Mount Carroll Community Development Corporation Contact Information

If you have a dream of starting a small business, come to one of the "Before You Start" seminars scheduled this fall. The same information will be presented at both seminars.

October 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. in Freeport at the Highland Community College Student/Conference Center, Room H-210.
November 10 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Carroll County Farm Bureau, 811 S. Clay St., Mount Carroll. The Carroll County Farm Bureau is co-sponsoring this seminar.

The seminars, conducted by Michele Miller-McKinstra, are designed for individuals who are interested in starting their own business. The seminars will include information about business plans, how to begin writing a business plan, and how Highland Community College's Small Business Development Center can help.

Michele Miller-McKinstra, C.M., is the coordinator of HCC's Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The SBDC through the HCC Business Institute helps both current business owners and start-up ventures. The SBDC is part of the Illinois Small Business Development Center Network. Miller-McKinstra is a small business owner and has experience in healthcare, retail, government, and media. She recently received certification as a Certified Manager by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers.

To register for one of these "Before You Start" seminars, call the Highland Community College Business Institute at 815.232.1362.

Come Grow With Us in Mount Carroll and Save Thousands

Save thousands when you buy or build your dream home in Mount Carroll. The Mount Carroll Community Development Corporation, the City of Mount Carroll, and local building trades businesses are offering incentives to encourage new housing starts and new families to move to Mount Carroll.

The total incentives package can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Conditions and restrictions apply.

For details, view the Incentives Brochure (free Acrobat Reader required) or contact the CDC at 815.244.2255 or e-mail info@mountcarrollcdc.org.

Sen. Durbin is presented with a Campbell Center sweatshirt.

Sen. Durbin is presented with a sweatshirt. (Photo courtesy Prairie Advocate News)

U.S. Senator Durbin visits Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies

U.S. Senator Richard Durbin recently visited Campbell Center for Historic Preservation Studies in Mount Carroll. His visit helped boost efforts to secure $800,000 in state and federal funding for the Center to use for a planning, feasibility, design, and economic impact study. The study is needed for a proposed $18 million project for the redevelopment and expansion of the Center.

Durbin, who has been one of the strongest backers of this initiative, toured the campus with a small group, including Laurel Bergren and Ernst Nemeth of Architectural Restoration Consultants, who have spearheaded the project. He then joined a group of local leaders for a luncheon, which was also attended by State Rep. Mike Boland of Moline. Boland has been leading efforts on the state level to secure the needed funding.

The vision for the project involves renovation and restoration of the historic buildings on the former Shimer College campus, which has served as the Campbell Center since 1980. The $18 million project would be privately funded, for the most part, and would result in an up-to-date training and development resource for a wide range of organizations, trades people, and others. Creation of 75-100 permanent jobs, along with numerous construction and support jobs during the renovation, would provide a needed boost to the local economy. Training partnerships with the National Park Service, as well as the building trades unions, are being explored.

The Campbell Center Community Alliance has been formed to provide support for the project as it develops. Anyone wishing more information or wanting to lend their support can contact co-chairs Nina Cooper at 815.244.4451 or ngcooper@pendragonresearch.com or Bruce Johnson at 815.244.3001 or ccfb@grics.net.

What's New In Mount Carroll?

This page highlights news, activities, and businesses affecting Mount Carroll and will be updated regularly. Visit us often for the latest Mount Carroll information.

Photo Courtesy Blue Mountain Design

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