Press Releases
Now Seeking Campus Advocate Program
Posted: 5/25/2023
We understand the actions made by a select few has impacted an entire community. Economic Growth Corporation is seeking a Campus Advocate that will bring citizen volunteers into partnership with Economic Growth Corporation to pick up trash and keep Shimer Square’s campus clean. Campus Advocates will be able to use the campus for its intended use and enjoyment from sunrise to sunset. Just about anyone can be a campus advocate. Those interested may call (309) 794-6711 and ask for Andrew Fisher.
We are looking for one local person that would like to be lead the program which would entail:
· Share and manage a sign up sheet for those that would like to use the campus
· Those that wish to sign up agree to help remove litter and any fallen debris obstructing the sidewalks (such as twigs)
· Share the sign up sheet with Economic Growth Corporation and access to the campus will be granted
· Campus Advocate will be self-managed and report any updates / changes to Economic Growth Corporation
We understand the actions made by a select few has impacted an entire community. Economic Growth Corporation is seeking a Campus Advocate that will bring citizen volunteers into partnership with Economic Growth Corporation to pick up trash and keep Shimer Square’s campus clean. Campus Advocates will be able to use the campus for its intended use and enjoyment from sunrise to sunset. Just about anyone can be a campus advocate. Those interested may call (309) 794-6711 and ask for Andrew Fisher.
We are looking for one local person that would like to be lead the program which would entail:
· Share and manage a sign up sheet for those that would like to use the campus
· Those that wish to sign up agree to help remove litter and any fallen debris obstructing the sidewalks (such as twigs)
· Share the sign up sheet with Economic Growth Corporation and access to the campus will be granted
· Campus Advocate will be self-managed and report any updates / changes to Economic Growth Corporation
Shimer Square Campus Closed to Public effective immediately; open for Mayfest only
For Immediate Release: 5/18/2023
Mt. Carroll, IL- Less than three days after being reopened, the Shimer Square campus is closed again to the public effective immediately. The campus will be only during Mayfest on May 26-28 and will be closed thereafter and will remain that way until further notice.
Economic Growth Corporation announced it would reopen the campus on May 15th and immediately began to see signs of destructive behavior come back, seeing signs of bricks used to break multiple windows and obstructions thrown into the grass with the intent to do harm to equipment. “It has been made clearly known to us that the best way to protect the buildings is to keep the campus closed. We attempted to reopen the campus for public enjoyment, but destructive behaviors immediately reared its ugly head. We are left with no choice other than to close it again,” remarked Andrew Fisher, Construction Director for Economic Growth Corporation.
Outside of Mayfest set up and event weekend, violators will be asked to leave the campus and if they choose not to will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Anyone with information related to the vandalism is asked to contact the Mt. Carroll Police Department at (815) 244-5313.
Mt. Carroll, IL- Less than three days after being reopened, the Shimer Square campus is closed again to the public effective immediately. The campus will be only during Mayfest on May 26-28 and will be closed thereafter and will remain that way until further notice.
Economic Growth Corporation announced it would reopen the campus on May 15th and immediately began to see signs of destructive behavior come back, seeing signs of bricks used to break multiple windows and obstructions thrown into the grass with the intent to do harm to equipment. “It has been made clearly known to us that the best way to protect the buildings is to keep the campus closed. We attempted to reopen the campus for public enjoyment, but destructive behaviors immediately reared its ugly head. We are left with no choice other than to close it again,” remarked Andrew Fisher, Construction Director for Economic Growth Corporation.
Outside of Mayfest set up and event weekend, violators will be asked to leave the campus and if they choose not to will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Anyone with information related to the vandalism is asked to contact the Mt. Carroll Police Department at (815) 244-5313.
GROWTH will re-open Shimer Square campus on May 15
Original Post 5/8/2023
Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH) is pleased to announce the reopening of Shimer Square campus effective May 15, 2023. The general grounds will be open for public use from sunrise to sunset. GROWTH chose to reopen the campus in preparation for Mayfest. GROWTH has consistently supported Mayfest since taking title to the campus and continues to support the event by providing in-kind services. This year, GROWTH has made the additional commitment to sponsor the food tent. “We are happy to welcome Mayfest back to Shimer Square and are equally as happy to reopen the campus so the residents can use it for their general enjoyment. We are optimistic the element that caused us to originally close the campus will no longer be an issue,” stated Brian Hollenback, President/CEO. Click here for full news release.
Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH) is pleased to announce the reopening of Shimer Square campus effective May 15, 2023. The general grounds will be open for public use from sunrise to sunset. GROWTH chose to reopen the campus in preparation for Mayfest. GROWTH has consistently supported Mayfest since taking title to the campus and continues to support the event by providing in-kind services. This year, GROWTH has made the additional commitment to sponsor the food tent. “We are happy to welcome Mayfest back to Shimer Square and are equally as happy to reopen the campus so the residents can use it for their general enjoyment. We are optimistic the element that caused us to originally close the campus will no longer be an issue,” stated Brian Hollenback, President/CEO. Click here for full news release.
