December 2020 In Focus newsletter


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IN FOCUS

December 2020 Newsletter

Happy Holidays from the GEDC

The GEDC wishes you and your family the happiest of holidays this season and a Happy New Year! We hope 2021 brings everyone a healthy and prosperous year. Thank you for your support of the GEDC and economic development in 2020.

Wrapping up 2020

2020 was full of heartache, challenges, success, and everything in between. GEDC is thankful to report some of the good news of the year.

Procter & Gamble broke ground on its 1.3 million square foot building in Morris. It is anticipated to be online in mid to late 2022 and will employ 300 people.

CPV Three Rivers Energy Center started moving dirt on its $1 billion 1,250 MW natural gas plant. CPV plans to be operational in 2023.

Morris Hospital opened its new 13,400 sq. ft. Diamond/Coal City facility in early January.

United States Cold Storage is under construction on its 165,000 sq. ft. addition which will become operational at the end of 2021.

Utility Concrete Products continued its $2.1 million expansion which will be open in 2021.

BMW expanded its current location by 167,000 sq. ft. The total investment was approximately $6.6 million and created 20 new jobs.

2021 Economic Forecast Forum Recap

The GEDC hosted a virtual 2021 Economic Forecast Forum. Hugo Dante, American Bankers Association and Kristen Saranteas, First Midwest Bank spoke on managing your cash flows, fraud mitigation, and the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to those who were able to join us for the Economic Forecast Forum. If you would like to view the full presentation click here.

Efforts to Save Dresden Continue

The GEDC has #SaveDresden signs for your business. If you would like a sign, please call the office or email info@gedc.com.

The GEDC, Chamber, and a community coalition continue to work with Exelon officials to save the Dresden plant. Please visit savedresden.com to sign the petition and learn how you can help.

Grundy County COVID-19 Update

Grundy County continues to see its COVID-19 numbers fluctuate. As of December 5, the total number of positive cases processed by the Grundy Health Department was 2,892 people, with 25 residents who have died due to COVID-19 complications.

For more information visit Grundy County Health Department or the Illinois Department of Public Health.

COVID-19 Statistics
Week Ending	Cases per 100,000	Positivity Rate %
10/10/20	126	6.5
10/17/20	151	7.9
10/24/20	208	10.0
10/31/20	314	14.8
11/7/20	732	19.6
11/14/20	979	26.2
11/21/20	814	22.5
11/28/20	687	21.5
12/5/20	677	21.4

What's News

Thank you!
The GEDC bids a fond farewell to 2 of its valued board members; Jason Wiesbrock, and John Lamb. We sincerely thank them for their time and dedication.

Congratulations!
LyondellBasell, one of the largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies in the world, has been named to Newsweek Magazine's 2021 list of "America's Most Responsible Companies." This is the second time LyondellBasell appears on the list, which debuted in 2020 and recognizes companies for their performance in the areas of environmental, social and corporate governance.

Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers was awarded its fifth consecutive ‘A’ on the most recent Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade that was released on December 14. This national distinction recognizes Morris Hospital’s achievements in protecting patients from harm and providing safer health care.

GEDC Office Hour Updates
We may not be in the office, but we are here to assist you. Please do not hesitate to contact staff directly at the following:

Nancy Norton - cell 815.325.5636 or nnorton@gedc.com

Nikki Wills - cell 815.342.4067 or nwills@gedc.com

Dawn Divis - info@gedc.com