The Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce is southern Madison County's largest business association, representing more than 500 businesses in the region. With a committed and involved leadership, the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce provides business leadership by promoting economic opportunities, advocating in the interests of business, providing members with educatino and resources, and encouraging mutual support.
Located less than 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis, Lambert-St. Louis International
Airport and MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, the area offers a central, Midwestern location and
multimodal transportation access. Bordered by three major interstates, Edwardsville/Glen
Carbon offers easy access to both coasts of the United States. An outstanding selection of well positioned buildings and developed sites are available for prospective businesses.
A high quality of life and comparatively stable economy appeal to companies, as do the community’s central location, strategically
planned infrastructure and strong communications links. Tax incentives and other benefits are in place to ensure that the area continues to be business-friendly.
Available, affordable land and access to a productive workforce has led to Edwardsville/Glen Carbon being one of the more desirable locations in the St. Louis metropolitan area for logistics and distribution operations. Edwardsville is home to Gateway Commerce Center and its many large warehouse operations, like Proctor & Gamble, Hershey, Unilever, Dial and others. It is also home to Lakeview Commerce Park and its state-of-the-art bulk distribution facility.
The communities of Edwardsville and Glen Carbon offer new and expanding companies, job growth, a top-rated school district, millions of dollars in capital investment, and unprecedented partnerships among the public, private and academic sectors.
One important economic partnership is the Edwardsville Economic Development Alliance (EEDA). A nonprofit organization, the
EEDA works to market and promote the area for new business investments and economic growth and development. The city of Edwardsville and Edwardsville Township are the principal financial partners in The Edwardsville Economic Development Alliance, providing 90 percent of the annual operating budget.
The Village of Glen Carbon established the Glen Carbon Business Advisory Board in July 2011 to encourage ideas and suggestions to maintain and improve the local business environment. The Business Advisory Board is comprised of members who own or manage businesses in Glen Carbon. The purpose of the volunteer board is for local business owners to study issues that affect Glen Carbon businesses and provide independent and objective advisory suggestions. The board’s functions include reviewing issues presented by the mayor and Village Board, making independent recommendations to the Village Board and mayor on issues concerning Glen Carbon residents and businesses, and scheduling forums on topics of interest to residents and businesses of the village.For example, the Business Advisory Board could provide its perspective on such topics as changes to sign ordinances, parking lot requirements and other issues that have the potential to affect a business’ bottom line. While the board is strictly advisory and has no governing authority, it creates two-way communication between businesses and village government. In addition
to the Business Advisory Board, the Village of Glen Carbon maintains a list of regional, independent economic development experts with varying areas of expertise that they can consult on an as-needed basis.
There has never been a better time to do business in Edwardsville & Glen Carbon.
Located less than 30 minutes from downtown St. Louis, Lambert-St. Louis International
Airport and MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, the area offers a central, Midwestern location and
multimodal transportation access. Bordered by three major interstates, Edwardsville/Glen
Carbon offers easy access to both coasts of the United States. An outstanding selection of well positioned buildings and developed sites are available for prospective businesses.
A high quality of life and comparatively stable economy appeal to companies, as do the community’s central location, strategically
planned infrastructure and strong communications links. Tax incentives and other benefits are in place to ensure that the area continues to be business-friendly.
Available, affordable land and access to a productive workforce has led to Edwardsville/Glen Carbon being one of the more desirable locations in the St. Louis metropolitan area for logistics and distribution operations. Edwardsville is home to Gateway Commerce Center and its many large warehouse operations, like Proctor & Gamble, Hershey, Unilever, Dial and others. It is also home to Lakeview Commerce Park and its state-of-the-art bulk distribution facility.
The communities of Edwardsville and Glen Carbon offer new and expanding companies, job growth, a top-rated school district, millions of dollars in capital investment, and unprecedented partnerships among the public, private and academic sectors.
One important economic partnership is the Edwardsville Economic Development Alliance (EEDA). A nonprofit organization, the
EEDA works to market and promote the area for new business investments and economic growth and development. The city of Edwardsville and Edwardsville Township are the principal financial partners in The Edwardsville Economic Development Alliance, providing 90 percent of the annual operating budget.
