55 Clients Assisted
In 2008-2009, the Morton EDC assisted 55 businesses: 27 new companies and 28 existing companies. 28 of those businesses were searching for new locations, 9 were local expansion projects, 6 were local retention projects, and 12 clients were seeking assistance. Two new companies were recruited to Morton and 47 new jobs created.<!-- /node-inner, /node -->
New Website Launched
The Morton EDC launched www.mortonedc.org thanks to the talented folks at The Iona Group. The site won an Addy Award in early 2009.
Location One Information System Adopted by Morton EDC
28 available buildings and 24 available sites in Morton were listed on the national Location One Information System, giving Morton more exposure for business recruitment opportunities.
Cornerstone Architectural Concepts Locates in Morton
Cornerstone Architectural Concepts decided to build their new headquarters in Morton, bringing seven new jobs and over $117,000 of estimated annual sales tax to Morton.
Business Surveys Offered for Morton Companies
The Morton EDC began offering Business Surveys for local companies interested in getting customer feedback. Paddy O’Flaherty’s was the first business to request this new, free service.
Morton Chamber and EDC Announce Partnership
The Morton Chamber and EDC announced a new staff-sharing partnership, enabling the groups to share staff and organizational resources. Morton EDC offices moved to the Chamber, located on Jefferson Street.
Morton Post-It Launched to Promote Local Events
The Morton EDC and Chamber launched the Morton Post-It, a weekly e-calendar to promote local events.
Extreme Profits and Business Resource Breakfast Helps Local Business Owners
The Morton EDC in partnership with the Small Business Development Center at Bradley University ran Extreme Profits!, a workshop focused on finance, marketing, and human resources. We also held a Business Resource Breakfast with partners P-TAC and DCEO, which drew almost 100 area business owners and managers.
Outdoor Eating and Drinking Areas Approved
The Morton EDC worked with local restaurant and tavern owners and city officials to create an ordinance allowing outdoor eating and drinking areas in Morton.
Daly Recruits at Wind Power 2009 in Chicago
Jennifer Daly attended the 2009 Wind Power Show in Chicago, the first business recruitment marketing event for Morton. During the show, she met with over 100 companies interested in an Illinois location.
Millennia Locates in Morton
Millennia, a growing engineering firm, selected Morton for their new headquarters. They purchased the former Roecker Cabinet building on North Main and brought 20 new jobs to Morton with another 20 jobs anticipated.
Retail Study Completed
The Morton EDC completed a Retail Study with Chicago firm Teska. The study covers both the Courtland/Morton Plaza area and the Field Shopping Center District. The results were then used to recruit retailers during RECON, a national retail trade show.