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Business and Industry

Sterling and Rock Falls are central to Chicago, Rockford and the Quad Cities and directly along Interstate 88, the region’s key east-west corridor. They are also within 35 miles of the Union Pacific railroads intermodal hub Global III and Interstate 39, the area’s north-south corridor. The combinations of these major transportation routes provide industry and business operations with key connectivity to major metropolitan markets and services both in the region and across the nation.

Both communities are developing industrial parks to bring new businesses to the area. These areas are ready to build to suit the incoming companies’ needs.

The Sterling and Rock Falls area has its roots in the traditional economic strongholds of steel and metal fabrication, primarily hardware for industrial and home use; however, Sauk Valley Community College's customized programming is helping to prepare our workforce for new economic opportunities. Through innovative ventures like the manufacturing assistant and logistics certifications and welding lab program in progress, Sauk Valley Community College is responding to training needs of industry.

STERLING’S “EAST END”
The Whiteside County Enterprise Zone was extended to portions of this area in the fall of 2005 to support some $4 million in new investment now programmed for this aggressively growing corridor. Shopping, dining and cinema venues are found in the growing east end of Sterling along IL-2. Northland Mall anchors a diverse choice of brand-name shopping experiences, while big-box retail and a Carmike Cinema chain surround multiple strip-mall locations at the city's furthest east edge. Don't forget to stop for a bite to eat at one of several local and national chain restaurants.

ROCK FALLS’ I-88 GATEWAY CORRIDOR
New infrastructure, development and redevelopment have led to new growth along the region’s gateway corridor to I-88 in Rock Falls. Uniquely situated at the entrance to Rock Falls, the foot of the Illinois Department of Revenue’s Hennepin Canal Greenway Trail, and just north of Whiteside County Airport, the I-88/IL-40 interchange has sparked retail development that caters to both tourists and locals. Tourists stopping to enjoy the Rock River and Hennepin Canal Trail can choose from top quality hotel chains like Holiday Inn, Country Inn & Suites and Super 8, as well as well-known restaurants like Culvers and the local Candlelight Inn and All- American Bar & Grill, which offer great food. Other area retail includes Harley Davidson, Wal-Mart and Walgreens. A short drive further along IL-40 or US-30 brings visitors to several other dining and shopping choices. Don’t forget to discover great ethnic fare offered at many Italian restaurants. Given the wide variety and access to multiple customer bases, regional and national developers are investing in this corridor and have found success here in the Sauk Valley.

The retail sector is also growing and developing in both towns. New specialty shops have opened and are creating a new interest in the downtown areas. Sterling is becoming a designated Main Street Community allowing downtown businesses access to advice and help for facade renovation and building restoration design resources from the Illinois State Historic Preservation Agency. The Rock Falls and Sauk Valley Area Chambers of Commerce work together to create a strong economic climate by promoting their members. These businesses return the favor by sponsoring local events and projects to support local stores and shopping at home!

Just as the Rock River lured manufacturers to the area more than 100 years ago, the opportunities afforded by technology and transportation continue to entice them to the Sauk Valley Area. Both the Rock Falls Community Development Corporation and the Greater Sterling Development Corporation have been aggressive in attracting new business and industry to the area.

The Rock Falls Community Development Corporation (RFCDC) is a nonprofit, public-private partnership organized to foster economic growth and development in order to enhance the quality of life for the City of Rock Falls and its citizens. The organization accomplishes these tasks through the following:

• Site inventory and development

• Relationship building

• New enterprise recruitment

• Entrepreneurial assistance

• Assistance for existing business with retention and expansion concerns

The RFCDC works with elected state and local officials, developers and community members to enhance the quality of life in the area. It is the goal of the organization to transform the area into a more vibrant community by fostering economic growth and employment opportunities.

For more information on the RFCDC or business development, please call (815) 626-8053.

The Greater Sterling Development Corporation (GSDC) was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on April 3, 1990. Its principle objective is to coordinate various development activities to increase the economic base and thereby the well-being of citizens of the City of Sterling, Whiteside County and the surrounding areas to create employment and enrichment opportunities for all residents. The GSDC works closely with the City of Sterling, Sterling Township, the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and all levels of elected officials and governmental agencies to best assist business in retail, commercial and industrial development in Sterling.

Activities of the Greater Sterling Development Corporation include:

• Two Revolving Loan Funds

• Management of four industrial parks

• Operation of the Small Business and Technology Center, including the business "incubator" www.sterlingdevelopment.org/incubator

• Grant administration

• Economic information clearinghouse

For more information on the GSDC or business development, please call (815

) 625-5255.d