Press Releases

Article written by Maggie Overfelt for CNN
The last time we wrote about Peoria, investors had pledged nearly $2 billion toward renewable energy ventures, and city officials were launching government-funded programs to help foster green growth.

The Morton Economic Development Council (Morton EDC) announced today that nomination forms for the Morton Venture Award, an award designed to recognize outstanding entrepreneurs who have started and grown companies in the community, have been released.  “Entrepreneurship is a critical component of economic prosperity for any community,” said Jennifer Daly, CEO for the Morton EDC.  “We want to recognize the contribution these unique business owners make to Morton.”

Yesterday, the Morton EDC hosted a special reception to give lead investors the opportunity to meet the owners of the new Morton company Millennia.  The event was held at Deb and Brad Braker's Pool House.  Everyone had a wonderful time.  Our special thanks to Deb and Brad Braker for their warm hospitality! 

July 6, 2009 - Morton, IL - Today, the Morton Economic Development Council met with Morton Village Trustees to present a "One Year in Review" for their organization.  The presentation included a lengthy list of accomplishments including engagement with 55 business clients, recruitment of two new employers to Morton, and the creation of 47 new jobs.  "The first year for any new organization tends to be consumed with the creation of organizational structure and planning," said Daly.  "We have been able to accomplish some tangible results for our community and our inv

June 1, 2009 - Morton, IL - “We are excited to be in Morton,” said Paul Moreno, one of three owners of Millennia, an engineering company that recently purchased the former Roecker Cabinet Building on North Main Street in Morton.  The company, most recently in East Peoria, decided to locate in Morton due to the availability of the building and the assets of the community.  “Morton is an ideal location for us,” said Moreno.  “We looked at several buildings in the Peoria area and we really liked the low tax rate and the interstate access in Morton.  We were also really impressed with

In April, the LAUNCH Business Plan Competition was unveiled and today we are proud to announce we have over $3000 in cash and prizes to award a new small business owner in Central Illinois.

The Morton Economic Development Council announced today that they will be hosting SHOWDOWN, a Wii Gaming Competition for Central Illinois, on Saturday, June 13th at Jefferson Elementary School in Morton.  The event will feature a tournament style competition of four popular Nintendo® Wii games and is geared towards children and adults of all ages, including three youth age categories and one adult category.  “We wanted to host an event that would be family friendly, tourism oriented, and technology driven,” said John Feser, Principal at The Iona Group and Chairperson for the tournament.  “W

Central Illinois (April 16, 2009) – Now is the perfect time to LAUNCH a new business! The LAUNCH Business Plan Competition encourages Central Illinoisans to make that dream of starting a small business come true.

The Morton Chamber of Commerce and EDC is searching for an organized and enthusiastic professional to serve as Program Coordinator.  The ideal candidate will have experience in event and program planning, marketing and graphic design, sales, and volunteer coordination.  The ability to work well with a wide variety of people is critical.  The best candidate will also have strong computer skills and a willingness to have a flexible schedule.  Someone currently living in the Morton area is preferred.  This is a full-time position with a salary commensurate with experience. 

December 17, 2008 – Morton, IL – The Morton Economic Development Council (Morton EDC) announced today the creation of the Morton Venture Award, a new award designed to recognize outstanding entrepreneurs who have started and grown companies in the community.  “Entrepreneurship is a critical component of economic prosperity for any community,” said Jennifer Daly, CEO for the Morton EDC.  “We want to recognize the contribution these unique business owners make to Morton.”