CHAMPAIGN, IL, June 22, 2018 – The Champaign County Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce Carly McCrory as its new Executive Director. McCrory was chosen as the top candidate after a state-wide search, interview and evaluation process that included EDC Board members and community leaders. McCrory will officially start the position on July 1, 2018.
Carly McCrory
“In the end this was an easy choice. Carly is passionate about the work that EDC does, understands what it takes to be successful, and has an in-depth grasp of the organization. She also understands our local economy and how to market our community,” stated Bruce Knight, Planning and Development Director for the City of Champaign and outgoing EDC Board Chair. “I am very excited to see the impact of Carly’s leadership going forward.”
McCrory has been at the organization for almost six years, first serving as Communications Director, then as Assistant Director since July 2016. She previously worked for Tuscola Economic Development, Inc. as the Marketing and Communications Specialist.
“I’m excited to begin working alongside Carly in her well-deserved new role,” said Betty Brennan, Owner and President of Taylor Studios Inc. and incoming EDC Board Chair. “Her passion, expertise and leadership will continue to propel the success of the EDC. We have a lot of work to do and are looking forward to assisting the continued growth of our county and community.”
In addition to creating and implementing a new Strategic Plan and managing day-to-day operations, McCrory will lead business attraction, retention, and expansion efforts, overall marketing strategies, and oversee the Illinois Small Business Development Center.
“I’m thrilled for this opportunity and excited to lead the organization,” said McCrory. “The Champaign County economy is strong and growing. Together with the EDC Board, community leaders, elected officials, and key economic development partners, I look forward to advancing the success of our region and showcasing our county as a leader in economic development.”
As part of the II-VI Epiworks event, a Proclamation was read by Council Member Angie Brix (on behalf of Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen) declaring May 15, 2018 as II-VI EpiWorks Day in the City of Champaign.
From the press release:
PITTSBURGH, May 15, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – II‐VI Incorporated (NASDAQ:IIVI), a leading provider of compound semiconductor epitaxial wafers, today announced the opening of its new high tech compound semiconductor material center of excellence in Champaign, Illinois.
This represents a significant milestone in II-VI’s ongoing investment in its manufacturing footprint to ramp up production capacity of high performance compound semiconductor epitaxial wafers. These products serve growing markets and are at the core of 3D sensing, optical networking, wireless communications and power electronics. Since the groundbreaking for this expansion, in November 2016, II-VI continues to actively recruit managers, engineers and technicians to join its experienced team.
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner was present at the inauguration’s ribbon cutting ceremony.
“On behalf of II-VI, I would like to express my thanks to the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity for its ongoing support and unwavering commitment to our success,” said Quesnell Hartmann, General Manager and co-founder of II-VI EpiWorks. “The completion of this phase in our expansion provides us with the critical infrastructure to scale our production, advance our technology, and enable us to serve the rapidly growing demand from our global customer base.”
“II-VI and the State of Illinois have formed a strong partnership, sharing a vision that businesses with leading edge technology and advanced manufacturing capabilities are the most competitive over the long-term,” said Dr. Chuck Mattera, President and CEO, II-VI Incorporated. “With support from Illinois, we expect to continue to invest in this Champaign facility, by adding state-of-the-art manufacturing capacity, improving process capabilities, broadening the product portfolio and recruiting and developing a lot of talent to fill the anticipated growth in jobs and opportunities for career growth.”
“It’s a thrill to participate in the opening of a manufacturing facility that will develop key technology enabling some of the most exciting new consumer electronics in the world.” Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner said. “It showcases how local industry, strong university systems and state government can partner to realize a bold vision for a globally competitive semiconductor manufacturing center of excellence that’s built right here, in the heart of our wonderful State of Illinois.”
II-VI develops and manufactures compound semiconductor epitaxial wafers that enable devices to achieve high bandwidth, power efficiency and reliability. II-VI’s global compound semiconductor production capabilities include multi-purposed 6 inch wafer fabs with both epitaxy and device fabrication capabilities for GaAs, SiC and InP compound semiconductors.
The freight plan aims to identify and address the challenges of freight movement on the transportation network in Champaign County. To help ensure the needs and priorities of the business community are represented, they would appreciate your input on the following topics:
Challenges that your company faces when moving freight in Champaign County
Needed improvements to the freight infrastructure
Possible future changes to your supply chain decisions and freight activities
Your responses will help shape the policies and projects that will make the freight system in Champaign County more reliable, efficient, and resilient.
The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Please submit your responses by Friday May 11, 2018.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to:
We celebrated two big milestones with Litania Sports Group yesterday – 100 years for Gill Athletics & 150 years for Porter Athletic. Champaign Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen read a proclamation declaring April 18, 2018 as Litania Sports Group Day.
