©2011 Galesburg Broadcasting Co.
| GREDA: Those Alleging Funding Misappropriation Need to "Look in the Mirror at Themselves" |
An official with Knox County's primary economic development entity says he feels "vindicated" now that the state of Illinois has decided to keep its funding in tact for the Galesburg Entrepreneurship Center.
Galesburg Regional Economic Development Association Vice President for Operations Dick Johnson says he couldn't be more happy to know that the $125,000 from the State Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity that helped operate the Center will stay after all, following claims made by Sixth Ward Alderman Wayne Allen, citing a so-called source from within state government, that the funds for the center were misappropriated.
Johnson, who claims the allegations were false all along, tells WGIL perhaps an apology or something more introspective is in order. "All they have to do is look in the mirror at themselves and they can make that judgement," Johnson said. "We have very clear consciences, and we're proud of the record that we have. We'll go on, life is that way."
Johnson says he's "breathing a sigh of relief" knowing that not only will the state funds stay, but also that the allegations have been proven false. He says he believes the whole situation was blown out of proportion because the allegations weren't ever true.
Johnson says GREDA stands by its track record of success, not only in bringing businesses to town, but in helping new businesses start up.
Johnson spoke at an announcement Monday of a new publication that's been put together that can help potential entrepreneurs find the resources they need in order to get started.
(Dick Johnson, GREDA Vice President for Operations, speaks Monday Morning at the Education Technology Center in Sandburg Mall. WGIL News Story and Photo by Will Stevenson.) |
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| 11 17 08 by Newsroom |
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