Lena. Economic Development. Corporation

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Magdalen Cooper
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1 When you re choosing where to locate a new business many factors come into play. You need a skilled workforce, great educational opportunities, and access to good healthcare. You seek innovative tax incentives, a vibrant community environment, and a dynamic parks and recreation system. Your wish list is long...and so is the list of s attributes. About the LEDC The (LEDC) supports and advances the community interests of the Village of. The LEDC promotes business development, retention, and expansion, and tourism. Our work supports the residential character and quality of life currently experienced and enjoyed by the residents of. To find out more about the LEDC or the Village of feel free to contact us: Coordinator: coordinator@villageoflena.com Website: Quite simply put, is business friendly. Home to a variety of industries, both large and small, our growing community is a great place to work and live. We are not far from urban amenities and yet remain closely connected to the country. We believe you will find s rural setting, low cost-of-living, and commitment to your business development worthy of your strong consideration. Our community excellence is evident by the many awards received by the village, local businesses, and our educational system from local and national groups. is a multiple winner of The Governor s Home Town Award which is awarded each year to communities that have shown strength through volunteerism. has been voted The Best Small Town in the Region in an annual poll conducted by the Journal-Standard. Our prime location in northwest Illinois places us close to transportation routes that spread throughout the Midwest, with close proximity to several major highways and rail access provided through the Canadian National Railway. Dubuque Galena Quad Cities Madison Freeport Milwaukee Rockford As a business owner, you will find that we offer: a range of local, county and federal incentive programs that are flexible for your specific needs; a diverse selection of building and land options; and abundant services to support efficient and economical operation of your business. The is waiting for your call. Let us describe in detail how we can help you fulfill your wishes LENA Chicago Pictured above: s Historic Water Tower erected 1896 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

, Illinois Community Facts/Highlights Demographics Population 2,912 Labor force 1,400 Travel time to work Around 20 minutes on average Distance to regional metropolitan areas/transportation Chicago 2.

5% (Average composite index for the nation is 100%) The area is home to a healthy mix of people and conveniences that may be just right for you and your business.

Healthcare has access to local offices for two regional healthcare organizations, FHN centered in Freeport, IL and The Monroe Clinic, based out of Monroe, WI.

2 , Illinois Community Facts/Highlights Demographics Population 2,912 Labor force 1,400 Travel time to work Around 20 minutes on average Distance to regional metropolitan areas/transportation Chicago 2.5 hours Quad Cities 2 hours Madison 1.5 hours Rockford 1 hour Dubuque 1 hour Estimated median house or condo value in 2009: $110,181 Cost of living index 78.5% (Average composite index for the nation is 100%) The area is home to a healthy mix of people and conveniences that may be just right for you and your business. These community facts and highlights will give you a clearer picture of who we are. Healthcare has access to local offices for two regional healthcare organizations, FHN centered in Freeport, IL and The Monroe Clinic, based out of Monroe, WI., both have been recognized as Thomson Top 100 Hospitals. In addition, teaching hospitals offer high level care in Madison, WI and Rockford, IL. The village is also covered by a public ambulance service. Schools/Libraries The award winning -Winslow School District is a consolidated system that includes an elementary school, junior-high school and high school all centrally located in. The Community District Library serves the information and pleasure reading needs of all ages. Parks/Recreation offers four community parks with various services and programs for all ages. For outdoor enthusiasts, Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park, a 715 acre recreation area, is located within 3 miles of for fishing, hiking, camping and more. Two golf courses in are readily available for the beginner to the seasoned player. Many community wide events are scheduled and widely attended each year. Community Organizations is home to a long list of committed community organizations, such as local chapters of the Jaycees, Lions, and American Legion as well as Girl and Boy Scouts, many which have received national awards by their parent organizations. Churches has eight active churches that cover many denominations, all which play an important role in the life of our community. Pictured above: s Historic Water Tower erected 1896 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

, Illinois Incentive Programs s Partners We work with the following organizations to further economic development in this area: Northwest Illinois Alliance www.nidaworks.

prosperingtogether.org DCEO www.commerce.state.il.us/dceo/ University of Illinois Extension web.extension.illinois.

Several village, county, and state incentive programs are now offered to ease financial burdens for businesses planning to locate in our area.

