Tazewell Big Table: A few dozen folks gathered at Tremont High School this week for our third Rural Big Table. This event was intended to gather the voices of Tazewell County citizens, leaders, and stakeholders to add to the input gathered at the original Big Table and earlier rural roundtables held in Havana and El Paso. Like the previous versions, the conversation focused on the same four topics: accessing opportunity; entrepreneurship; talent pipelines; and entrepreneurship. We have certainly seen themes emerge across all of the Big Tables. Transportation options, both inside our urban areas and in rural communities, are very limited if you do not have a car. People are frustrated by a lack of information on resources and opportunities, or frustrated by a lack of coordinated information. Entrepreneurship is desired, but capital structures and other services to help start businesses are difficult to access. There is a disconnect between the careers young people want and the employment opportunities in the region. The conversation was not just complaining – participants discussed the values of their communities and brainstormed solutions to problems. These themes, along with other input gathered, will all be included in the region’s new Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
Next Up, Logan County: We have scheduled our last Rural Big Table. On February 19, we will host our Logan County event from 3 – 6 pm at the Lincoln Park District offices. More details to come, but you can learn more here.
Brimfield Solar: Well, the weather was not great, but a nice crowd gathered on Thursday to celebrate the completion of the state’s first Community Solar project built on public school property. The two megawatt project, developed by Trajectory Energy Partners and built by local labor, is located on about 9 acres of land owned by Brimfield CUSD #309. The system will be owned by NexAmp. The project was the result of months of hard work and partnership, and included efforts by the Village of Brimfield, school officials, Ameren, the state of Illinois, and local labor unions. It’s a big win for Brimfield schools, two. The solar array will reduce the district’s electricity bill by about $20,000 each year and also create an additional $20,000 in revenue per year from land lease payments and increased property taxes.
Senior Consulting Projects: Bradley University is accepting applications from established companies interested in participating in the Senior Consulting Project (SCP) Program for the Spring 2026 semester (January 21 – May 13). Teams of senior-level business students spend the semester working in a consulting capacity on business issues facing small businesses in central Illinois. The project culminates at the end of the semester, with an oral presentation and a written report for their client that includes recommendations and implementation suggestions. These consulting projects are provided at no cost to companies that meet the SBA definition of a small business (generally 500 employees or less). You can learn more and register here by January 9.
Peoria County Planning: Peoria County is looking for public input to use for their Comprehensive Land Use Plan. You can participate by completing a survey here.
Have a great weekend.
Chris