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| Knoxville City Council Approves New GREDA Funding Deal |
It didn't come without heavy debate, but the Knoxville City Council Monday night approved a new one-year deal with the Galesburg Regional Economic Development Association.
The lengthy debate followed GREDA official Kit Wilcox's opening comments to the council in which he provided aldermen with information packets that explained what the economic entity is currently doing and what the group did over the past year. Wilcox cited examples of businesses GREDA has shown to the area and 59 jobs in Knoxville provided through GREDA opportunities last year. Wilcox told the council that economic development is not just one sided in it's efforts.
"It's a regional effort. We very much need your support - both financially as well as the backing of each and every one of you in trying to work to help turn our area economy around."
Second Ward Alderman Terry Pool agreed with GREDA's stance, saying the organization provides a valuable service and Knoxville would be hard pressed to do all that GREDA does on its own.
Fourth Ward Alderman Tom Worden said the city council had to do one of two things - either support GREDA or hire a city administrator.
Second Ward Alderman Kirk Heller seemed to be the biggest supporter of GREDA, arguing with members of the council who were opposed to GREDA saying he wants to see they city grow, and those communities that hang tough during difficult times are the ones that get the business.
The city council eventually approved the new one-year, $5,000 deal with a 6-2 vote. The only objectors were 3rd Ward Alderman Ed Mahar and 1st Ward Alderman Lester Naslund. |
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| 02 02 09 by Newsroom |
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