The Alliance Nominates New Directors, Welcomes New Members, Approves New Executive Position

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Published on December 7 2015 5:31 pm
Last Updated on December 7 2015 5:31 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

The Effingham Regional Growth Alliance held a Board of Directors meeting to elect officers and nominate directors to the Board. The directors welcomed Effingham Mayor Jeff Bloemker to the Board, discussed 2016 plans, and announced approval of a new fulltime executive to lead The Alliance.

A press release said the addition of Mayor Bloemker is a "great asset to the organization." Nominated to the board for a first term beginning in 2016 is Don Spring, Corporate Controller for Midland States Bank. Spring joins returning board members Tom Wright, Claude Hudson, Paul Koerner and Bill Teichmiller and will serve a three-year term. Outgoing board members are Don Althoff, Leon Holschbach and Blake Linders. They will be recognized at the Alliance's Annual Reception on March 31, 2016. Officers elected for the 2016 term beginning February 1 are Chuck Deters, Bill Teichmiller, Claude Hudson, Eric Zeller, Paul Koerner and Dan Woods.

The Alliance Board welcomed Stevens Industries and Hitachi Metals Inc. as new members. The membership committee continues to encourage active development of the regional network with membership recruitment by all. For more information, visit the website as www.EffinghamRegionalAlliance.com 

It was also agreed to move forward with hiring a fulltime executive who will serve as president of The Alliance. The Executive Committee will lead the process of writing a job description and the recruitment process. The process is vital to coordinate skills and responsibilities with the City of Effingham and the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce to avoid duplication and best serve The Alliance membership. The Executive Committee will also explore possible longterm organization structures, resources, success measures, and locations for The Alliance.

Looking ahead to 2016 and beyond, the board discussed the topics and suggestions to advance the core strategies that were developed by the planning task force during a work session facilitated by David Rumbarger of the Community Development Foundation of Tupelo, MS. From this, the board recommended developing specific functions The Alliance will offer to municipalities and the county in the form of professional services agreements to better clarify the role and value provided. The Board also approved the 2016 budget.

For more information about The Alliance, visit the newly-launched website www.EffinghamRegionalAlliance.com or contact President Dan Woods at 217-821-1495 or danwoodsfache@gmail.com