can replicate initiatives from this and other Playful City USA communities so that they too can bring play back into the lives of their children.”

KaBOOM! is a national non-profit organization that envisions a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America. Since 1995, KaBOOM! has used its innovative community-build model to bring together business and community interests to construct more than 1,600 new playgrounds, skate parks, sports fields and ice rinks across North America. KaBOOM! also offers a variety of resources, including an online community, free online trainings, grants, publications and the KaBOOM! National Campaign for Play, which includes Playful City USA and Playmakers--a national network of individual advocates for play.

Columbia's Count is Up, But By How Much?

2009-07-02T07:14:00.000-07:00

According to estimates released yesterday by the U.S. Census Bureau, Columbia's population steadily increased from 2000 census estimates, when 7,996 people called Columbia home, to the latest census estimate in which that number grew to 9,342--an increase of 16.8 percent.

The increase is good news for the community, since some regional and state funds are distributed based upon population. During the same time period, nearby municipalities such as Venice, Brooklyn, Fairmont City, East St. Louis, Washington Park and Granite City have all seen decreases, according to the new Census estimates. It's not an entirely accurate benchmark for Columbia, however, since a special census conducted for the city in 2007 pegged the local population at 9,818.

The estimated census numbers released by the Census Bureau do not include the numbers from any special census counts held by individuals cities, towns or villages and performed in collaboration with the federal government if only a portion of the city is counted or if the city has annexed land. That's the case with Columbia, so final figures from the 2010 count should show an even bigger increase.

Flood Prevention Council Staffs Up, But Faces Funding Challenge

2009-06-30T06:03:00.000-07:00

The recently formed Southwestern Illinois Flood Prevention District Council has hired Lester Sterman, the long-time executive director of the East-West Gateway Council of Governments, to serve as its chief supervisor of construction and works. While the addition of this veteran administrator increases the Council's odds for success, the effort faces huge financial challenges.

About 35 percent of the funding for the levee repairs was expected to come from the new quarter-cent sales tax that has been being collected in Madison, St. Clair, and Monroe counties since January 1st. The rest--about 65 percent--was expected to come from the federal government; unfortunately, the economic recession has hurt collection of the new sales tax revenues, while reports indicate an unwillingness for the federal government to provide its anticipated share.

Jim Pennekamp, special assistant to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's chancellor for regional economic development and executive director of University Park as well as chairman of the Madison County Flood Prevention District, serves as president for the Council. Dan Maher, director of administration for St. Clair County and chair of the St. Clair County Flood Prevention District, serves as vice president of the Council. John Conrad, editor and publisher of the Monroe County Independent and chair of the Monroe County Flood Prevention District, serves as secretary/treasurer. Two additional commissioners from each county round out the nine-member Council.

City Launches New Blog: Playing Around Columbia

2009-06-06T21:03:00.001-07:00

In April, the City of Columbia joined the National Campaign for Play (organized by a national organization with the remarkably playful name of KaBOOM!). This movement has begun to combat such social ills as childhood obesity, attention deficit disorder and violence among our nation’s children.

At that time, the Columbia City Council adopted Resolution 13-2008, endorsing the Playful City USA campaign and committing the City’s support to that effort; they also began assembling a list of likely candidates for the Play Commission, the community-based group that will be tasked with making this city-wide commitment to play a real accomplishment. On May 19th, the Play Commission was officially created with adoption of Resolution 02-2009.

The Play Commission will soon be hard at work finalizing its action plan, and the City has launched a new blog, Playing Around Columbia, to chronicle its achievements.

Miller Fiege Home Open This Wednesday

2009-05-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

The Columbia Heritage and Preservation Commission (CHPC) welcomes the public to an open house at the Miller-Fiege Home this Wednesday from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

The open house is being held partly to inform the public of the City of Columbia’s intent to designate this home as a local historic landmark, which has been recommended by CHPC. Comments about this proposed action may be shared during the open house or submited in writing at City Hall no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26th. CHPC has also planned this event as a celebration of the building, the families who have lived here, and Columbia’s heritage in general.

This home was built in 1850 adjacent to a blacksmith shop run by P.W. Miller (the shop was located approximately where The Medicine Shoppe stands today). The shutters on the home, iron fence surrounding it, and the pump out back all date from this period. Miller purchased the house in 1857, and it remained in his family’s hands until the death of his descendent, Winnifred Fiege, last year; subsequently, the City of Columbia purchased the home and its many antiques, and the home is now being prepared as a historical museum for the whole community to enjoy.

All Greek To See...And Hear

2009-05-04T12:56:00.000-07:00

Those who love cool jazz should mark their calendars for Saturday evening, August 1st--that's when Perry Danos and his 10-piece orchestra will perform a live dinner show here in Columbia.

Danos will visit Columbia as part of a breakout tour promoting his new album, "Swingin' on the Moon", from Grand Vista Music. He will make his only St. Louis area appearance at The Falls Reception & Conference Center, and packages are available that include dinner and even overnight accommodations at the new Hampton Inn.

Danos is an up-and-coming Chicagoan of Greek descent who blends the smoothness of Tony Bennett with the heart-on-his-sleeve grit of Rod Stewart. Moving interpretations of some of his own favorites, such as "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "The Long and Winding Road," and "Lately," are new and exciting renditions of some of the world's best -loved classics from the great American songbook.

The concert is sponsored by The Falls, the Hampton Inn Columbia, and the City of Columbia as part of an ongoing initiative to boost visits to this city.

Put the World in Your Palm May 13th

2009-04-28T08:25:00.000-07:00

If Facebook were a country, it would be the the eighth largest in the world. Large-scale adoption of social media and the use of other new technology is impacting your small business, whether you choose to participate or not. With the current economic downturn, can you afford not to keep an open mind about the chance to receive more visibility, more referrals, and a new avenue for sales?

Gain a business perspective on new technologies and learn how to leverage one of the most powerful marketing opportunities ever invented—all for free. Technology 101: New Strategies to Market Your Business will be held May 13th from 5:30 to 8:30 pm at the Monroe County YMCA - HTC Center. The Monroe County Economic Development Council, in partnership with HTC - Harrisonville Telephone Company, will be hosting this workshop as part of the Think Monroe County First! campaign.

Whether you are proficient in current technologies or just want an entry level introduction to technology, this workshop is for you! Any business with a physical location in Monroe County is invited to attend with participation limited to two (2) individuals. There is no cost to attend and light refreshments will be served. In order to attend, you must RSVP by May 8th to Nora Feuquay, U of I Extension - Monroe County Community and Economic Development Educator, at 618-939-3434.

