Partner Sites
Founded in 2014 as an enterprise of Bi-State Development, the St. Louis Regional Freightway further enhances the St. Louis region’s standing as a premier international freight hub. Under Executive Director, Mary Lamie, the Freightway coordinates regional freight development efforts, tightly connecting the private and public sectors while advocating the region’s greatest freight and site selection strengths.
The Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois is a not-for-profit member-based economic development corporation in Southwestern Illinois.
They work to unite the region for economic growth through its coalition of 250 board members who are leaders in business, industry, workforce, education, and government. These effective partnerships serve as a driving force behind successful economic development efforts throughout the Metro East Region.
Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau is a destination marketing organization which represents Madison, Macoupin, Montgomery, Jersey, Calhoun and Greene counties in Southwest Illinois. Their mission is to advance the overall destination experience and awareness for these counties, in collaboration with community stakeholders, to strengthen the local economy and quality of life. (To download a visitor guide, click here.)
The Southwestern Illinois Development Authority (SWIDA) is a special purpose unit of government and municipal corporation, who can issue double tax-exempt bonds to finance equipment, land, and building developments for the Illinois counties of Bond, Clinton, Madison and St. Clair. They can provide up to 20 year, 100% fixed-rate financing, at anywhere between 1/2 to 2% lower than conventional interest rates.
The Southwest Illinois Trade & Investment Council’s mission is to raise awareness of global exporting and foreign direct investment as an opportunity for economic stability and growth in Southwest Illinois. As part of this mission, they also serve as a resource for businesses within the region to learn how they can grow their business through exports and international trade.
The Illinois Ports Association was created by representatives of the public port districts that exist within Illinois. The goal of the association is to provide a collective voice for all our state’s ports and their respective infrastructure and missions which are vital to the economic growth and sustainability of Illinois.
Founded in 1974, Inland Rivers Ports & Terminals, Inc. (IRPT) is the trade association for the nation’s inland waterway, port and terminal professionals. Among their goals include the promotion of the growth and operation of inland river ports, terminals and intermodal centers which contribute to a more efficient freight transportation system.