2020/02/24 - Mayor's Column: Smart Growth Part Two
“An Open Door to O’Fallon”
A Weekly Note from Mayor Herb Roach
Last week, my weekly column talked about some of the great assets that O’Fallon has and how we are promoting them for economic development and smart growth. This week, I get to share with you exiting information about what this communities hard work has produced.
First off, our downtown (The Downtown District) has blossomed over the past year. The East West Gateway Council of Governments Awarded O’Fallon with an Outstanding Local Government Award for the partnership between the City of O’Fallon, O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce, and Downtown District that has made the District a place where people and businesses want to be.
We have experienced significant redevelopment projects along the Highway 50 Corridor. Redevelopment is occurring at Southview Plaza and the Old Lumber Yard Property.
There is a long list of new construction throughout the community that includes new hotels, new restaurants, retail stores, medical facilities, offices, apartment/townhome complexes, retirement/assisted living centers, industrial/logistics buildings, and new homes.
Speaking of new industrial/logistics buildings, we have been working with TriStar to prepare the area around Exit 21 for development of job-generating industrial and logistics facilities. TriStar has begun preliminary work on the first building of this development, and we are hopeful to see construction begin soon.
We are using new and creative ways to attract businesses to O’Fallon. This community already has a great reputation, but we are using technology to help us share that message. You may have already seen some of the new work we have done: https://youtu.be/P05cXXMbl1c.
We also rely heavily on data to show companies that O’Fallon is the best place to be. Using cell phone data, we are able to determine O’Fallon’s trade market and labor force. https://www.ofallonillinois.org/key-statistics-and-demographics-for-businesses/ We are also developing strategic partnerships to help us share the good news about O’Fallon.
Once a business in interesting in O’Fallon, we make it as easy as possible for them to be successful in this community. Our team is dedicated to helping someone from start to finish and our processes are streamlined and consistent.
The news about O’Fallon is spreading! As I mentioned earlier, we are reaching out like never before to build new relations and new interest in our City. We know it is a long-term commitment, but we are starting to see positive results. That reaching out is not limited by City, State or Federal Boundaries. I was recently at home late on Friday night and received an e-mail from Japan. I found out that I was one of only three people invited to come to Japan in March to meet with Japanese Government Officials, the Japanese Manufacturing Association and to visit a number of Japanese Manufacturing Facilities. All expenses are paid by the Japanese Government.
You may recall that about nine months ago, I was the only Mayor asked to travel with a group to Washington D.C. to speak with a large group of Japanese manufacturers who have showed interest in building facilities in the Midwest. We received some very positive feedback after our meetings.
Then in October, we helped host a group of Japanese manufacturers and consulate officials here in O’Fallon as they toured the area. This was the second time in the last two years that we have hosted representatives from other countries.
Having worked in the manufacturing world for over 35 years, helping develop over 15 facilities in five countries and having worked with Japanese manufacturers in the past, I was thoroughly surprised to receive this invitation and to see this develop so quickly because I know how thorough the Japanese companies are with their planning process.
We don’t know what will develop from the visit, but it sure indicates a positive reaction to what they have seen here in O’Fallon and Southwestern Illinois.
As residents of O’Fallon, you should always be able to reach out to your elected officials and ask questions about what is happening in O’Fallon. Having open communications is important to me and something I care very deeply about. Thank you for reading, and please remember, my door is always open!