PARKLAND
BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT
CENTER IS
ON THE MOVE
By Mark Michaels
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Parkland College's Business Development Center has announced plans to move off campus to a new, state-of-the-art facility. It's new site, 206 W. Anthony Drive, is conveniently located at the Neil St. exit of I-74, in the old "Ants-in-the-Pants" facility. The Center is planning a grand opening celebration sometime in the fall.
Plans for the new center include two computer labs, a 3 – in – 1 training room which can hold up to 100 people, a hi-tech conference room, and a walk-in business resource center. A satellite video-conferencing system is planned to allow for down-linking of national programs. Offices for all of the Center's staff will also be located at the new site.
Parkland's new center responds to many concerns raised by the business community over the years, according to
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Mark Michaels, its new director. "During the past year, the Center provided training to almost 11,000 people in over 60 companies," explains Mark. "Now the Center can become the focal point for Parkland's services to the business community. With the central location, we will be able to provide a one-stop-shop for any needs that a business might have. If we can't answer your question, we'll know and connect you up with someone who can." Responding to one of the biggest concerns of the business community, parking is right at the front door.
The Business Development Center has been experiencing a major transformation over the past few months. Mark was hired as the Center's new Director as a part of the change in April. An entrepreneur,
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SAM's Club Awards Industrial Development Grant
By Linda Zigament
The Greater Champaign-Urbana Economic Partnership has been awarded the Wal-Mart / SAM's Industrial Grant.
The Industrial Development Grant is a program created with the intent of enhancing community growth and development through job creation and industrial recruitment. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. allocates over $2 million in industrial funding annually to attract new industry to their trade territory, demonstrating their commitment to serving local communities.
Only one industrial development grant is approved per community in which a Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. facility is located. Grant amount awarded is based on past accomplishments of the recipient organization, including recruiting new industry, helping existing industries to expand, retaining current industry, planning development efforts and community size.
The Greater C-U Economic Partnership will use the grant dollars as part of its economic development efforts in
promoting Champaign-Urbana and Champaign County.
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About The Partnership 
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