The new Executive Director for the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC), Mark Williams, talked to Rotarians this week about his background and the outlook for economic development in the county.  Williams succeeds Paul Borek who retired in September after 15 years leading the DCEDC.

 

Williams began his remarks by giving special credit to his parents, both World War II veterans, for his service-oriented outlook.  He is no stranger to the region, having grown up in Mendota and then served in area economic development roles including as executive director of Growth Dimensions (serving Boone County), Economic Development Manager for the City of Rockford, and Executive Director of the Greater Freeport Partnership (serving Freeport and Stephenson County).  He serves on several statewide economic development boards.  He has been instrumental in successfully implementing various economic development tools such as Enterprise Zones and Tax Increment Financing Districts.  Williams is a graduate of Southern Illinois University.

 

Williams credited his predecessor with achieving significant countywide development interest and growth over the last few years.  This translates into increased industrial-related property evaluations that help reduce property tax rates.  Figures presented by Williams showed overall industrial-related investment in the county since the DCEDC was founded in 1987 totals over $4.8 billion with over $2.7 billion occurring since 2020.  Williams says this shows how economic development is really a long-term strategic discipline.  He noted that for this to continue there needs to be planning and support on where to locate future industrial-type development.  He added that much of this growth will be from businesses already here.

 

Williams says his approach to economic development is to look at various programs as cost reduction tools to make it easy for companies to decide to expand or locate here.  He noted the importance of reliable and abundant electric power, good road systems, and an available well-trained workforce as key ingredients for continued economic growth.  He considers Northern Illinois University a key player for creative product and workforce development.  More information about the DCEDC is available from their website:  www.DCEDC.org

October 23, 1869 – American football coach John Heisman of Heisman trophy fame is born in Cleveland, Ohio.  He legalizes the forward pass and originates the center-snap during a career with multiple colleges achieving an overall coaching record of 186-70-18.

 

October 25, 1881 – Abstract artist Pablo Picasso is born in Malaga, Spain.  His controversial sculpture in Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago was dedicated August 15, 1967.    

 

October 27, 1858 – 26^th President of the United States, “Teddy” Roosevelt, is born in New York City.  Perhaps his most famous quote is “speak softly and carry a big stick.”

 

October 28, 1914 – Dr. Jonas Salk is born in New York City.  He famously leads research that develops a vaccine to prevent polio and declines to pursue a patent in order to promote its global distribution.

October 24, 1901 – 63-year-old school teacher Annie Edson Taylor become the first person to take the plunge over Niagara Falls in a barrel. Strapped for cash and hoping for fame and fortune, she came up with her dramatic attention getting plan after reading about interest in the falls because of the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo.  She survived, but only got fleeting fame for her efforts and no fortune.

 

October 25, 1983 – The Caribbean Island of Grenada is invaded by the U.S. to, in the words of President Ronald Reagan, “…restore order and democracy…” following a political coup and execution of their Prime Minister. 

 

October 26, 1825 – The Erie Canal opens and becomes the first major man-made waterway in America.  It links Lake Erie with the Hudson River and took eight years to complete.

 

October 27, 1904 – The New York City subway begins operating.  It is one of the world’s oldest public transit systems, the most used, and one with the most stations (427).