Lake County to cut another $9 million

Lake County officials for the second consecutive year are considering millions of dollars in budget cuts in light of continuing dips in revenue and a flat outlook for an economic recovery.

The proposed 2011 budget, presented to county board members Friday, calls for an operating budget of about $306 million - about $9 million less than last year.

Click on the following for more details:  Daily Herald | Lake County to cut another $9 million

Hampshire economy better in most ways

Brian Harger, a research assistant for Northern Illinois University’s Center for Governmental Studies He briefed members of the Hampshire Area Chamber of Commerce on local business statistics during its September meeting at Donley’s Old West Steakhouse in Union.

Hampshire area is slightly better off than the state as a whole or even northern Kane County as a whole.

unemployment problem here is fairly minor compared to what is going around you” in Rockford, Belvidere and Elgin, Harger said.

Rockford has struggled to attract college graduates. But here you have a substantial population that is white collar and college-educated,” Harger said. “That speaks well for starting new businesses, because that’s a population that has money to invest and is entrepreneurial.”

, “Big companies are shedding jobs. So we must look at bringing small companies” to the area, Harger said. “That is where the new employment is coming from.”

Click on the following for more details:  CourierNews :: Speaker: Hampshire economy better in most ways

Adam Tegan’s new home of Wisconsin Rapids combines Planning and Economic Development—could we do this in Belvidere/Boone County?

Wisconsin Rapid’s Department of Planning and Economic Development's mission is to promote a safe, diverse, dynamic, and vibrant community, and enhance the living, working, and recreation choices for community residents and visitors. The Department is comprised of several divisions, including: •Economic Development The Division of Economic Development works to create, diversify, and enhance employment growth and to promote opportunities for business development and stability. The Division provides information relating to community demographics and financial tools that are intended to help businesses grow and prosper within the community. •Inspection and Zoning Services The Division of Inspection and Zoning Services oversees new construction of, and alterations to residential and commercial buildings, and the installation of electrical, heating and air conditioning systems, and plumbing. Plans for these developments or alterations are reviewed to ensure they meet a variety of municipal and State ordinances and codes. •For downloadable forms and permits, visit the Download and Information Center. •To make a request or file a building or property related complaint, visit the Online Request Center. •Planning The Division of Planning promotes the orderly and harmonious use of land, while improving the quality of life for current and future generations of this community. The Division is administered in a manner designed to fulfill the objectives of the City's Comprehensive Plan. Staff within the Division provide assistance to applicants in the processing of permits and give citizens the opportunity to participate in land use decisions.

Above taken from:  http://www.wirapids.org/department/index.php?fDD=15-0