A BRIEF HISTORY OF OUR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Our Mission
The mission of the Mt Carroll Economic Development Group is to encourage and promote economic development that will integrate, maintain, and enhance the integrity of Mount Carroll’s historic characteristics. This will be achieved through the retention and recruitment of retail and commercial businesses, manufacturing companies, and residential development that is sufficient to support the schools and a viable workforce.
We can be reached by phone at 815-405-2456, by filling out our contact form below, or sending us an email to: president@mcedg.org
Our current board structure and members are:
Eina Schroeder, CFCS / President, Treasurer
Maria Krull, Vice President
Doug Bergren, Secretary
Doug Sherf, Board Member
Peg Paxton, Board Member
Tracey Rein, Board Member
A Citizen Participation Public Hearing was held on Tuesday, April 11, 2006. at 7:00pm at City Hall in Mount Carroll informing the public of the project status of the $180,000 Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP). This entailed the City receiving those funds in the form of a grant from the DCEO and extending a loan to Team Products, Inc. for the purpose of financing the purchase of equipment.
A certificate for approval for finance assistance in the amount of $99,000.00 for a Rural Business Enterprise Grant was signed by the United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development. This grant came with many conditions, requirements and responsibilities which had to be met before the grant could be disbursed. MCEDG team met those obligations and starting the process of restoring and revitalizing the community's historic "Kraft Building". The benefits derived from this project include providing space at a reasonable cost for up to six retail businesses in a business incubator environment. This will prevent the loss of a key building which contributes to the overall appearance and desirability of Mount Carroll as a shopping destination. A welcome center for Mount Carroll is also offered in this cornerstone building.
MCEDG joined hands with the Mount Carroll Mapping Program to enhance and assist in Community Development plans and progress
MCEDG was instrumental in bringing about the redevelopment of Timber Lake Resort and Campgrounds by working with the Whiteside/Carroll County Enterprise Zone to bring the Enterprise Zone to Mount Carroll and its incentives to the campground. The incentives encouraged the owners to accelerate their development plan. With the efforts and encouragement of MCEDG, the City of Mount Carroll has adopted a resolution creating an Enterprise Zone encompassing three properties within the city limits: Campbell Center for Historic Studies, Team Products, Inc. and the Metform property.
MCEDG initiated and worked with the City to create a TIF District in a large part of the community. The incentive, along with the Enterprise Zone incentives, made it possible for the City to obtain a $180,000 CDAP Grant. This Grant was then extended to Team Products, Inc. in the form of a loan.
MCEDG, working with the City of Mount Carroll was instrumental in bringing Metform, a Division of MacLean Fogg, to Mount Carroll and into the vacant Dura Automotive building. Aside from the Mayor, the city council and Mount Carroll CDC members no one was aware that MCEDG worked tirelessly for over a year in developing the relationship with Metform and acting as intermediary with the State of Illinois and City of Mount Carroll.
MCEDG, working in conjunction with the City of Mount Carroll, put in place a $5,000 interest free revolving loan to be used for the safety and facade improvements. This revolving loan fund is paid back in equal 5 year increments. To date, with an initial $20,000 investment, over $50,000 has been put to work in safety and facade improvements for downtown businesses.
MCEDG purchased and renovated the historic Kraft Building that was struck by lightning and extensively burnt. This cornerstone building with 1888 historic features, most notably its Mesker facade.
The City of Mount Carroll purchased this property after renovations and currently owns this building.
MCEDG was the leading organization with the Mount Carroll Chamber of Commerce and the City of Mount Carroll in securing assistance from the State in bringing its Competitive Communities Initiative program (People for Progress) to the community. This program encouraged and stimulated positive changes based on community input.
MCEDG initiated a Beautification Committee and worked with the City of Mount Carroll and Carroll County by placing plants and flowers in the downtown area. Welcome signs at the entrances to the city were upgraded. These signs direct one towards the unique and beautiful landscaping of the Carroll County Courtyard and Community House.
In cooperation with the City of Mount Carroll, MCEDG designed and obtained State approval for a nine-way-finding directional sign to city facilities and institutions.
MCEDG purchased the Emmert "Spring" House and property, considered to be City's oldest surviving structure (abt. 1849). The intention is to create open space, a memorial park and visitor kiosk. To date all monies for the purchase and development of the house and property have come through private donations. Development includes resurrecting the fallen front stone wall and further foundation repairs. A new roof structure and roof have recently been completed.
MCEDG continually pursues the development of residential, commercial and industrial properties whenever and wherever it becomes possible. There are many more areas where MCEDG has been involved and assisted with the completion of projects. We always have programs and/or projects in progress striving to make Mount Carroll a place to live and grow.