3 , Illinois Incentive Programs s Partners We work with the following organizations to further economic development in this area: Northwest Illinois Alliance Blackhawk Hills Resource Conservation and USDA Rural Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs Prospering Together DCEO University of Illinois Extension web.extension.illinois.edu Your business and its contribution to the development of the area is important to our community. Several village, county, and state incentive programs are now offered to ease financial burdens for businesses planning to locate in our area. Available incentives include: Property Tax Abatement Program Sales Tax Rebate Program Startup Cost Incentives Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts 50/50 Façade Improvement Program LEDC Low Interest Revolving Loan Fund U.S. Department of Agriculture Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program Stephenson County Enterprise Zone Pictured above: s Historic Water Tower erected 1896 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

4 , Illinois Incentive Program Descriptions Eligibility Village of Businessess Property Tax Abatement Program Abates the Village portion of your business property tax. The amount and length of the abatement are negotiable. Sales Tax Rebate Program Recipient is eligible for a rebate of a portion of business related redevelopment costs (based on sales tax generated). Startup Cost Incentives Program involves waiving of one or more village startup fees to help defer the cost of initial development. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts Tax Increment Financing Districts are local tools for economic development designed to coordinate various tax incentives and other benefits to help developers defray TIF eligible costs to stimulate commercial economic activity and downtown revitalization. TIF Districts help fund new developments by dedicating increased real estate taxes generated by the development to the developer to help defray eligible costs. offers a Downtown Business TIF District remaining in effect until 2023, and an Industrial Park TIF District remaining in effect until /50 Façade Improvement Program Reimbursement of up to 50% for facade improvement costs for businesses located in the downtown TIF district. LEDC Low Interest Revolving Loan Fund A reduced rate business development loan is available for business expansion projects (for example building acquisition, site development, leasehold improvements, equipment purchase, etc.). Call for more specific information on any incentive program. Pictured above: s Historic Water Tower erected 1896 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

5 , Illinois Incentive Programs Federal and County U.S. Department of Agriculture Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program Stephenson County, IL is considered a rural County for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and as such a business loan made by a state or federally chartered lending institution in the county, which includes, can seek to have a USDA Business and Industry (B&I) Loan Guarantee. The limits of their loan guarantees are for project loans of up to $25,000,000. Stephenson County Enterprise Zone Tax Exemptions Sales Tax Exemption Permitted on building materials to be incorporated into real estate located within an enterprise zone established by a county or municipality. Machinery and Equipment/Pollution Control Facilities Sales Tax Exemption Available on purchases of tangible personal property to be used or consumed in the manufacturing or assembly process or within an enterprise zone. Enterprise Zone Utility Tax Exemption Available for utility tax exemption on gas, electricity and the ICC s administrative charge, and telecommunication excise tax. Eligibility is contingent upon a $5 million investment that causes the creation of 200 full-time equivalent jobs in Illinois, or other greater investment and job criteria. Tax Credits Enterprise Zone Investment Tax Credit Allows a tax credit of.5%. Jobs Tax Credit Allows a business a $500 credit on Illinois income taxes for each job created in the zone. Income Tax Deductions Dividend Income Deduction Dividend income is not taxed for corporations. Interest Deductions Financial institutions are not taxed on the interest received on loans for development. Contribution Deduction Businesses may deduct double the value of cash or in-kind contributions to approved projects. Call for more specific information on any incentive program. Pictured above: s Historic Water Tower erected 1896 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

, Illinois Education and Workforce Training Building Foundations for Lifelong Learning 90.

Distinguished Awards: 2010 IHSA State 1A state champion football 2012 IHSA 2nd Place wrestling 2012 IHSA 4th Place boys baseball 2012 IHSA Speech Team Finalists for two events 2012 Qualifiers for the

net Winslow School District Knows for its high quality education, the -Winslow School District has a reputation for strong academics, superior fine arts programs and competitive athletics.

6 , Illinois Education and Workforce Training Building Foundations for Lifelong Learning 90.5% of all students tested met or exceeded the Illinois Learning Standards for reading, mathematics and science. Distinguished Awards: 2010 IHSA State 1A state champion football 2012 IHSA 2nd Place wrestling 2012 IHSA 4th Place boys baseball 2012 IHSA Speech Team Finalists for two events 2012 Qualifiers for the National Forensics League National Tournament Speech Team Contact Le-Win Schools: Phone: Web: Winslow School District Knows for its high quality education, the -Winslow School District has a reputation for strong academics, superior fine arts programs and competitive athletics. With an average teacher to pupil ratio of 1:19, Le-Win is able to give students the focus and attention they need for a comprehensive education. Le-Win offers up to date technology for the classroom, summer school programs and active parent organizations which offer strong involvement and support from the community. Le-Win Athletics and Programs Le-Win schools are home to a variety of extra curricular activities. Le-Win athletics including football, wrestling, baseball softball, boys/girls track and field, boys/girls basketball, volleyball, golf, cheerleading, student council, academic bowl, speech forensics, national honors society, theater, FFA, theater, chorus, band, yearbook, student council and student produced publications. These activities and many more programs are provided to accommodate our very active student body. Workforce at Le-Win Le-Win High School is part of the certificate of employability program which sets standards for employability as recommended by business and industry. Students wishing to receive the school endorsement need to meet certain criteria in three categories; academic, attendance and attitude. These criteria were developed in cooperation with local businesses in Stephenson County to ensure that the most sought after qualifications for a local workforce were included in the program. Those who receive the certificate of employability will be on their way to positively participate in a regional effort to create a strong, dependable workforce for area business and industry. Le-Win High School goes one step further in working with graduates to develop a strong regional workforce by assisting graduating seniors in obtaining their National Career Readiness Certificate. The NCRC is recognized as the most effective strategy for certifying workplace skills and predicting workplace success. Pictured above: s Historic Water Tower erected 1896 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