The Village of Glen Carbon established the Glen Carbon Business Advisory Board in July 2011 to encourage ideas and suggestions to maintain and improve the local business environment. The Business Advisory Board is comprised of members who own or manage businesses in Glen Carbon. The purpose of the volunteer board is for local business owners to study issues that affect Glen Carbon businesses and provide independent and objective advisory suggestions. The board’s functions include reviewing issues presented by the mayor and Village Board, making independent recommendations to the Village Board and mayor on issues concerning Glen Carbon residents and businesses, and scheduling forums on topics of interest to residents and businesses of the village.For example, the Business Advisory Board could provide its perspective on such topics as changes to sign ordinances, parking lot requirements and other issues that have the potential to affect a business’ bottom line. While the board is strictly advisory and has no governing authority, it creates two-way communication between businesses and village government. In addition
to the Business Advisory Board, the Village of Glen Carbon maintains a list of regional, independent economic development experts with varying areas of expertise that they can consult on an as-needed basis.
There has never been a better time to do business in Edwardsville & Glen Carbon.
SIUE: Economic Impact & Resources
A quality educational system in Edwardsville & Glen Carbon provides outstanding public and private primary and secondary schools. Lewis and Clark Community College and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) offer quality postsecondary opportunities.
In 2012, SIUE School of Business faculty completed an extensive economic impact study to quantify the university's contributions to the community. For fiscal year 2010, SIUE had a total economic impact of $471 million on the region.
Beyond the simple numbers, SIUE's contributions to the future of the community are immesurable. An educated work force is a major factor in attracting high-tech businesses. More than 43,000 SIUE alumni make their homes in the region, and many have advanced degrees, ranging from master's to MBAs to doctorates, in dental medicine and pharmacy. Because an educated work force attracts new and vital business, SIUE is a vital economic driver in the community.
SIUE prepares students to become professionals in their fields of study, as well as engaged citizens and leaders in their community. Upon graduation, SIUE alumni are ready to give back to the local community and contribute to the betterment and benefit of the region.
In addition, the mere physical presence of SIUE leads to important improvements to the local economy. Over the last five years, SIUE has completed more than half of a $300 million construction and infrastructure improvement plan, and the region has benefited from the construction jobs created through this capital investment.
Whether directly through university and related expenditures, or indirectly through the related benefits of an educated work force, SIUE is a key force in the economic development of the region.
In 2012, SIUE School of Business faculty completed an extensive economic impact study to quantify the university's contributions to the community. For fiscal year 2010, SIUE had a total economic impact of $471 million on the region.
Beyond the simple numbers, SIUE's contributions to the future of the community are immesurable. An educated work force is a major factor in attracting high-tech businesses. More than 43,000 SIUE alumni make their homes in the region, and many have advanced degrees, ranging from master's to MBAs to doctorates, in dental medicine and pharmacy. Because an educated work force attracts new and vital business, SIUE is a vital economic driver in the community.
SIUE prepares students to become professionals in their fields of study, as well as engaged citizens and leaders in their community. Upon graduation, SIUE alumni are ready to give back to the local community and contribute to the betterment and benefit of the region.
In addition, the mere physical presence of SIUE leads to important improvements to the local economy. Over the last five years, SIUE has completed more than half of a $300 million construction and infrastructure improvement plan, and the region has benefited from the construction jobs created through this capital investment.
Whether directly through university and related expenditures, or indirectly through the related benefits of an educated work force, SIUE is a key force in the economic development of the region.
Economic Development News: Edwardsville & Glen Carbon
Southwestern Illinois is a dynamic real estate and development market that has experienced significant economic growth over the past several years. Business is booming throughout the region. Despite a stagnant economy nationally, the area is seeing commercial development growth, increased sales tax revenue and more requests for housing permits.
Route 157 Development
Illinois State Route 157 in Edwardsville is having a mini building boom. Four projects — three commercial and one mixed-use — are in the works for a two-mile section of the road.