Market study strongly supports development of daycare center at Shimer Square
Original Post 5/8/2023
The City of Mount Carroll and Economic Growth Corporation (GROWHT) partnered together and commissioned a market study to determine the feasibility of a daycare center in Shimer Square. This effort was mutually decided to be beneficial to fill a need for families living within a 30-mile radius of Mount Carroll. GROWTH and the City of Mount Carroll engaged with Triangle 2 Solutions, who launched the initiative on February 17, 2023, seeking public input on the development of an early childhood development center at Shimer Square. The deadline to submit comments was extended due to the high volume of responses, which resulted in 402 completed phone interviews and 130 online surveys by primary care providers of children ages 0 to 10. A very high majority of the responses found the Shimer Square location to be very or somewhat convenient by the survey respondents and equally high interest in full-day childcare/preschool at Shimer Square. The study also showed the most important elements in choosing a daycare are the quality of staff, price, and location. Click here to view full news release. Click here for the executive summary provided by Triangle 2 Solutions.
The City of Mount Carroll and Economic Growth Corporation (GROWHT) partnered together and commissioned a market study to determine the feasibility of a daycare center in Shimer Square. This effort was mutually decided to be beneficial to fill a need for families living within a 30-mile radius of Mount Carroll. GROWTH and the City of Mount Carroll engaged with Triangle 2 Solutions, who launched the initiative on February 17, 2023, seeking public input on the development of an early childhood development center at Shimer Square. The deadline to submit comments was extended due to the high volume of responses, which resulted in 402 completed phone interviews and 130 online surveys by primary care providers of children ages 0 to 10. A very high majority of the responses found the Shimer Square location to be very or somewhat convenient by the survey respondents and equally high interest in full-day childcare/preschool at Shimer Square. The study also showed the most important elements in choosing a daycare are the quality of staff, price, and location. Click here to view full news release. Click here for the executive summary provided by Triangle 2 Solutions.
News Article: City supports new daycare
Posted 2/10/2023
Charlotte Flickinger, Vice President of Development and Andrew Fisher, Construction Director, presented at the Mount Carroll City Council meeting on January 10, 2023 to request financial assistance from the City of Mount Carroll to pay for a market study to support the construction of a new daycare facility on site. Adding the daycare amenity to the Shimer Square redevelopment plan came at the request by the community early in the development process. To make this expressed community need a reality, GROWTH applied and was awarded $800,000 in grant funds from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services for a daycare facility within Shimer Square. The market study will help move the daycare project forward. Click here to read full article by Carroll County Mirror Democrat.
Charlotte Flickinger, Vice President of Development and Andrew Fisher, Construction Director, presented at the Mount Carroll City Council meeting on January 10, 2023 to request financial assistance from the City of Mount Carroll to pay for a market study to support the construction of a new daycare facility on site. Adding the daycare amenity to the Shimer Square redevelopment plan came at the request by the community early in the development process. To make this expressed community need a reality, GROWTH applied and was awarded $800,000 in grant funds from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services for a daycare facility within Shimer Square. The market study will help move the daycare project forward. Click here to read full article by Carroll County Mirror Democrat.
Mount Carroll City Council hears update on Shimer Square Redevelopment Efforts
Posted 11/22/2022
Brian Hollenback, GROWTH's President/CEO along with Charlotte Flickinger, Vice President and Andrew Fisher, Construction Director provided an update on Shimer Square activity to the Mount Carroll City Council on November 22, 2022. "With over $100 million in combined investment throughout northwest Illinois by GROWTH and its subsidiaries, it is now Mount Carroll's turn," commented Brian Hollenback. He continues "in these unprecedented times post-COVID with rising construction costs, labor shortages, rising interest rates, GROWTH continues to persevere and has been successful in attracting resources amounting to $32,550,000 that will be deployed directly into the campus to create vital housing, business, and community amenities. This will create a new tax base to further increase the quality of life and community amenities that Mount Carroll proudly offers." Click here to view the development activity update provided to Mount Carroll's City Council.
Brian Hollenback, GROWTH's President/CEO along with Charlotte Flickinger, Vice President and Andrew Fisher, Construction Director provided an update on Shimer Square activity to the Mount Carroll City Council on November 22, 2022. "With over $100 million in combined investment throughout northwest Illinois by GROWTH and its subsidiaries, it is now Mount Carroll's turn," commented Brian Hollenback. He continues "in these unprecedented times post-COVID with rising construction costs, labor shortages, rising interest rates, GROWTH continues to persevere and has been successful in attracting resources amounting to $32,550,000 that will be deployed directly into the campus to create vital housing, business, and community amenities. This will create a new tax base to further increase the quality of life and community amenities that Mount Carroll proudly offers." Click here to view the development activity update provided to Mount Carroll's City Council.