, Illinois Education and Workforce Training Local Colleges and Universities: There are 48 accredited colleges and universities within 100 miles of including locations in: Dubuque, IA, Platteville and

Columbia College: Once classes are completed at Highland, a four year degree is in reach through Columbia College extension courses offered on the Highland campus.

Approximately 4,000 students take classes in over 60 majors receiving credits that are easily transferred to four year colleges.

7 , Illinois Education and Workforce Training Local Colleges and Universities: There are 48 accredited colleges and universities within 100 miles of including locations in: Dubuque, IA, Platteville and Madison, Wi, Rockford, Dekalb and the Quad Cities in IL. Columbia College: Once classes are completed at Highland, a four year degree is in reach through Columbia College extension courses offered on the Highland campus. Highland Community College Located in nearby Freeport, IL, Highland Community College (HCC) offers top quality education to students in the tri-state region. Approximately 4,000 students take classes in over 60 majors receiving credits that are easily transferred to four year colleges. HCC also offers The Business Institute which offers a range of services. For more information, visit Business Institute The Business Institute of Highland Community College can help small and medium-sized businesses keep up with rapid changes in technology and organizational development. Thousands of employees have benefited from our training by learning new technical, operational, and leadership skills. Leadership Programs The Stephenson County Leadership Institute is part of a leadership development program at HCC and is committed to developing local leaders who demonstrate leadership and collaboration skills and are committed to building and improving our organizations and communities. The 9 month program seeks men and women from a wide range of community and career interests wishing to further their careers and create a network of knowledgeable community leaders. Work Keys HCC is the educational center for adult education and regional workforce development. HCC administers the WorkKeys Skills Assessment program on the Freeport Campus. The WorkKeys Assessment System is a comprehensive system for measuring, communicating and improving the common skills required for success in the workplace. The WorkKeys System deals with the foundation skills required by all jobs, such as reading, mathematics, locating information, teamwork and others. It allows these skills to be quantitatively assessed in both individual persons and in actual jobs. In this way, WorkKeys helps to Hire the Right Person, for the Right Job, the First Time! Pictured above: s Historic Water Tower erected 1896 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

, Illinois Local Services Contact Information Telecommunications: Frontier 855-458-3521 MediaCom 800-332-0245 Aero 815-233-3387 Sand Prairie Wireless 800-858-5522 T6 815-547-1990 Utilities:

com has ample resources for your business to operate efficiently and compete effectively. We have access to the services, technology and support you need to get your business up and running.

From high end wireless to T1 lines, businesses can find a full range of communication services to help them compete globally.

8 , Illinois Local Services Contact Information Telecommunications: Frontier MediaCom Aero Sand Prairie Wireless T Utilities: Water/Sewer Nicor Gas ComEd For a list of all services and businesses please visit: has ample resources for your business to operate efficiently and compete effectively. We have access to the services, technology and support you need to get your business up and running. Internet access is well suited for businesses that depend heavily on reliable and state-of-theart internet access. From high end wireless to T1 lines, businesses can find a full range of communication services to help them compete globally. High Speed Fiber Optic Access is part of ifiber, the high-speed (1Gbps) fiber optic transportation network servicing the public and private sector in NW IL. recognizes that an increasing number of businesses require fiber connectivity to keep up with a growing need for bandwidth. A high speed fiber connection to the ifiber network allows businesses the capability to custom fit their business communication needs. Possible services range from symmetrical Internet bandwidth, VoIP telephony, server virtualization, disaster recovery/off-site backup, cloud access, and other digital and Internet-based technologies. Utilities Water and waste water is supplied to all properties in the Village of. Natural Gas is provided by Nicor Gas. Electrical service is provided by ComEd. Pictured above: s Historic Water Tower erected 1896 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

, Illinois Local Services Contact Information Local Services: Fire 815-369-2715 Ambulance 815-369-4512 Police 815-369-2234 All services emergency 911 For a list of all services

com Local services is the home to the following essential services: The Volunteer Fire Department which serves a 92 square mile fire district.

