Growth Dimensions Receives Award for Sustainable & Green Initiatives

October 30th, 2008 at 11:38am Bob Trojan

Some good news from Boone County:

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) recognized the Belvidere, Illinois-based entity acknowledged Growth Dimensions for Belvidere-Boone County for its sustainable development initiative with an Honorable Mention at IEDC’s Annual Conference, which took place in Atlanta, Georgia, October 19-22. The organization was noticed for this achievement during an awards ceremony on Tuesday, October 21st. “Economic development efforts have long been a keystone in the quest to bolster the economy and improve quality of life in every locality across the country,” said Robin Roberts Krieger, IEDC chair. “As the nation continues to tackle longstanding challenges in the midst of an inhospitable financial climate, these efforts have taken on an even greater significance. With the award, we laud trendsetting organizations like Growth Dimensions for leading the charge.”

Competing in the category of Sustainable and Green Development by organizations serving areas with populations under 50,000, Growth Dimensions was a clear standout. In 2006 Vandewalle and Associates, retained by Growth Dimensions, completed what is now known as the Flora Neighborhood Plan to encompass the land use plans for both the AgTech Initiative and the Tollway Station Point Project. Growth Dimensions and its partner’s efforts were recognized with other award winning communities including Santa Fe, New Mexico; Boulder, Colorado and Seattle, Washington.

“It’s very rewarding to know that nationally, premier economic development organizations, consultants and experts in the field of sustainable and green development recognize the value of our economic development programs,” stated Mark Williams, executive director of Growth Dimensions. “Our local and regional members can be proud of the support and leadership they provide.”

Growth Dimensions in partnership with the City of Belvidere and Boone County, Illinois; Northern Illinois University, Illinois; Technology Development Alliance in conjunction with the northern Illinois business community, embarked upon the AgTech Initiative of northern Illinois. The purpose of the AgTech Initiative is to establish the long-term support system for the commercialization and entrepreneur development of agricultural research into alternative industrial use products. Product sector focus areas include bio-energy, bio-based lubricants, bio-based chemicals, bio-based plastics and bio-based composites.

Tollway Station Point is a Transit-Oriented Development Plan created for the purpose of organizing land development along the I-90 corridor. The development plan calls for Planned Mixed Use Development, specifically, high-density, mixed-use, transit-oriented development. The Transit Center will provide multiple transit options including commuter rail service linking Belvidere and Rockford to Chicago.

“Growth Dimensions and a dedicated group of volunteers have worked very hard to bring both of these initiatives to where they are today,” said Belvidere Mayor Fred Brereton. “Our community should be grateful for the work completed. Because of their efforts, our community is better positioned to compete in the 21st Century.”

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is headquartered in Washington, DC. Its mission is to provide leadership and excellence in economic development for communities, members and partners. IEDC’s professional economic development awards annually recognize excellence in the economic development profession.

Pictured above right (L-R): Robin Roberts Krieger, IEDC chair; Mayor Fred Brereton; Mark Williams; Paul Cutting, IEDC Marketing & Awards Program Coordinator

For further information, contact:

Growth DimensionsKelly Galluzzo

Associate Director

email: kgalluzzo@growthdimensions.org

Entry Filed under: People, Technology, Education & Training, Economy