SPRINGFIELD - Charleston was among two dozen Illinois communities honored for their efforts to improve economic development competitiveness during the third annual Competitive Communities Conference, held in Springfield. "These communities are united by a strong desire to create a brighter economic future for their citizens," said Norm Sims, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA), which administers the Competitive Communities Initiative (CCI). "I am delighted to present these awards to communities that have made outstanding progress over the past year in developing and implementing the CCI process."

The awards were presented to 24 communities currently in one of five stages of development. The stages range from entry level communities that have committed to conducting a self-assessment, through development ready, prepared, and competitive stages, to final designation as Lead communities, ready to serve as mentors to other communities. In addition, 12 Illinois counties were recognized by DCCA for their efforts in the Illinois Rural Partners Kellogg program. The Rural Partners Kellogg program worked with rural counties to help them prepare for economic development. The program was funded by a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and technical assistance was provided by the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Services and the Rural Partners organization. Following a review conducted by DCCA of accomplishments made by counties participating in the Rural Partners program, each was designated as a CCI community at the CCI conference, making it eligible for assistance from DCCA Office of Local Initiatives in updating and implementing its development plans.

The theme of this year's conference was Building Better Communities Through Technologies, with presentations by AT&T Laboratories and Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA). Conference attendees also participated in sessions such as Using the Internet as an Economic Development Tool, Evaluating and Creating a Community Web Page, and Using the GIS Systems as a Development Tool. The CCI program is based on the belief that development occurs at the local level. CCI helps participating communities organize their local structure, conduct a rigorous community self-assessment and develop a written action plan, then links them to various resources to assist them in accomplishing their goals. Each CCI community is assigned a staff person from DCCA Office of Local Initiatives, who works with local leaders to help them through the CCI.

Charleston received the highest recognition at the CCI Conference and is only the second community that has been designated as a Competitive Community in the CCI project. Charleston attained Competitive Community status for its outstanding efforts during the past three years. In November of 1996, the community unveiled its Charleston Tomorrow Action Plan; it was adopted by the city council in early 1997 and all of the time lines contained in the plan have been met. Examples of Charleston's progress include a change to a city manager/council form of government, a contract to complete a comprehensive plan for the community by 1999, updating and installation of many infrastructure systems, completion of a local business incentive package, and construction of several affordable housing projects in the area.

Marshall - This community was recognized for achieving "Development Ready Community" status. Mattoon was honored for its accomplishments under "Entry Level Community" status. Counties recognized for their participation in the Illinois Rural Partners Kellogg Program were Cumberland and Shelby.

CCI Award
Jeanne Gustafson, executive director of Coles County Together accepting
for Charleston's Mayor Dan Cougill receives a Certificate of Recognition
from Norm Sims, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community
Affairs and Janel Taylor, CCI specialist, during the awards luncheon at the third annual
Competitive Communities Conference, held in Springfield.

Used with permission from Mid-Illinois Newspapers
Publishers of the Mattoon Journal Gazette and the Charleston Times-Courier

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