Membership Information
You Should Join ECIDC...
To help actively promote the ECIDC region (Christian, Clark, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Effingham, Jasper, Moultrie, and Shelby counties).
To network with leaders from eleven counties and representatives from regional, state, and federal agencies.
To obtain access to customized maps and reports at a discounted cost which are created specifically for you through use of GIS applications and ECIDC's Market Analysis Services.
To actively promote your organization's activities to others inside and outside of the region.
To support economic development activities throughout the region.
To achieve regional adverstising and exposure through ECIDC's e-newsletter, website, and various region-wide events held throughout the year.
Membership Benefits & Categories
2011-2012 Membership Application
ECIDC has made overwhelming progress and impacts in 2011 and is planning an even more productive 2012. Regional partners are necessary to keep the momentum going strong. Organizations such as yours provide ECIDC with the resources necessary to move East Central Illinois into the global economy!
In 2011 ECIDC Accomplished...
Developed a regional broadband action plan to promote high-speed Internet access and adoption for the region. Hosted the 2nd Annual East Central Illinois Broadband Summit.
Hosted a Community Development Symposium for area leaders.
Hosted a state-wide summit of community and economic development leaders to Create a Common Voice for Downstate Illinois. Created DownstateVoice.org and appointed a Steering Committee and Task Force Chairs to continue networking downstate Illinois development leaders, form a common voice on key development issues, and share that collective voice with downstate legislators.
Created static and online maps of area wineries to promote tourism to the area. Awarded the State of Illinois Agri-Tourism Award for our efforts.
Disseminated pertinent information to community and economic development leaders throughout the region such as site selection searches and grants and funding opportunties.
Built meaningful relationships among economic development, workforce development, education, and business and industry partners in the region.
Continued expansion of our regional data bank and resource center that is present on the ECIDC website and available for all community leaders within the region.
Offered market analysis services to our membership for use in developing customized maps and reports supporting grant applications and business retention & attraction.
Offered professional development and training opportunities to our membership and local leaders to expand their knowledge and application of useful tools.
Provided great networking opportunities and recognized extraordinary individuals and businesses for their efforts and dedication to the region.
In 2012 ECIDC Will...
Continue to promote broadband adoption and access in the region.
Provide educational opportunities for local leaders.
Provide support and assistance to local economic development organizations and communities in efforts to retain and attract businesses/industries, including the use of our GIS application mapping and reporting services.
Support local entrepreneurial efforts in the region.
Continue to facilitate the building of relationships amongst organizations and communities.
Offer support for all current and prospective economic development projects in the region.
Continue to improve and expand the resources available through its website, including our regional data bank.
Collect and share success stories of the region, recognizing leaders and organizations for their exemplary actions.
Jean Anne Grunloh , ECIDC Executive Director, is available to speak to your organization or community about the benefits and importance of regionalism, using GIS maps and reports to aid in community and economic development efforts, asset mapping and long-term economic development planning, and gaining community support for your organization's initiatives. Contact her at (217) 540-3517 for more information.