Mid-Sized, Mid-West Cities Weathering Downturn Best

2009-04-21T06:29:00.000-07:00

As banks pull back on risk-taking across the nation, consumer lending is rising in places like Columbia. Many midsize cities are outperforming their larger counterparts, owing to more disciplined economic development strategies in those cities, more diverse employment and lower costs.

States in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain West are experiencing either mild recessions or none at all. Lingering effects of high commodities prices have helped, but the lack of a real estate boom may be the more important factor.

Columbia may be able to learn from Germany, where the Mittelstand (small- and mid-sized enterprises) are acting as a shock absorber against the economic smash-up. Firms with up to nine employees are the backbone of the German economy, making up 93 percent of the country's 1.6 million enterprises. While small and middle-sized firms hire two-thirds of new employees--an even greater percentage than in the US and Britain--the Mittelstand has avoided large-scale layoffs so far.

Playing Through the Downturn

2009-04-15T08:35:00.000-07:00

Quality of life is becoming increasingly recognized as integral to local economic development, so it should be no surprise that communities are seeking to boost their appeal to potential new businesses by improving local assets like parks and playgrounds. Columbia is one community that hopes to leverage its better-than-average quality of life as an economic incentive.

That's why Columbia may seek designation as a Playful City USA community, signifying commitment to a national recognition program honoring cities and towns across the nation taking action for play. By ensuring the prominence of play in the community's agenda, members of the City Council hope local citizens will reap the benefits that result from happier, smarter and healthier children as well as stronger communities--one of them being more active consideration as a business location.

In addition, designated Playful City USA communities will:

Receive highway signs, awards and special incentive opportunities in honor of the Playful City USA status;
Be included in a national media campaign and be provided local media support receive priority status in accessing resources including playground builds, trainings, and grants opportunities;
Be given access to online resources and communication vehicles to keep them connected to Playful City USA communities nationwide;
Receive recognition at national municipal leadership and recreation conferences.

Communities become Playful City USA communities by meeting five commitments:

1. Creating a local play commission;
2. Designing an annual action plan for play;
3. Conducting a playspace audit of all publicly accessible play areas;
4. Identifying current spending on capital projects and maintenance of playspaces;
5. Proclaiming and celebrating an annual KaBOOM! Play Day in September.

After the Bust, Retail Leasing Shrinks, Shifts

2009-04-07T06:46:00.000-07:00

Within the next several years, the amount of U.S. retail space devoted to specialty stores will contract by about 10 percent, according to a study just released by UBS Securities LLC. This trend will be driven by reductions in store size, closures of malls and the retrenchment of chains that had launched concepts for new demographic groups during the retail building boom.

According to Costar Tenant, a national commercial property service, landlords "have no choice but to be creative and think of alternative uses" as they seek to lease space in this new environment. Analysts expect that retail centers--especially those in less than prime locations--will increasingly seek to fill vacancies with alternative, non-traditional uses such as state and local government offices, satellite colleges and universities, medical offices, family fun centers and churches. Second-hand or overstock dealers and seasonal outlets--which have been considered less desirable uses--will also find more space available in this new environment.

Locally, Crestwood Court mall is experiencing success by turning vacant space into an artisan community. At ArtSpace, local artisans rent space for studios where they can create, display and sell their works; space for art classes as well as live theatre is also on the premises. While ArtSpace was originally planned as a temporary use, it's caught on in the community.

Not Just Another Brick in the Wall

2009-04-06T07:19:00.000-07:00

A federal judge last week ruled that mandating brick use in home construction in a Texas city doesn’t discriminate against minorities. This ruling supports Columbia's adoption in 2006 of an ordinance requiring significant amounts of brick to be used on new homes.

Columbia has been followed by Ellisville, Town & Country, and several Metro East communities that have subsequently adopted ordinances requiring new home construction to have certain percentages of brick or stone masonry facades. The Brick Industry Association, a national trade organization, lists numerous such ordinances across the country on its website.

Researchers from the University of Michigan studied four Chicago suburban communities to identify the impacts that the adoption of a masonry ordinance had on housing price and the fiscal health of each community. Their comparison of two communities with masonry ordinances (Orland Park and Tinley Park) with two otherwise similar communities without such ordinances, found that adoption of a masonry ordinance not only enhanced the durability and aesthetic value of local properties but it also increased property values, tax base, and overall fiscal health of each community. In addition, the research indicates that the adoption of a masonry ordinance supports population growth and does not significantly impact affordability of housing or rental costs.

The National Association of Home Builders, the National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin sued the City of Kyle, an Austin suburb, over a municipal brick ordinance that they say prices minorities out of the single-family housing market. U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel issued the ruling on Monday, saying he could find no discriminatory effect against minorities.

The Song That Started It All (Maybe)

2009-04-02T19:36:00.001-07:00

The first settlers of Monroe County, Illinois were pioneers from the territories of Virginia, Maryland and Delaware who arrived about 1783, but their settlements were scattered following bloody skirmishes with the natives. The settlers who came into this area between 1793 and1795 probably reasoned that this area was a favorable place to settle as the nearly 700-feet high rise between the Bottoms and the bluffs made the plateau safe from floods, protected from storms by a rise of hills on the north and east, and abundant with clear spring water.

The origin of the name "Columbia" for this place has been the subject of much discussion and conjecture among local residents. The name Columbia came into popularity at the close of the American Revolution with the sentiment that Columbus, the discoverer of America, should be memorialized. The first time the name Columbia appeared in legislation was the legislature act of the State of New York, giving the name to the Columbia University on May 1st, 1784.

During the American Revolution, a military chaplain named Timothy Dwight composed a song entitled "Columbia, Columbia to Glory Arise" which idealized the new republic as the symbol of liberty and patriotism:

Columbia! Columbia! to glory arise,

The queen of the world, and the child of the skies,

Thy genius commands thee, with raptures behold,

While ages on ages thy splendors unfold:

Thy reign is the last and the noblest of time, Most fruitful thy soil, most inviting thy clime;

Let crimes of the east ne'er encrimson thy name,

Be freedom, and science, and virtue thy fame.

Columbia subsequently became a popular name. Since the early settlers of this area had fought in the Revolution, it is possible they heard the song and decided it was a patriotic and appropriate name for the town they founded: Columbia, Illinois.

