Tech Study Made Possible with $40,000 Opportunity Returns Grant
CHICAGO – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today commended a recently released technology report for local governments in Rock Island County, which evaluated and provided recommendations on the technology infrastructure and use of the region as a way to better understand the local economy and attract future development. Gov. Blagojevich provided a $40,000 Opportunity Returns grant to support the study, which was commissioned by the cities of East Moline, Moline, Rock Island, the Village of Milan and Rock Island County. Opportunity Returns is the Governor’s comprehensive economic development strategy to create jobs and expand the economy in Northwest Illinois and across the state.
“To keep our communities on the cutting-edge and effectively market our regional strengths, it’s especially important that we have valuable data and assessments on hand, which will serve as a driver for continued growth and new jobs. Technology and communications access are a top priority for keeping our companies competitive in today’s global economy. Through this technology report, the region is better able to identify its strengths, and address the next steps to continue cultivating business development opportunities so we can put even more people to work,” Gov. Blagojevich said.
Through this funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the five units of local government hired the Reading, Pennsylvania-based technology consulting firm of Spotts, Stevens and McCoy (SSM) to evaluate the region’s current technology situation and provide a strategic plan for attracting technology investment and related economic development. The final report from SSM and subcontractor Icon Broadband Technologies (IBT) found that the Illinois Quad Cities had a diverse mix of local and national technology providers that offer a healthy level of competition to the region, and, as a whole, the region’s residents are fairly technology oriented. Eighty-three percent of survey respondents reported using a computer at home, with 86 percent of those users accessing the Internet. Based on survey data, 94 percent of businesses access the Internet in the region, of which 68 percent use a connection method that is faster than dial-up access. The majority of businesses are happy with their current Internet access, but many indicated a desire for wireless access.
SSM and IBT also provided maps indicating the locations of technology users and the location of public and private technology infrastructure. These maps and their associated data are a valuable tool for local governments as they work to attract business to the region. The participating local governments contributed $70,000 towards the study, which was administered by the Bi-State Regional Commission.
The report concluded with a listing of recommended strategies for continuing the development of technology infrastructure in the region. Chief among these were continued updates to the technology infrastructure maps and the development of a region-wide technology consortium of local governments that serves as a venue for cooperation and information sharing.
“Economic development requires careful planning, preparation and assessment. With this technology study, the region is better equipped to continue moving forward and developing a stronger business atmosphere and playing up our strengths. My thanks to Governor Blagojevich for his continued support for the development of this region,” State Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) said.
“Gov. Blagojevich and I have been committed to supporting meaningful collaborative efforts, which seek to advance the regional economy and promote investment in the hard-working communities in this part of the state. This report will serve as a useful tool as we advance our larger technology efforts,” State Rep. Mike Boland (D-Moline) said.
“This technology study, which pulled together state, local and private sector resources, is a terrific example of strategic economic development that will go a long way to keep our technology and communications efforts second to none in the region. I commend Gov. Blagojevich for his support of this innovative initiative,” State Rep. Patrick Verschoore (D-Rock Island) said.
“Opportunity Returns is all about making the kinds of investments that are making a difference at the local and regional level. This technology study has helped to identify the technology strengths and challenges as related to economic development in the Quad Cities region, which will be effectively used to continue developing a strong, sustainable technology infrastructure. By supporting the efforts of these communities, Gov. Blagojevich is better positioning the region for more widespread economic growth and job creation,” DCEO Director Jack Lavin said.
Illinois led the nation in monthly job growth this year in both April and July, which has never happened twice before in one year in recorded history. The total number of new jobs created this year is nearly 75,000, which is the best start to a year since 1999. Since January 2004, Illinois has gained almost 150,000 new jobs.
The November Illinois unemployment rate is 4.1 percent, which is its lowest level in recorded history. It has been below the national rate for five months this year, which is the first time this has happened since 1997. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security compiled these statistics.
Site Selection Magazine also ranked the Chicagoland area the top metro region for new and expanded corporate facilities in 2005, while Illinois was ranked third in the nation. Business Facilities Magazine named Illinois the top state for biotech growth last year.