ROCK FALLS, IL - Blackhawk Hills Regional Council held its Spring Symposium and Annual Meeting on April 24, 2015, at Barnacopia in Polo, IL. The meeting was open to the public and nearly 60 guests from various local governments and organizations attended. The theme of the event was "What to Expect When You're Expecting Change: Taxes and Transformation in Illinois."
State Representative Tom Demmer provided a video greeting and update on our State's financial situation. Keynote speaker Carol Portman, Taxpayers' Federation of Illinois, presented on Illinois tax policy and what changes local governments should expect. Betty Steinert, Whiteside County Economic Developer and Enterprise Zone (E-Zone) Administrator, presented on Enterprise Zones changes in general and new application process.
Two awards were given at the meeting. The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to the Timber Lake Playhouse Board of Directors, while the Carson DeJarnatt Economic Development Award was presented to Betty Steinert. The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented annually to the person(s) or group that has shown dedication to a project or initiative within the six-county region related to Blackhawk Hills' goals and priorities. The Carson DeJarnatt Economic Development Award is given to a person, organization, or initiative that demonstrates commitment to regional economic development. The award's namesake, Carson DeJarnatt, joined the Blackhawk Hills Council as the Whiteside County Board representative in 1987. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Blackhawk Hills' Economic Development District in 1992. Blackhawk Hills Council created the economic development award in his honor after his passing in 1995.
Announcement of officers for the 2015-2016 fiscal year were also announced: Ron Colson - President, Marvin Schultz - Vice President, and Glen Kuhlemier - Secretary/Treasurer.
Blackhawk Hills Regional Council is a not-for-profit corporation based in Rock Falls, IL, that serves Carroll, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, and Whiteside Counties in northwest Illinois. Services include community planning, development assistance, natural resources conservation and protection support, and grant writing and administration. Blackhawk Hills Regional Council is sponsored by local county boards and Soil and Water Conservation Districts and is overseen by an 18-member council, consisting of three representatives from each of the six counties.
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