More Input on Columbia's Streetscape Project

2009-03-26T06:10:00.000-07:00

City staff once again presented an overview of the proposed Main St. Streetscape Project--this time to the Columbia Rotary Club--and answered more questions from members of the business community:

Why not make Main St. one-way and Rapp one-way (suggesting that this would create traffic circulation around a “town square” and would allow angle parking)? The current project scope does not include this re-routing of traffic--which would be a major project in its own right--but the team will take the idea under consideration.
How will this project maintain available parking along Main St. and how will it allow for future growth of businesses in the district? The Civic Progress Committee raised this concern during its review of the project last March, and the project team has reviewed the design accordingly--further study may be required to address the long-term parking needs of Main Street merchants.
Will the sidewalk expansion and bump-outs choke traffic lanes? The current roadway is extremely wide, so narrowing the overall roadway will tend to slow down traffic, but the proposed sidewalk changes (two feet added to all sidewalks and eight-foot bump-outs at some corners) will not reduce the lane width for moving traffic.
Downtown Belleville’s decorative light standards look very similar to those proposed for Columbia’s project, and they appear (to the casual viewer) to be placed too close together in Belleville—how will Columbia’s be different? While the light standards in both cities come from the same manufacturer, Columbia's will be five feet taller and will be spaced further apart in keeping with Illinois Department of Transportation requirements (Belleville's Main Street is owned by the city while Columbia's roadway is owned by IDOT).
Columbia’s light standards will support banners and other decorations throughout the year courtesy of the Columbia Chamber—how will the project orient the hanging equipment so as to prevent damage from passing vehicles? Banners currently in place hang over the street and have not suffered damage, but the team will consider turning the hanging brackets so that decorations are internal (over the sidewalk) rather than external (over the street).
How will the street trees be maintained (observing that this could be a major undertaking)? Lewisites (the landscape architects for the project) is selecting trees that will look good, grow at an appropriate rate and to an appropriate height, and reduce required maintenance.
How will the City and its partners minimize disruption to Main St. merchants—and help them keep their doors open? That's the purpose of the outreach effort--to communicate throughout the process, helping merchants and others to know what's coming and develop an action plan collectively and in advance!

Leaders Promote Arts Growth in Area

2009-03-24T06:41:00.000-07:00

The non-profit arts industry, with $36.8 billion in annual revenue, is a potent force in economic development nationwide. Communities large and small across the country have integrated the arts into their economic development arsenal to achieve a wide range of economic goals.

Should Columbia choose to follow these examples, some local leaders are emerging to carry the effort forward:

Christina Sterman and other community members have recently come together to found Artistic Expressions, an organization established to "provide an outlet for our youth to express, grow and share artistic talents" in Columbia. Members are redeveloping a house near Metter Park into an arts center and are planning an Opening Celebration on Sunday, May 24th--the same day as Maifest.

The Monroe Actors Stage Company's production of "Nunsense" has been nominated for six awards by the Arts For Life Theatre Recognition Guild, which honors excellence in community musical theatre in the St. Louis metropolitan region. "Nunsense," which was the MASC season opener in September, is among the five shows nominated for Best Musical, Small Ensemble, for 2008. Director Lynn Venhaus has been nominated for Best Director, and performers Tammy Duensing (Sister Robert Anne) and Liz Sawyer (Sister Mary Amnesia) are up for recognition for Best Actress in a Comedic Role. For technical achievement, the set design team of Venhaus, Sawyer and John Campbell are nominated, as is Tim Foederer for Best Lighting Design.

With artistic talent like this in the community, Columbia has a good foundation for growth in the arts.

Columbia, We Have Ignition: Streetscape Outreach Launches!

2009-03-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

The City of Columbia launched an aggressive new public outreach effort yesterday in support of the upcoming streetscape project on Main Street. Key City staff and a representative from Oates & Associates, the project's lead engineers, presented to a standing room only crowd at the monthly meeting of the Columbia Chamber.

Presenters said that the City and its partners will deploy public forums, one-on-one meetings with business and property owners, press releases and community newsletters, direct phone access to the contractor, and a Twitter feed over the next several months to keep up communication. The staffers and elected officials in attendance (Mayor Kevin Hutchinson and Alderman Candace Hejna) solicited and answered questions from merchants and property owners in the audience:

How can we have better pedestrian connections between Main Street and outlying areas of the city? Mayor Hutchinson explained that the City adopted a Bicycle & Greenways Alignment Plan in 2006 to link areas of Columbia together, and that this plan requires future funding to complete.
How will sidewalk width change and what's the width of the bump-outs?When completed, the new sidewalks will be two feet wider in most areas than they are now, and the bump-outs will be eight feet wide.
Will the stamped brick be slick when wet and will it be more difficult to walk on due to its texture? Those sections are not designed to be walked on--the areas designed for pedestrian travel have been examined and approved by an organization that works to improve accessibility.
How can my business survive the disruption of major construction? That's the purpose of the outreach effort--the City and it partners will be working with individual businesses, the Chamber, and others to keep communication strong, as well as to help plan and execute joint activities that will help keep business traffic moving.
Will the Chamber lose its banners and decorations that have been mounted on a different style of light standards? Alderman Hejna related that the City Council had asked to have the standards raised by five feet to accommodate the street decorations.

Obama Takes Stimulus to Main Street

2009-03-17T09:02:00.000-07:00

Small businesses historically have created about 70 percent of the economy's new jobs. That's why many economic observers have to date criticized the federal government's stimulus program for focusing, they say, on Wall Street rather than on Main Street.

Working to restart the economy's engine of job creation, President Obama announced yesterday that the Treasury Department will invest as much as $15 billion to boost lending to credit-hungry small businesses. Under the new program, the Treasury Department will buy as much as $15 billion in loans made by banks and guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA); the SBA's loan volume has fallen from roughly $20 billion a year to below $10 billion this year, projections show. The funding for the program will come from the government's $700-billion financial rescue package enacted last fall.

In addition to buying loans, the administration is proceeding with plans to eliminate fees for borrowers and reduce fees for lenders in its two signature small-business lending programs and to increase temporarily the percentage of each SBA loan guaranteed by the government. The Internal Revenue Service also released information Monday on a provision of the stimulus bill passed last month that would allow small businesses to use losses incurred in 2008 to get refunds of taxes paid on income earned as far back as 2003--an increase over the former two-year limit.

