Economic Development Council

About EDC

The Economic Development Council leads initiatives to help businesses and communities in the McLean County area prosper. We are a leadership organization, investing our community's assets to grow and improve our prosperity and quality of life.

Strategic Plan 2012-2016: Forging Ahead

As the EDC "Forges Ahead" into 2012, we have a new strategic plan that builds on the "Navigating a New Direction" plan from 2006-2011. The EDC will continue to offer our most successful programming while intensifying our activity towards specific industries and objectives. Click here to download the full strategic plan. Each of the four new priorities is described below:

I. Targeted New Business

The EDC will target industry sectors that are appropriate for and match our business environment, workforce, expertise, knowledge and abilities. The EDC will convene and lead the development of strategic expansion of industry sectors that will lead to high-paying jobs.

II. Existing Business Assistance, Support and Expansion

The EDC will provide assistance and support to all businesses in McLean County regardless of their size, age or status. Through resource identification and programs and services offered directly by the EDC, the EDC will be the primary source of assistance for entrepreneurs, second-stage businesses and mature businesses throughout McLean County.

III. Community Enhancement and Advocacy

Since 2004, the EDC has had a strong record in the area of advocacy for projects important to the community. The projects have produced jobs, capital investment and economic impact.

IV. Economic Information and Communication

The EDC provides a wide variety of sources and media outlets for communicating its progress, as well as providing information to the public about its programs, services and events.

2012 Board of Directors

Bob Lakin, Chair*
Commerce Bank

Jeff Lynch, Vice Chair*

GROWMARK, Inc.

Dave Magers, Secretary/Treasurer*

COUNTRY Financial

Dick Eikenberg, Governance Committee Chair*

Business Builders

Julie Hile, Center for Emerging Entrepreneurs Chair*

Hile Group

David Hales, Targeted Expansion & Development Chair*

City of Bloomington