A strong local law enforcement team located centrally within the Village of that provides a 24 hour police force.

9 , Illinois Local Services Contact Information Local Services: Fire Ambulance Police All services emergency 911 For a list of all services and businesses please visit: Local services is the home to the following essential services: The Volunteer Fire Department which serves a 92 square mile fire district. (The ISO rating for is 5) Paramedic Ambulance service for the Village of and the surrounding area. A strong local law enforcement team located centrally within the Village of that provides a 24 hour police force. Other required services All the essential services are available in in order for your business to thrive or for your family to grow. is home to a variety of locally owned and operated businesses, including: Accountants Architects Attorneys Banks Day Care Providers Health Services and Medical Care Facilities Printing Services Real Estate Agents Senior Centers... and more. Pictured above: s Historic Water Tower erected 1896 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

, Illinois Community Testimonials Workforce stats Labor Force Employed 16 years and older: 1,305 Stephenson County 23,536 Leading industries by employment manufacturing, education/healthcare/social

1% Graduate or professional degree: 5.7% Data taken from http://www.iira.org Living and working in has proven satisfying for so many people.

Listen to what professionals say who enjoy life in, both in the home and the workplace.

10 , Illinois Community Testimonials Workforce stats Labor Force Employed 16 years and older: 1,305 Stephenson County 23,536 Leading industries by employment manufacturing, education/healthcare/social services, retail trade, finance/insurance/ real estate, construction Education Level for population 25 years and over () High school or higher: 84.0% Bachelor s degree or higher: 14.1% Graduate or professional degree: 5.7% Data taken from Living and working in has proven satisfying for so many people. Due to its distinct features, it is a place where workers from all sorts of occupations can thrive and find satisfaction. Listen to what professionals say who enjoy life in, both in the home and the workplace. Lindsey White grew up in and when the Torkelson Cheese Company near was available for purchase she saw it as a chance to ensure that her children were given the same experience. We are confident that our children will receive a great education and have fantastic extracurricular activity opportunities in. We feel strongly that the community helps raise children, so living here was a very important decision for our family. Business owner Gary Vehmeier saw an opportunity in to succeed, and has discovered first-hand the benefits of the Incentive Package and Enterprise Zone. I love the area and saw a need for my services. The incentive package and enterprise zone have helped us to survive in the last 5 years through tough economic times. Brooke Baldauf, Special Education Teacher, feels strongly about raising her children in a close community with a great school system. I feel very fortunate to be able to live and work in this community. Brooke stated. I have the benefit of being minutes away from my job and minutes away from my children. There is no monetary compensation in the world that would lure me away from the benefits of living and working within this community. People love to live here, work here and be part of this community. has been a good fit for so many lives and it may be the right fit for you as well. Pictured above: s Historic Water Tower erected 1896 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

, Illinois Success Stories on Business Growth will: Work with you to complete all incentive applications. Help you locate a desirable business location. Provide resources and workshops.

Whether your business is established, in transition or just beginning, the and its services insure your business will make a smooth transition into the area with the ultimate goal of SUCCESS!

11 , Illinois Success Stories on Business Growth will: Work with you to complete all incentive applications. Help you locate a desirable business location. Provide resources and workshops. Assimilate you into the business community. Keep your needs as our top priority! Businesses have started small and grown large in. Whether your business is established, in transition or just beginning, the and its services insure your business will make a smooth transition into the area with the ultimate goal of SUCCESS! Renewable energy fuels job growth Adkins Energy (ethanol) and Acciona (wind power) are successful businesses that share an enthusiasm for renewable energy. Their optimism about the endless possibilities for the future is contagious. We re proud of the relationships we ve built with the community and with the landowners who are part of our wind farm, said Kevin Lee, Site Manager for ACCIONA s EcoGrove Wind Farm. EcoGrove is a real success story that s creating benefits for ACCIONA, for the Village of and the surrounding community. Expanding the local economy with increased business opportunities is one of the goals that Adkins Energy adopted when it first selected as its home. That choice has been positively confirmed for them many times over. Adkins is glad that we made the decision to locate in, and we are proud to be a business. We are close to our farmers and our markets, and we have been able to find and keep an excellent workforce, said Ray Baker, General Manager of Adkins Energy. We believe that being here has been a win-win situation for both Adkins and the community, and it s a relationship we re proud to be able to continue. The village of has been an early and continued advocate for these businesses, both which increased the number of jobs and expanded the local economy. Because of Adkins Energy and Acciona, the community has become recognized as an alternative energy technology leader in Illinois. Pictured above: s Historic Water Tower erected 1896 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Chisago County, Minnesota

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