Main Street Twitters Over Streetscape Project

2009-03-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

Columbia's Civic Progress Committee has set up a up a feed on Twitter.com to keep members of the community abreast of progress in planning, funding, constructing and promoting the Main Street streetscape project. This electronic "bulletin board"--the first of its kind in the nation for a streetscape project--is part of a larger outreach effort that is launching this month.

Twitter is a website where a sender can broadcast very short messages--140 characters, maximum--to anyone who’s signed up to receive them. It’s like a cross between a blog and a chat room. Twitter feeds can be accessed from a variety of platforms--in other words, followers can receive its short messages from a website, via email, even over their cell phone or Blackberry device. Local governments across the country are experimenting with Twitter as a means to inform the public about hearings, impending legislation, events, and other public doings. This is the first time that any group has deployed Twitter for informing followers about a streetscape project--what the feed refers to (in Twittereze) as "tweets from the street".

Public outreach on the project will continue to rely on existing venues like the City's website and traffic from a recently-launched Facebook page, as well as more traditional activities like door-to-door canvassing of business and property owners along Main Street. The Columbia Chamber will host an informational briefing about the project at their luncheon next Wednesday, March 18th, at Bully's Smokehouse.

'Stimulus' Comes to Main Street

2009-03-11T06:32:00.000-07:00

The Wall Street Journal reports today that many cities, counties and states across the nation are launching home-grown economic-stimulus plans aimed at spurring local spending and keeping small businesses afloat during the recession.

Strategies are as diverse as the local governments employing them, including:

Cutting corporate taxes;
Paying residents to shop in local stores;
Giving real-estate brokers bonuses for bringing tenants to empty strip malls;
Reducing fees on new development;
Critiquing local restaurants and giving owners feedback on how best to bring in customers.

Leaders of many struggling cities and states say they can't afford to wait for their slice of the federal pie. Although their tax revenues are declining, forcing some to slash budgets and, unlike the federal government, they're constrained by balanced-budget requirements they're floating bonds, raiding reserves and shuffling money among various accounts to free up capital for local stimulus efforts.

Guarded Optimism Accompanies February Retail Sales

2009-03-09T07:38:00.000-07:00

In February, chain store sales across the nation stopped declining as fast as they have been for the past several months, according to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC). Too soon to call it a trend, but retail experts are viewing the figures with guarded optimism.

Warm weather conducive to spring merchandise sales, lower gas prices and leaner inventories helped many chains recover some from the economic doldrums of recent months. Wal-Mart led with a year-on-year comparable-store sales rise for the month of 4.5 percent--the big box retailer's best performance since last June, when sales rose 5.8 percent (February represents its fifth consecutive month of traffic increases). Department store and specialty apparel chains fared the worst, down 9.8 percent and 7.9 percent, respectively. Luxury department stores were hit particularly badly, with sales down 19.2 percent.

ICSC expects March sales nationwide to be flat to one percent off from a year ago. ICSC is the global trade association for the shopping center industry, representing 70,000 members in the U.S., Canada and more than 80 other countries.

While recovery may be beginning, it is spreading faster in areas considered essential by most consumers. Fast food, discounted apparel, haircuts and cable television are four items people won’t cut, according to a survey of about 4,000 consumers by the National Retail Federation (NRF). Among items respondents consider expendable are luxury handbags, specialty apparel and high-end cosmetics, and they say they can dispense with fine dining as well, according to the survey. Some 80 percent of respondents said they refuse to give up Internet service, 64 percent said they would hang onto cell phone service, and 61 percent would cling to cable/satellite television--come what may. Ninety-two percent said they will give up luxury handbags for now, and 91 percent said the same about specialty apparel and cosmetics.

NRF is the world's largest retail trade association, with membership that comprises all retail formats and channels of distribution including department, specialty, discount, catalog, Internet, independent stores, chain restaurants, drug stores and grocery stores as well as the industry's key trading partners of retail goods and services.

Report from Chicago

2009-03-05T05:43:00.000-08:00

City of Columbia staff joined more than 1600 other economic development professionals this week in participating in the 2009 National Main Street Conference at the historic Palmer House hotel in Chicago. This year's event focused on the emerging role of social media in supporting revitalization efforts across the country.

One highlight of the event was a rousing address by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, who affirmed the vital role that Main Street programs play in stimulating his state's economy. Other highlights included:

A "nuts and bolts" presentation on how best to plan, fund, facilitate and evaluate a successful streetscape project, offered by Donna Dow, manager for the Main Street program in Durant, Oklahoma;
Advice from Tom McGilloway, a landscape architect, on how to make the best use of open spaces like parks and trails;
A new approach to facade renovation that restores whole blocks at one time, presented by Randy Wilson, director of design services for the Mississippi Main Street Association;
"Every Business Has a Billboard," a session led by Main Street Arkansas Small Business Consultant Mark Miller, that tied signage and advertising, and social media into a strategic bundle;
Great new ideas for promoting restaurants, boutiques and antique shops presented by Blagica Bottigliero, a social media consultant.

Columbia's Civic Progress Committee will enjoy an overview of these presentations and more at their next meeting.

In the Company of Bloggers

2009-02-26T08:50:00.000-08:00

This weekend, Columbia's Director of Community & Economic Development, Paul Ellis, will be travelling to Chicago for the 2009 National Main Street Conference, where he'll be part of a group presentation entitled: "Blogging, Multi-media & Bunnies: Three Things You Need Not Fear."

His co-presenters are Rob Voigt, author of Civic Blogger, and Cac Kamak, a planner with the City of Oak Harbor. The National Main Street Center is making a big push this year to demonstrate the value of social media as marketing and communications venues for revitalization efforts in smaller communities. As the practitioner in the group (although Columbia's Main Street program is only Introductory as yet), Paul will relate experience with blogging in Tacoma, Washington and, subsequently, deploying three blogs in Columbia.

This is not his first experience covering this ground at a national conference. In 2007, Paul presented at the annual conference for the International Downtown Association (IDA). That group is where the larger metropolitan districts get together to compare notes, while the current conference is the national gathering for smaller cities, towns and villages.

One very cool element of this conference is the live conference blog that Rob and Cac have set up. Main Street participants from around the country can catch the conference via this venue from the comfort of their storefronts--even their homes!

Palmer/Quarry Rd. Wins ARRA Dollars

2009-02-25T08:41:00.001-08:00

The East-West Gateway Council of Governments decided today to award $350,000 to the City of Columbia for improvement of Palmer/Quarry Rd. from DD Rd. to Ghent--one part of the $58 million in federal funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to 75 transportation projects across the St. Louis region.

