ABOUT US
THE HANCOCK COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION SERVING THE COMMUNITIES, MEMBER INVESTORS, AND BUSINESSES OF HANCOCK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
We exist to enhance the economic vitality of Hancock County, which is located on the Mississippi River and is distinguished by strong local leadership and community-led efforts and partnerships.
We invite all those who value rural, Midwest life to find out more about how they can grow and thrive in our caring, vibrant communities.
STRATEGIC PLAN
In May 2017, the Hancock County Economic Development board of directors adopted a 3-year strategic plan to help define the organization’s vision, set our goals, and define ways to meet those goals. Focus Areas:
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Business Retention, Expansion, and Attraction
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Workforce Development
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Marketing and Recruitment
We invite you to view the Hancock County Economic Development 2021-2023 Strategic Plan here.
VISION
Hancock County, Illinois, will be a place of prosperity where individuals, families, and businesses can develop and thrive as a result of a shared vision, strong local leadership, and community-led efforts and partnerships.
MISSION
Enhance the economic vitality of Hancock County, Illinois.
HISTORY
In March of 2011, 91 citizens of Hancock County attended an Economic Summit to discuss economic development challenges and opportunities in the County. As a result of the Summit, stakeholders formed three task forces: Shopping Locally, Entrepreneurship/Vo-Tech, and Jobs. Participants became involved in one or more of the task forces, meeting regularly over the next two years.
In June of 2013, the Hancock County Economic Development Corporation was officially organized as the lead economic development organization in Hancock County, Illinois. Jerald Bartell was elected as the organization’s first president, which was funded by both the public and private sectors.
Hancock County Economic Development’s primary focus is the retention and expansion of our current business and workforce base. We also serve as the primary point of contact for companies from outside the region who desire to locate in Hancock County.

WHO WE ARE
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
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Amy Bruenger, President, Marine Bank & Trust
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Ashlyn Housewright, Vice President, Memorial Hospital
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Holly Fecht, Immediate Past President MTC Communications
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Jenny Roberts, Treasurer, HCED & Carthage Chamber
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Dyneah Classen, Professional Swine Management
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Marcy DeMint, Carthage Veterinary Service
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Stu Froman, Hill-Dodge Banking
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Doug Groth, Professional Swine Management
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Richlyn Hoener, Hancock County Farm Bureau
BOARD OF DIRECTORS (in addition to the Executive Committee)
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Ada Bair, Memorial Hospital
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Andy Bastert, Fortress Bank
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Jay Griswold, MTC Communications
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Todd Grotts, WIEC
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Lyle Paban, Bank of Advance
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Tim Parrish, Marine Bank & Trust
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Cooper Wilson, Radio Keokuk
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Matt Kraus, State Bank of Nauvoo
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Seamus Riley, Carl Sandburg College
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Gina Clarke, River's Edge Wellness
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Nathaniel Hall, Integrated Outsourcing Systems
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John McCarty, Government Member Representative
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Tom Rogers, Hancock County Board Representative
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
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Amy Graham, CIDC & CCDC
Meet the Team
Hiring: Regional Director of Workforce Development and Hancock County Business Development
The Regional Director of Workforce Development & Hancock County Business Development
leads workforce development efforts across Adams and Hancock Counties, while serving as the
primary business development lead for Hancock County.
This role is responsible for developing, retaining, and upskilling the regional workforce through
strategic, data-driven initiatives, while also supporting business growth, retention, and expansion
specifically within Hancock County. Click here to learn more about the position.
If you are interested in applying, please submit a current résumé, cover letter, and three
references to Madison Peters at petersm@gredf.org.
Jenny Roberts
Treasurer & Social Media Manager
Jenny Roberts is a lifelong resident of Hancock County and currently serves as Treasurer and Social Media Manager for HCED. She is also a member of the Carthage City Council, Memorial Hospital Board, and serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce. She is passionate about supporting local businesses. Through her involvement in the community, she enjoys connecting people.
When she’s not working or attending meetings, Jenny’s greatest passion is her family and spending time with them. Her family is the driving force behind her commitment to giving back to the community in which they live.

