The Pike County Chamber & Economic Development Corporation is a public/private economic development organization in Pike County, Illinois. PCCEDC’s mission is to support and expand business and employment by improving the quality of life, utilizing our human and natural resources, and by promoting communication and partnerships throughout Pike County. The organization provides economic development support in the following areas: Business Retention, Business Attraction, Small Business Development, and Community Development Planning.
Building from $1: The History of PCCEDC
The history of Pike County Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC) is one that extends back to 1999, when the corporation was established, with the University of Illinois Extension Service providing a half-time Economic Development Director. The initial goals of the Corporation were:
- Developing a business retention & expansion program for the county;
- Assisting rural villages with planning;
- Developing a marketing strategy to attract new business and industry to the county;
- Working with other organizations to further promote tourism opportunities in Pike County;
- Improving “Pike County Pride” through community awareness programs and positive public relations;
- And coordinating and building partnerships among public and private organizations in Pike County.
Membership dollars were matched by the Extension Service to provide this position, which required the Economic Development Director to spend 50% of their time on Extension related responsibilities. The first coordinator for PCEDC was Jennifer Mowen, with the first Board President being Jerry Rodhouse. When Jennifer became the Extension Service Unit Director, Stephanie Sorrells Dehart took over as Coordinator. In 2010, the Extension Service then underwent a financial shortfall that required them to annex Pike County into a service area with four other counties, which would have equated to having an Executive Director for 1/10th of a full-time position. This drastic cut in actual working hours allocated to Pike County, plus a change in the position description, no longer made this a viable option for membership dollars. The PCEDC Board voted to partner with Two Rivers RC&D in July of 2010 to create a full-time Economic Development Director Position.
Starting with funds of $1, the PCEDC Board worked with Two Rivers RC&D to create a new and stronger organization. Pike County Economic Development Corporation’s Board of Directors totaled eighteen people from both the public and private sectors, creating a diverse mix of individuals dedicated to improving the economic health of the Pike County area. PCEDC worked to create a ’pro-active’ stance towards change and the future of the communities in our county. By being pro-active, PCEDC viewed the changes as opportunities for growth and development. Revisions to the Bylaws reduced the Board size to nine members, five from the public sector and four members representing the private sector.
Since its inception, Pike County Economic Development Corporation has been making strides toward achieving these goals. Whether the need is business retention and expansion, business development, community development, public policy assistance, or marketing and promotion, we are moving to meet Pike County’s needs. The creation of an Enterprise Zone and obtaining Opportunity Zone designation in recent years will continue to serve as the cornerstone for continued development. Through cooperation, commitment, leadership and dedication, we will build a brighter future for Pike County
In January, 2024, the Pike County Economic Development Corporation absorbed the Pike County Chamber into their organization, changing the name to Pike County Chamber & Economic Development Corporation.
Two Rivers RC&D has fiscal oversight of PCEDC and the Executive Director is hired through the Board of Directors for PCEDC.
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