ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF DECATUR – MACON COUNTY NAMES NICOLE BATEMAN PRESIDENT

      The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) of Decatur – Macon County has announced Nicole Bateman has been named President of the organization, effective May 1, 2020. Bateman has been the Executive Director of the Midwest Inland Port since 2017 and Community Marketing Manager, Limitless Decatur & Macon County since 2015.

     Current EDC President Ryan McCrady, has accepted a position as President / CEO for the Springfield-Sangamon Growth Alliance. Ryan, a Springfield area native, has worked with the EDC board over the last five years to activate a strong strategic plan that has been focused on building new jobs, population growth, reducing unemployment, expanding workforce training initiatives, and creating a stronger regional economic network.

     “I am grateful for the opportunities this community has provided and I have been extraordinarily proud of the growth the local economy has seen. The new position in Springfield affords me the opportunity to be closer to family,” commented McCrady. “Nicole has been a key player for this organization since 2015, and her leadership, along with board support, will continue to drive this community forward at record pace.”

     In their new roles, Ryan and Nicole will continue to work together in a regional capacity.

     “I am honored to accept this position and believe this is a critical time for our region to continue to look for collaboration and growth strategies throughout our central Illinois gateway. My work with the Midwest Inland Port and Community Branding and Marketing, in conjunction with our collaborative partners, has brought recognition to Decatur & Macon County as 2nd in the Nation for MSA Economic Strength, Top City to Watch, Top 25 City for Global Trade, and 3rd in the Nation as Emerging Logistics and Distribution Center,” commented Bateman.

     With the strategic hire of Bateman as President, the Economic Development Corporation will continue to aggressively position itself. “This is good news for us all,” says EDC Board President Dennis Whalen. “With Ryan continuing to be a collaborative resource and Nicole driving our organization it puts us in a unique and strong position to strengthen our regional economics, and leverage the diverse competitive advantages of our region,” continues Whalen.

     The organization is in the process of expanding its strategic plan and will continue to focus on key objectives such as the Job Growth, Midwest Inland Port, Community & Corporate Development & Retention, Community Marketing, and Education & Workforce Development.