2007 Annual Report Executive Summary
Southernmost Illinois Delta Empowerment Zone
The Southernmost Illinois Delta Empowerment Zone (SIDEZ) made significant progress in helping communities remove abandoned structures. This effort began during 2001, and during 2007 eighty-three eyesores were removed bringing the total number of blighted structures removed with EZ funding to two hundred seventy-two SIDEZ recapitalized its Micro-Enterprise and Youth loan pool with a $199,800 Rural Business Enterprise Grant from USDA Rural Development. During the year three new micro loans valued at $85,000 were closed, creating or retaining twelve jobs. SIDEZ also closed two Intermediary Relending Program (IRP) loans during the year, valued at $283,437. Twenty five jobs were created or retained. SIDEZ has provided $2.82 million in low interest financing to businesses since 2000. Johnson County and Pulaski County Development Association (PCDA) both purchased land and buildings to make available to businesses wishing to locate or expand in the zone. Tax credits and incentives are available for existing businesses wishing to expand, or new businesses wishing to locate within the EZ.
The empowerment zone and Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau (SITB) partnered to market the zone to travel writers and tour bus operators. Marketing activities included a two-day bus tour of the zone that resulted in three articles published about the area. Twelve travel writers participated in the bus tour. Other marketing activities included booths at trade shows and online and print advertisements targeting tour operators.
SIDEZ used Rural Business Opportunity Grant funds from USDA Rural Development to underwrite the marketing campaign. An added bonus to the marketing and tourism campaign is the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund of the United States Department of Treasury notified SIDEZ that they had been approved as a Community Development Entity (CDE), paving the way for the organization to participate in the New Markets Tax Credit program.
Several projects started prior to 2007 were completed this year. The Village of Pulaski finished construction on a long-awaited new community center. Alexander County was readmitted into the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program on a probationary basis after mitigating eleven structures built in the flood plain. The City of Cairo completed major repairs to a defective sewer line and lift station serving the Interstate 57, exit 1 interchange. PCDA finished construction of two cabins at the Grand Chain Lodge and Campground. Several large projects were underway that should be completed in 2008. Family Counseling Center was nearing completion of a 46-unit supported living facility in Vienna. The City of Cairo started renovation of the Toll House building at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. The building will be used as a transportation and Civil War interpretive center.
The SIDEZ not-for-profit organization will undertake an internal planning initiative with Olszak Management Consultants, Inc. which will focus on developing sustainability strategies to support the organization after the empowerment zone designation ends.