What does an economic developer do?

"It just depends on the day," says Laurrie Minor, Executive Director at Sullivan Chamber and Economic Development.

This morning, Illini Prairie CEO met at the offices of the Sullivan, Illinois Chamber and Economic Development, to speak with Laurrie Minor, the Executive Director, and a member of the Illini Prairie CEO Board.

More than 3 million people visit Lake Shelbyville each year, and many of them travel through Sullivan on their way. One aspect of Minor's job is to help attract those tourists to spend a little more time in Sullivan while they are there.

Of course, if one community develops new opportunities, it's good for everyone in the area. "What's good for the region is good for everyone around," Minor says. If Arthur, Mattoon, or even Tuscola attracts a new development, Sullivan residents can benefit, too.

Another aspect of Minor's office is to build the Sullivan community for the future. Working with local business leaders and investors, she is currently focused on housing and daycare. Her team's current goal is to add 100 homes in one decade.

Minor's economic development team also helps local businesses with workforce development and expansion. And as businesses do expand, she also helps with project management, such as coordinating utilities.

This morning, Minor walked us through some of the current projects going on in the Sullivan area, such as the Masonic Temple renovation, and ideas for attracting new businesses to a possible business development.

"Community development is important," says Minor. From helping write grants for sidewalk renewal and updating street lamps, to planning infrastructure improvements for growth potential years down the road.

Sullivan is thriving, both financially and with a growing population. Why? "Forward thinking people [years ago] set the town up for years to come," Minor says. She hopes to be considered one of those forward-thinking people by residents a few decades from now.