HANCOCK COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

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:

Business Retention, Expansion, and Attraction
Workforce Development
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

Mike Bavery, President Fortress Bank
Stu Froman, Vice President Hill-Dodge Banking Co.
Doug Groth, Secretary Carthage Veterinary Service
Cassie Grotts, Treasurer Professional Swine Management
John McCarty, Government Member Representative
Tom Rogers, Hancock County Board Representative
Lynn Fisher, President Marine Bank

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS (in addition to the Executive Committee)

Jordan Bodily, Nauvoo Facilities, Inc.
Todd Grotts, WIEC
Lyle Paban, Bank of Advance
Ada Bair, Memorial Hospital
Jay Griswold, MTC Communications
Tricia Taylor, Hancock County Broadcasting/WCAZ Radio
Cooper Wilson, Radio Keokuk
Ellen Henderson-Gasser, Carl Sandburg College
Amy Bruenger, First Bankers Trust
Joyce Steiner, Plymouth Rock Antiques

Blanche Shoup, Workforce Investment Board
Amy Graham, CIDC & CCDC

Full List of Members

Click Here To Become A Member

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - SAMANTHA (SAM) HARNACK

Born and raised in Urbana, Illinois, I’m a Midwesterner through and through. In 2010 my family and I moved to a tiny mountain town in West Central Wyoming called Pinedale. While there we raised our kids, we had adventures, and we worked hard, but our family and friends are still here in Illinois so we made the difficult decision to leave the mountains and make our way back home.

While in Pinedale, I had the opportunity to expand my work skills in a variety of ways. One such way was working for the Town of Pinedale as the head of Travel & Tourism, and another was as Program Manager for Main Street Pinedale. These jobs (as well as others) gave me experience and love of community and economic development, that I wouldn’t have otherwise had.

As the Executive Director for the Hancock County Economic Development Corporation, it is my goal to help elevate the business community throughout the county in whatever way I am able. I would like to work with businesses, individuals, and organizations that have the same goal. I hope to bring my experience, skills, and hard work to the county I live in and love.