The decision was made during a board meeting today at the agency's headquarters in St. Louis. Columbia Mayor Kevin Hutchinson represents the city on the board, and participated in today's meeting.

City Engineer Ron Williams reports that the project has been designed and is ready to go, and he expects that work will begin within ninety days.

ARRA Signed--What's Next?

2009-02-17T13:50:00.000-08:00

President Barack Obama signed the $787-billion American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) into law today amidst controversy over what the bill really includes and how it will benefit the ailing economy.

The legislation will create or save 69,000 jobs in Missouri and 148,000 jobs in Illinois, and Missouri will receive at least $10.33 billion and Illinois will get at least $22.74 billion from the package, according to pro-Obama sources. The mammoth piece of legislation includes funding for infrastructure, education, health care, unemployed workers and state aid, as well as some new tax breaks.

The City of Columbia is submitting a list of "shovel ready" infrastructure improvements today to the East-West Gateway, which is coordinating regional requests for stimulus funding. City officials have been told to expect an amount roughly equal to what is receiving during a normal annual cycle.

Some city and village leaders in Illinois are concerned that bottlenecks in state government will keep funds from being deployed in time to help the recovery. While Missouri officials began work to replace a dilapidated bridge over the Osage River today, no similar announcement was forthcoming from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Some Bull With The Bear

2009-02-10T05:54:00.000-08:00

Notwithstanding a challenging national and regional economy, the prognosis for real estate in the St. Louis region is cautiously optimistic, especially in comparison to seriously overbuilt and consequently now deteriorating markets in the New York metropolitan area and other regions. That was the theme as Colliers Turley Martin Tucker (CTMT) presented "The State of Real Estate St. Louis 2009" last Thursday evening.

Dean Mueller, CTMT's managing principal, served as emcee for the upbeat presentations by the firm's leading office, industrial, retail and investment brokers. Despite the current national economic downturn, St. Louis office and industrial markets performed remarkably well in 2008, the presenters noted. Absorption was positive for both property types and vacancy rates ended the year lower than where they began, whereas office and industrial markets for the U.S. as a whole posted negative absorption and rising vacancy rates.

Although the St. Louis region cannot expect to escape the economic recession's consequences completely in 2009, the effects on office and industrial markets will likely be subdued when compared to the U.S., presenters predicted. And, they projected, if past trends are any indication then St. Louis will maintain its reputation for having less severe market swings than the U.S. overall.

That Sinking Feeling May Be...Karst

2009-02-09T06:43:00.000-08:00

The East-West Gateway has just published a map showing sinkhole and karst areas across the metro region, a precursor to their first edition of a regional Environmental Atlas which is currently nearing completion. To appreciate the importance of this information, one has to know something about karst areas and how they are integral to resource management in Monroe County.

As defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a karst area is a geologic formation of irregular limestone deposits with sinks, underground streams, and caverns. These karst areas can be hazardous, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS): “Though often considered a benign nuisance, sudden, catastrophic collapses can destroy property, delay construction projects, and contaminate ground water resources.” Karst areas are susceptible to aquifer
contamination and may also lack the stability required for certain land uses.

The thin soil and porous limestone bedrock present challenges for effective operation of septic tanks as a means of waste disposal, especially in the southern half of the region. The caves of the Sinkhole Plain in Monroe and St. Clair counties--found in areas with major limestone and dolomite outcrops--are the most numerous and interesting in the state of Illinois.

Can Landmark Status Be Preserved?

2009-02-03T12:17:00.000-08:00

Last evening, the Columbia City Council approved seventeen historic buildings for landmark status--action which they believe will help maintain this city's rich heritage. Recent court action elsewhere in Illinois, however, may be setting the stage for a significant challenge to historic preservation.

An Illinois appellate court has struck down the city of Chicago’s landmarks ordinance, saying it is unconstitutionally vague, putting in jeopardy that city’s protection of more than 250 buildings and 50 historic districts. The ordinance, which was enacted in 1968, prohibits any demolition or alteration of properties that are designated landmarks by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, an eight-member body appointed by the mayor.

The commission, whose decisions can be overturned by the Chicago City Council, makes landmark designations based on seven standards that the court found violated the Illinois Constitution because they were too vague. The three-judge panel found terms such as "value," "important," "significant," and "unique" to be "vague, ambiguous, and overly broad," according to the ruling.

While the ruling technically involves only two of the city’s landmark districts, the decision could be applied to all of the city’s landmark areas, leaving them vulnerable to legal challenge and, by extension, open the door to challenges to similar ordinances in other jurisdictions.

Are Incentives Failing to Spur Growth?

2009-02-02T06:51:00.000-08:00

An interim report from an ongoing study by research staff at the East-West Gateway Council of Governments has concluded that commitment of more than $2.5 billion in public money over the last 15 years for local development incentives has not resulted in real economic growth, and that focusing on expanding retail sales is a losing economic strategy for the region. The interim report was presented to the organization's Board of Directors last week.

In addition to those findings, the interim report suggests that the provisions for uniform reporting of revenues, expenditures and outcomes for all types of incentives are “remarkably weak,” and that there is no mechanism to require a private project sponsor to deliver economic outcomes, or to allow taxpayers to recoup the value of local tax incentives if those outcomes do not happen.

While the report is well-researched, it is still interim and East-West Gateway staff are seeking further input from cities and developers who actually deploy the incentives. The report makes little distinction between wide differences in how incentives are disbursed and reported in Illinois as compared to Missouri, for instance--a failing that should be corrected in any final document. It should also be noted that use of incentives in Columbia--such as Tax Increment Financing for redevelopment of the Admiral Trost Redevelopment Area--have been made and reported in a manner that the report, even in this interim stage, would support.

Established in 1965 to provide a forum for cooperative planning and problem-solving, the East-West Gateway's programs are continuously evolving in response to a changing region. Gateway’s 21-member policy and decision-making board is comprised of chief elected officials in Franklin, Jefferson, St. Charles and St. Louis Counties and the City of St. Louis in Missouri and Madison, Monroe and St. Clair Counties in Illinois, six regional citizens and the chair of Metro. Columbia Mayor Kevin Hutchinson currently serves as a director.