• Timberlake Village, on Route 157 and Lewis Road, is a 4.5-acre commercial development.
• Alpha Omega Commercial Park at Excel Drive will accommodate up to seven retail companies and office developments.
• Esic Drive’s Enclave has two commercial lots and eight residential lots for new apartment buildings.
• Edison’s Entertainment Complex, across from Sunset Hill Memorial Estates, will include a 12-lane bowling alley, laser tag arena, arcade, restaurant, and bar and grill.
Rebirth of the Wildey
In 2011 the historic Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville, which first opened in 1909, reopened its doors for the first time since 1984. The $2.9 million renovation was financed without using general tax revenue. One-third of the funding came from an amusement tax the city collects on movies and video rentals, a third from a downtown tax increment financing (TIF) district, and a third from community fundraising. Rangwala Architects of St. Louis was architect for the renovation, and Miller & Maack of Collinsville served as general contractor.
Scott Credit Union Headquarters
In 2012 Scott Credit Union plans to finalize the move of its headquarters to Edwardsville. In 2010, Scott closed on the purchase of almost 14 acres of undeveloped land in Edwardsville Corporate Centre, an office park owned by Hortica Insurance & Employee Benefits and located at the interchange of Interstate 55 and Route 143. More than 80 employees are expected to relocate to the new three-story, 51,000-square-foot building, including officers and corporate staff currently spread throughout southwestern
Illinois.
Sam’s Club Coming to Glen Carbon
Glen Carbon village trustees have given the green light for St. Louisbased THF Realty to develop a $25.5 million warehouse-style retail building on 14 acres along Illinois 159. The project will take shape on property formerly occupied by Goshen Do-It Center and Four Flags Motors, eventually housing a Sam’s Club location.
Improvements at SIUE
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is in the midst of construction for two 29,000-square-foot projects, each totaling almost $13 million. Work on the Charles and Mary Lukas Athletics Annex and the west wing of the Art & Design Building is expected to be complete by fall of 2012.
Route 157 Development
Illinois State Route 157 in Edwardsville is having a mini building boom. Four projects — three commercial and one mixed-use — are in the works for a two-mile section of the road.
• Timberlake Village, on Route 157 and Lewis Road, is a 4.5-acre commercial development.
• Alpha Omega Commercial Park at Excel Drive will accommodate up to seven retail companies and office developments.
• Esic Drive’s Enclave has two commercial lots and eight residential lots for new apartment buildings.
• Edison’s Entertainment Complex, across from Sunset Hill Memorial Estates, will include a 12-lane bowling alley, laser tag arena, arcade, restaurant, and bar and grill.
Rebirth of the Wildey
In 2011 the historic Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville, which first opened in 1909, reopened its doors for the first time since 1984. The $2.9 million renovation was financed without using general tax revenue. One-third of the funding came from an amusement tax the city collects on movies and video rentals, a third from a downtown tax increment financing (TIF) district, and a third from community fundraising. Rangwala Architects of St. Louis was architect for the renovation, and Miller & Maack of Collinsville served as general contractor.
Scott Credit Union Headquarters
In 2012 Scott Credit Union plans to finalize the move of its headquarters to Edwardsville. In 2010, Scott closed on the purchase of almost 14 acres of undeveloped land in Edwardsville Corporate Centre, an office park owned by Hortica Insurance & Employee Benefits and located at the interchange of Interstate 55 and Route 143. More than 80 employees are expected to relocate to the new three-story, 51,000-square-foot building, including officers and corporate staff currently spread throughout southwestern
Illinois.
Sam’s Club Coming to Glen Carbon
Glen Carbon village trustees have given the green light for St. Louisbased THF Realty to develop a $25.5 million warehouse-style retail building on 14 acres along Illinois 159. The project will take shape on property formerly occupied by Goshen Do-It Center and Four Flags Motors, eventually housing a Sam’s Club location.
Improvements at SIUE
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is in the midst of construction for two 29,000-square-foot projects, each totaling almost $13 million. Work on the Charles and Mary Lukas Athletics Annex and the west wing of the Art & Design Building is expected to be complete by fall of 2012.