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Guth Named EDC Chair for Remainder of FY16

Jill Guth, of Guth & Associates, has been named EDC Board Chair for the remainder of EDC FY16, ending June 30, 2016. Guth replaces Ron Smith of the Illinois American Water Company who resigned his position last month for a new job opportunity in the St. Louis area.

Jill Guth

Guth has over 28 years of leadership and management experience in the economic development arena which cultivated a variety of relationships in numerous sectors. Prior to forming Guth & Associates, Jill served as the Director of Commercial Leasing & Marketing for JSM where she successfully negotiated leases with local, regional and national retailers and office users like Urban Outfitters, Panera Bread, CVS Health, University of Illinois, and many more.

“Fortunately for the EDC, Jill Guth has agreed to fill the remainder of Ron Smith’s term as Chair of the EDC Board of Directors,” said Craig Rost, EDC Executive Director. “Jill will be able to provide visionary leadership to me and the Board as EDC continues to elevate the profile of Champaign County and attract new talent and companies into our thriving economy and growing tech sector.”

EDC Board Officers slated for FY17, starting July 1, are Dick Helton (Village of Savoy) as Chair, Diane Marlin (City of Urbana) as Vice Chair, Steve Tock (Hickory Point Bank) as Treasurer, and Mike Billimack (Carle) as Assistant Treasurer.

The EDC thanks Ron Smith for his years of dedication and service to the organization and welcomes Guth in her new role.

 

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Press:

Guth temporarily takes chair spot of EDC board, The News-Gazette

2016 Innovation Celebration Winners Announced

Over 400 people gathered at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts for the 11th Annual Innovation Celebration on the evening on January 22nd to recognize those individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions, taken risks, and provided leadership to ensure the continuing economic success of Champaign County, the ongoing success of the University’s economic development mission, and the growth of entrepreneurial talent and energy in the community.

Innovation Celebration is not merely an award for accomplishment, but a benchmark of success for those outstanding individuals, organizations and corporations who are nominated and selected to receive this prestigious award.

Innovation Celebration is hosted by the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation in partnership with the University of Illinois, Parkland College, and community sponsors. For more information, visit www.innovationcelebration.com.

Award Winners

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Social Venture Award
Pens to Lens

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Student Startup Award
BioAnalytics

Entrepreneurial Excellence: New Venture Award
Inprentus

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Advocacy Award
Paul Magelli

Innovation: Economic Development Impact Award
Carle Illinois College of Medicine

Entrepreneurial Excellence: Management Award
Mike Folk

Innovation: Longevity Award
Wolfram

Innovation Transfer Award – University of Illinois
Dr. Paul Hergenrother

Alexis Wernsing Innovation Award – University of Illinois
The Wernsing Family

Innovation in Engagement Award – Parkland College
Dean Marietta Turner

The EDC is pleased to work with the following sponsors of Innovation Celebration 2016: the University of Illinois’ Technology Entrepreneur Center, Research Park, Office of Corporate Relations, and Office of Technology Management, along with Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Parkland College, Singleton Law Firm, Serra Ventures, Pavlov Media, BRG Sports, City of Champaign, Village of Rantoul, Martin Hood Friese & Associates, EpiWorks, Illinois Applied Research Institute, Fox Development Corporation, Ramshaw Real Estate, Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC, U of I Employees Credit Union, Surface 51, M2 on Neil, and McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff.

A special thanks to 40 North for producing the videos.

 

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Press:

Innovation Celebration 2016: An eye-opening evening, Smile Politely
Excellence honored, The News-Gazette
#INNCEL Tweets & Posts, Storify

Honoring a Student Innovator Who Worked to Help Others, Alexis Wernsing Innovation Award to be Presented at Innovation Celebration 2016

The University of Illinois Office of Technology Management, Champaign County Economic Development Corporation, and organizers of Innovation Celebration are pleased to announce a new award to be given at Friday’s event.

The Alexis Wernsing Innovation Award recognizes an individual or team from the University of Illinois that has channeled their experience living with a disability into positive change through the creation of new products, environments, or protocols that enhance quality of life.

The award honors the memory of Alexis Wernsing, a University of Illinois art history student and aspiring teacher who was working on a voice amplification system for the disabled when she passed away in 2015. To help realize her dream of teaching and to aid others who also have difficulty projecting their voices, Alexis had been collaborating with a team from the College of Fine & Applied Arts and the Division of Disability Resources & Educational Services on a wheelchair voice amplifier called AmpliMy. The team received proof-of-concept funding from the Office of Technology Management to develop a prototype.

