Collinsville EDC stakeholder meeting invites citizens to brainstorm about city’s future

Collinsville Economic Development Corporation (EDC) hosted its second resident/stakeholder meeting on Saturday, June 7 at Apologetics Coffee & Coin House in downtown Collinsville. 
More than 20 attendees were treated to coffee and breakfast as EDC Chair Joseph Cartwright led two hours of brainstorming about the future of Collinsville. 

The informal agenda featured a three-point survey that asked: 1) What is one unique business you would like to see Collinsville attract? 2) Give one idea for an improvement to downtown that would make it more appealing, and 3) Would you serve on the EDC board or a related Team/Task Force to help Collinsville thrive?

Cartwright explained the Team and Task Force concept as limited-scope work that will put together people of similar interests and skills. 

“Task Teams will research viability of proposals for business enterprise groups,” he said. Areas given as examples: collector car interests, a medical services facility and visual arts events. 

Printed surveys completed were submitted at the close of the meeting and those present were asked to contact at least five people and ask them to complete the page. The form will be available on the Collinsville EDC Facebook page and the Collinsville EDC website. Responses to the survey and any additional ideas or comments can be emailed to [email protected].  

“We are all blessed to be a part of the projects happening right now in our town, and the gravity of these discussions is not lost on any of our group here today,” Cartwright said.
EDC Board Member Jane Proffer stressed that EDC’s mission is to bring to life projects that will make Collinsville a unique and thriving home to its residents, and that the organization needs the input and partnership of all who love the town.  

“Our job is to help ideas become actualities,” she said. 

Mayor Chase Guidera commented that he and members of the City Council will be on the same page as the EDC in terms of plans for the future. 

“The Council all represent Collinsville residents and they welcome contacts in person and by email,” Guidera said. “Any emails or letters sent to the City of Collinsville will get to the attention of council members.”