Written by Jacobs Staff Tuesday, 09 August 2011 15:28
"This legislation will add JoDaviess, Carroll, Whiteside and Stephenson counties to the Quad-Cities Regional Economic Development Authority. The Authority already includes Rock Island, Henry, Knox, and Mercer Counties," stated Senator Jacobs. "This law will allow these additional counties to benefit from increasing the number of jobs through the work the Authority is currently doing in the region." The goal of the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority (QCREDA) is to promote expansion and enhance employment opportunities throughout the region. In the past, QCREDA aided groups from the manufacturing industry to local community projects. Whitey's Ice Cream Mfg., Inc, is a manufacturer of ice cream and frozen yogurt. The Authority issued a $2 million bond for the expansion of their ice cream manufacturing facility in Moline. The project helped to expand the business and create an additional 40 jobs in the community. Thoms Proestler is a food distributor for Midwest clients that are located within a 200 mile radius of the Quad-Cities. Before their involvement with QCREDA, the company employed 360 people, and now they have added 75 new jobs to their business. The Development Authority was also able to assist the Two Rivers YMCA in Rock Island County. A $2.2 million dollar capital development campaign plus an additional $6 million dollars in tax free bonds from the QCREDA provided funds for renovations and construction of an addition. This project created 103 jobs in the community. In addition, Watts Trucking Company, an independent refuse hauler, was able to take advantage of QCREDA through a bond in the amount of $6,500,000 to expanded solid waste disposal operations by upgrading of an existing landfill, purchased equipment, waste hauling equipment and related containers. The Company employs approximately 440 people and has since paid off their debts to QCREDA. "These are just some examples of how the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority has brought additional jobs and services to out community," stated Senator Jacobs. "The legislation will uphold that tradition to ensure so we can continue to draw business and industry to the 36th Legislative District."
SPRINGFIELD, IL –Legislation sponsored by Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) in the Senate and Pat Verschoore in the House adds areas to the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority, Senate Bill 1755, has been signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn.
Senator Jacobs Menu
36th District
Years served: 2005 - Present (Senate)
Committee assignments: Committee of the Whole; Insurance; Appropriations I; Revenue; Telecommunications & Technology (Vice-Chairperson); Energy (Chairperson); Revenue Subcomm. on Special Issues; Subcommittee on Insurance Mandates.
Biography: Appointed to Senate on February 9, 2005; born June 25, 1960, in Moline, Illinois; B.S. in political studies from University of Illinois at Springfield; M.S., political science, University of West Florida; former Downstate Liaison to Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White; fourth generation family member to serve in the Illinois General Assembly; married (wife, Beth Wendt), has one son, Elliott.