http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-998296.mp3
CARTHAGE, IL – Carthage's Community Development Director Charles Bair will retire at the end of the week. He said his focus during his two-and-a-half years on the job has been to retain businesses. He said they already know the area what it can offer them.
. He said Carthage has realized nearly $40 million in investments over the last five years from local companies.
Bair said the Methode Electronics downsizing several years ago was a "serious blow" to the town. The downsizing cost about 1,500 jobs. He said Methode remains in Carthage and is growing its remaining business.
Bair said Carthage learned vital and painful lessons from the episode.
He said, "We're inclined to partner with larger communities, regions, Quincy, Macomb, and that type of thing to work as a team rather than standing out there as a tiny community all by itself."
He said small towns don't have the resources to pick and choose potential businesses. Towns must work to get viable businesses that bring a net return to the community. He said recruitment efforts sell the town's strengths such its core agricultural businesses.
Bair is working closely with the county's Economic Development Committee. He said the committee will bring together civic leaders in the county for a summit during the spring.
He said businesses look for things like good health care delivery, a good school system and a good fit between the existing workforce and the requirements of the company.
Bair said he has a number of presentations on what the town has to offer. He said he has always been ready whenever the opportunity to promote Carthage presents itself.