Press Releases

Today, the Village of Morton and the Morton Econonomi c Development Council announced that 14 Morton businesses have been awarded funding from the new Morton Façade Improvement Grant program.  Awards include:

NEW PROJECTS:
Harriet McClellan - $5,000 – Façade renovation for Binkley Jeweler building
Mary Sumer - $5,000 – Façade renovation for Firehouse Pizza storefront
Greg Nichols - $5,000 – Facade renovation for Ameriprise building
Vicki Taufer - $5,000 – Façade renovation for V Gallery storefront

Today, Morton resident Sarah Knuppel announced she will be opening a new arts academy in Downtown Morton. “Inspired Arts Academy is a creative avenue to provide a quality fine arts education to children of all ages,” said Knuppel.  “It has been a dream of mine to open this center for many years.  I am very excited to have finally made the commitment for myself and for local families.”

Today, Erik Perkins announced he would be opening a Firehouse Pizza location in Morton, IL along with Edward Flores and Marcus Hazel. “We are extremely excited to be bringing Firehouse Pizza to Morton,” said Perkins. “We believe Morton’s family friendly community is a great place for Firehouse Pizza to open its seventh location.”

The Morton Economic Development Council recently announced that American Tire Distributors Inc. will build a new 120,000 square foot distribution center on Erie Street in Morton. Construction will begin as early as this spring. “This new 6 Million dollar facility will generate 40 new jobs with an annual payroll of $1.6 Million,” said Jennifer Daly, CEO for the Morton EDC. “This is an exciting and impactful project for Morton.”

On January 13th at the Morton EDC Annual Meeting, Mayor Norm Durflinger invited attendees to join the Morton EDC on a planned trip to China, scheduled for October 4 - 12 of 2012.  “You may never have the chance to take this type of trip again for this price,” said Durflinger as scrolled invitations were distributed to the crowd of over 100. 

The Morton Economic Development Council recognized Jean Ann and Gordon Honegger as their 2011 Morton Venture Award Winner during their Annual Meeting held on January 13th.  The award was presented by Bill Morton, last year’s Venture Award winner.  “It is an honor to recognize two such deserving people,” said Morton.

Today, the Morton Economic Development Council announced Warren Ribley will be the keynote speaker at their Annual Meeting and luncheon this Friday. Governor Pat Quinn appointed Warren Ribley as Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in March 2009.

Today, Soderstrom Dermatology Center announced that they will build a new 7,500 sq ft building in Morton to serve the Peoria, Morton, East Peoria, Washington and Pekin areas.  The facility will offer dermatology and plastics services and a beautiful new, expanded, full service day spa.  The new facility will be built at 410 Maxine Drive and is scheduled to open July 1, 2012.

Today, the Morton Economic Development Council and the Morton Business District Commission announced three new financing programs for local small businesses. “We have been working diligently over the past year to develop several financing tools to assist Morton businesses,” said Jennifer Daly, CEO for the Morton EDC. “Hopefully these three programs will provide some needed assistance.”

Mayor Norm Durlfinger was recently featured in a Forbes article highlighting his trip with Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to China.  Forbes Story:  http://www.forbes.com/sites/russellflannery/2011/09/29/on-the-front-line-in-china-illinois-village-builds-on-caterpillars-ties/