Here's One Place the 'Help Wanted' Sign is Still Out

2009-02-01T14:08:00.000-08:00

As reported in an earlier post for this blog, the City of Columbia is assisting the local real estate community in the search for a new family-style restaurant in the Admiral Trost Development.

A feature article in today's edition of the Belleville New-Democrat quoting Terry Johnson of Johnson Properties--one of the investors who helped bring the local Hampton Inn to reality--gives some insight on part of the reason why the search may be so difficult:

...restaurants are a tough business; their survival depends on good management, which is difficult to find because there are few people willing to work nights and weekends.
"Most restaurant chains could probably grow at a faster rate if they could find good managers that wanted to live that lifestyle," Johnson said. "That's what a lot of the chains are facing. It's not a question of finding good locations, but a question of finding good talent."

People spending less money on dining out because of the recession is only part of the equation. Let's hope that some individuals with the appropriate skills and the willingness to work nights and weekends come to the fore--Columbia needs them.

Waiting for the Bus?

2009-01-30T14:01:00.000-08:00

With the growing number of senior citizens, persons with disabilities and low-income families, there is a definite need for a more robust transit system. So why isn't better transit service becoming available to Monroe County residents?

Transit providers, of course, are being hit with the same economic limitations facing the rest of the community. The downturn--and citizen resistance to new taxes--has severely curtailed regional services through Metro and may eroding services provided by St. Clair County Transit to Columbia at the current time. Even those services are severely limited.

Despite the ongoing work of the Monroe/Randolph Transit District, communities in Monroe County and other downstate parts of Illinois are facing a substantial shortage of funds for transit. Nothing in the economic forecasts suggest that this fact will change anytime soon.

Nevertheless, Pike County community members and area agencies met yesterday with the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs to discuss how to get the first phase of a public transit system up and running. Pike is one of twenty-four counties in downstate Illinois that have little or no public transit services.

Council to Approve Designation of 17 Landmarks Next Monday

2009-01-28T07:01:00.000-08:00

Members of the Columbia City Council will be able to give a big boost to historic preservation efforts next Monday evening if they approve landmark designation for seventeen buildings across the city.

The proposed landmark buildings are the following:

Fort Piggott - 11562 Bluff Rd.
Stone Arch Bridge - Gall Rd. & Illinois 3
Old St. Paul's Lutheran Church – 118 W. Liberty
Gundlach-Grosse Home - 625 N. Main St.
Wagner-Gundlach Home - 404 N. Main St.
William G. Rose Home - 105 N. Metter Ave.
First National Bank Building (now Estes Financial) - 102 S. Main St.
Charles Breidecker Home - 217 S. Main St.
Nicholas & Anna Ferkel Home - 501 S. Rapp
Turner Dance Pavilion - Metter Park
Nolan-Schneider Home - 508 S. Main St.
Theodore & Mary Schaefer Home - 305 S. Main St.
Alfred Henckler Home - 124 S. Metter Ave.
Immaculate Conception Cemetery - Bluffside Road
John Weist Home - 304 N. Main St.
Conrad Wenkel Old Mill Saloon & Inn (now Our House Coffee & Crafts) - 125 N. Rapp Ave.
Henry N. Kunz Home - 404 E. Centerville Rd.

One building was held out from the list pending consultation with the current property owner:

R.P. Briegel Home - 620 N. Metter Ave.

Two buildings were held out pending preparation of a landmark application:

Miller-Fiege Home – 140 S. Main St.
Shoemaker Schoolhouse – Gall Rd. & Illinois 3

Focus Through the Storm, Retail Seekers Told

2009-01-21T11:05:00.001-08:00

Economic development staff were in Omaha this week exploring opportunities to attract new retailers to Columbia by means of the International Council of Shopping Centers' Heartland Idea Exchange.

Retailers and retail developers from as far as Kansas City and Chicago are attending this event, which has also drawn representatives from several Midwest cities. The local government people and developers are here to make or renew contacts with retailers who may be interested in specific local projects, and the retailers are there to learn what new opportunities may be available.

Both sides of this economic equation were encouraged by speakers at the event to focus on the long-term prospects for growth; many of the formal presentations are from retailers who are doing well and looking to expand either now (in a few cases) or in the longer term, when the economy rebounds. Several speakers cited the need to keep calm during times of economic stress.

While Columbia has no new large-scale retail development currently on tap, City staff are here to feel out the retail market, lay the foundation for future growth, and make connections; they are also promoting the Columbia Centre and Admiral Trost developments. A current priority is identifying a family-style restaurant to locate in the Trost center, near the new Hampton Inn hotel.

Founded in 1957, the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) is the global trade association of the shopping center industry. Its 70,000 members in the United States, Canada and more than eighty other countries include shopping center owners, developers, managers, marketing specialists, investors, lenders, retailers and other professionals as well as academics and public officials.

Obama's Stimulus Package May Help--Or Not

2009-01-17T17:22:00.001-08:00

Making a profit in local construction and development should continue to be as complicated and difficult this year as the past year, but Metro East political, business and labor leaders believe President-elect Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan could help set the tone for recovery. That was the main thrust of yesterday morning's Construction & Development Forecast organized by the Leadership Council Southwest Illinois.

U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello said that getting the nation's economy moving again will be "a massive undertaking," but he believes "the stimulus package will work." Costello--who flew overnight from the nation's capitol to attend the meeting in Collinsville's Gateway Center--said that he is "pushing very strongly to spend as much or to get as much into the package as we can to improve our infrastructure."

Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, said that support for the plan would add $2.6 billion to Illinois' gross domestic product and sustain 20,000 jobs. He foresees a rise in single family housing starts later this year, but he also predicts a sharp drop in creation of new multi-family units and commercial buildings.

Meanwhile, across the Mississippi River in St. Louis, economist Arthur Laffer was telling the Association for Corporate Growth that the stimulus program won't work.

Hail to the Chief!

2009-01-15T08:36:00.000-08:00

Columbia Police Chief Joe Edwards was installed last evening as head volunteer for the Southern Illinois Police Chiefs Association during a gala event (co-sponsored with the Southwestern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission) at The Falls Reception and Conference Center.

Team Specialist Josh Bayer of the Columbia Police Department was also honored at the annual awards banquet.

Putting Our Best Facebook Forward

2009-01-12T08:39:00.000-08:00

To many, technology is the clearest path to an open government. Cities across North America are deploying venues like blogs, Twitter, and Facebook as means to more effectively communicate with the public.

