March 27, 2012
ROCK FALLS, IL - Blackhawk Hills, a not-for-profit corporation based in Rock Falls, is
celebrating 20 years of helping communities undertake regional development and planning
issues. Blackhawk Hills was designated as an Economic Development District (EDD) by the
Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) in March 1992 and
functions as the region's direct link to the EDA.
Through the EDD, Blackhawk Hills assists local governments and public entities in acquiring
funds for a variety of community development and planning activities, including the construction
of infrastructure for the enhancement and expansion of business and industry. In addition, the
EDD helps develop and implement a regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
to improve job opportunities and quality of life for local communities.
According to Theresa Wittenauer, Economic Development Coordinator for Blackhawk Hills,
"The establishment of the EDD 20 years ago put our six county region in the preliminary
position to begin coordinating projects and collaborating on issues that impacted our entire
service area. Today, forming partnerships and promoting development at the regional level has
become vital to the growth and sustainability of our rural communities. Leaders have realized
that what happens in one county or community will ultimately impact the surrounding region."
Blackhawk Hills services include community planning, development assistance, natural
resources conservation and protection support, and grant writing and administration. Blackhawk
Hills serves Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, and Whiteside counties in northwest
Illinois.
Questions about Blackhawk Hills may be directed to Theresa Wittenauer at (815) 625-3854 or
Theresa.Wittenauer@blackhawkhills.com.
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ROCK FALLS, IL - Blackhawk Hills, a not-for-profit corporation based in Rock Falls, is
celebrating 20 years of helping communities undertake regional development and planning
issues. Blackhawk Hills was designated as an Economic Development District (EDD) by the
Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) in March 1992 and
functions as the region's direct link to the EDA.
Through the EDD, Blackhawk Hills assists local governments and public entities in acquiring
funds for a variety of community development and planning activities, including the construction
of infrastructure for the enhancement and expansion of business and industry. In addition, the
EDD helps develop and implement a regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
to improve job opportunities and quality of life for local communities.
According to Theresa Wittenauer, Economic Development Coordinator for Blackhawk Hills,
"The establishment of the EDD 20 years ago put our six county region in the preliminary
position to begin coordinating projects and collaborating on issues that impacted our entire
service area. Today, forming partnerships and promoting development at the regional level has
become vital to the growth and sustainability of our rural communities. Leaders have realized
that what happens in one county or community will ultimately impact the surrounding region."
Blackhawk Hills services include community planning, development assistance, natural
resources conservation and protection support, and grant writing and administration. Blackhawk
Hills serves Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, and Whiteside counties in northwest
Illinois.
Questions about Blackhawk Hills may be directed to Theresa Wittenauer at (815) 625-3854 or
Theresa.Wittenauer@blackhawkhills.com.
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