'We want to be doing everything we can': Harrisburg's new economic coordinator will be focusing on helping businesses apply for grants, start construction

HARRISBURG - Alex Watkins is no stranger to boosting business.

The city of Harrisburg hired Watkins, who most recently served as the associate director of the Saline County Chamber of Commerce, to boost local economic development at its most recent council meeting.

Watkins begins working Monday as the city's new economic and community development coordinator, and it's a job he says he's eagerly anticipating.

"This is an exciting step," Watkins said.

A primary reason the city hired Watkins is to help write grants for businesses, especially those affected by the recent economic downturn.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is offering $20 million in grants through its Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program. Businesses with up to 50 employees may partner with units of local government to obtain grants of up to $25,000 in working capital.

"About 50 percent of what I'll be doing is grant development. That's the main reason they brought me on," Watkins said. "Right now, the grants are available for small businesses, but they have to be applied for through the city."

Watkins said he'll leave his position as the Chamber of Commerce director to take on his new role, which will be part time. Watkins also owns and operates Classic Crafters & Co. in Harrisburg. He will remain with the chamber in the interim until it finds a new director, he said.

Another area where Watkins will focus is what's called a "shovel site" program, where the city will help develop an area to make it ready for an incoming business to begin immediate construction on a building.

He'll be working with other economic development organizations as well.

"We want to be doing everything we can to make it attractive to new businesses looking to locate here," Watkins said.

Harrisburg Mayor John McPeek said he's looking forward to what Watkins can accomplish for the community.

"He's a bright young man with a strong work ethic, and he knows what businessowners need to be successful," McPeek said.