Regional Economic Development Issues Focus of Collaboration Among Area Colleges and Universities

From the South Metropolitan Higher Education Consortium website

Regional development efforts received a major boost in June as the leaders of the area’s universities and community colleges came together with local economic development leaders to discuss how to collaborate more fully on regional development issues. The twelve universities and community colleges, who comprise the 21-year old South Metropolitan Higher Education Consortium (SMHEC), convened at Moraine Valley Community College to hear the economic development leaders from the Chicago Southland discuss their visions for the region and ways in which the groups could work together to enhance outcomes. Reggie Greenwood, director of the Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation; John Greuling, president and chief executive officer of the Will County Center for Economic Development; David Hinderliter, president and chief executive officer of the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce; and Mike Van Mill, president and chief executive officer, Economic Alliance of Kankakee County, provided insights into the region’s issues and potential opportunities for higher education to help create solutions. Ideas included branding the area to change its image and unite the region, supporting the vast manufacturing and transportation assets in the area, and supporting local, innovative, small businesses. High potential infrastructure improvements – the Illiana Expressway and the 3rd airport- were seen as opportunities to enhance and leverage the region…. Please click here to read the full story.