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The Grundy County Economic Development Council (GEDC), the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce, and community partners are seeking public input on a new economic development plan called Advancing Grundy. This initiative outlines a five-year strategy for economic growth and resilience across the county.
Nancy Norton, GEDC President & CEO, expressed enthusiasm about reaching this stage in the project. "Our consultants, TIP Strategies, have dove into our community’s data and sought out real conversations with business and residential representatives. The result is an action-oriented plan that will lead us to a diverse and thriving Grundy County," she stated.
TIP Strategies, Inc., an economic strategy firm, was contracted to develop this plan as part of phase two of the Grundy Resiliency Project. The project received funding from the US Economic Development Administration along with matching funds from the county. North Central Illinois Council of Governments serves as grant administrator while a steering committee comprising 12 local organizations has provided strategic oversight throughout.
Initiated in Spring 2024, the project's first phase focused on data review and industry analysis. Phase two involved consultations through surveys and town halls to understand local economic opportunities better. These insights helped shape strategies aimed at ensuring future prosperity for the county.
The draft identifies numerous actions within ten strategic areas deemed impactful by the community. Mishka Parkins, consultant at TIP Strategies and project manager for Advancing Grundy remarked, “Advancing Grundy is truly a community-wide plan. The planning process was marked by extensive stakeholder engagement which has been critical in shaping the priorities and direction for the plan.”
Public feedback is encouraged until December 13 via email or mail directed to Christina Van Yperen at Grundy Chamber. A printed version of the draft can be requested for review.
Christina Van Yperen emphasized public involvement: “Throughout the Grundy Resiliency Plan project public feedback has been imperative,” she said. “We ask you to again give us a little of your time to review the Advancing Grundy draft to ensure we are headed in the right direction from our community’s perspective.”
Feedback will be reviewed by a steering committee which will adjust the draft before finalizing it. This committee will also manage implementation efforts once finalized.
For further details on this project or to view updates visit resilientgrundy.com.
