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Galesburg Puts Out “Help Wanted” Sign

Rich Egger

A member of Galesburg’s economic development team has resigned, just months before the grant funding his position expires.

Ryan Lilly’s departure was announced this week. He had served the past two-and-a-half years as Manager of the Entrepreneurship Center of West Central Illinois.

He’s leaving to become Director of Business Creation for the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership in Ocala, FL.

Cesar Suarez, Economic Development Director for Galesburg, hoped to find someone to fill management position through the remainder of the grant, which continues until the end of March.

He also hoped to find a way to fund the position beyond the grant, perhaps through a collaboration.

“Working with our partners, that is, any other organization in the region that would like to partner with the city and doing, let’s say, a 50/50 split on continuing that funding like we have done with other organizations,” Suarez said.

He said the Economic Development Department could also hope for funding for the position in the next city budget.

CesarSuarez.mp3
Interview with Cesar Suarez

Suarez said the city faced a similar situation recently when Eric Dilts resigned as the Sustainability Director. His job was also funded with a grant that will expire March 31.

Suarez said the city found a partner in the Sustainable Business Center to help fund the position fulltime.

He hoped to make an announcement soon on Dilts’ replacement.

Rich is TSPR's News Director.