Her dedication to innovation as a force for good inspired the award, which will be part of the annual Innovation Celebration. This first year the award will be presented to her family in her memory. In subsequent years a call for nominations will go out alongside the other award categories.

Alexis Wernsing - Photo courtesy of Skot Weidmann

Alexis Wernsing – Photo courtesy of Skot Weidmann

The 11th annual Innovation Celebration will be held on January 22, 2016 at 5:30 pm in the lobby of Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. The event recognizes those that have made significant contributions, taken risks, and provided leadership to ensure the continuing economic success of Champaign County, the ongoing success of the University’s economic development mission, and the growth of entrepreneurial talent and energy in our community. A total of 10 awards will be handed out on Friday evening, recognizing and honoring 24 finalists.

Innovation Celebration is free to attend and open to the public. Learn more and RSVP at www.innovationcelebration.com.

The EDC is pleased to work with the following sponsors of Innovation Celebration 2016: the University of Illinois’ Technology Entrepreneur Center, Research Park, Office of Corporate Relations, and Office of Technology Management, along with Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Parkland College, Singleton Law Firm, Serra Ventures, Pavlov Media, BRG Sports, City of Champaign, Village of Rantoul, Martin Hood Friese & Associates, EpiWorks, Illinois Applied Research Institute, Fox Development Corporation, Ramshaw Real Estate, Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC, U of I Employees Credit Union, Surface 51, M2 on Neil, and McDonnell Boehnen Hulbert & Berghoff.

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Contacts:

For more information about the Alexis Wernsing Innovation Award:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Office of Technology Management
Nicole Nair, 217-244-5011
nnair@illinois.edu

For more information about Innovation Celebration:
Champaign County Economic Development Corporation
Carly McCrory, 217-359-6261
carly@champaigncountyedc.org

Ushering in the New – Fly Champaign-Urbana Welcomes Executive Director Gene Cossey

Event Celebrates New Opportunity and Development at Willard Airport

SAVOY, Ill. (Dec. 16, 2015) – Today in a special event, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign officially welcomed Gene Cossey to the community as the Executive Director for the University of Illinois – Willard Airport. Cossey’s selection to the Champaign-Urbana team followed a national search led by a university-appointed committee. He has more than 25 years of airport management experience and most recently served as the Director of Operations at Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Executive Director Gene Cossey

Executive Director Gene Cossey

“Gene brings a wealth of experience to Willard Airport and can begin work immediately on the strategic and air service development plan recommended by the Advisory Board and adopted by the University,” said Associate Chancellor Michael DeLorenzo.

“I’m very happy to be joining the University of Illinois – Willard Airport team and thank the community for being so welcoming,” said Cossey. “The Airport Advisory Board and University staff have already launched several programs to enhance growth at the Airport. I’m excited to take the role of leading these new initiatives and look forward to continuing the momentum they have already established.”

During today’s welcoming event, the Champaign County Association of REALTORS® presented a check to the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation in the amount of $5,000 to assist with obtaining an economic impact study for the Airport, a project in partnership with the University of Illinois. The study, which will be completed by Sixel Consulting Group, the Airport’s air service development consulting firm, will determine the current economic impact the Airport has on Champaign County while highlighting the potential impact that would come from improved services and additional flights. The Champaign County Association of REALTORS® obtained the funds through a Smart Growth Action Grant sponsored by the National Association of REALTORS®. The study will assist the University and community by showcasing growth initiatives that help position the Airport as a regional transportation asset.

Champaign County Association of REALTORS® Check Presentation

Champaign County Association of REALTORS® Check Presentation

“The Champaign County Association of REALTORS® is eager to support and help fund this economic impact study on the future expansion of Willard Airport,” said Stefanie Pratt, president of the Champaign County Association of REALTORS®. “We believe this effort will provide long-term benefits for both the local housing and commercial real estate market, promote business growth, further the ongoing success of the University of Illinois and overall economic vitality of Champaign County. This study provides an opportunity to attract new residents and businesses to our community and further improve our area’s image as an exciting place to live and work.”