Cities are interested in this technology for the same reason that corporations are--it offers valuable user data. Elected officials can survey the concerns of their constituency and agencies can identify problems in neighborhoods, while citizens can enjoy greater access to their leaders and help government pursue greater transparency.

To those ends, a page for Columbia, Illinois has been posted on Facebook; it allows users of that social medium to post pictures, discuss topics and become "fans" of the city.

Obama May Backstop Muni Bonds

2009-01-08T06:06:00.000-08:00

The Wall Street Journal reports today that the incoming Obama Administration is proposing to coordinate efforts of the Federal Reserve Board and the Treasury Department so as to provide a funding backstop for the municipal-bond market. The resulting program would be similar to that set up for the commercial-paper market to help ease financing conditions for companies in need of short-term funds.

As long-time readers of this blog will recall, municipal governments across the nation have been struggling to float new bond issues in the wake of the credit crisis, "raising the cost of day-to-day operations, threatening longer-term projects and dampening a major source of jobs and stability." The proposed action would serve to strengthen the municipal bond market and make it easier for cities and villages to secure funding.

The City of Columbia successfully offered a bond issue early last fall, just before the debacle in securities chilled the bond market; the proceeds were used to purchase the landmark Miller-Fiege Home and an additional building that will eventually become part of the City Hall campus.

Midnight Fireworks to Mark Columbia's Sesquicentennial

2008-12-30T12:15:00.000-08:00

Columbia’s 150th anniversary will start, literally, with a blast when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. A fireworks display will be ignited from the top of Cherry Street overlooking the city, emergency sirens will be sounded and church bells will ring to mark the beginning of the sesquicentennial year. Residents are encouraged to join in the celebration by making their own noise with car horns, bells and noisemakers.

A number of events are being planned throughout the year in celebration of Columbia's milestone year as a city.

District Reports $12.8M in New Development, Rising Values

2008-12-29T15:02:00.001-08:00

Columbia's Admiral Parkway Redevelopment Area has used Tax Increment Financing (TIF) successfully to spur growth in the district, leading to more than $12,800,000 in new construction in the past eighteen months. That's the message members of the Joint Review Board--a multi-agency group that annually monitors operations of the district--heard at today's meeting.

Construction of Maverick Technologies' World Headquarters, a new branch for Reliance Bank, and the Hampton Inn account for the sizable increase in capital improvements in the district, which was cited in 1995 as "blighted" by the Columbia City Council. The value of the new CVS Pharmacy building currently under construction, was not included in this total.

Despite the national downturn in development, City staff and private real estate brokers are continuing to market available properties in the area. Several of the projects undertaken in recent years, following what many see as the successful turnaround of the district, have been funded without further participation in TIF. Property values in the area have risen much faster than overall inflation, as well.

TIF can allow financially strapped local governments to make the improvements like new roads or sewers, or provide incentives to attract new businesses or help existing businesses stay and expand, without tapping into general municipal revenues or raising taxes. Local taxing bodies make a joint investment in the redevelopment of an area with the intent that any short-term gains be reinvested and leveraged so that all the taxing bodies will receive larger financial gains in the future. The funds for this investment come from future tax revenues not otherwise expected to occur--revenues which are generated by increased public and private investment in identified, underperforming, areas.

Tax Increment Board Meets Monday

2008-12-26T13:06:00.000-08:00

The Admiral Parkway Redevelopment Area Joint Review Board (JRB) will meet next Monday, December 29th. As provided by Illinois state statute, the JRB is made up of one representative from each taxing authority affected by a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district along with at least one member of the general public.

The JRB must meet annually to review the progress of the redevelopment plan for the TIF district. The City is also required to maintain a registry of individuals interested in the process and make them aware of the annual JRB meeting, the date for which is different each year pending release of fund accounting to the State of Illinois.

TIF calls for local taxing bodies to make a joint investment in the development or redevelopment of an area with the intent that any short term gains be reinvested and leveraged so that all the taxing bodies will receive larger financial gains in the future. The funds for this investment do not come from current revenues, but from future tax revenues not otherwise expected to occur. These new revenues are generated by increased public and private investment in identified, underperforming, areas.

The Admiral Parkway Redevelopment Area, Columbia's TIF district, has been in existence since 1995. Recent developments include construction of the world headquarters for Maverick Technologies, opening of a branch of Reliance Bank, opening of the new Hampton Inn (Columbia's first hotel) and ongoing construction of a new CVS Pharmacy location.

The meeting begins at 2:00 p.m. in the second-floor Auditorium at Columbia City Hall, 208 South Rapp Ave.

City Leaders Upbeat Locally, Gloomy Globally

2008-12-19T07:58:00.000-08:00

A new survey conducted by the National League of Cities underscores the old adage that "all politics are local." As reported today in USA Today, "City leaders are gloomy about the direction the country is heading," but remain "optimistic about the direction their cities are heading."

The survey found that 63% of city officials say they are pessimistic about the future, compared with 62% in 1992 and 19% in 2001. Although 62% say that global economic conditions have worsened in the past year, 84% are optimistic about the direction their cities are heading. The survey also found that 64% of city officials say health care is the most important issue the next presidential administration will face.

The survey also revealed that one-third of respondents say finding a way to finance services is the biggest issue they face.

Sounds Like A Plan

2008-12-16T08:58:00.000-08:00

The Columbia City Council last evening approved the Community & Economic Development Department's 2009 Strategic Plan with a unanimous vote--here are the goals and objectives from the plan:

Encourage new businesses to form and grow in Columbia - develop program(s) to encourage and support local entrepreneurs, and facilitate development of business incubator services
Retain businesses in the City of Columbia by supporting their long-term success - encourage Columbia’s citizens to support local businesses, provide direct services to current businesses, and support expansion of current businesses through loans and incentives, where appropriate
Recruit new businesses to the community - maintain and distribute timely information on Columbia’s demographics, business mix, and economic potential, market available sites and buildings for businesses looking to expand and/or locate, and work with regional partners to recruit new offices/headquarters and retailers
Promote more commercial activity on Main Street - create an effective organizational structure for revitalization, enhance consistency/historic character of streetscape/signage and buildings, increase net number of Main St. businesses by 10%, and increase private investment in Main St. properties
Develop and market local tourist facilities that will entice visitors and locals to learn more about Columbia’s history and heritage
Expand resources for parks & recreational uses to make Columbia “a great place to play”
Develop and implement a long-term strategic plan for municipal buildings
Support community activities, celebrate milestones and add to the local quality of life

