Randolph County CEO program a go for fall 2015
<span>MODOC -- During a "breakfast on the river" barge trip at the Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam on Friday, Monroe-Randolph Regional Superintendent of Schools Kelton Davis announced that Randolph County's participation in a CEO program is a go for the fall of next year.</span>
<span>Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities is a program founded by Craig Lindvahl, who created it five years ago in Effingham.</span>
<span>It takes students and places them in a local business community, where they will help create their own businesses with the assistance of mentors from the business community.</span>
<span>The program is seen as a way to keep talented individuals at home.</span>
<span>"The sponsors are a huge part of this program," said Cole Stenzel, assistant vice president of Buena Vista National Bank, to the roughly 300 people in attendance during the trip. "It's very exciting to give this opportunity to the kids and the county."</span>
<span>Davis announced that $45,000 has been raised to start the program, with a check to have been sent out today. He also said Lindvahl himself is in an investor in the county's program.</span>
<span>"Our leadership should not stop there," Davis said. "Our hopes are (the students) remain in this area and help us grow stronger."</span>
<span>Davis announced the program is still looking for sponsors willing to pledge $1,000 over the next three years, with a goal of $70,000.</span>
<span>"The backbone of our communities is small businesses," Davis said.</span>
<span>The trip was organized by the Southwestern Illinois Regional Leadership and Development Committee, which presented Davis with a ceremonial check for $5,000 for the CEO program. The Randolph County Progress Committee did the same.</span>
<span>Speakers for the event included Eric Fritsche, vice president of operations at The Material Works Ltd., Kurt Johnson, owner/operator of Southern Illinois Transfer Inc. and Ed Weilbacher, general manager of the Kaskaskia River Port District.</span>
<span>Former U.S. Congressman Jerry F. Costello, for whom the lock and dam is named after, was unable to attend. Official dedication for the dam in Costello's honor will take place in late October or November.</span>
<span>"The port district has a vision that will take us into the next 50 years," said Weilbacher, who noted the increased freight traffic on the Kaskaskia River. "Fifty years ago, the port and the people of this region had a vision and we are benefiting from it."</span>
<span>Weilbacher also touted projects that are under way at the port district, including a water line extension and entrance road improvements at Kaskaskia River Port District No. 2.</span>
<span>Gateway FS has been looking to expand its operation at KRPD No. 2 by creating a new chemical and liquid fertilizer distribution business and needed a potable water line to do so.</span>
<span>The project will cost slightly more than $700,000 and will reportedly create 14 new jobs.</span>
<span>"We are recognized as a signature port," Weilbacher said.</span>
<span>During a different segment of the event, students from area high schools were recognized by their faculty and administration members for being student leaders. Lindsay Hammel and Allanah Renner, both seniors at Steeleville High School, were presented Certificates of Recognition by Steeleville High School Principal and Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Hagel.</span>
<span>In terms of upcoming events, Randolph County Economic Development coordinator Chris Martin said the Economic Development Conference is still scheduled for Oct. 3 at Christ Our Savior Lutheran High School in Evansville.</span>