In addition to the $5,000 contributed by the Champaign County Association of REALTORS®, a number of other area businesses have contributed funds towards the study. Businesses that have contributed to the study fund include:

  • Champaign County EDC
  • City of Champaign
  • City of Urbana
  • Deep Silver Volition
  • Farnsworth Group
  • Flightstar Corporation
  • Frasca International
  • Human Kinetics
  • Litania Sports Group
  • Robeson’s, Inc.
  • Village of Savoy

During today’s event, the Airport also showcased new American Airlines branding and terminal updates. The terminal updates have been underway and passengers will notice that the check-in area has been reskinned to align with the new American Airlines branding and that two updated kiosks are featured for easy, hassle-free check-in. The ticket counters in the departure lounge have been moved closer to the departure gate which has opened the room up and allowed for a more comfortable and welcoming area.

In August, the University of Illinois – Willard Airport along with members of the Airport Advisory Board unveiled new Airport branding initiatives which included new logos, a revamped IFlyCU.com website and a social media presence on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. To coincide with the brand unveiling, the Airport has been implementing a full strategic marketing and air service development plan which has included a traditional advertising campaign, social media and outreach efforts focused on both the general traveling public and local business communities. The goal of the marketing and air service develop plan is to encourage more travelers from Champaign County to utilize the Airport for their travel needs.

About Fly Champaign-Urbana

When you Fly Champaign-Urbana you save time and money. Minutes from anywhere in Champaign County, University of Illinois – Willard Airport offers competitive fares with access to more than 175 cities on four continents with just a single stop. The Airport is served by American Airlines with six daily non-stop flights to Chicago O’Hare and a daily non-stop flight to Dallas/Ft. Worth on American Eagle. University of Illinois – Willard Airport boasts a terminal facility that is easy to navigate and parking is just a few steps from the plane. Next time you travel, remember to Fly Champaign-Urbana.

Press:

Fly Champaign-Urbana welcomes Executive Director Gene Cossey, Smile Politely

New Willard leader already has wheels up, The News-Gazette

Donation will cover cost of economic impact study, WCIA 3 News

University of Illinois Willard Airport welcomes new Executive Director, FOX 55/27 Illinois

Photos:

Champaign County EDC

Champaign County Association of REALTORS®

 

 

 

Four Champaign-Urbana Companies Featured in ChicagoInno’s List of “10 Illinois Startups To Watch Based Outside Of Chicago”

In ChicagoInno’s latest ranking of the “10 Illinois Startups to Watch Based Outside of Chicago“, four Champaign-Urbana companies make the list – Quicket Solutions, IntelliWheels, Agrible, and OceanComm.

Quicket Solutions, a 2016 Innovation Celebration award finalist, is located in the University of Illinois Research Park. They provide cloud-based, mission critical solutions for law enforcement and other public safety agencies. The e-citation and e-report system used is a turnkey solution that enables digitization of information at the source of incident, real-time data sharing, fast and easy report generation and intelligent data analytics. Quicket will enable clients to recapture lost revenue, recognize new revenue and increase officer safety. Most importantly, this solution represents a game changing departure from current e-citation models by offering a zero upfront cost, pay-as-you-go model for clients.

In late November, Quicket was named a winner in the City in a Cloud Innovation Challenge hosted by Amazon Web Services.

IntelliWheels, a 2012 Innovation Celebration award recipient, is located in Champaign and Rantoul. They are the innovation house for wheelchair technology and recently launched Tinker, the first ever 3D product configurator in the wheelchair marketplace. Tinker’s goal is to create transparency in the wheelchair industry and using educational tools, empower wheelchair users, their families and caregivers to ensure their voice is clearly heard in the wheelchair ordering process. They are also the maker of The Easy Push and FitGrips.

Earlier this month, IntelliWheels was selected as the local InnovateHER Business Challenge Winner.

Agrible, a 2015 Innovation Celebration award recipient, is located in the University of Illinois Research Park and is one of the fastest growing companies in Champaign County. Their focus is to provide innovative, easy-to-use products that farmers and companies can use to improve their production. They create predictive analytics tools that deliver field-specific data and forecasts to help with decision-making on the farm. Current customers include independent growers, software developers, soil test laboratories, crop consultants, insurance agencies, commodities companies, traders, and major ag chemical companies developing seed technologies and new production methods.

Agrible recently celebrated the grand opening of their new headquarters.

OceanComm developed wireless communications that work underwater. They use acoustic waves, much like dolphins and whales, to improve communication. In May, OceanComm was named one of the oil and gas industry’s most promising technologies.

 

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