To support these goals and objectives, the Strategy proposes the following activities:

Develop an entrepreneur’s roundtable
Support “Think Monroe County First!”
Maintain/expand Revolving Loan Fund
Establish regular business consulting through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Develop and implement a business retention program
Develop City policy for awarding incentives
Update community profile with Illinois DCEO
Maintain listings via Location One Information Services
Participate in Leadership Council Southwest Illinois recruitment effort
Coordinate recruitment efforts with the Monroe County E.D. Council
Pursue designation as a Main Street community
Pursue designation as a Certified Local Government
Develop a new sign graphics program for Main Street
Explore use of Historic Tax Credits in building renovation
Develop Miller-Fiege Home as a historical museum
Develop Shoemaker School House as a visitor center and museum
Explore development of Old Distillery rum cavern as a tourist destination
Develop a comprehensive program of grants, planned giving and other mechanisms to fund long-term improvements
Pursue designation as a “Tree City USA” and a “Play City USA”
Develop and implement a leasing and improvement plan for the Oak Street Community Building
Explore highest and best use of other City-owned properties
Support community efforts to recognize Columbia’s sesquicentennial
Sponsor, support or participate in other community events

Most of these activities are already under way, while some will require development of more detail to be implemented.

Businesses: Help Customers 'Think Monroe County First!'

2008-12-11T11:22:00.000-08:00

Local businesses support the community through employment, sales and property taxes, community service contributions, donations, and more, so spending money close to home benefits consumers as well as business owners and managers. The "Think Monroe County First!' campaign, sponsored by the Monroe County Economic Development Council and supported by the City of Columbia, seeks to help local residents realize--and act upon--that fact. Every dollar that Monroe County consumers spend locally casts a vote in favor of the future of this local community.

Local merchants are conducting an information blitz through point-of-sale contact as well as visibility in local media. In addition, the campaign has its own website, a blog that can help direct consumers to businesses they haven't yet found, and even a LinkedIn group to help coordinate efforts. Columbia merchants and agencies already involved in the program currently include the following:

Action Graphics
Agnes Ross
City of Columbia
Columbia Market
Commercial State Bank of Waterloo
First National Bank of Waterloo
Dr. Anil Gupta
Harres Furniture & Appliance
Harrisonville Telephone Company
MarketPlace Foods
Mokka Kaffeehaus
Tiny's Restaurant
The Training Room & Monroe Physical Fitness
Wagner Photography

Business owners in Columbia that do not yet appear on this list can get involved by signing up on the campaign website--the more the merrier!

Shopping Centers Launch Campaign to Boost Bricks-and-Mortar

2008-12-05T19:23:00.001-08:00

Shoppers who buy from stores rather than over the Internet are, in effect, putting money into their own pockets--that's the message the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) hopes to get out through a new campaign to encourage consumers to patronize brick-and-mortar retailers. It's a message that can only help to reinforce local efforts to encourage consumers to "Think Monroe County First!" and spend dollars locally.

The campaign, titled “Give Your Community a Lift … Shop Locally for Your Gifts!” aims to remind shoppers that local retailers provide local jobs and support community-based civic and charitable organizations. “Many consumers shop online and avoid paying sales tax, and while this may appear to consumers as a way of saving a few dollars, in the end it may cost them more if local tax revenue is eroded and municipalities are forced to cut back on services,” says Michael Kercheval, ICSC’s President & CEO.

ICSC is encouraging malls to display posters and window and door clings, available from ICSC, to support this campaign. A one-minute public service announcement promoting the campaign will air this month on CNBC, CNN, Headline News, Fox News, MSNBC, The Weather Channel, Bloomberg and National First Business, as well as during ABC’s GMA Weekend, NBC’s Today Show Weekend and the Oprah Winfrey Show.

“Sales tax revenue is important to local communities, because it’s our life’s blood,” states Douglas H. Palmer, mayor of Trenton, New Jersey, in the television spot. “We need those kinds of moneys to provide the services, whether it’s police, fire, public works and all the other services that cities have to provide.”

Founded in 1957, ICSC is the global trade association of the shopping center industry. Its 75,000 members in the U.S., Canada and more than 80 other countries include shopping center owners, developers, managers, marketing specialists, investors, lenders, retailers and other professionals as well as academics and public officials.

Small Business Seminars Coming to Monroe County

2008-11-21T12:08:00.000-08:00

The national news continues to be full of talk about various types of “bailouts”--generally, for big business. But how do small businesses gather the resources they need to weather the current economic storm?

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is hosting a special seminar for current and prospective small business owners next month to answer this question. “Small Business Bailout?” is a free, one-hour presentation on resources available through the Illinois Entrepreneurship Network (IEN) and other government agencies, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce and similar groups. The seminar is set for Thursday, December 4th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. in the Monroe County Annex building in Waterloo (901 Illinois Ave.). There is no cost to attend, but preregistration is required to make sure enough materials are available for all attendees.

In addition, a “Small Business Basics” workshop will be held from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the same location. This two-hour course covers the basics of starting and operating a business in Illinois. To register for either seminar, or for more information, call the Illinois SBDC at (618) 650-2929 or (618) 482-8330.

SBDC is funded by the Small Business Administration (SBA), Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Services available through SBDC include free, confidential, one-on-one sessions with trained business consultants; marketing and business plan development; and cost analysis.

Business Owners Told: 'Stay the Course!'

2008-11-20T11:19:00.000-08:00

Economic development staff from the City of Columbia took part this afternoon in a national webinar on "Thriving in a Slow Economy"; sponsored by the National Main Street Center, this online seminar endorsed some of our current strategies such as the "Think Monroe County First" campaign.

Todd Barman, Program Officer for the National Main Street Center, offered succinct advice to economic developers from across the nation about how to support their community's smaller firms. He also summarized some key actions that individual business owners can take to keep their companies headed in the right direction despite buffeting from the economic downturn.

First and foremost, Barman advised, business owners need to stay the course. Consumer confidence is the key to buying, and their confidence grows in businesses that are moving forward in a calm, consistent manner.

Barman also recommended the following actions:

Review inventory levels more closely--don't stay overstocked or seriously understocked;
Determine your company's financial "break even" point and be more careful about reaching it;
Analyze your customer base;
Maximize the power of referrals;
Watch what the "big boys" in your industry are doing;
Participate in a "think local" campaign;
Take positive action--maintain a positive attitude.