Christ Our Savior Lutheran to host Economic Summit

<span>Christ Our Savior Lutheran High School in Evansville is set to host a major event on Friday, as the Randolph County Economic Summit will take place beginning at 8:45 a.m.</span>

<span>Sponsored by the Regional Leaders Committee and The Randolph County Progress Committee, the Summit will bring a variety of distinguished leaders and speakers together to help further job growth in the county.</span>

<span>"The first thing we'll be doing is talking about what we're there to do, which is brainstorming ideas," said Randolph County Economic Development Coordinator Chris Martin, who will be delivering opening remarks along with CTS Technology Solutions, Inc. President/CEO Dave Heuman. "We're looking for ideas in each community."</span>

<span>Illinois Deputy Gov. Cristal Thomas is scheduled to speak, as is State Rep. Jerry Costello II (D-Smithton) and State Sen. Dave Luechtefeld (R-Okawville). The Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Department of Transportation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, among other organizations, are expected to be represented.</span>

<span>"What I think the conference is set up for is enhancing Randolph County as far as growing jobs, expanding businesses and improving infrastructure, which I feel is needed," Costello said. "I think its a great event for people to do some networking and build a more regional approach to growth."</span>

<span>Martin said Steeleville Police Chief Lyn Thies and Chester Police Chief Ryan Coffey would be attending, as well as Randolph County Sheriff Mike Hoelscher. Monroe-Randolph Superintendent of Schools Kelton Davis is also scheduled to attend.</span>

<span>"We're looking at around 100 participants," Martin said. "The most important thing is we'll have students there."</span>

<span>Martin said several whiteboards will be used to gather opinions and ideas on economic development.</span>

<span>At 10:45 a.m., participants will be split off into different task groups that identify similar community needs. Martin said they can be as varied as health care, parks and recreation and river cleanup.</span>

<span>"Phase II will be looking at all the tasks on the board," he said. "We'll be looking to combine goals, aspirations and enhancements and put those all on one board."</span>

<span>Those task groups will meet from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and present their reports shortly thereafter. The event is scheduled to conclude at 2:30 p.m.</span>

<span>"I've got to give accolades to Chris Martin," Costello said. "Getting people to put in the time to sit down and put these things together is not easy.</span>

<span>"I think it will be very profitable for the region and I think (the summit) will lead to a lot growth."</span>

<span>Martin said he is expecting six to eight task forces to come out of the summit.</span>

<span>"There's a lot of really important elements in this," he said. "It's going to be a good group. It's a very diverse group."</span>