Activity Ahead at Shimer Square: $1.5 Million Rebuild Illinois grant contract awarded, construction working beginning
Posted 11/7/2022
Residents in Mount Carroll, IL can expect to see some construction activity beginning at Shimer Square as Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation d/b/a Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH) awarded its Rebuild Illinois grant contract on Friday, November 4, 2022. The Rebuild Illinois grant was publicly bid out in two separate contracts: construction and abatement. The construction contract was awarded to Galena Repair & Maintenance and the abatement contract was awarded to the IITI Group. Click here to view full news release.
Residents in Mount Carroll, IL can expect to see some construction activity beginning at Shimer Square as Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation d/b/a Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH) awarded its Rebuild Illinois grant contract on Friday, November 4, 2022. The Rebuild Illinois grant was publicly bid out in two separate contracts: construction and abatement. The construction contract was awarded to Galena Repair & Maintenance and the abatement contract was awarded to the IITI Group. Click here to view full news release.
Another win for Shimer Square: GROWTH awarded $800,000 to create Daycare Facility on Campus
Posted 10/7/2022
Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH) was awarded $800,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for its Shimer Square Job and Daycare Creation Project. Staff applied through the department’s Community and Economic Development Program (CED) and is the only CED grantee awarded in Illinois for FY 2022. Click here to view full press release.
Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH) was awarded $800,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for its Shimer Square Job and Daycare Creation Project. Staff applied through the department’s Community and Economic Development Program (CED) and is the only CED grantee awarded in Illinois for FY 2022. Click here to view full press release.
GROWTH seeks RFPs for Shimer Square's first phase of rehabilitation
Posted 10/5/2022
Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation d/b/a Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH) is requesting proposals for the following renovations for “Shimer Square Phase 1A” at its Shimer Square redevelopment site, 203 E. Seminary Street, within the corporate limits of Mount Carroll in Carroll County, Illinois. Click here to view full press release.
Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation d/b/a Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH) is requesting proposals for the following renovations for “Shimer Square Phase 1A” at its Shimer Square redevelopment site, 203 E. Seminary Street, within the corporate limits of Mount Carroll in Carroll County, Illinois. Click here to view full press release.
Shimer Campus Closed to Public Starting Sunday, August 21 at 7 p.m.
Posted 8/15/2022
To keep our staff, contractors, and general public safe, Economic Growth Corporation will be closing the entire 14-acre Shimer Square campus at 203 Seminary Street effective 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 21, 2022 until further notice. Click here to view full press release.
To keep our staff, contractors, and general public safe, Economic Growth Corporation will be closing the entire 14-acre Shimer Square campus at 203 Seminary Street effective 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 21, 2022 until further notice. Click here to view full press release.
Community Invited to celebrate Shimer Square's Redevelopment Kick Off
Posted 5/11/2022
Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH) invites the entire community, including residents, local and state elected officials, business, civic and neighborhood leaders, as well as people across the region to join and celebrate the kick off of Shimer Square’s first redevelopment phase at Mayfest on Saturday, May 28th at 2:00 p.m. Click here to view full press release.
Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH) invites the entire community, including residents, local and state elected officials, business, civic and neighborhood leaders, as well as people across the region to join and celebrate the kick off of Shimer Square’s first redevelopment phase at Mayfest on Saturday, May 28th at 2:00 p.m. Click here to view full press release.
Shimer Square awarded $1.5 million Rebuild Illinois Grant
Posted 9/21/2021
Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation d/b/a Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH) was awarded $1.5 million of Rebuild Illinois funds that completes the capital stack Phase 1 of GROWTH’s multiphase redevelopment of Shimer Square. GROWTH’s application for Shimer Square represents one of 11 total awardees awarded RIRED funds throughout the state of Illinois. Click here to view full press release.
Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation d/b/a Economic Growth Corporation (GROWTH) was awarded $1.5 million of Rebuild Illinois funds that completes the capital stack Phase 1 of GROWTH’s multiphase redevelopment of Shimer Square. GROWTH’s application for Shimer Square represents one of 11 total awardees awarded RIRED funds throughout the state of Illinois. Click here to view full press release.
GROWTH Awarded for Shimer Square
Posted 5/21/2021
The rehabilitation and redevelopment of the McKee/Hostetter and Dezendorf Halls within Shimer Square is moving forward thanks to the final financing commitment by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). IHDA’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the redevelopment effort on Friday, May 21, 2021. Click here to view full press release.
The rehabilitation and redevelopment of the McKee/Hostetter and Dezendorf Halls within Shimer Square is moving forward thanks to the final financing commitment by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). IHDA’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the redevelopment effort on Friday, May 21, 2021. Click here to view full press release.
Official: Campus renaming results in a tie between Shimer Square and Shimer Woods
Posted 5/21/2019
The votes are in for the campus renaming with 230 ballots received. The result? A tie between Shimer Square and Shimer Woods. Both names received 94 total votes. The votes were counted three times by GROWTH staff, and the final tally resulting in a tie. Click here to view full press release.
The votes are in for the campus renaming with 230 ballots received. The result? A tie between Shimer Square and Shimer Woods. Both names received 94 total votes. The votes were counted three times by GROWTH staff, and the final tally resulting in a tie. Click here to view full press release.