Gill Athletics, founded in 1918, is the official Track Equipment Corporate Partner of the NFHS and the Official Equipment Supplier of the NCAA Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Gill equipment is used all over the world including all levels of competition from colleges to high schools to masters’ competitions.
Porter Athletic, founded in 1868, is recognized by coaches, architects, contractors and school administrators as the leader in the gymnasium equipment market. Porter equipment is featured in more award-winning athletic facility construction projects than any other brand.
Fun facts about the company:
• Gill Athletics founder, Harry Gill, helped organize the NCAA, and then won the very first NCAA championship as coach of the University of Illinois track & field team.
• Porter Athletic was the originator of the first fan shaped basketball backboard and first glass basketball backboard.
• Men’s and Women’s javelin world records were set with Gill manufactured implements.
• Gill Athletics is the largest pole-vaulting pole manufacturer in the world.
Litania Sports Group is the parent company of two market-leading brands in the sports facility market, Gill Athletics and Porter Athletic. Learn more at http://www.litaniasports.com/.
CHAMPAIGN, IL, March 30, 2018 – Over 300 people gathered at Parkland College for the 13th Annual Innovation Celebration on the evening of Thursday, March 29th 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 our 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.
Entrepreneurial Excellence: Social Venture Award Serve as change agents by creating and implementing sustainable solutions to reshape society, benefit humanity, and address social concerns.
Salt & Light
Entrepreneurial Excellence: Student Startup Award Formed by students in the last three years and demonstrates a commitment to continuing success through entrepreneurial talent, creativity and energy.
Mesh++
Entrepreneurial Excellence: New Venture Award Formed in the last three years, and demonstrates a commitment to continuing success through entrepreneurial talent, creativity and energy.
SNOOZ
Entrepreneurial Excellence: Paul Magelli Advocacy Award Actively engage, encourage, coach and mentor entrepreneurs in the community, and provide extensive support to help them achieve success.
Stephanie Larson
Carly McCrory
Entrepreneurial Excellence: Management Award Demonstrates expertise in assembling resources, creating an organization, and working to build and implement effective action plans.
Cindy Somers – Spherion Staffing
Innovation: Economic Development Impact Award Has made a significant economic development impact in the community and continues to demonstrate their commitment to Champaign County.
Busey
2018 Innovation Transfer Award—University of Illinois Recognizes an individual or group from the University of Illinois whose research has resulted in either a discovery or a work with the potential for significant societal impact.
Dr. Donna Cox – Advanced Visualization Lab at National Center for Supercomputing Applications
2018 Alexis Wernsing Innovation Award—University of Illinois 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.
Mark McCarthy – Access Illinois
2018 Innovation in Engagement Award—Parkland College Recognizes an individual or group at Parkland College who has shown support of the college’s community engagement mission.
Adam Porter – Perimeter Road Sound Recordings
The EDC was pleased to work with the following sponsors of our 13th annual Innovation Celebration: the University of Illinois’ Technology Entrepreneur Center, Research Park, Office of Corporate Relations, and Office of Technology Management, along with Parkland College, Lodgic Everyday Community, Carle, Serra Ventures, Surface 51, Singleton Law Firm, City of Champaign, Ramshaw Real Estate, Litania Sports Group, Pixo, Hatch Ag Group, IllinoisVENTURES, Huawei R&D USA, Aqueous Solutions LLC, Personify, AARP, Hanson Financial, Community Solutions Incubator at the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois, II-VI EpiWorks, Illinois Small Business Development Center at Champaign County EDC, and Busey.
Champaign County, home to the University of Illinois, features world-class technological resources and superb location and transportation benefits that make it a strategic hub for technology and industrial development.
Founded in 1991, Taylor Studios, Inc. began as a mail-order business creating museum-quality artifacts, fossil reproductions, and exhibits for museums and other clients. Quickly recognized for the passion and expertise brought to each project, the company initially carved out a niche in the paleontology, archaeology, and natural history fields. Today, Taylor Studios is recognized as an industry leader in exhibit planning, design, fabrication, and installation, serving a diversity of clients throughout the country and internationally. Their 3D storytelling now reaches beyond natural history to cultural history, history walls, and immersive environments of all kinds. Read More »
Frasca International manufactures flight simulators for all aircraft types, fixed and rotary wing, used for pilot training for airlines, flight schools, colleges and universities, military, law enforcement, air evac and commercial organizations. Since its founding in 1958, over 3,000 Frasca simulators have been delivered worldwide. Read More »
