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WIEDA Gets First Executive Director

Macomb, IL – Charles Bair is the first Executive Director of the Western Illinois Economic Development Authority. The 13-county group will assist and coordinate local economic developers. Bair says it will also add several development tools. The biggest two include the authority's $250 million bonding power and the ability to create new enterprise zones. Bair says the state had capped the number of such zones, but having them available now will make the western Illinois region much more competitive. He says at a time when many people commute an hour to work, business growth at one location will help the whole region. He believes a regional approach with the new tools will help retain and attract business. Counties in the auhority include Warren, Henderson, Hancock, McDonough, Fulton, Mason, Cass, Schuyler, Brown, Adams, Scott, Morgan and Pike.